DISTANCE FROM BANJUL AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

Banjul International Airport, also known as Yundum International Airport (IATA: BJL, ICAO: GBYD), serves as the city''s international airport. The sole airport in Gambia is located in Yundum, about 14.8 kilometers from the city center. Several regional and international carriers serve the airport, including flights to West Africa, Continental Europe, and the United Kingdom. You can fly in economy flights or first class flights any other airline class, but you can be confident that as you disembark, you will easily reach your destination in Banjul.

BANJUL AIRPORT TRANSPORT

No matter what time of day your flight between Heathrow to Banjul arrives at the airport, you will be able to find a vehicle to drive you to your desired destination.

Taxi: Taxis can be identified by their yellow-stripped green coloring. The rates range from 200 to 300 Ghanian Dalasi, and the journey takes around 25 minutes from the airport to the city center.

Transportation from Hotel: Inquire if the hotel where you are staying provides shuttle buses to and from the airport.

Car Rental: wish to visit tourist spots in and around the city? Then you can certainly reserve vehicles through car rental firms such as Easy Ride Rental, AYK Gambia, and BG Car Rental.

Pick Up and Drop Off Service: Have you also opted to go on first class flights? Then, inquire with the airline about pick-up and drop-off services from Yundum International Airport.

FLYING TIME FROM HEATHROW TO BANJUL

Traveling from Heathrow to Banjul will take you between 20 and 27 hours. While traveling along this path, you can expect 1-2 stops along the way. The precise time will be determined by several factors, including:-

The specific airline on which you have selected to travel;

The exact conditions at the stopover;

Air traffic conditions; and

Weather patterns.

Pack and Fly has been in the ticketing business for over 20 years. We will assist you in booking your preferred tickets, whether you want to travel in comfort on premium economy flights or in style on business class flights.

ATTRACTIONS IN BANJUL

Though a small country, there is indeed lots to see and do in Gambia as well as in its capital Banjul. The unique city is popular in attracting tourists who might be looking for nature, sea, sand, sun, and a varied and unforgettable cultural experience. Whether you are on the lookout for some historical places or natural attractions, the city will surely not disappoint you. The gateway to the country, Banjul is surely worth paying a visit for everybody seeking to get a glimpse into what modern-day Africa has to offer. Some of the popular destinations for tourists to see in the country are:-

Arch 22 Gateway: The main entrance of the city is marked by the imposing gateway. The massive 36 m high historical landmark, was built to celebrate the military coup of 22 July 1994. All visitors can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the city from its top. There is also a café and museum where visitors can learn about the coup d’etat and ethnographic exhibitions showcasing the numerous communities that make up the country.

Bijilo Forest Park: The small 51-hectare nature reserve, is located about 11 km west of Banjul. In this nature park, there are many well-maintained walking trails (ranging from 900 to 1400 m). The unique thing about them is that you will be able to get close-up views of a variety of forest species like monitor lizards, bee-eaters, osprey, francolin, and wood dove.

St. Joseph’s Adult Educational & Skills Center: This institution is well known in the country for having supported women from marginalized backgrounds for many decades. They are offered training in fabric processing, craft-making, sewing, and other useful practical life skills The products created by graduates can be purchased at adjacent shops at really reasonable rates.

Makasutu Culture Forest: Spreading 1000 hectares, this reserve effectively captures all the landscapes that are to be found in the country. Comprising of mangroves, palm groves, and savannah plains you will find innumerable species of animals, reptiles, and bird species. The destination of choice for all those traveling with families, seeking a glimpse into the natural bounty of Gambia.

King Fahad Mosque: The biggest mosque in Banjul, it is usually busy on Fridays and special days like Eid and Ramadan. The sight of the two minarets gracing the skyline and the verses from the Holy Quran inscribed on the mosque walls is breathtakingly beautiful. Surely the place for everybody who wishes to see how the average Gambian leads their life and with a spiritual bent of mind should come and visit.

There are numerous locations to visit and explore in this beautiful city. It is a location for travelers looking for something out of the usual.

SHOPPING IN BANJUL

All tourists coming to Banjul and staying in the country’s resorts will surely have plenty of shopping opportunities. About every hotel that caters to tourists has an in-house boutique or has craft markets, grocery stores, or street hawkers in their vicinity. Some of the prime shopping destinations in the city are:-

Kotu Tourist Craft Market: Established in the year 1975 as a venue for women selling homemade products to tourists visiting Kotu Strand Beach and nearby areas. The market has on display quintessential Gambian items like wooden drums, African tie-dye clothing, hats, and paintings. Located next to the famous Bungalow Beach Hotel, definitely, a place where art lovers should go and pay a visit. An added draw is the presence of many eateries in its vicinity, where you can go and grab a bite after time spent haggling with vendors. If you possess good bargaining skills, then a visit to this market will surely prove to be a really enjoyable affair.

