DISTANCE FROM BANJUL AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The Yundum International (IATA: BJL, ICAO: GBYD) (also known as Banjul International Airport) is the only international airport catering to the residents of Gambia. Located at a distance of 14.8 km from the city centre, it is well connected to the main city. You might have booked your ticket on economy flights, business class flights, or any other class flight, but you can be assured of reaching the destination of choice with total ease. There are many modes of transport available to ferry you from the airport to the venue of your choice. 

BANJUL AIRPORT TRANSPORT

While traveling from Britain on flights from Edinburgh to Banjul, you can rest assured that the airport and city are well connected.

Taxi: Taxis in Banjul are identifiable by their yellow-stripped green paint. Taxis cost between 200 and 300 Ghanain Dalasi, and it takes around 25 minutes to get from the airport to tourist destinations like Kololo or Kotu.

Shuttle Buses: Many hotels also provide shuttle buses and minibuses to transport guests across the Gambia''''s districts. If you stay at a hotel in this area, ask if a shuttle service is available.

Car Rental companies: In The Gambia, several automobile rental businesses are available. BG Car Rental, AYK Gambia, and Easy Ride Rental are notable examples.

Pick and Drop: Have booked your ticket on first class flights? Then many airlines provide transportation facilities from the airport to the hotel where you are staying.

FLYING TIME FROM EDINBURGH TO BANJUL

Flights between Edinburgh to Banjul take roughly 54-59 hours. The exact time to reach this destination depends on a variety of factors such as:-

Prevailing weather conditions

Traffic at stopovers

The precise route taken by the airline

Airline traffic conditions along the specific route.

The experts on our website Pack and Fly will surely assist you in planning an itinerary that suits your specific needs. You might want to travel in an austere fashion on economy flights or in a regal fashion on first class flights we will be surely able to assist you.

ATTRACTIONS IN BANJUL

The attractions of this city are still largely unknown to the outside world. This only adds to the charm of the city. Containing an easily navigable layout as well as a relaxed and lively atmosphere, going sightseeing in the city is a really easy affair. Some of the places that you can go and visit in Banjul are:-

Fort Bullen: A historic fort which was built by the British in 1826 AD. The intention of building this fort was to stop the slave trade when it became illegal in the British Empire after the passing of the Slave Trade Act in 1807. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. A guided tour of the remains of the fort will give you a good introduction to the positive role played by Great Britain in ending the horrendous practice of slavery.

Kunto Kniteh Island: The Kunta Kinteh Island happens to be in Gambia River, in the location where it joins the Atlantic Ocean. This island forms an exceptional testimony to the different phases and facets of African-European encounters from the 16 to 19th centuries. Originally visited by explorers and merchants while searching for a sea route to India, this became one of the first cultural exchange zones between Africa and Europe.

River Gambia National Park: Established in 1978, this is a complex made of Five islands, which lie on the river, about 300 kilometres upstream to the southwest of Kuntaur. Baboon Island is another name given to the island and it contains plentiful numbers of primates, reptiles, and birds. The ecosystems in its vicinity range from lush jungle rainforests, reeds, savannahs, and mangrove swamps.

National Museum of Gambia: Witness impeccably maintained cultural relics on display, including tribal masks, musical instruments, pottery, and various archaeological finds. You will undoubtedly get vital insights into the nation''s history as well as get a deeper grasp of the people''s traditions and how they live their lives. A historical tourist destination that everyone with an interest in history ought to see.

Abuko Nature Reserve: This natural reserve, located right on the equator, is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about the administration''s efforts to preserve the nation''s native flora and fauna. The area is protected and home to a wide range of animals, including monkeys, unusual bird species, and antelopes. You may hitchhike across the trails and marvel at the country''s unique plant and animal species.

All visitors to Banjul have spoken volumes about the lovely experiences they had in the city. Its historical monuments as well as natural beauty will leave you spellbound.  

