Top 9 day trips things to do in Banjul

1. 6-day adventure in Niokolo Koba National Park and Dindefelo Waterfalls

Six days with private transport — scenic drives, wildlife safaris, village visits, and stunning waterfalls in southern Senegal and The Gambia.

2. Two-day cultural tour of Georgetown and the River Gambia

Two days exploring Georgetown's history and culture, including a horse ride, a boat trip on the River Gambia, and visits to local sites.

3. Full-day safari to Fathala from Banjul

Full-day tour with transportation from Banjul — see lions, giraffes, and more in Fathala Reserve, including lunch and drinks.

4. Gambia River cruise with fishing and lunch

A full day on the Gambia River with fishing, swimming, and a freshly prepared lunch onboard.

“The experience was simply wonderful. The black and white elements are truly fantastic. Everything was well organized, the guides were excellent, and communication was outstanding. They offer a personal touch, avoiding the crowds, and their knowledge is impressive.”— cornerhousecafe

5. Gambia cultural day tour: markets, wood factory, and local school

An engaging day in Gambia, visiting Serrekunda Market, a local school, a wood carving factory, and concluding with lunch at Paradise Beach and a visit to Tanji Fishing Village.

“We paid around $125 each for the all-day "Four Wheel Drive Adventure" tour, which included various activities but excluded food and tips. Since only two of us were booked, we enjoyed a private tour with two guides, Armstrong and Yaya. They communicated effectively via WhatsApp before the tour and were punctual on the day. We met them at the port and began an extensive exploration of unique sites throughout The Gambia, from crocodiles to markets, monuments, fishing villages, and local schools. This tour provided an excellent insight into the lives of local people. One guide accompanied us throughout, providing explanations and answering our questions. Although some locations were not modern or tidy by typical tourist standards, we felt safe and were not bothered by anyone. Be prepared for considerable walking in warm weather and the reality of some people’s difficult circumstances—it's respectful not to photograph them as you wouldn't want the same done to you. I must mention the inspiring school visit, where we encountered adorable children but were approached for monetary donations, which can feel awkward if not anticipated. We brought a large bag of candy since it was Halloween, and it went unnoticed. We appreciated that aspect of the tour, finding it both informative and heartfelt, but others might find the donation request unexpected. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour, gaining an authentic perspective of The Gambia that many typical tourist tours lack, with a great mix of museums, markets, monuments, schools, and animals. The fishing village was particularly memorable and shouldn’t be missed. The guides were friendly and informative, and I highly recommend this company and tour.”— usflyer

6. Full-day land rover safari from Banjul to Senegal

A full day by land rover — includes Banjul-Barra ferry crossing, Fathala Wildlife Reserve, and lunch, guided by local experts.

“A group of 25 women from the UK enjoyed an amazing week with Armstrong and his team. While in The Gambia for a week, we dedicated four full days to Black and White Safari. They arranged various excursions, including an unforgettable experience of walking with lions alongside Armstrong at Fatahla in Senegal. Kudos to this Gambian company for being prompt and well-organized, taking us to experience the authentic Gambia through interactions with children and villagers while also giving back to the community. For a memorable adventure, I highly recommend booking with this company.”— Marcytraveller121

7. Makasutu cultural forest excursion near Brikama

Half-day tour — explore the Makasutu cultural forest and canoe ride on Mandinga Bolong creek, with opportunities for palm juice tasting and fortune telling.

“Makasutu Forest was beyond our expectations, offering a stunning experience in The Gambia. The passionate staff shared their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Our visit included a delightful boat ride through mangroves, sampling local palm juice, and climbing to a viewpoint for breathtaking views of the forest and river. We captured numerous photos of baboons, birds, and the landscape. This gem deserves more recognition. Our friendly driver also provided excellent service, picking us up and coordinating ahead of the trip. Highly recommended.”— Isabel_B

8. Full-day tour of Banjul's highlights

A full-day tour covering Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Serekunda Market, Lamin Lodge, Brikama wood carving factory, Paradise Beach, and Tanji Fish Market. Bring water and sunscreen.

“Communication with our guide was straightforward, and the pick-up was punctual. We started at the crocodile pool, with a modest entrance fee of 100 dilasi. Our guide, Jarry, provided insightful information about Gambian history, tribes, traditional clothing, and instruments, which we found quite engaging. Upon reaching the pool, we were amazed to see the crocodiles basking in the sun without any fences separating us, making for a suspenseful atmosphere. The sanctuary guides instructed us on which crocodiles were safe to touch, cautioning us to avoid their heads; it was surreal to gently stroke a seven-foot creature. Next, we visited a bustling market where vendors sold a wide array of goods. Then, we proceeded to Lamin Lodge for a boat trip through the mangroves, including a visit to the elephant tree, a historical site where locals took refuge during slavery. The history shared during this trip was truly captivating. While we had to cut our safari short due to tiredness, the experience was remarkable, and we plan to return to Gambia to allow more time for it. A huge thank you to Jimmy and Jarry for making this experience so memorable.”— johnhopkins1966

9. Banjul city tour with Arch 22, museums, and wildlife

Half-day tour in Banjul — visit Arch 22, a local museum, and a lively market, plus see crocodiles and monkeys up close.

“The experience was enjoyable, particularly with the insights into The Gambia's history, the visit to Kachikally, and the monkeys. However, the vehicle for our group of six could use upgrades for better comfort, especially with air conditioning. While our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, he could have presented himself more professionally. Overall, I would definitely recommend this tour.”— LaurenLeslie_J