ATTRACTIONS
Banjul
& The Coast
This tiny country, the smallest of Arica, is packed
with a multitude of attractions. The landscape is picturesque
and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic are a special attraction. For
those who love exotic greenery, there is an abundance of forests,
swamps, marshes and savannah.
The River Gambia is a prominent geographical feature
and it is widest at Cape St Mary . It narrows to 5km (3 miles) at Banjul
(formerly known as Bathurst), located on St Mary’s Island and has a deep sheltered harbour.
BANJUL: It is a significant town
as the centre of governance and also the only town with a substantial
area. The National Museum is a major landmark. Other attractions
include the MacCarthy
Square known for its
architectural style that is along the lines of colonial structures and
a pleasant 19th century setting. Shopping can be done at the
stalls done up in African style near the hotels.
One can
also shop for various odds and ends at the bengdulala
meaning meeting place in the Mandinka
language. These craft markets sell souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Resorts: The Atlantic coast to
the south of Banjul has some of the best beaches in all Africa with
nearly 15 hotels in the Banjul, Kombo and St Mary area. They are served by the
international airport at Yundum, a few miles from the capital.
The River Gambia
The major landmark of
the country, the Gambia River is the main source of irrigation with
potential for activities like fishing, boating and sailing. Short boat
trips along the river make interesting activity. The shores abound in
birdlife.
WILDLIFE PARKS: One can catch a glimpse
of a wide variety of fauna like crocodiles, monkeys, birds and
antelopes at the Abuko Nature Reserve. Hotel noticeboards will give more
information on the tours. Another wildlife park is the Kiang West National Park also known for many species of animals and
birds as well as great tourist facilities. All coach and river trips to
any part of the country or coastline, commence from Banjul. The river
with its abundance of flora and fauna along its shores and the creeks
also called ‘bolongs’ are a paradise to anyone who enjoys Nature.
THE RIVERMOUTH: 200 years back, the
British built Fort Bullen at Barra Point strategically to monitor approaches to
Banjul and the river. It was a vital defence landmark in the colony
after the James Island Fortress that was razed by the French. There is a
direct ferry from the capital to this point. From Banjul, one can visit
Oyster Creek, a network of creeks and waterways.
UPRIVER FROM BANJUL
The
main spots up the river from Banjul start with Albreda,
the main French
trading post before they withdrew from The Gambia. Juffure, the
village nearby is known as the supposed homeland of the ancestors of
the black American writer Alex Haley, author of ‘Roots’. Nature lovers
who want to observe the countryside can opt for ferry rides from Banjul
to Barra and travel by road for about 50 minutes to reach Juffure and
Albreda. From there a canoe will take them to James Island, in the placid waters of The Gambia. Tendaba is a popular tourist spot, 100 miles away
from Banjul by river or road. The historical burial grounds, older than
1200 years are located around Wassau and are known for their circular standing
stones. The ‘second city’ of colonial days Georgetown, is still the administrative and trading
hub of the region. Basse
Santa Su is the main
trading centre for the upper reaches of the Gambia River. Trading
houses built at the turn of the century stand proud and beautiful here.
In the early days, trade was prominent up the river and the remnants of
the shops owned by European, Gambian and Lebanese merchants can be
found at Perai
Tanda at the riverside.
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