Banjul, Gambia
The tiny city of Banjul is the capital of the Gambia, a country that itself is little more than the banks of the mighty river that shares its name. Situated on St Mary’s Island, where the Gambia River joins the Atlantic, Bathurst, as Banjul was previously called, was established by the British in the early nineteenth century as a naval outpost dedicated to putting a halt to the trade in human beings.
In 1943, Frankin Roosevelt visited Banjul on his way to the Casablanca conference with Churchill, becoming the first serving American president to visit Africa. Today, Banjul plays host to a thriving tourist trade, thanks to its pleasant climate, and is the political centre for the oldest democracy in Africa.
Below are examples of excursions that have previously been offered from this port of call. A fully detailed programme of the included and optional tours available during your cruise will be sent shortly before your departure.
Crocodiles, Batiks and Banjul
This tour gives you an introduction to some of the traditions of the African nation of Gambia. After disembarking the Spirit of Adventure your tour takes you to the Albert Market, a reminder of the important part trade has always played in the Gambia’s history. The market offers the possibility to shop for bargains among the traditional African crafts on offer.
From there, the tour heads to the Banjul National Museum where you can learn more about Gambia’s rich history as well as something of the customs and traditions of its numerous ethic and cultural groups.
The next stop is the Crocodile Pool of Bakau. The centuries old pool is home to a large number of these impressive reptiles that are said to bestow luck on women.
The tour will then progress to the market town of Serrekunda, where you can learn about the traditional batik tie dye craft of Gambia.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours
South Gambia Adventure
This tour offers a chance to see something of real Gambia. Leaving behind Banjul you travel to Sukuta village to witness a typical day at a local market.
Continuing to a palm wine distillery you will be shown how the wine is produced and have a chance to sample the produce – an opportunity not to be missed.
A chance to meet some of the youth of Gambia next as you head to a school to see some of the advances being made in the Gambian Education System to better prepare the new generation for the modern world. The children are sure to make you feel welcome as you visit their school.
Tanje Museum is the final stop to show you something of ethnography and ecology of Gambia and the traditional crafts these have produced.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours