When looking at the map, Gambia is overshadowed by Senegal on most sides except for its western side where the Atlantic Ocean is its neighbour. Banjul is a seaport town that is located on St Marys Island, just before the mouth of the Gambia River. It was founded by the British in 1816 and is at present the capital of Gambia.

This is where the main hub of economic activities takes place and where the headquarters of the peanut and fishing industries are located, two of Gambias important products. The markets, where various crafts and jewellery are sold, and the harbour with all its fishing vessels make a pleasant sight. The African Heritage museum has a collection of African art that various according to the visitors wallets. Visitors can buy the works of art, hereby contributing to both a dynamic exhibition and support of the local artists.

Plenty of buses leave to other destinations in Gambia and there are regular flights to many destinations from the Banjul Airport. There are some fancy resorts at the seafront where travelers can enjoy the sun and beach, principally in Bakau area..

Sights

Visitors won't want to miss Albert Market with its colours, smells, music, fabrics and crafts. Popular souvenirs include batik, gold and silver filigree jewelry, wood carvings and leather goods. Tailors can quickly make clothes to order at reasonable prices.

The National Museum of Gambia on Independence Drive houses wooden carvings, old maps and photos of the country. Arch 22, the city gate commemorating the Second Republic of the Gambia following the bloodless July 1994 coup, has a museum, cafe and great views of the area from the top.

Day cruises through the mangrove creeks around Banjul are a popular excursion, with birds and monkeys to be spotted.

Escaping the city, the visitor to The Gambia will discover the nearby Abuko Nature Reserve, only 15 miles from the city center on the way to the airport. The reserve was established in 1977 to help protect and preserve The Gambia's flora and fauna for future generations. Open daily from 8-6, the reserve features diverse vegetation, 200 species of birds, monkeys, hyenas, antelope, hippos and crocodiles. Safaris can be arranged easily according to visitors' interests.

The setting for Alex Haley's novel Roots, Juffureh is a traditional village, an easy trip from Banjul, and now a part of The Roots Homecoming Festival, an annual celebration of African heritage. This week-long festival features music, dance, workshops, excursions, and other activities designed to help visitors of African background discover their roots. At nearby Fort Albreda and Fort James, visitors can see many reminders of colonial history.

Tendaba Camp, 100 miles up-river from Banjul, was the country's first inland hotel, constructed to replicate an African village with traditional huts. The camp is a good starting point for daytrips by boat, for bird-watching, or to visit the West Kiang National Park.

These circles are believed to be ancient burial mounds dating back 1200 years. Each circle consists of 10-24 massive stones dotting the landscape in the largest such concentration in West Africa. Theyare located on the northern side of the river, about 20 miles northwest of Georgetown.

About 100 miles east of the Atlantic coast, the vegetation changes from swamps to thick forests, and many islands appear in the river. Five of these, the largest of which is Baboon Island, form a park known for its chimpanzee-rehabilitation project designed to reacclimate chimps from labs and zoos to return to the wild.