OVERVIEW

Banjul, nestled along the glistening shores of the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa, will take you to a world where beautiful vistas, rich culture, and boundless hospitality await. The land also known as the “Smiling Coast of Africa” will leave you mesmerized with its hidden gems. A tourist destination that is still unexplored by the wider Western world, it is truly a paradise for adventure lovers. Our team at Pack and Fly will be able to assist you in booking tickets on whichever class – business class flights or premium economy flights might suit your budget and desired level of comfort.

Historical importance of Banjul

Around 1000 years ago, African ethnic groups arrived from the country''s interior and established the town. Initially named Bathurst by the British who arrived in 1816, this was originally a station from which the British Navy could control the transatlantic slave traffic. In 1973, the city''s name was changed from Bathurst to Banjul following independence from the British Empire. It is now the country''s administrative headquarters and a key trade post on the West African coast.

Culinary Delights in Banjul

Gambian cuisine is an irresistible fusion of exotic flavours that stand as a testimony to the culinary skills of the country’s cooks. The colours and aromas of the food served in its restaurants will take you on a mouth-watering culinary journey. The city is a location where you will be able to taste delectable aromatic dishes infused with spices, fresh seafood caught from nearby rivers, and mouth-watering sweets which will leave you yearning for a lot more. Afra, Akara, and Palm Wine are some traditional Gambian delicacies to taste during your vacation to Banjul.

The best time to pay a visit to Banjul

The nation of Gambia is well-known due to its diverse landscapes and the warm and friendly nature of its people. October to June coincide with the dry season and is the best time to visit the city without a second thought. The weather is comfortable, the risk of diseases like malaria is minimal and you can go sightseeing in the city and areas around it comfortably.

Festivals organized in the city

The Abene Harvest Festival, Banjul Fine Arts Festival, and Independence Day are some occasions that draw tourists from far and wide. Showcasing the traditional art, dance, music, and cultural heritage of the city they are stunning spectacles to watch by themselves.

You can go for an idyllic stroll along the sun-kissed beaches where the sands meet the waters of the Atlantic or exhilarating water sports. You will surely have a merry time exploring the attractions in this thriving town. The team on our website will help you plan your itinerary properly. You might like to travel luxuriously on first class flights or in a frugal manner on economy flights, our team of talented agents will help you narrow down the most appropriate flights from Birmingham to Banjul.

DISTANCE FROM BANJUL AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The city''s international airport is Banjul International Airport, or Yundum International Airport (IATA: BJL, ICAO: GBYD). The only airport in Gambia is near Yundum, approximately 14.8 kilometers from the city centre. The airport is served by several regional and international airlines, providing flights to West Africa, Continental Europe, and the United Kingdom. Whether you choose economy flights, business class flights, or any other airline class, you can be assured that you will be able to easily reach your destination in Banjul.

BANJUL AIRPORT TRANSPORT

Tourists looking for flights between Birmingham to Banjul should be assured of the fact that there exists very good connectivity between the Yundum Airport and Banjul. The different modes of communication that serve passengers are:-

Taxi: Taxis in Banjul are distinguished using their yellow-green striped colouring. The fares for the taxi range from 200 to 300 Ghanian Dalasi and about 25 minutes is sufficient to travel between the airport to popular tourist destinations such as Kololo, Kotu, and Bakau.

Shuttle Services: Additionally, many of the hotels operate minibusses and shuttle services. While booking your reservation, you should enquire well in advance with the place where you are putting up, if they provide pick up and drop off facilities in the airport.

Pick up and Drop Services: If you have booked your ticket for a first class flight? Then you can surely cross-check with the airline if they provide transport to hotels in the city.

FLYING TIME FROM BIRMINGHAM TO BANJUL

The distance between Birmingham is considerable. As a result, no airlines operate direct flights. It will take you roughly 19 to 23 hours to go from travel to Birmingham and Banjul. The total time taken to travel between these two cities depends on:-

Prevailing weather conditions

Traffic Conditions at the airport

The airline to travel on

Pack and Fly will help you book your ticket on the flight class that suits your specific requirements. You might choose to travel on a limited budget on economy flights or in a manner befitting royalty on first-class flights, we will surely assist you.

ATTRACTIONS IN BANJUL

Banjul has it all, whether you want to explore historical sites or go sightseeing in the national parks while admiring the gorgeous tropical bounty that nature has bestowed upon the land. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country are as follows:-

King Fahad Mosque: The largest mosque in Banjul, it is generally crowded on Fridays and major occasions such as Eid and Ramadan. The image of the two minarets adorning the skyline and verses from the holy Quran inscribed on the walls of the mosque is a breathtakingly beautiful site to see. Your trip to the country will surely remain incomplete without a visit to the mosque. A must-see for anyone with a spiritual bent of mind.

