Gambia News: August 2011

Gambia Holiday Travel

Arch Tours offer a fascinating introduction to African culture. This genuine opportunity to explore West Africa in safety and comfort, meeting others and sharing the Gambia holiday experience of a lifetime

We are cheaper than hotel based tour companies, offering free lunch & soft drinks ( water and beer included) ensuring an enjoyable, informative, reliable and safe way to travel around The Gambia

We travel in open top 109 Land Rovers or air conditioned mini busses in small groups 2- 8 persons maximum. We are professional, punctual and always on time and each driver is an experienced safari driver and mechanic.

Travelling In Gambia by River: Boat, Ferry & Canoe

The River Gambia is the main artery that runs through the entire length of the country, and is navigable throughout the year by smaller vessels up to 300 kilometres Large ocean-going vessels can travel upstream as far as Kuntaur, about 190 kilometres from Banjul.

Several ferries are operated along the river; the main ones being Banjul to Barra and the river crossing at Farafenni on the busy Trans-Gambia highway. Vehicle and passenger ferries between Banjul’s commercial port and the town facing it across the river mouth, Barra, run at least once an hour in each direction until late evening.

The Government maintains a policy of upgrading these ferries, and procuring new ones when needed. Ferry operations are under the management of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), a public enterprise in the transport industry.

There are nearly a dozen other places where travellers can cross the River Gambia by boat or local dug out cannoe.

Arch Tourss run adventure and fishing trips using small motor boats or large converted pirogues, and offer day cruises along the river with lunch or dinner and a live band.

Travelling In Gambia by Road: Car Hire, Taxis & Bikes

Traffic drives on the right. In the districts around Banjul, the main roads are tarmac. Outside the Greater Banjul area, a much-needed highway building and repair programme has been underway for several years. Throughout the country, most minor roads are unsealed.
Bush taxis: Apart from private taxis, shared taxis (cars, minibuses or vans) are the only form of public transport between towns and villages. They wait at their starting point until full then travel along fixed routes, stopping wherever passengers want to get on or off. Fares are fixed.
Private taxis: There are two types; neither have meters. Tourist taxis are painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority to operate from ranks in the resort areas; each rank has a noticeboard listing tariffs by destination. Local taxis are painted yellow with green stripes and can be hailed in the street; fares are lower and should be agreed in advance.
Bicycle hire: Available at many hotels and resorts.
Car hire: Greater Banjul has a few local and international providers. Driving can be difficult due to variable road conditions; some minor roads become impassable during the rainy season (June to October).
Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence.