Where to Stay in Banjul
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Banjul
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Banjul
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
This coastal strip from Banjul to Brufut is the tourism heartland of The Gambia, packed with the country's highest concentration of accommodation options. The area offers everything from budget beach lodges to all-inclusive resorts, with easy access to beaches, restaurants, craft markets, and nightlife. Most international visitors base themselves here for the duration of their stay.
The capital city itself has limited accommodation, mostly simple guesthouses and a few mid-range hotels catering to business travelers and those catching early ferries. The island location and lack of beaches mean most tourists skip staying here, though it offers authentic urban Gambian life and proximity to Albert Market and Arch 22.
South of the main tourist strip, this area offers a quieter beach experience with a mix of newer resorts, eco-lodges, and guesthouses. Brufut has seen recent development with upscale properties, while Tanji retains a more authentic fishing village atmosphere with budget options and proximity to the famous fish-smoking site.
Further south along the coast, this region offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience with community-run eco-lodges, simple beach camps, and guesthouses. The area is popular with volunteers, long-term visitors, and those seeking authentic village life while still having beach access.
Inland from the coast along the Gambia River, this region offers eco-lodges and camps focused on birdwatching, river cruises, and cultural experiences. Accommodation is more rustic but provides access to mangrove forests, traditional villages, and wildlife viewing opportunities away from beach crowds.
Across the river from Banjul, this area is famous for Juffureh village (Roots heritage site) and Albreda. Accommodation options are limited but growing, with simple guesthouses and a few eco-lodges catering to cultural tourists and those exploring the north bank's historical sites and quieter beaches.
This central region along the river offers some of The Gambia's best eco-lodges and wildlife camps, particularly near Janjanbureh (Georgetown). The area is ideal for multi-day river safaris, chimpanzee sanctuary visits, and experiencing traditional Gambian rural life with accommodation ranging from comfortable lodges to basic camps.
Further upriver, this remote region offers the most authentic bush experience with basic camps and lodges serving adventurous travelers exploring stone circles, ancient sites, and pristine wildlife areas. Accommodation is limited and rustic, requiring flexibility and a sense of adventure.
The most remote region of The Gambia, with very limited tourist infrastructure and basic accommodation options. Visitors here are typically on specialized wildlife or cultural tours, staying in simple guesthouses or community lodges in towns like Basse Santa Su, experiencing The Gambia at its most authentic and undeveloped.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Banjul
International hotel chains have minimal presence in The Gambia, with most properties being independently owned or part of small regional groups. A few European tour operators have partnership arrangements with specific beach resorts that cater primarily to package tourists. The Kairaba and Senegambia brands are among the more recognized names in the coastal resort sector, though they operate more as independent properties than true chains.
The majority of accommodation in The Gambia is locally owned, ranging from family-run guesthouses to larger independent hotels. These properties often offer more personalized service and authentic Gambian hospitality than resort hotels. Many are small-scale operations with 5-20 rooms, where owners are actively involved in daily management. Community-based lodges are increasingly common in rural areas, offering visitors direct cultural exchange while supporting local economies.
The Gambia offers several unique accommodation experiences including riverside eco-lodges with platforms for birdwatching, traditional compound-style guesthouses where visitors stay in circular huts reflecting local architecture, and bush camps along the river offering authentic safari-style experiences. Some properties incorporate traditional Gambian design elements like thatched roofing and open-air communal spaces. Floating camps and houseboats occasionally operate during peak season for multi-day river expeditions, though these are limited and require advance booking.
Booking Tips for Banjul
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Many coastal resorts offer significantly better rates through European package tour operators than through direct booking, especially for all-inclusive stays. However, independent travelers often find better value at smaller guesthouses and boutique properties not tied to package deals. Compare both options before committing, and note that some large resorts prioritize package guests for room allocation and services.
Many smaller Gambian properties, especially eco-lodges and guesthouses, aren't well-represented on international booking platforms. Contacting them directly via email or WhatsApp often yields better rates and more flexible arrangements. Direct booking also ensures your money goes directly to the property rather than through commission-taking intermediaries, which is particularly important for community-based lodges.
Property descriptions can be optimistic, and 'beachfront' may mean a 10-minute walk. Always verify exact distances, whether air conditioning actually works reliably, and if backup generators are available for power cuts. Read recent reviews carefully, as standards can fluctuate significantly with management changes, and photos may not reflect current conditions.
Many properties require deposits via bank transfer or mobile money, which can be challenging for international visitors. Clarify cancellation policies carefully, as they vary widely and may be less flexible than international standards. Some smaller properties operate on trust-based systems with minimal advance payment, while others require full prepayment, especially during peak season.
Airport transfers are often included or available at reasonable rates when booking accommodation. Arranging this in advance is highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors, as it ensures safe arrival and often better rates than airport taxis. Many properties can also arrange onward transport and tours, sometimes at better prices than independent operators.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Banjul
For travel between mid-December and mid-February, book at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for popular coastal resorts and eco-lodges. Christmas and New Year periods may require 6 months advance booking for the best properties. Package tour allocations fill up early, so independent travelers should book even earlier to secure preferred properties.
November and March-April offer more flexibility, though booking 4-6 weeks ahead is still advisable for specific properties. Last-minute deals sometimes emerge as package tour allocations are released, but this is risky for travelers with fixed dates. Eco-lodges and upcountry properties typically have better availability during these months.
May through October sees dramatically reduced demand and many coastal properties close or offer steep discounts. Booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient, and last-minute walk-ins are often possible, especially outside July-August when some European visitors arrive. However, verify that properties are actually open, as many coastal hotels shut completely during the rainy season.
For The Gambia, booking 2-3 months ahead for high season and 3-4 weeks for other periods provides the best balance of choice and flexibility. Eco-lodges and specialty properties warrant earlier booking regardless of season due to limited capacity. Always confirm reservations a week before arrival, as communication can be inconsistent and properties occasionally overbook or close unexpectedly.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Banjul