When is the best time to fly to Banjul?
Gambia has a sub-tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. Many visitors find that the ideal time to book their flights to Banjul is during the dry winter months, when the weather is pleasantly warm. Travel during November and December to make the most of the good weather, and to avoid the higher humidity of January - May. Flights during these months, however, can be more expensive than at off peak times. You could also visit during one of Gambia's festivals to see the city in festive mode. May is a great time to book flights to Banjul as this is when Bob Marley day is celebrated each year, and is usually accompanied by music, food, and dancing.
The heat never really dies down in Banjul so no matter when you plan your trip you are guaranteed to be in warm conditions all year round. However, if you are on a budget, try searching for cheap flights to Banjul during the shoulder months of January to April or September to October, and when the city experiences less tourism and sees the crowds decrease.
Banjul overview
Banjul is the capital of the Gambia, and its most populous city. It is also the place where the beautiful Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. As such, this city has so many different things to offer the tourist, from bustling markets to scenic coastal regions and peaceful river cruises. Banjul is also home to some stunning national parks. Bijilo Forest Park is a great place to wander through some native wilderness, whilst The Gambia River National Park is a magical attraction, situated on a set of islands. Visit the Abuko Nature Reserve if you want to enjoy a family friendly day out, meeting some of the many colourful birds and animals that are native to this region of Africa. One of the key landmarks in the city is 'Arch 22'. Arch 22 is a museum, but one of the main reasons that it is so popular is that it also offers superb views over the city from its roof (which is reached by a small stairway). Another great thing to see when you visit the city is Banjul market, which is ideal if you want to bring home some authentic souvenirs.
Getting around Banjul
Banjul is located on the Trans-West African Coastal Highway, so driving is reasonably easy. The road network is still under construction here, though, so you can expect the city's transport links to other parts of The Gambia to get better in the future as well. You can also hire local taxis to take you wherever you need to go. Another common way to travel in Banjul is by ferry. There are both ferries available to take you on trips to Barra on the River Gambia, and specialist pleasure boat tour operators. The latter combine a fantastic opportunity for sightseeing with a relatively quick way to get from A to B.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Flights to Banjul land at the Banjul International Airport (BJL) and is only a short drive from the town centre, and the best option is probably to hire a car or to take a local taxi. Haggling with the driver is perfectly acceptable. You might also be able to book a shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel, so make sure to check.
