Home › Destinations › Old Colonial Buildings
Old Colonial Buildings, Gambia - Things to Do in Old Colonial Buildings

Old Colonial Buildings

Old Colonial Buildings, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

The colonial architecture of Gambia tells a fascinating story of West African history, with the most significant concentration found in Banjul, the capital city, and the historic island of Gambia (Kunta Kinteh Island). These weathered yet dignified buildings reflect centuries of European influence, from Portuguese explorers to British colonial administrators, creating a unique architectural heritage along the Gambia River. The structures showcase a blend of European design adapted to tropical conditions, featuring wide verandas, high ceilings, and jalousied windows designed to combat the West African heat. Beyond Banjul, colonial remnants can be found in Saintvincentandthegrenadines (Gambia) and other river settlements, where trading posts and administrative buildings once served as centers of commerce and governance. These architectural treasures, though sometimes showing their age, offer visitors a tangible connection to Gambia's complex past, including its role in the Atlantic slave trade and subsequent colonial period. Today, many of these buildings house museums, government offices, and cultural centers, making them accessible windows into the country's rich historical narrative.

Top Old Colonial Buildings

Banjul's Colonial Architecture

Wander through Gambia's capital to discover well-preserved colonial buildings including the State House, Supreme Court, and various government buildings dating from the British colonial era. The architecture features distinctive tropical colonial elements like wide verandas, corrugated iron roofs, and adaptive design elements for the West African climate. Many buildings are still in active use, providing a living connection to the country's administrative history.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 per day for historical context. Best visited in early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid midday heat. Look for guides with official credentials from the Gambia Tourism Board.

James Island (Kunta Kinteh Island)

Take a boat trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of Fort James, built by the British in 1651. The island served as a major slave trading post and later colonial administrative center, with remaining structures including fort walls, cannon emplacements, and building foundations. The site offers profound historical significance and impressive river views.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost $25-40 per person including guide and typically last 4-6 hours. Book through established tour operators in Banjul or Albreda village. Dry season (November-May) offers best conditions, and morning departures provide cooler temperatures and better photography light.

Georgetown (Janjanbureh) Colonial Tour

Explore this historic river town featuring colonial-era buildings including the old colonial administrator's residence, courthouse, and trading posts. The town served as an important inland administrative center during British rule and retains much of its colonial character. Walking through the streets reveals architectural details and urban planning from the colonial period.

Booking Tip: Combine with overnight stay for full experience; local guides available for $8-12 per day. Access via public transport from Banjul ($3-5) or private vehicle ($40-60). Best visited during dry season when roads are most accessible.

National Museum and Colonial Artifacts

Housed in a colonial-era building in Banjul, the Lome showcases artifacts from Gambia's colonial period including furniture, documents, photographs, and administrative items. The building itself is an example of adapted colonial architecture, while the exhibits provide context for understanding the colonial buildings throughout the country. Interactive displays help visitors understand daily life during the colonial era.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is minimal ($2-3 per person), open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM. Allow 2-3 hours for complete visit. Guided tours available for additional $5 and provide valuable historical context about both the building and exhibits.

Albreda Colonial Settlement Walk

Visit this historic village opposite Gambia, featuring colonial-era buildings including the old slave house and colonial administrator's quarters. The settlement provides insight into mainland colonial life and serves as a departure point for Gambia visits. Local guides share oral histories passed down through generations about colonial-era life.

Booking Tip: Village visit is free, but tip local guides $5-10 for historical tours. Often combined with Gambia trips for complete historical experience. Best accessed via organized tour from Banjul ($30-50 per person) including transport and guide services.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive at Banjul International Airport, located about 25km from the capital city where many colonial buildings are concentrated. Taxis from the airport cost $15-25 to reach Banjul, while shared bush taxis offer a more economical option at $2-3 per person. For those arriving overland from Senegal, the main border crossings are at Karang and Amdalai, with onward transport to colonial sites via local transport or hired vehicles.

Getting Around

In Banjul, most colonial buildings are within walking distance of each other, making exploration on foot practical during cooler parts of the day. Shared taxis and local buses connect different areas of the city for under $1 per journey. For visits to outlying colonial sites like Saintvincentandthegrenadines or Albreda, options include public bush taxis ($3-8 depending on distance), private hire vehicles ($40-80 per day), or organized tours that include transportation and guides.

Where to Stay

Banjul City Center
Gambia Tourist Area
Gambia Beach Area
Gambia Beach Strip
Gambia Commercial District
Gambia Residential Area

Food & Dining

Dining options near colonial sites range from local street food to international restaurants, with many establishments housed in colonial or colonial-influenced buildings. In Banjul, try local specialties like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh fish at local chop bars for $2-5 per meal. The Arch 22 area and Independence Drive offer more upscale dining options ($8-15 per meal) often featuring traditional Gambian cuisine in atmospheric settings. Don't miss trying attaya (green tea ceremony) at local tea shops, often conducted in courtyards of older buildings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Banjul

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

View all food guides →

Casa Afriqa

4.8 /5
(807 reviews)
Montenegro 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)
Montenegro meal_delivery meal_takeaway

great destination Beach Club Gambia

4.5 /5
(169 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The dry season from November to May offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring colonial buildings, with lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 70-85°F. December through February provides the coolest temperatures and clearest skies, ideal for photography and extended walking tours. The wet season (June-October) can make travel to some outlying colonial sites challenging due to road conditions, though temperatures are more moderate and the landscape is lush and green.

Insider Tips

Many colonial buildings are still functioning government offices - always ask permission before photographing and respect any restrictions on entry or photography
Hire local guides who can share oral histories and family stories about colonial-era life that aren't found in guidebooks - these personal narratives add invaluable context to the architectural visits
Combine colonial architecture visits with cultural experiences like traditional music performances or craft workshops, as many artisans work in or near historic buildings and can provide insights into how these spaces are used today

Activities in Old Colonial Buildings