Makasutu Culture Forest: This reserve, which covers 1000 hectares, effectively captures all of the landscapes found in the country. Innumerable animal, reptile, and bird species can be found in the mangroves, palm groves, and savannah plains. The ideal venue for families looking for a taste of Gambia''s tropical beauty. The protected wilderness is a pristine expanse of riverine, palm hardwood forest, savanna, and salt-flat ecosystems.

Arch 22: The massive gateway marks the city''s primary entrance. The huge 36-meter-tall historical landmark was created to commemorate the military takeover of July 22, 1994. From the top, all visitors can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the city. There is also a café and museum where tourists may learn about the coup d''etat, as well as ethnographic exhibitions representing the country''s various communities.

Bijilo Forest Park: The modest 51-hectare wildlife reserve is about 11 km west of Banjul. There are numerous well-maintained walking pathways (varying in length from 900 to 1400 m) in this natural area. They are unique in that you will be able to get up close and personal with a variety of forest animals such as monitor lizards, bee-eaters, osprey, francolin, and wood pigeon. It is also a good idea to employ the services of a guide who will provide you with more information about the plant and animal life located here.

Kunto Kniteh Island: Kunta Kinteh Island is a small island in the Gambia River near where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. This island bears extraordinary witness to the various stages and features of African-European contacts from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Originally visited by explorers and merchants looking for a sea route to India, this became one of Africa''s first cultural interchange zones. The island has been named for its famous slave, immortalized in the book “Roots” by American writer Alex Haley.

Despite its modest size, Gambia and its capital, Banjul, have a lot to offer visitors. The unique city is famous among travellers seeking nature, sea, beach, sun, and a diverse and interesting cultural experiences. Whether you are looking for historical sites or natural attractions, the city will not disappoint. Banjul, the country''s entrance, is unquestionably worthwhile for anyone interested in seeing what modern-day Africa has to offer.

SHOPPING IN BANJUL

Banjul is especially famous for souvenir items like hand-crafted masks, statues, sand paintings, and silver jewellery and no visit to the city can be called complete incomplete without going shopping in its vibrant markets. Some of the venues to purchase souvenirs while touring Banjul are:-

Kotu Tourist Craft Market: Established in 1975 as a place for women selling homemade goods to tourists visiting Kotu Strand Beach and the surrounding environs. The market sells traditional Gambian artefacts such as wooden drums, African tie-dye apparel, caps, and paintings. Located near the famed Bungalow Beach Hotel, this is undoubtedly a must-see for art aficionados. Another lure is the abundance of cafes in the area, where you may stop for a bite after negotiating with merchants. If you have good bargaining skills, a trip to this market will undoubtedly be a memorable experience.

Albert Market: What began as a tiny cooperative to assist women from marginalized backgrounds of society has grown into a leading local institution. Hands-on training in crafts such as fabric processing, craft-making, and sewing, as well as other practical skills, is available for extremely affordable rates. Handmade items made by students who graduate from here can be acquired at extremely low costs. A must-see location for everyone interested in the Gambians'' creativity and entrepreneurial drive.

Maroun’s Supermarket: Numerous medium to big supermarkets and mini-markets can be found across the Kombo Saint Mary District. The most well-known of them is perhaps Maroun''s Supermarket, which imports and distributes a large range of branded commodities such as Kellogg''s Cornflakes, Coca-Cola, Basmati Rice, and ordinary household equipment. As a visitor, you should stop by this supermarket to fill up on items you may need while touring through The Gambia.

Kairaba Shopping Center: The Kairaba Shopping Centre, a glittering, glass-fronted two-story structure in Gambia''s Serrekunda beach resort, is the country''s largest supermarket. Everything needed to manage a household may be found here, from cereals, drinks, and beverages to dairy goods. As a result, it is popular among Banjul inhabitants. The Shopping Centre’s most distinctive feature is the supermarket''s in-house bakery. Confectionery items such as croissants and cakes tailored for weddings, birthdays, and other sweet treats are its specialty.

Craft Market: If you happen to be in the Bakau neighbourhood, the modest craft market is worth a visit. Expect sand artworks, wood carvings, statues, and other traditional handicrafts that perfectly match the criteria of serving as long-lasting keepsakes. If you''re looking for textiles or colourful materials made in stunning African style, or colourful paintings to bring home as memories, this market offers it all.

Replete with innumerable stores selling a variety of products that you can take home with you as mementos, this city is truly a shoppers'' paradise. While exploring its streets, you will surely be able to collect a large variety of memorabilia to bring home along with you to remind you of the happy times spent while exploring its attractions.