African Heritage Gallery: An art gallery that also doubles up as a private guest house. Here you will be able to purchase West African curiosities like masks, textiles, and jewelry. Surely a place where you will be able to combine eating traditional Ghanaian dishes while enjoying browsing for quality artwork. The unique selling point of this Gallery is that they have an eclectic selection of African masks, sculptures, and paintings depicting village and wildlife scenes.

Fruit Pressers and Sellers: No visit to Gambia can be considered to be complete if you haven’t tried out tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or green oranges. You will surely find almost all beaches containing stalls selling raw fruits or pressed juices. Make sure to visit them for a drink to fully rejuvenate yourself while sightseeing in the city.

Albert Market: Located on Liberation Avenue and named after Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, this is the capital’s main urban market. Open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, this is a lively and bustling market offering all buyers a large selection of colorful fabrics, carved wooden masks, and fresh farm produce.

Maroun’s Supermarket: Dotted around the Kombo Saint Mary District are numerous medium to supermarkets as well as mini-markets. Probably the most famous among these is the Maroun’s Supermarket which are importer and distributor of a wide variety of branded items such as Kellogg’s Cornflakes, Coca-Cola, Basmati Rice as well as general household appliances. As a tourist, it is a good idea to visit this supermarket if you wish to stock up on goods that you will need during your stay in The Gambia.

If you wish to see the city''s unique cultural tapestry, you can go to these areas in Banjul and buy a variety of things. Furthermore, the city assures that you always discover something unique and carry it with you.

NIGHTLIFE IN BANJUL

With innumerable places to explore after the sun sets, you will be truly spoilt for choice in this exotic city. Over the years, Banjul has developed a solid reputation as a place where night owls can go have a blast. A brief list of the areas where tourists pay a visit while exploring the town are:-

Cultural Events: Depending on the time of year you visit The Gambia, you will be able to see Banjul come alive with a variety of cultural events, festivals, and special festivities. The completion of the holy month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, is a particularly popular day when all members of the community gather to celebrate. The Abéné Festi is another well-known celebration that takes place every year. Musical fireworks are on display from Boxing Day until January 2nd. Big stars travel from all over West Africa, and music enthusiasts from all over Europe come to attend this incredible festival. The celebration is the highlight of the year in the generally tranquil town, which comes alive immediately after Christmas.

Pubs and Bars: There are various clubs and pubs in the city where you may enjoy a drink while socializing with other people who have come to the party. The unique selling point of these places is that they provide a comfortable atmosphere with music and various sorts of live entertainment. If you enjoy music, the scheduled karaoke evenings are an added allure in these establishments. Dance to your favorite song while surrounded by your buddies.

Nightclubs: Banjul has various nightclubs where you may dance or just have a quiet drink with your friends. The music culture is varied, encompassing both local and foreign styles. Without a doubt, they are excellent spots to connect with locals while having a good time. The Nefertiti Beach Bar and Restaurant is a popular area for a quiet drink. Many partygoers travel to surrounding areas such as the Senegambia Strip, which has more bars and a livelier atmosphere than Banjul. Some of the popular kinds of African music heard in these nightclubs include jazz, Afrobeat, Rhythm and Blues, and Hip Hop.

Without a shred of all tourists will love every moment spent exploring the city at night. You can have many unique experiences in Banjul which will leave you with lovely memories.  

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN BANJUL

When you reach Banjul from Heathrow, it becomes imperative for you to exchange the British Pound for the local currency Galasi. Some of the most prominent banks where you can go for currency exchange purposes are:-

Banks: Various 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: The ATMs 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: As a last resort, you can also, get currency exchanged in the hotel where you are putting up. The only flipside of this alternative is that the exchange rate can be high.

Currency Exchange Bureaus: Do you want to know where all in the city you can visit to exchange currency? A brief list has been given below:-

GREAT EATING PLACES IN BANJUL

Gambian food comprises a diverse selection of dishes that can surely satisfy any craving, budget, or preference. The food of this country is one of the main reasons why Western tourists love coming back to Gambia. While all regions of the country have their cuisine, Banjul is especially famous due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the places that you can visit to get a feel of typical Gambian cooking are:-

Solomon’s Fish Bar: The Solomon''s Beach Bar is a popular and reasonably priced hotel that is well-known for serving classic Gambian seafood dishes. Situated in the Kololi area, this is a regular dining spot for all visitors staying at local hotels. Picturesque seaside views and fresh local food are the hallmarks of this restaurant. All patrons of the restaurant have spoken highly about the delicious served by friendly staff in the hotel. You can surely watch the world go by on the beach while feasting on mouthwatering food.

Rhun Palm Restaurant: If you are looking for a place to relax by the beach, and watch the sun go down then this lively & friendly place surely meets the bill. A friendly and welcoming restaurant, this outlet offers great lunches at really reasonable prices. Some delicacies to try in the hotel are chicken shawarma and cheesy garlic toast. Friday and Saturday nights are the days to visit if you are looking to party the night out.

