The Gambia's capital is Banjul, a tiny port city in West Africa. Check tap Portugal flight changeit’s on Saint Mary's Island, in the southern part of the Gambia River estuary, separated from the mainland by a series of waterways bordered with mangroves.

Banjul is largely unknown to tourists who prefer to visit the beaches.  The sandy pathways lined with sun-bleached colonial homes provide a sense of history that more modern beach resorts lack. It also includes a lively harbour and a market that embodies the best of African urban life.

The Gambia's safety

Many people are anxious about the safety of Banjul, especially given the possibility of political violence posed by President Yahya Jammeh's refusal to stand down following the election. Former President Yahya Jammeh, however, has stepped down and departed the country, and the elected President, Mr. Adama Barrow, is set to return to The Gambia soon.

As a result, the Foreign as well as Commonwealth Office's warning against travelling here has been lifted. Military action is no longer a possibility because the situation has stabilised.

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With that out of the way, I can say that visiting Banjul in The Gambia is risk-free. As with any country, you should exercise common sense by not wearing precious jewellery, carrying large sums of money, or exhibiting devices such as iPhones or cameras. Pick-pocketing is not uncommon in crowded areas such as Albert Market, so be cautious. Avoid dark areas as well, and if in doubt, ask your hotel or a nearby restaurant to contact a reliable taxi. Apart from the standard precautions, it is risk-free.

The one thing to be wary of (especially as a female) that is more of a nuisance than a threat is too many 'bumsters'! These are young Gambian men who want to be your friend, guide, boyfriend, or whatever else you want. They will disturb you, particularly around the beach and marketplaces. They are normally harmless, however, and will leave you alone if you tell them you've been there before or that you have a husband or partner. Don't let this deter you from visiting a lovely location.

6 Fantastic Activities in Banjul, Gambia

So, let us return to Banjul, which is generally overlooked. Even though it is rarely frequented by visitors, if you have the time, there are some fantastic things to do there. Here are seven amazing Banjul activities.

1. Arch 22

This 36-meter-high arch towers over Independence Drive, Banjul's major thoroughfare. It was built in 1996 to commemorate the July 22, 1994 military coup. The top floor of the arch offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, emphasising its status as an island. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the River Gambia, and some Tanbi mangroves. On the upper level (accessible by lift or stairs), there is a cafe and a small ethnographic museum. The museum displays traditional fabrics, clothing, agricultural tools, and weapons like as bows and arrows.

2. Albert Market

This lively market, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., is the primary attraction in Banjul. On the first floor, there's a colourful selection of fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, and dried goods, as well as lovely coloured fabrics and cosmetics. Many tailors work in separate cubicles on the upper levels, side by side. It's worth spending a few hours here just to watch the jostling indigenous in traditional attire barter. Expect to haggle if you want to buy something because it's all part of the fun. If all that has made you hungry, there are various food and drink kiosks where you may get a snack or a quick refresher.

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3. Joseph’s Adult Education and Skills Centre

For 20 years, disadvantaged young women have received skill training in an old Portuguese building. Visitors are welcome to take a free tour of the tie-dye, crafts, sewing, and embroidery programmes. There is also a pricey shop where you can purchase things handcrafted by the women that make wonderful keepsakes.

4. Sports Fishing

You have a few options if you want to go sports fishing. You could hire a pirogue (local long canoe) with an outboard motor and a driver to take you out on Oyster Creek. The mangroves are home to a wide range of fish and other wildlife, making for excellent fishing. You can do this on your own or with a local fisherman on the shore near the Barra Ferry Terminal. Another option is to charter a larger, more experienced boat to take you fishing upriver or out to sea. Many of these larger vessels also have a bar and a restaurant.

5. Gambian Home Cooking Experience

This is a must-attend event, especially if you appreciate food. It will also provide you with a completely fresh perspective on Gambian life. It all starts with a Landrover excursion to a packed local market to buy the fresh ingredients for the recipes you'll learn to cook later. You can also make a native juice, such as Wonjo or Baobab juice. All meals, including flavouring herbs and spices, will be prepared by you in a large pot balanced over a small fire.

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6. Bird Watching

If you prefer bird watching, take the most popular road, Kankujereh Road. This route passes through saline marsh areas, which are home to a variety of bird species. Pelicans and cormorants spend the night here. During low tide, many wading birds can be found on the mudflats, where they graze. Tanbi Mangroves appear soon after, on both sides. Wear enclosed shoes or boots because the ground can be uneven and there is a lot of scrap metal deposited.....