a local guide to the most meaningful places to visit

Located along the River Gambia, this national park is best explored by boat safari. You pass mangroves, spot hippos and crocodiles, and see fishermen in traditional canoes. The park is also known for major wildlife conservation projects, making it both scenic and meaningful.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a sacred site deeply rooted in Mandinka culture. The crocodiles are considered harmless and spiritual, linked to fertility and healing rituals. What makes this destination unique is its role as a living cultural site, not a staged attraction. 

Bijilo Forest Park is one of the easiest places in Gambia to observe wildlife up close. Located near the coast, it is home to green monkeys and rare colobus monkeys living freely among palm and coastal trees. What makes Bijilo special is how accessible nature feels, just minutes from hotels, yet completely alive. Early mornings offer the best chances for quiet encounters. 

Tanji Fishing Village is the center of Gambia’s coastal fishing industry. Every day, colorful boats bring in fresh fish while women smoke and prepare it using traditional methods. Visiting Tanji offers a powerful look into daily life, work, and community traditions. 

Sanyang Beach is one of the most unspoiled beaches in Gambia. Long sandy stretches, fishermen, and simple beach restaurants define its charm. Unlike busier areas, Sanyang maintains a local, relaxed atmosphere ideal for slow travel and connection with the sea. 

Makasutu Culture Forest is a protected area blending nature, spirituality, and art. Canoe rides through mangroves, forest walks, and encounters with musicians and herbalists create a deeply immersive experience rooted in traditional beliefs. 

Kunta Kinteh Island is one of the most emotionally powerful places in Gambia. Once a key site in the transatlantic slave trade, it now stands as a symbol of memory and resistance. Visiting the island together with nearby villages gives historical depth and human context. 

Albreda Village played an important role during early European contact. The Portuguese Chapel and local museum reflect centuries of exchange, trade, and storytelling. What makes Albreda special is the way oral history keeps the past alive. 

Serrekunda Market is the largest and busiest market in Gambia. Loud, colorful, and intense, it reflects modern Gambian urban life. Learning how to move through it respectfully offers insight into local customs and rhythms. 

Abuko Nature Reserve is the oldest protected area in Gambia and one of its most important natural sites. Walking its shaded trails, you may encounter monkeys, crocodiles, antelopes, and more than 250 bird species. Its main value lies in allowing close, respectful observation without vehicles. 

The Tanji Bird Reserve combines coastal dunes, wetlands, and cultural heritage. Together with the village museum, it explains Mandinka traditions while protecting important bird habitats. It is one of the best examples of nature and culture existing together. 

At Arch 22, we climb this iconic monument for sweeping views over Banjul. I’ll explain its historical significance and point out city landmarks—offering a panoramic snapshot of The Gambia’s story. 

The National Museum brings together masks, tools, and oral traditions from across the country. It helps visitors understand ethnic diversity, colonial history, and belief systems in one coherent narrative.

The Wassu Stone Circles are among the most mysterious sites in West Africa. Dating back over a thousand years, their purpose is still debated. Standing among them invites reflection on ancient civilizations and African heritage. 

Brikama Wood Carving Market is the center of Gambian craftsmanship. Artisans carve djembe drums, masks, and sculptures using techniques passed down through generations. It clearly shows how art, identity, and livelihood are connected. 

Lamin Lodge is one of the most peaceful and iconic places to experience Gambia’s mangrove ecosystem. Built entirely from natural materials, it sits above the water where mangroves, oysters, and birds coexist. Visiting Lamin Lodge offers insight into sustainable tourism, traditional fishing, and the importance of mangroves for climate and community life. It is especially magical in the early morning or at sunset, when the river is silent and full of life. 

Kiang West National Park is one of Gambia’s most biodiverse regions. Savannah, mangroves, and river forests support rare birds, monkeys, and sometimes manatees. Its remoteness makes it ideal for travelers seeking untouched nature. 

Georgetown, also known as Janjanbureh, lies deep inland along the River Gambia and represents the historical heart of the country. Once a colonial administrative center, it connects stories of trade, resistance, and river life. Today, Janjanbureh is the gateway to river safaris, heritage villages, and slow travel. Reaching it already feels like a journey, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience Gambia beyond the coast. 

Jinack Island, located at the mouth of the River Gambia, feels wild and remote. Sandy tracks, fishing villages, and strong Atlantic winds define its character. As part of Niumi National Park, it plays a key role in coastal conservation. 

Located along the River Gambia, this national park is best explored by boat safari. You pass mangroves, spot hippos and crocodiles, and see fishermen in traditional canoes. The park is also known for major wildlife conservation projects, making it both scenic and meaningful.

The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project is one of West Africa’s most important conservation initiatives. Chimpanzees live freely on protected islands that are not open to walking tours. Visitors experience the project by boat, ensuring ethical tourism and minimal impact.