Dominos Beachbar: Thanks to the diligent efforts of the management, the outlet has established as a reputation for being a lively and friendly place to go for drinks and lunch. Crispy Chicken Burgers, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Chicken Afra are some of the typical recipes served here.

Nefertiti: Sitting majestically, right on the Atlantic Beach, this restaurant is surely Banjul’s best-kept secret. One of the unique selling points of this hotel is the fact that it has a tasteful interior decor coupled with excellent service. The menu is a great mix of African and International cuisine given a Gambian touch by making use of locally made spices.

Ali Baba: This restaurant provides all patrons with a lovely assortment of dishes such as pizza, pasta, and fish as well as other typical Gambian dishes. All wishing to witness first-hand the culinary skills of the country''s chefs should visit this outlet. Good meals at reasonable prices are the hallmark of this outlet. 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 crowd.

With many restaurants offering a variety of dishes of every imaginable variety, all gastronomes are bound to have an exciting time in Banjul. A visit to any of the above-mentioned places is a must if you are visiting the city.

HOTELS STAY IN BANJUL

The city is the administrative and economic capital of the nation and is the first place in the city where tourists stop by while visiting this corner of Africa. If you too are one such traveler, then by all means we at Pack and Fly will assist you in booking a hotel of your choice. Our experts are well-trained trained, and motivated and have about 20 years of experience working with a large variety of travelers. We will surely be able to assist you in finding accommodation of your liking.

Mandina Lodges (5 Star)

Address: Makasutu Culture Forest, Banjul, Gambia

Mandina Loges is built along in the concealed African jungle, within mangrove swamps, and beside 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.

Flourish Wellness Resort (5 Star)

Address: Kotu Gambia

The hotel, which is just on the beach, provides all visitors with a direct ocean view. The beautiful Gambian sunset may be seen from the room where you are staying. Another feature that makes Flourish Wellness Resort popular with tourists is the presence of amenities such as valet parking, a restaurant serving delicious meals from around the world, and complimentary WiFi for business travelers or others who may wish to stay in touch with others while on vacation.

Kalimba Beach Resort (5 Star)

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

A very popular hotel located in the tourist hotspot of Serrekunda, the hotel''s distinctive selling point is that it is unquestionably suitable for people 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 dishes. All guests have also praised the staff''s friendliness and the superb, mouth-watering meals supplied here. You will undoubtedly love your time here.

Assaraya Atlantic Hotel (4 Star)

Address: Marina Parade Avenue, Banjul 296 Gambia

Also known as the LAICO Atlantic Hotel and Resort, the outlet is situated along the pristine 50-kilometer coastline of The Gambia. An extra advantage of residing here is that it is located close to popular attractions in the main city like The Gambia National Museum. In its Rose Garden, Bird Sanctuary, and the sandy beach an adventure of a lifetime awaits you. Especially popular with tourists from the UK, the hotel is surely worth every penny spent.

Senegambia Beach Hotel (4 Star)

Address: Kololi, Banjul, Gambia

The Senegambia Beach Hotel is one such resort where you can see the local Gambian culture from the time you walk into the hotel lobby. You may be here for pleasure or business, but the hotel personnel will undoubtedly meet all of your needs as a traveler. The restaurants, bars, and swimming pools provide a full experience, and a calm refuge away from the hectic pace of life in the UK awaits you. The hotel''s friendly and helpful personnel have excellent people management abilities, and your stay will undoubtedly be memorable.

Summer Grove Villa (4 Star)

Address: Banjul, Gambia

With clean rooms that include all of the amenities that a visitor could require during his stay in the city, this is undoubtedly the hotel where an adventurer like yourself should choose to stay. A benefit of staying here is that last-minute bookings are accepted, and all necessary amenities such as WiFi and a fully functional connected kitchen are available.

Sunbeach Hotel and Resort (3 Star)

Address: Cape Point Road, Banjul, Gambia

Sunset Beach Hotel, located in The Gambia''s thriving tourism zone, offers a relaxing holiday along the pristine shores of Kotu''s sandy beach. You will surely have a royal experience, from timeless three-star magnificence to contemporary sophisticated comforts. The hotel''s all-inclusive experience will ensure that you may make cherished memories for years to come.

Palm Beach Hotel (3 Star)

Address: Cape Point Road, Bakau, Banjul, Gambia

Hotel Palm Beach is a budget-friendly hotel with award-winning facilities like a flat-screen TV in each room. Guests may stay connected during their stay because the hotel provides a free internet connection to all patrons. In addition, guests may enjoy a pool and free breakfast, making this a popular choice among visitors. There is complimentary valet parking for customers who have a vehicle.

Because of its historical ties, strong local culture, and impending business potential, it is extremely popular with British tourists. Probably, the best part of this city is that its attractions are still largely unknown by the outside world. With breathtaking natural beauty as well as a large variety of places to go sightseeing, you will not encounter a single dull moment in the city.