The Gambia in a nutshell
The Gambia lies on the Atlantic coast of West Africa and shares its land border with Senegal. It is described as an English-speaking destination, and it runs on Greenwich Mean Time all year, with no clock change. The currency is the dalasi (GMD), and 1 dalasi is 100 bututs. Day to day, the economy runs on cash. Cash machines are limited and sometimes unreliable outside the Senegambia resort area, so do not count on cards everywhere.
This guide covers the coast and what you can reach from it: the beaches of Kotu, Kololi and Cape Point, the capital Banjul, river trips towards Janjanbureh, Kunta Kinteh Island, the nature reserves of Abuko and Bijilo, the Kachikally crocodile pool, the weather, the airport and where to stay. It is an independent site. It is not the website of the Gambia Tourism Board, the government or any hotel or tour operator. Prices are shown as the operators list them, in GMD, US dollars, pounds or euros, with the date they were seen. They change.
When to go: the rain at a glance
Average monthly rainfall at Banjul, 1991 to 2020. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for any day.
| Months | Rainfall per month | Average daily high |
|---|---|---|
| November to May | 0 to 3 mm | 31.6 to 34.0 °C |
| June | 44 mm | 32.4 °C |
| July to September | 189 to 287 mm (August is the wettest) | 31.6 to 32.1 °C |
| October | 62 mm | 33.5 °C |
UK advice names June to October as the time when floods can close roads for a while. One birdwatching operator recommends November to April for its tours, with European migrants present and dry conditions. The weather page has the month-by-month table.
Our picks: Gambia tours
A day around Banjul with the parks, a boat day on the river and a heritage trip to James Island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Roots tour to James Island
Five hours with pick-up and return transfer. Entry and boat fees are not listed as included, so ask before you book.
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Banjul day tour with Monkey Park and boat trip
Pick-up, return, entry to the Monkey Park and the Crocodile Park and a boat trip are included. Food and drinks are extra.
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River Gambia boat day with lunch
Seven hours with hotel pick-up, a boat trip, a local lunch and soft drinks, water, coffee or tea. Fishing gear, a guide, fees and taxes are included too.
Check availability →The Gambia tours and day trips
River cruises, birdwatching, Banjul city tours and day trips from the coast, with live prices and availability.
Plan your trip
Start with the list of things to do, then pick the pages you need.
Things to do in The Gambia
Twelve experiences, from the beach at Kotu to a river trip and a crocodile pool.
Tours compared
River trips, birdwatching and day excursions: length, what is included and example prices.
Beaches
Kotu, Kololi, Cape Point, Bijilo, Sanyang and Tanji, with a note on currents.
Banjul
Albert Market, Arch 22 and the National Museum.
Senegambia Strip
Restaurants, bars and shops in Kololi, and what changed for evening events.
The Gambia River
Janjanbureh, the chimpanzee project and why overnight trips now sleep on land.
History, wildlife and practical pages
Heritage sites, reserves, the seasons and how to arrive.
Kunta Kinteh Island
The island, Juffureh and Albreda, and their place in the history of the slave trade.
Abuko and Bijilo
Forest walks, birds and monkeys, with the rule not to feed them.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
A sacred pool and museum in Bakau, and how to behave there.
Weather and best time
Dry months, rainy months and what the rains mean for travel.
Banjul Airport
Fees, transfers, taxi estimates and entry rules by passport.
Where to stay
Kololi, Kotu, Cape Point, Bijilo or a lodge in the forest.
Good to know in autumn 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
Entry rules depend on your passport
Swiss citizens have been visa-free since 19 May 2025. Austrian passport holders are listed as visa-free for up to 28 days, and British citizens need no visa and get a 28-day stamp. German advice describes a visa issued free on arrival for 21 to 28 days. US citizens need a visa. Check your own government's page before you book.
Airport and entry →Protests and power cuts
Germany's advice (19 October 2026) reports repeated, partly violent protests since 8 September 2026 against long power cuts in the Greater Banjul area, including Serekunda and Brufut, with tear gas used. A presidential election is set for 5 December 2026. Avoid demonstrations and read current travel advice.
Where to stay →No open-air music in the tourist zone
At the end of September 2026 the tourism board was reported to have suspended public open-air music and entertainment events in the Tourism Development Area, including beaches, concerts, beach parties and festivals, until further notice. Do not plan a trip around a beach party.
Senegambia Strip →River trips sleep on land
One operator describes the cabin boat Fula Princess as out of service. Multi-day river trips now use a day boat, with nights in lodges or camps on shore. Do not book on the basis of older descriptions of a floating hotel.
River guide →Do not feed the monkeys
Food is sold at Bijilo Forest Park, but a recent visitor report advises against feeding the monkeys. It makes them bold, and bites are a risk. Keep food in your bag.
Nature reserves →Airport fee and cash
Plan for a security fee on arrival and again on departure: $20 in UK advice, and 1,000 GMD or the same value in euros or dollars in Austrian advice. German and Austrian advice says to pay in cash. Card machines are often out of order.
Airport guide →The Gambia: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
The drier months from November to May suit beaches and birdwatching best. Rainfall at Banjul averages 189 to 287 mm a month from July to September. UK advice warns that floods can close roads between June and October. See the weather page.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your passport. Swiss citizens are visa-free since 19 May 2025. Austrian advice lists up to 28 days without a visa. For British citizens no visa is needed and the arrival stamp covers 28 days. German advice describes a free visa on arrival for 21 to 28 days. US citizens need a visa, and the US State Department lists $100 to $105 on arrival, in cash. German and Austrian advice asks for a passport valid for at least six months. Rules change, so check your government's advice.
What about malaria and yellow fever?
The US CDC says malaria is transmitted throughout the country and recommends prescription medicine to prevent it. It also recommends yellow fever vaccination from 9 months of age, and proof is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, including after a transit there of more than 12 hours. Talk to a travel medicine service well before you go.
How do I get from the airport to the coast?
Banjul International Airport is at Yundum, about 25 km south-east of Banjul. Operators publish private transfers from €15 per person, or €25 per person for 1 to 4 travellers, with an estimated 30 to 50 minutes on the road. A 2025 taxi estimate for Kololi or Kotu is 1,000 GMD, and prices are negotiable. Agree the fare before you get in. Details are on the airport page.
Is it safe to swim at the beaches?
Germany's advice warns of dangerous cross currents. One beach guide notes strong currents at Kotu even though the sand slopes gently. Swim only where locals and hotel staff say it is fine, and see the beaches page.
Is this the official tourism website?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the Gambia Tourism Board, the government, the airport, UNESCO or any hotel or tour operator.