Social Conventions Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Salaam aleikum (‘Peace be upon you’) is the traditional greeting. Nanga def (‘How are you?’ in Wolof) is widely used on the coast; Kaira be (‘I wish you peace’ in Mandinka) is widely used inland. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and in general visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality, but should exercise common sense in their dealings with the persistent would-be guides, known locally as ‘bumsters’, who operate in some tourist
areas. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand, not the left, must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages in up-country Gambia. Travelers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air Astraeus (website: www.flyastraeus.com) runs direct scheduled flights from London to Banjul. North American Airlines (website: www.northamericanair.com) operates direct flights from Baltimore. Most holidaymakers arrive by charter flight from Europe.
Departure Tax None.
Main Airports Banjul (BJL) (Yundum International) is 20km (11 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city and resorts (journey time - approximately 30 minutes). Visitors with pre-booked package deals are usually taken to their accommodation by coach or minibus. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, internet cafe, bars, restaurants, tourist information, duty-free shop, post office and car hire.
Getting There by Road Private taxis can be hired between Dakar (Senegal) and Barra, from which there is a regular ferry service to Banjul. Shared taxis and buses also cover this route.
Overview The following goods may be imported into The Gambia without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (or mixed to the same total weight); 1l of spirits; 1l of wine or beer; goods up to a value of D1,000 (members of families traveling together may aggregate their individual allowances provided no single article exceeds D1,000 in value).
Internal Travel:
Getting Around by Water There are nearly a dozen points where travelers can cross the River Gambia by boat. Vehicle and passenger ferries between Banjul’s commercial port and the town facing it across the river mouth, Barra, run at least once an hour in each direction until late evening. Tour operators run adventure and fishing trips using small motor boats or large converted pirogues, and offer day cruises along the river with lunch or dinner and a live band.
Getting Around by Road Traffic drives on the right. In the districts around Banjul, the main roads are tarmac. Outside the Greater Banjul area, a much-needed highway building and repair program has been underway for several years. Throughout the country, most minor roads are unsealed. Bus: All local services are suspended indefinitely. Bush taxis: Apart from private taxis, shared taxis (cars, minibuses or vans) are the only form of public transport between towns and villages. They wait at their starting point until full then travel along fixed routes, stopping wherever passengers want to get on or off. Fares are fixed. Private taxis: There are two types; neither have meters. Tourist taxis are painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority to operate from ranks in the resort areas; each rank has a noticeboard listing tariffs by destination. Local taxis are painted yellow with green stripes and can be hailed in the street; fares are lower and should be agreed in advance. Car hire: Greater Banjul has a few local and international providers. Driving can be difficult due to variable road conditions; some minor roads become impassable during the rainy season (June to October). Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary license is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK license. Bicycle hire: Available at many hotels and resorts.
Getting Around Towns and Cities Bush taxis (shared taxis) are the only form of public transport in Gambian towns. Private taxis are also available (see Getting Around By Road above).
Journey Times The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Banjul to other major towns in The Gambia.
Road
Water
Serrekunda
0.20
-
Bakau
0.15
-
Basse
10.00*
-
Barra
-
0.30-0.50
Jufurreh
2.00**
6.00
Note: *The journey time by road to Basse is at least 10 hours, as road conditions vary. **By cruise.
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