NIGHTLIFE IN BANJUL

With so many locations to visit once the sun goes down, you''ll be spoiled for choice in this unique city. Banjul has built a solid reputation as a spot where night owls can go have a gala time. The following are some of the places that travellers visit when touring the town:-

Nightclubs: There are many nightclubs open till the early hours of the morning, playing an eclectic mix of African music ranging from pop, hip hop, house, African and Caribbean reggae, Salsa, and Ndaga. Ranging from slick modern clubs with strict dress standards to enormous open-air venues to bars with small dance floors. Kololi''s ''The Strip'' is a sight to behold. It has evolved from a collection of shacks on a dirt road to a vibrant byway full of good restaurants, bars, and clubs, many of which play music into the wee hours of the morning. Kotu, South Kotu, and Fajara are all low-key resorts featuring a variety of pubs and restaurants.

Pubs and Bars: The city is home to numerous pubs and bars where you can go for a refreshing drink with your buddies in the evening. Some examples of the beverages and cocktails that you can taste while exploring the outlets in Banjul are Vodka, Dirty Martini, Gimlet, Honey Bee, and Painkiller. The Padis Bar, Justice Bar, and Restaurant, and Juto.com Pub are a few examples of outlets that are popular with tourists.

Dance Events: If you are interested in dance forms like Salsa, Reggae, and Samba then be sure to pay a visit to any one of the dancing venues organized at the Tourism Development Area (TDA). These events are organized in the Senegambia strip, just a few minutes’ drive from Banjul. These dance and music, events are traditionally tied to village activities and hold importance even today. Regular performances are organized during the harvest and dry season. In addition to providing entertainment, these performances seek to preserve cultural traditions, and oral genealogies as well as impart knowledge of the history of the land.

Beachside Entertainment Venues: Located near the equator, Banjul has many kilometres of pristine tropical coastline. These beaches come alive at night with a variety of entertainment options such as live music and beach parties being organized. Many attractions cater to a variety of interests. Without a shred of doubt, you will have a merry time on the beaches.

Gambian citizens are known for their generous and welcoming nature. By all means, they will go out of their way to help you fit in among them. Being a former colony of Britain, English is widely spoken and you will have no difficulty in communicating with the residents. You are surely in for an amazing experience in Banjul.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN BANJUL

If you wish to explore the city and surrounding attractions in a carefree manner, then it becomes imperative to carry some local currency receipts along with you. Though English is widely spoken by the locals, businesses are reluctant to accept the Pound as the legal tender. As a tourist, you can visit the following venues to exchange the British Pound for the Gambian Galasi:-

Banks: Banks such as the Arab Gambian Islamic Bank, Trust Bank Banjul Branch, and Skye Bank Banjul Branch provide Foreign Currency Services at affordable exchange rates of about 2-3%.

Airport: ATMs inside Banjul Airport in the ATM''s, in the Main Hall are open 24 hours, all seven days a week. These are convenient venues where you can obtain receipts of Dalasi.

Currency Exchange Bureaus: Some of the currency exchange bureaus that the Central Bank of Gambia has approved are:-

GREAT EATING PLACES IN BANJUL

Banjul, a city on the Atlantic coast, has various restaurants that cater to tourists. You may like to sample traditional African meals or Western cuisines adapted to local tastes, you will undoubtedly find them all in this magnificent city. Some of the most well-known restaurants are listed below:-

La Parisienne Restaurant: La Parisienne is one of the greatest places in Serekunda to buy baked products and pastries. A lovely café in the French style with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The menu''s most popular items include savour foods, appetizers such as shawarma, pizzas, French bread, and sandwiches. Western expats looking for a taste of home away from home have raved about this outlet. 

Ali Baba: This restaurant serves pizza, spaghetti, and seafood, as well as traditional Gambian foods. Anyone who wants to see the culinary skills of the country''s chefs should go to this hotel. This restaurant is well-known for delivering tasty meals at reasonable prices. The garden area is a great spot to meet people from all over the world while sipping a cocktail and listening to live music from local bands who like entertaining the public.

King Of Shawarma: A restaurant that offers high-quality food at reasonable prices. This location is famous with both locals and visitors since it specializes in serving delectable Middle Eastern cuisine such as Hummus, Manakeesh, Grilled Halloumi, and Shawarma. These things have been customized to local Gambian tastes, much to the joy of all of its customers. A must-see while seeing the city.

Blaque Magique Bistro & Café: Certainly one of the nicest venues in Banjul to go on a date with your lover/spouse or for a fun-filled evening with your friends and family. This restaurant''s unique selling characteristics include outdoor seating, free parking, and live music playing in the background. Those who have visited this diner have all praised the meal as well as the excellent service provided. It is strongly advised that all visitors to The Gambia spend at least one night in this outlet.