SHOPPING IN BANJUL

Banjul offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury malls to lively markets. The city has something for everyone, whether you''re seeking to buy apparel, jewellery, or mementos. Among the city''s most fashionable shopping venues are:-

Kairaba Shopping Center: The Kairaba Shopping Centre, a gleaming, glass-fronted two-story building in Gambia''s Serrekunda beach resort is the largest supermarket in Gambia. From cereals, drinks, and beverages to dairy products all things that might be needed to run a household are found here. This makes it popular with local Banjul residents. The most unique thing about the Shopping Centre is the supermarket’s in-house bakery. A large variety of confectionery items such as croissants, and cakes customized for marriage parties, birthdays, and other sweet delicacies are available here.

Serrekunda Market: The Gambia''s commercial centre and heart of town are reported to have begun with several women setting up kiosks along a dirt walk selling a few fresh vegetables and dried fish. As time passed, other local food vendors joined them, and the market expanded into what it is today. Currently, The Serrekunda Market building is a labyrinth of workshops, trading stalls, and cafés that cover the space. There is also a huge outdoor food-selling area in the back, where largely women sell traditional Gambian delicacies such as green peppers, salad, dried and smoked bonga (shad), fresh fish, and smoked catfish from wooden stalls and mounds.

Royal Albert Market: The Royal Albert Market, located on Liberation Avenue in Banjul, was named after Queen Victoria''s husband, Prince Albert, and it is an interesting destination to see while a vacation to The Gambia. The tourist market, which sells clothes, jewellery, and arts and crafts, is similar to any of the many markets strewn across the coastline tourist districts and marketed primarily at visitors to The Gambia. Fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and fish, are available at the produce market. Next door, the wholesale market sells practically anything else you can think of, from apparel to plastic buckets. A stroll through these two markets will provide you with a unique insight into Gambian life.

The Liberation Avenue: Nearly a kilometre long, the street “Liberation Avenue” is located right in the centre of Banjul city. One of Banjul''s busiest business zones, with several small retailers and sellers, is located on and surrounding Liberation Avenue. A place to go shopping if you are skilled in bargaining.

St. Joseph’s Adult Education & Skills Centre: A local institution, renowned for its efforts in having supported women from the marginalized sections of society. Training is imparted to them in trades such as fabric processing, sewing, and craft-making. Handmade products created by students who graduate here can be purchased from the adjacent shop at really reasonable rates.

Going shopping in a city is perhaps the best way to acquire a sense of its culture. Banjuls''s shopping culture is dynamic, and you''ll enjoy every minute you spend strolling its vivid bazaars. You will undoubtedly be able to collect mementos and create many lovely memories to bring home with you.

NIGHTLIFE IN BANJUL

Banjul has an active nightlife culture, with various places to go and spend the evenings. Like any other African city, it has a significant young population that wants to party after the sun goes down. If you want to dance the night away to the latest Afrobeat music or just spend a quiet evening lounging by the seaside, there are plenty of options in this dynamic city. Continue reading to find out where you can go to have fun after dusk:-

Restaurants playing live music: Banjul boasts a plethora of options for individuals wishing to spend a calm evening in the city in a laid-back setting while enjoying a quiet evening. Some of the most popular bars that cater to the tourists visiting the city are the Liv Bar, One for the Road Bar, and Kololi Casino. In addition to serving mouth-watering food, you will surely be able to spend good times listening to local bands playing typical African music.

Nightclubs: Banjul boasts of many nightclubs where you can go and dance or just go for a casual drink with your buddies. The music scene includes a diverse mix of local and international genres. Without a shred of doubt, these are ideal places for you to socialize with locals while having a merry time. The Nefertiti Beach Bar and Restaurant is a well-known spot to have a quiet drink or relax in the sun.

Cultural Events: Considering which time of the year you are visiting The Gambia, you will be able to witness Banjul come alive with many cultural events, festivals, or special celebrations. The end of the holy month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-ul-Fitr is an especially popular occasion when all members of the community come and join in the festivities. The Abéné Festi is another year exceedingly famous festival.

