What is the capital of Gambia?
The capital of Gambia is Banjul.
Photo: Hannu Sääskilahti · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Gambia
Gambia is in Western Africa, Africa, with Banjul as its capital. Use this guide for trip planning — best time, budget ranges, cities and practical tips.
This Gambia travel guide covers the best time to visit, top cities, sample routes, budget ranges and how to travel to Gambia — including visa requirements.
Most first-time trips to Gambia work in 7–10 days: fly into Banjul, then move only as far as your energy allows. A practical first loop is Banjul → Faji Kunda → Talinding → Bununka Kunda → Serekunda → Sukuta. Mid-range travellers typically budget $35–95 per person per day on the ground (flights extra). Best time: The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing and travel comfort. This route, cost band and city shortlist are Global Itinerary’s own planning layer — not a copy of another guidebook.
Capital
Banjul
Population
2.3M
Currency
GMD · dalasi (GMD)
Languages
English
Timezone
Africa/Banjul · UTC+00:00
Calling code
+220
History
Gambia has a rich history shaped by its position in Africa and the cultures of Western Africa, leaving a legacy visible in its landmarks, cities and traditions today.
Culture
Culture in Gambia is expressed through its food, festivals, music and daily rhythms — a warm invitation to experience local life first-hand.
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Getting in & visas
The Gambia is becoming a popular vacation destination for Northern Europeans. Therefore, many charter and holiday operators offer reasonable airfare and accommodation if desired.
Visa
Tourists from ECOWAS, Commonwealth countries and other countries not listed below, or tourists from all nations arriving in The Gambia on a charter flight may enter visa-free for up to 90 days. ECOWAS nationals may also enter with passport or Biometric ID card.
Money & costs
The Gambia uses the dalasi as its currency, denoted by the symbol "D" (ISO currency code: GMD). The dalasi is divided into 100 bututs. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 dalasis and you may find D0.25, D0.50 and D1 coins in circulation.
Getting around
There are two types of cabs: green ones (tourist cabs) and yellow ones (regular cabs). Green cabs are expensive and the price is regardless of the number of passengers. Although there is no vehicle testing system in The Gambia, these taxis must have basics such as seat belts and working indicators. Yellow taxis are much cheaper and the price depends on the number of persons in the cab. They are used mainly by locals, and in many tourist areas they are prohibited from picking up tourists. Often it is worth it to walk a little to get a yellow taxi.
Language
Languages spoken in The Gambia are English (the official language), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Sarrancule and other indigenous languages. Most of the locals speak Wolof in the major cities, English being widely used at tourist venues.
Staying safe
There are a number of very commonly used scams in The Gambia. If someone stops you on the street, they may tell you that they remember you from the hotel you're staying at and that they work there. They may invite you to another hotel, but this could be a scam to attempt to rob you. Also, because people are constantly looking for ways to support themselves, if they offer you assistance or directions, it may be understood that they expect some monetary compensation.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended. Meningitis vaccination is recommended. Anti-malaria pills are also necessary. Most cases of malaria in The Gambia are contracted between June and December. Mefloquine, Doxycycline or Malarone are the medicines of choice for The Gambia, and for most of sub-Saharan Africa, because of the increasing chloroquine resistance.
Local etiquette
Always ask before you take a photo of anyone. Some Gambians have certain beliefs about having their picture taken, in particular by a stranger.
Practical guidance for Gambia is summarised from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Always confirm official visa, health and safety requirements before you travel.
Getting around & staying connected
Cheapest ways to travel in Gambia
Ride apps & transport
- 1Bolt
Estonian rival to Uber, typically 10–20% cheaper; also e-scooters and bikes.
- 2Yango
Yandex's international brand — cheap cars across Africa and the Middle East.
- 3inDrive
Name your own fare and let nearby drivers accept or counter — great for tight budgets.
Ride-hailing coverage varies here — check whether these apps are live in your city before relying on them.
Cheapest SIM for foreigners
Local prepaid SIM
Buy a tourist SIM from an official operator kiosk at the airport (bring your passport) — usually the cheapest data.
eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) lets you get online the moment you land — handy if you don't want to queue for a SIM.
Prices and app coverage change often — figures are indicative for 2026, so confirm the current tourist plan in the app or at the airport kiosk.
Plan your trip
A route through Gambia
A suggested loop connecting Gambia's major cities by proximity — a practical order for a multi-city trip.
Where to go
Top cities in Gambia
In pictures
Gambia gallery
Photos: Hannu Sääskilahti, Map master B, Kreuzberger, uploader Atamari has eMail-contact with the photograph „KG“ — via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Find it on the map
Plan your trip
Travel cost for Gambia
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Gambia
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Gambia's mid-range daily budget ($35–95 per person on the ground). Flights are a separate estimate and vary by origin.
Good to know
Gambia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Gambia?
The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing and travel comfort.
Is Gambia worth visiting?
Yes — travellers visit Gambia for its landscapes, cities and culture. Start with Banjul, then explore the top regions on this Gambia travel guide for a realistic itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to Gambia?
Visa rules for Gambia depend on your passport — use the visa checker on this site for a nationality-specific answer. Use our Gambia visa checker for rules by nationality before you book flights.
How much does a trip to Gambia cost?
Budget roughly $35–95 per person per day for mid-range travel in Gambia, not including long-haul flights. Costs vary by season and how much you move between cities.
Is Gambia safe for tourists?
Check current travel advice for Gambia before you go.
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