Two Rays Bar and Restaurant: This outlet, located on the route to Senegambia, is famous with both locals and tourists for selling African foods with your standard European fare. A bonus feature of this hotel is the ability to sample beverages in the adjoining bar. This diner is extremely popular with those traveling with their families due to its large open spaces and ample space for children.

With eateries serving a variety of cuisines, this city has something to satisfy the most adventurous of gastronomes. A visit to any of the above-mentioned restaurants is a must for somebody coming here.

HOTELS STAY IN BANJUL

It is a well-known fact that finding quality accommodation is the most challenging part of traveling to a new destination. Precisely to assist adventurous travellers like yourself in finding a place to put up while exploring The Gambia, our website Pack and Fly has been set up. With over two decades of expertise in helping tourists seek out quality accommodation, we will be able to assist you in finding quality accommodation in the city. Join the ranks of thousands of travellers who have benefitted from our services.

Mandina Lodges (5 Star)

Address: Makasutu Culture Forest, Banjul, Gambia

The Mandina Loges is built along a hidden African bush, mangrove swamps, and a lined tributary of the Gambia River. A visit here will undoubtedly be more tranquil and one-of-a-kind than you could have dreamed. This is one such hotel that anyone wishing for a sense of tranquillity and relaxation away from the hectic pace of life in Britain should visit.

Sunprime Tamala Beach Resort (5 Star)

Address: Kotu Beach, Serrekunda, Kotu Gambia

The hotel opened intending to provide all customers with a one-of-a-kind African vacation experience. The hotel, located on the Atlantic Coast, provides all guests with an untouched and incomparable view of the sea. If you want to be active while on vacation, the management has developed a fully equipped gym complete with trainers and the latest equipment to keep you interested during your time here. In addition, the rooms are decorated with traditional African furnishings and the newest European comforts.

Kalimba Beach Resort (5 Star)

Address: F75Q+69C, Unnamed Road, Serrekunda, Gambia

A very popular hotel in the tourist hotspot of Serrekunda, the hotel''s distinctive selling point is that it is unquestionably suitable for visitors wishing to have a good time by the beach. Another beneficial aspect of the hotel is its connected restaurant, which serves a wide range of African and Continental cuisine. All guests have also praised the staff''s friendliness and the great, mouthwatering meals supplied here. You will undoubtedly appreciate your stay here.

Assaraya Atlantic Hotel (4 Star)

Address: Marina Parade Avenue, Banjul 296 Gambia

The outlet, also known as the LAICO Atlantic Hotel & Resort, is situated along The Gambia''s magnificent 50-kilometer coastline. Another benefit of living here is that it is close to popular sites in the capital, such as The Gambia National Museum.   An adventure of a lifetime awaits you in the Rose Garden, Bird Sanctuary, and sandy coastline. The hotel, which is especially popular with British tourists, is unquestionably worthwhile.

Coco Ocean Resort and Spa (4-Star)

Address: Bijilo, Atlantic Boulevard, Banjul, Gambia

The hotel is spacious and stylish, and it was designed with modern travellers in mind. This hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including a Smart TV, high-speed internet, and a rain shower. The clever and attentive efforts of the personnel have resulted in excellent evaluations from all individuals who have stayed at Coco Ocean Resort & Spa throughout their vacation.

Summer Grove Villa (4 Star)

Address:- Banjul Gambia

With clean rooms that provide all of the amenities that a traveller may require during his stay in the city, this is undoubtedly the hotel where an adventurer like yourself should stay. Last-minute appointments are also accepted, and all required amenities such as WiFi and a fully functional attached kitchen are available.

Bamboo Garden Hotel (3 Star)

Address: Cape Point, Bakau, Banjul, Gambia

Famous for offering guests a peaceful and tranquil environment surrounded by natural beauty. The outlet features nice rooms surrounded by gorgeous mature grounds. In addition to English, the staff speaks French, Danish, and Dutch. The experienced crew in this resort will be able to give you with impeccable service due to many years of experience handling Western travellers.

Badala Park Hotel (3 Star)

Address: Bertil Harding Highway, Kotu, Banjul, Gambia

This environmentally friendly retreat is located in The Gambia''s rural countryside. This hotel''s modest and compact size is what distinguishes it as unique and people-centred. This eco-friendly hotel features double/family rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant providing a variety of African and Continental dishes. Working with the local community, the hotel''s proprietors help the local people by supporting companies and organizing activities at the lodge where local talent can perform.

When looking for accommodation in Banjul, keep in mind that costs may rise during the busiest season of the year. Pack and Fly will undoubtedly assist you in locating the finest discounts. Why are you delaying? All you need to do is buy a plane ticket to Banjul and join the hundreds of other people who have been captivated by its beauty.