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National Museum of Gambia, Gambia - Things to Do in National Museum of Gambia

Things to Do in National Museum of Gambia

National Museum of Gambia, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

The National Museum of Gambia, located in Banjul, the capital city, serves as the country's premier cultural institution and gateway to understanding Gambian heritage. Housed in a colonial-era building dating back to 1962, the museum showcases the rich history, traditions, and cultural diversity of The Gambia through extensive collections of artifacts, historical documents, and ethnographic displays that span from prehistoric times to the modern era. Banjul itself is a fascinating small capital city situated on St. Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River. Despite being one of Africa's smallest capitals, it offers visitors an authentic West African experience with its bustling markets, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring both the museum and other cultural attractions, while providing easy access to the country's famous river excursions and wildlife experiences.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Gambia

Explore the National Museum Collections

Discover Gambia's fascinating history through the museum's extensive displays of traditional artifacts, colonial-era items, and cultural exhibits. The museum features everything from ancient pottery and traditional musical instruments to displays about the trans-Atlantic slave trade and Gambia's independence struggle.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are very affordable at around 25-50 dalasi for adults. Visit during weekday mornings for the best experience with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Consider hiring a local guide for 100-200 dalasi to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.

Visit Albert Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Banjul's main market, located just a short walk from the museum. Browse through stalls selling everything from colorful textiles and traditional crafts to fresh produce and spices, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Gambian life.

Booking Tip: No entry fee required, but bring small denomination dalasi for purchases. Visit early morning (8-10am) for the freshest goods and most active atmosphere. Always negotiate prices politely and expect to pay 30-50% of the initial asking price.

Explore Arch 22 Monument

Climb this iconic 35-meter high triumphal arch that commemorates the 1994 military coup and offers panoramic views over Banjul and the Gambia River. The monument houses a small museum and textile shop, making it both a historical site and viewpoint.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 50 dalasi with an additional fee for climbing to the top. Best visited in late afternoon for cooler temperatures and good lighting for photos. The climb involves several flights of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.

Take a Gambia River Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat trip along the Gambia River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species while learning about the river's historical significance as a major trade route. Many cruises include stops at traditional fishing villages and mangrove forests.

Booking Tip: Half-day cruises cost 800-1500 dalasi per person including lunch. Book through reputable operators at your hotel or the tourism office. Early morning departures offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities and cooler weather.

Discover Local Cuisine and Cooking

Sample authentic Gambian dishes like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh grilled fish while learning about local cooking techniques. Many restaurants near the museum offer traditional meals in authentic settings.

Booking Tip: Traditional meals cost 150-400 dalasi at local restaurants. Look for busy places with high turnover for the freshest food. Some hotels and cultural centers offer cooking classes for 500-800 dalasi per person including ingredients.

Getting There

Banjul is accessible via Banjul International Airport, located about 24 kilometers from the city center, with regular flights from major European cities and other West African destinations. From the airport, shared taxis cost around 300-400 dalasi to reach Banjul, while private taxis charge 800-1200 dalasi. Alternatively, many hotels offer airport transfer services. If arriving overland from Senegal, bush taxis and buses connect Banjul to Dakar and other regional cities, though border crossings can be time-consuming.

Getting Around

Banjul is a compact city that's easily walkable, with most attractions including the National Museum within a 15-minute walk of each other. Shared taxis (called 'gele-gele') are the most common form of local transport, costing 15-25 dalasi per ride within the city. Private taxis can be hired for longer journeys or day trips, typically charging 500-1000 dalasi for half-day excursions. For exploring beyond Banjul, bush taxis connect to other towns, though they can be crowded and schedules are flexible.

Where to Stay

Banjul City Center
Bakau
Fajara
Kotu
Kololi
Serrekunda

Food & Dining

Banjul's dining scene centers around fresh seafood and traditional West African cuisine, with numerous local restaurants serving authentic dishes like thieboudienne, yassa chicken, and fresh grilled barracuda. Street food vendors offer affordable options like akara (bean fritters) and tapalapa bread, while hotel restaurants provide more international options. The area around Albert Market has several good local eateries where a filling meal costs 200-500 dalasi. For a special dining experience, waterfront restaurants along the coast offer fresh seafood with beautiful sunset views, though prices are higher at 800-1500 dalasi per meal.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Banjul

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Casa Afriqa

4.8 /5
(807 reviews)
bar cafe

Mo2 Jamaican Bar & Restaurant Gambia (Mosiah's)

4.8 /5
(378 reviews)

John Raymond'S Beach Bar And Restaurant

4.8 /5
(296 reviews)

Scala Restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

El Sol

4.5 /5
(261 reviews)
bar meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Paradise Beach Club Gambia

4.5 /5
(169 reviews)
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When to Visit

The best time to visit the National Museum and Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the coolest weather with temperatures around 24-30°C, making it ideal for walking around the city and exploring outdoor attractions. March to May is hotter but still dry, while the rainy season from June to October brings high humidity and frequent downpours that can make sightseeing challenging, though this period offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.

Insider Tips

Bring a hat and water bottle as Banjul can get very hot, especially when walking between attractions - shade is limited in many areas
Learn a few words in Wolof or Mandinka as locals appreciate the effort, and it can help with bargaining and getting better prices
Always carry small denomination dalasi notes for tips, market purchases, and shared taxi fares as change can be difficult to obtain

Explore Activities in National Museum of Gambia