Overview
Gambia is a country in Africa according to ethnicityology. The Gambia may be the smallest country on the African continent, but it offers a varied landscape of sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, swamps, wetlands and forested savannas. The Gambia River, one of Africa’s most important water veins, dominates the landscape. Gambia’s parks, nature reserves and waterfront areas are of particular interest for ecotourism, as they are home to monkeys, crocodiles, some hippos and more than 500 species of birds. If you want to get to know original West African music and culture, you can discover small villages in the country off the beaten track.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Gambia from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In cooperation with Brussels Airlines (SN), Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M., Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna and Swiss (LX) from Zurich fly to Banjul via Brussels. Royal Air Maroc (AT) also flies to Banjul via Casablanca and TAP Air Portugal (TP) via Lisbon from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich. TUI fly Nederland (OR) (formerly Arkefly) connects Amsterdam with Banjul.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Banjul: 8 hrs 25 mins; Vienna – Banjul: 9 hours 30 minutes; Zurich – Banjul: 8 hours 10 minutes (currently the shortest travel times, which may increase depending on the length of the stay).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
The Trans-Gambia Highway (480 km) connects Banjul with Dakar (Senegal). A car ferry operates between Banjul and Barra, which is often overcrowded. The Senegambia Bridge at Farafenni further up the Gambia is the only bridge across the river that separates the north and south of the country. State buses and comfortable private coaches operate between Dakar and Banjul (journey time: 6 hours 50 minutes); Shared taxis between Dakar and Barra. Tolls: The ferries across the Gambia River are subject to tolls. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are no domestic flights in The Gambia.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a length of approx. 2,700 km. The two main transport links run along the south and north sides of the Gambia River. The two roads are connected, inter alia, between Banjul and Barra and at Farafenni by ferries across the Gambia. Tolls: The ferries across the Gambia River are subject to tolls. Gas stations sometimes have no petrol. In more remote areas, travelers should always carry filled spare canisters.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The main roads, the roads in the city centers and in the resorts, as well as at the airport are paved. Most side roads are unpaved and have potholes. Street lighting and signage are rather sparse. It is therefore not advisable to drive at night.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at the airport, in Banjul and in the resort areas. The minimum age is given by most rental car providers as 25 years. Additional fees are often charged for drivers under 26 or over 69 years of age. Chauffeured rental cars are also available.
Taxi
Taxis are outside most larger hotels. City taxis are yellow, tourist taxis are green; the latter are available nationwide. Bush taxis can take up to 7 people. The fare should be agreed in advance.
Bicycle
Bikes can be rented at many hotels and resorts.
Coach
The Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) connects a variety of towns in The Gambia, both south and north of the river.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Beaches may not be driven on. Speed limits: – urban: 25 km/h; – extra-urban: 70 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
There is no official breakdown service. However, along the main roads you will find many improvised workshops that carry out minor repairs. The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license must be carried.
Traveling in the city
Banjul can be explored by green taxis available from hotels or by bicycle.
Locally on the way by train
There is no rail service in The Gambia.
Traveling by ship
The Gambia can be crossed by ferries at about a dozen points nationwide. For boat and fishing trips, travelers can turn to local private providers who organize excursions.