Beachside Entertainment: The country contains a really beautiful coastline, where the beachside venues offer a large variety of evening entertainment options containing live music as well as beach parties. Big stars travel and music fans travel from all across West Africa and Europe to attend the festivities organized here.

With attractions catering to every variety of interests, this amazing city will surely not disappoint you. There are innumerable after-night delights that Banjul will present to tourists who visit this bustling town.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN BANJUL

In Banjul, there are many places where you can go to exchange the British Pound for the Gambian Galasi. Some of the most popular locations are:-

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

Hotels: Similarly, many renowned hotels in the city offer their guests Foreign Currency Exchange services. The only flipside of exchanging your currency from these hotels is that the exchange rates can but exorbitantly high.

Currency Exchange Outlets: If you wish to go and explore the attractions of the city in a carefree manner, then it becomes all the more imperative for you to carry some extra additional receipt of the Gambian Galsi. A list of which the Central Bank of Gambia has approved are:-

GREAT EATING PLACES IN BANJUL

Banjul, a city located on the Atlantic coast contains many restaurants to cater to visiting tourists. You might hope to taste typical African cuisines or Western cuisines tweaked to suit local preferences, you will surely find them all in this amazing city. Written below are some of the most famous restaurants:-

King Of Shawarma: An eatery selling quality food at competitive rates. The main reason why this outlet is popular with locals, as well as visitors, is that it specializes in serving mouth-watering Middle Eastern dishes like Hummus, Manakeesh, Grilled Halloumi, and Shawarma. These items have been tailored to suit local Gambian tastes, much to the delight of all its patrons. A place which you should think of paying a visit to while touring the city.

Darboe''s Bar and Restaurant: Situated in the tourist hub of Senegambia, Darboe’s Bar and Restaurant serves both African and International cuisines. Thanks to the intelligent and diligent efforts of the owner Darboe, the restaurant has received top ratings on multiple parameters of evaluation like cleanliness, ambiance, and quality of food served as well as behaviours of staff on many blogs and magazines covering happenings in the food and beverage industry.

Blaque Magique Bistro & Café: Surely one of the best places in Banjul where you can come and visit with your lover/spouse on a date or for a fun-filled evening with your friends and family. Some of the unique selling points of this restaurant are facilities for outdoor seating, free parking, and live music playing in the background. All those who have visited this diner have lavished praise on the food served as well as the top-notch service offered.

La Parisienne Restaurant: La Parisienne restaurant is one of the best spots in Serekunda for purchasing baked goods and cakes. A pleasant café styled in the French style having both in-door as well as out-door seating areas. Some of the popular items on the menu are savory dishes, snacks including shawarma, pizzas, French bread, and sandwiches. A major hit with western expats looking for a taste of home away from home.

ChopShop: Established in 2014, this is now the country’s leading fast-food chain. Serving food items of quality and variety to match the very best of Western fast food chains like McDonald''s, KFC, and Pizza Hut, is surely a wonderful spot to visit if you wish to grab a quick bite. It is surely recommended that all visiting The Gambia should spend at least one night in this outlet. It is a great place to go and satisfy your longing for delicious food.

You might be looking for an elaborate meal or a quick snack, there are an ample number of options available in this city. If you are looking for an exciting gastronomical experience, then Banjul will surely not disappoint you.

HOTELS STAY IN BANJUL

You''ve come to the perfect place if you''re seeking a good hotel to book for your stay. By all means, Pack and Fly is the best internet resource for assisting you in selecting a vacation home. We have approximately 25 years of industry experience and have built expertise to assist travellers with every possible need. The country''s capital draws visitors from all over the world, and the following are some of the top properties in the city:-

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, mouth-watering 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.

The main thing to keep in mind when seeking for lodging in Banjul is that rates may rise during peak season. You may be confident that Pack and Fly will help you find the best deals. What exactly are you waiting for? Simply purchase a ticket to Banjul and join the hundreds of others who have been captivated by its splendour.