Getting around The Gambia
Getting around The Gambia is relatively straightforward, particularly along the main coastal resort area where most hotels, restaurants and attractions are located. Taxis are widely available, many excursions include transport, and distances between popular resorts such as Kololi, Kotu, Bakau and Cape Point are generally manageable.
How you choose to travel will depend on how independently you'd like to explore. For many visitors, a mixture of taxis, organised excursions and walking around their local resort works particularly well.
If you're still deciding where to stay, our guide to the resort areas of The Gambia explains the differences between the main holiday areas and can help you choose the right base.
Getting from Banjul Airport to your hotel
Most package holidays include arrangements for getting from Banjul International Airport to your accommodation, making arrival in The Gambia simple.
Journey times will vary according to the resort and traffic conditions, but the main coastal holiday areas are all within relatively easy reach of the airport.
If you're travelling independently, taxis are available from the airport. It's sensible to confirm your destination and agree the fare before beginning your journey.
Using taxis in The Gambia
Taxis are one of the easiest ways for holidaymakers to get around. They're commonly available around hotels, resorts, restaurants and popular tourist areas, and can be particularly convenient for evening journeys or travelling between resorts.
As fares can vary depending on the distance, time and type of taxi, we recommend agreeing a price with the driver before setting off.
Tourist taxis
Tourist taxis are commonly found outside hotels and in the principal resort areas. They can be used for straightforward journeys such as travelling to a restaurant, visiting another resort or arranging a longer sightseeing trip.
Drivers will often be happy to wait for you or arrange a return journey if agreed in advance.
Local taxis
Local taxis and shared transport are also part of everyday life in The Gambia and can provide a more local experience. They may operate differently from the taxis most visitors are familiar with at home, however, so first-time visitors often prefer tourist taxis or organised transport until they feel comfortable getting around.
Travelling between the main resort areas
One of the advantages of staying around The Gambia's Atlantic coast is that many of the main resorts are close enough to make exploring different areas relatively easy.
Kololi
Kololi is one of the liveliest holiday areas, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops around the Senegambia area. It's a useful base if you enjoy having a wide choice of places to eat and things to do within easy reach.
Take a look at Senegambia Beach Hotel and our other hotels around Kololi if you'd like to stay close to the action.
Kotu
Kotu offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing restaurants, beach bars and easy access to neighbouring resorts. The area is also well known among birdwatchers, particularly around Kotu Creek.
Popular options include Kombo Beach Hotel, Sunset Beach Hotel and Bakotu Hotel.
Bakau and Cape Point
Bakau and Cape Point offer a slightly quieter holiday atmosphere while remaining within easy reach of the busier coastal resorts. You'll find beaches, local communities and several attractions nearby.
Hotels in this area include Ocean Bay Hotel and Sunbeach Hotel.
South Kotu and Bijilo
South Kotu and Bijilo are good choices if you're looking for stylish hotels and a quieter base while still being close enough to visit Kololi and the surrounding resort areas.
You can explore accommodation including African Princess Beach Hotel and other hotels across the coast.
Compare all of The Gambia's main resort areas.
Exploring The Gambia on an organised excursion
You don't have to arrange every journey yourself. Joining an organised excursion can be one of the easiest ways to explore beyond your hotel while also benefiting from local knowledge and pre-arranged transport.
Depending on the experience, you could discover wildlife reserves, cruise along rivers and creeks, visit local communities and markets, explore cultural sites or travel further inland.
For first-time visitors in particular, an organised trip can be a relaxed way to see more of the country without having to organise transport independently.
Explore excursions and experiences in The Gambia.
Want to see more than the resorts?
One of the things we love most about The Gambia is how easy it is to combine a relaxing beach holiday with genuine experiences beyond the hotel.
Spend a day discovering wildlife, travel along the River Gambia, visit local villages and markets or speak to our team about putting together a more individual itinerary.
Explore things to do
Discover tailor-made holidays
Can you walk between places in The Gambia?
Within individual resort areas, walking can be a pleasant way to explore nearby restaurants, shops and beaches. However, pavements and road conditions aren't always what UK visitors may be used to, and distances between resorts can be greater than they initially appear.
For longer journeys, evening travel or unfamiliar routes, taking a taxi will usually be the easier option.
As with any destination, take sensible precautions when walking after dark and check the latest official travel advice before your holiday.
How much do taxis and transport cost?
Transport is generally one of the expenses visitors should allow for when budgeting for a holiday in The Gambia. The amount you'll spend depends on how often you leave your resort, the journeys you take and whether you join organised excursions.
Because taxi fares and local prices can change, we recommend agreeing the cost of your journey before setting off rather than relying on a fixed published fare.
For a wider idea of eating, drinking and everyday holiday costs, take a look at our guide to how much things cost in The Gambia.
Our tips for getting around The Gambia
- Agree taxi fares before you travel so you know the price of your journey in advance.
- Ask your hotel or our resort team for advice if you're unsure about travelling somewhere independently.
- Use organised excursions for longer sightseeing trips, particularly if you want local knowledge as well as transport.
- Keep some local currency available for taxis and smaller purchases.
- Allow extra time for journeys, as traffic and road conditions can affect travel times.
- Don't spend your entire holiday in one resort — exploring different parts of The Gambia is part of the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get around The Gambia?
For most holidaymakers, taxis are the easiest option for shorter journeys between hotels, restaurants and resort areas. Organised excursions are a convenient choice for longer sightseeing trips and exploring further afield.
Are taxis easy to find in The Gambia?
Yes. Taxis are widely available around the main hotels and tourist resorts. It's a good idea to agree the fare before beginning your journey.
Can I explore The Gambia without hiring a car?
Yes. Most visitors don't need to hire a car. Taxis and organised excursions make it straightforward to visit the main resorts, attractions and places of interest.
Can I visit other resorts from my hotel?
Absolutely. Kololi, Kotu, Bakau, Cape Point, Fajara, South Kotu and Bijilo are all part of the main coastal holiday area, and travelling between them by taxi is a good way to experience more of The Gambia during your stay.
