Top 10 food & drink things to do in Banjul

1. Gambian cooking class and market tour with hotel transfers

Three to four hours, local family home — visit Tanji Fishing Market, cook authentic Gambian dishes, and enjoy a meal in a peaceful garden setting.

2. Local Gambian cooking class with Jatou

Two hours at Jatou's home cooking a local dish, alongside a market visit for fresh ingredients.

3. Full-day Gambia exploration by 4x4 vehicle

A full-day adventure in a 4x4 — explore urban and rural life, visit local schools and family compounds, and relax at Paradise Beach.

4. Full-day safari at Fathala Wildlife Reserve from Banjul

A full-day safari adventure — explore Fathala Wildlife Reserve, including wildlife sightings, local culture, and traditional lunch with personalized guidance throughout.

“Abdou is incredibly kind and hospitable. His open-minded perspective is a great asset in today’s world. If you're considering a trip to Senegal or The Gambia, he is the guide you should choose.”— dorianej179

5. Banjul city tour including Arch 22, Albert Market, and beach lunch

Three hours walking tour of Banjul — Arch 22, Albert Market, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and lunch at Nefertiti Bar by the beach.

“We had a fantastic half-day tour around Banjul with Sheriff as our guide and Sulaman driving for Black and White Safari. Pickup from the Senegambia Hotel was punctual, and they kindly dropped us off at our hotel afterward. During the tour, we visited several government buildings, climbed Arch 22, and explored the museum. We also stopped at a local crafts center where we gained insights into Gambian history and traditions. The tour concluded at the Royal Albert Market, where another knowledgeable guide joined us, enhancing our experience with entertaining stories. I appreciated that both guides never pressured us to make purchases; they emphasized it was entirely our choice. Overall, it was a wonderful day in Banjul, and I would definitely recommend this tour.”— Raluca_M

6. Two-day cultural and wildlife tour of Georgetown, Gambia

Two days of guided tours and boat rides — city highlights, local cuisine, and wildlife on Baboon Island, with comfortable transport throughout.

“I highly recommend choosing a local professional business over various 'fixers'. Armstrong was an extremely professional host who communicated with us via WhatsApp well before our arrival in The Gambia. He tailored the trip to meet our preferences, accommodating our requests for inclusions and exclusions, and offered PayPal as a payment option. During our journey, Abraham was our driver, providing a safe and experienced service through challenging roads and numerous checkpoints. Lamin, our guide, shared a wealth of knowledge and stories, and was attentive to our needs, such as accommodating our vegetarian diet in a meat-dominant culture. The trip was long—12 hours one way—with breaks for lunch and activities like visiting stone circles and taking a river cruise. We encountered hippos, chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, and a variety of beautiful bird species. The return journey lasted 8 hours, filled with more activities, including observing local family life, visiting community gardens, and interacting with children—all while under the careful guidance of Abraham and Lamin. We will certainly book with Black and White again on our next visit. Thank you!”— 341lillac

7. Makasutu Culture Forest tour from Banjul

Three-hour guided tour, including canoeing the creek for 30-40 minutes and a walk through the palm forest, with opportunities for wildlife sightings and cultural exchanges with locals.

“We had an incredible full-day private tour of the Makasutu Culture Forest with Ebrima Camara's VIP Exclusive Tours. Our group, made up of three couples, found the experience outstanding. The pickup from the cruise ship was timely in a clean, spacious van, accompanied by a highly professional guide and driver. The tour provided an in-depth exploration of the beautiful Makasutu Culture Forest, where we were joined by a second guide who offered insightful knowledge about the local flora and fauna. Ibrima met us at the ship's dock to ensure everything went smoothly throughout the day. Included in the tour were drinks and a delightful locally prepared lunch. This experience with VIP Exclusive Tours, led by Ibrima Camara, exceeded our expectations in every way.”— Altamira01

8. Makasutu Eco Adventure: Forest walk and boat trip

Three hours exploring Makasutu's ecosystems on foot and by boat, including encounters with wildlife and local traditions like palm wine tapping and fortune telling.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the Monkey Park and river cruise at Lamin Lodge, particularly the lovely sunset cruise, which was one of our favorite experiences. From start to finish, everything was fantastic. Our guide had excellent monkey-spotting skills that made the visit enjoyable and memorable. The entire trip was well-organized, and we felt safe and cared for throughout. The scenery during the river cruise, especially at sunset, was breathtaking, making it a serene and unforgettable experience. This outing was definitely a highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend it to others.”— kristybA32EC

9. Full-day Gambian cooking class in Banjul

A full-day cooking experience that includes shopping at a local market, preparing traditional dishes like Yassa and Benachin, ending with a shared meal.

“During our trip to The Gambia, we had an exceptional experience with Armstrong and his wonderful team from Black and White Safari. As a private shore excursion with 14 guests from the Holland America Zuiderdam, we began our cultural journey at the outdoor market in Banjul, where the team gathered ingredients and spices for our lavish meal. We then had the pleasure of cooking at Armstrong’s family home, where we actively participated in preparing the food. It was delicious and truly offered a deep cultural immersion.”— MarkTourist

10. Banjul city tour — history and culture highlights

Three hours exploring Banjul’s key historical sites: Arch 22, Gambia National Museum, and Albert Market.

“This tour was outstanding. It was not hurried, and we were picked up from our hotel promptly. The communication was excellent. Visiting the market, the arch, and the museum was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Amat, was very knowledgeable and attentive.”— kathryna909