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. Gambia Holiday News