The Gambia is a small country in West Africa that has a fascinating history, culture and totally blessed with natural beauty.
Despite its small size, The Gambia is home to a wide range of diverse and captivating tourist attractions, from bustling markets and vibrant festivals to serene beaches and lush national parks.
For those seeking a unique and immersive travel experience, The Gambia is the perfect destination to explore.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Gambia which includes most of the country’s famous monuments and landmarks.
Some top tourist attractions in Gambia include the Arch 22, Fort Bullen, and the Banjul State House, all of which serve as some of the city’s most prominent and famous landmarks.
Also, the remains of Fort James on James Island are of great historical significance to the Gambian people. Discover these and other important monuments that makes up the top tourist attractions in Gambia.
- Banjul State House
- Arch 22
- Fort James
- Tanji Village Museum
- National Museum Of Albreda
- Fort Bullen
- St Joseph’s Adult Education
- July 22 Square
- Wassu Stone Circles
- National Museum
1. Banjul State House
Constructed during the Portuguese era, the Banjul State House is one of the most remarkable structures in Banjul.
This impressive building still serves as the seat of government in Gambia, and is regularly used for official functions and meetings.
As the official office of the country’s president, the Banjul State House is a famous landmark in Gambia that offers a glimpse into the country’s political history and current affairs hence making it one of the top tourist attractions in Gambia.
2. Arch 22
Standing tall at about 114 feet above the bustling streets of Banjul is the Arch 22 which is known as a must-see monument for any tourist visiting Gambia.
Built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup that brought President Yahya Jammeh into power, this imposing structure dominates the Banjul-Serrekunda Road.
Visitors can access the arch’s three floors via spiral stairs and elevators, with the second floor offering breathtaking views of the entire city.
In addition to the stunning vistas, the second floor also houses a small cafe and shop.
3. Fort James
Also known as Kunta Kinteh island in the Gambia River, Fort James is a historical monument that played a significant role in the country’s past.
Built by the British in the mid-17th century, the fort was a trading post and a holding place for enslaved individuals waiting for ships to take them to the Americas.
Over time, the fort changed hands several times, with the French and Dutch authorities also taking control of the fort at different periods.
Despite its turbulent past, Fort James remains an iconic landmark in Gambia and serves as a reminder of the country’s complex history.
Today, visitors to Fort James can explore the ruins of the fort. Although now dilapidated, the fort’s remains offer a glimpse into what life might have been like in Gambia during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Visitors can see the remnants of the fort’s walls, the barracks where soldiers once lived, and the cells where enslaved individuals were kept.
While exploring the fort, visitors can also learn about the history of the slave trade and the important role that Fort James played in this dark chapter of world history.
Despite its tragic past, Fort James serves as an important reminder of Gambia’s cultural heritage and the country’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Fort James makes visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Gambia’s rich history while gaining insight into the rich history of The Gambia. As such, a visit to Fort James is a must for anyone interested in history, culture, and the human experience.
4. Tanji Village Museum
One of top tourist attractions in Gambia is the Tanji Village Museum, a cultural museum that offers a glimpse into the traditional Mandinka way of life.
At the museum, visitors can explore the recreated Mandinka huts and learn about customs, beliefs, and traditional practices such as craft making, music, and medicine.
The museum also showcases the local fauna and flora, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about Gambia’s rich natural heritage.
For tourists, a visit to Tanji Village Museum is a must-do activity. The museum offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to gain insight into the daily lives of Gambians and the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, the Tanji Village Museum is sure to offer something of interest.
Overall, the Tanji Village Museum is a fascinating monument in Gambia that celebrates the country’s cultural heritage. A visit to the museum is not just educational, but also an enjoyable experience that offers a unique perspective on life in Gambia.
5. National Museum Of Albreda
The slavery museum in Gambia is a small but powerful monument that focuses on the brutal treatment suffered by human captives during the era of the transatlantic slave trade.
The museum features displays, photos, and memorabilia related to slavery, as well as a dedicated room showcasing the Roots connection and subsequent film.
One of the most striking exhibits in the museum is a replica slave ship, providing visitors with a visceral sense of the horrors endured by the millions of Africans who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic.
Visitors to the museum can also purchase tickets to Kunta Kinteh Island, a nearby national monument that includes admission to the museum.
The island, which was formerly known as James Island, was a key site in the slave trade and was the setting for much of the novel Roots.
A visit to the slavery museum and Kunta Kinteh Island is a sobering yet essential experience for anyone interested in learning about Gambia’s history and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
6. Fort Bullen
Fort Bullen, located at Barra Point, was built in the early 19th century with the primary purpose of preventing French slaves from going up the River Gambia. The fort was a key element of the British strategy to enforce the ban on slavery in the region.
Although the fort was later abandoned, it was brought back into action during World War Two, serving as an important base and observatory for British artillery.
Despite its turbulent past, Fort Bullen remains one of the most well-preserved and significant historic monuments in Gambia.
Today, visitors can explore the fort’s battlements and ramparts, which offer breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside and the River Gambia.
Like other tourist attractions in Gambia, a visit to Fort Bullen is a must for anyone interested in the country’s history.
7. St Joseph’s Adult Education
Located inside a historic Portuguese building, St Joseph’s Adult Education has been serving as a training center for women in need for the past two decades.
Visitors are welcome to take a free tour of the center’s sewing, crafts, and tie-dye classes, and even purchase reasonably priced items at the on-site boutique, including patchwork products, embroidered purses, and adorable children’s clothing.
This hidden gem is a must-visit attraction in Gambia and provides a unique cultural experience for tourists.
8. July 22 Square
July 22 Square is a historic landmark in Gambia that features a beautiful World War I memorial and an illuminated fountain that creates a stunning display at night.
Dating back to the 1930s, the quadrangular square is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
With its rich history and beautiful architecture, July 22 Square is considered one of the most ancient monuments in Gambia.
9. Wassu Stone Circles
Located on the north bank of the River Gambia, the Stone Circles are a remarkable collection of ancient megaliths. The Wassu Stone Circles, in particular, are considered one of the most significant among the Senegambia Stone Circles.
This iconic monument in Gambia attracts a large number of visitors due to the sheer size and impressive stature of the stones, with the tallest one measuring about 8 feet in height.
A visit to the stone circles is an absolute must for anyone interested in history and archaeology. In the visitor center at Wassu, visitors can learn more about the Stone Circles and the fascinating history behind them.
10. National Museum
The National Museum of Gambia is a well-curated museum that showcases a wide range of historical and cultural artifacts.
Visitors can explore various exhibits featuring ethnographic displays, musical instruments, and agricultural tools, among others.
One of the highlights of the museum is the archaeological section, which provides insights into the earliest periods of human habitation in the region.
Additionally, visitors can browse through a collection of photographs that document Gambian history leading up to the present day.
The National Museum of Gambia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s rich cultural heritage and is widely considered one of the top tourist attractions in Gambia.
Source
https://www.adequatetravel.com/blog/most-visited-monuments-in-gambia/
