Overview
Banjul, the compact capital of The Gambia, sits where the River Gambia meets the Atlantic and is the gateway to the country's famous beaches, birdlife and river cruises. For UK travellers it is one of the closest winter-sun destinations in West Africa, with a direct flight time of around six hours and no time difference in winter, as The Gambia stays on GMT year-round. Most visitors pair a day exploring Banjul's markets and monuments with a stay along the coastal resort strip at Kotu, Kololi and Cape Point. Use the price charts on this page to see how fares to Banjul are moving and when booking makes the most sense.
Best time to fly to Banjul
The Gambia has a long dry season from November to April, with warm, sunny days, low humidity and very little rain. This is peak season and the busiest time for flights from the UK, especially over Christmas and February half-term. The green (rainy) season runs roughly July to October, when it is hotter and more humid with heavy afternoon showers; there are fewer flights but resorts are quieter and fares are often lower. Birdwatching is at its best between November and March. The When to book chart above shows how prices shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
TUI Airways operates the main direct service from the UK to Banjul, flying seasonally through the winter months from London Gatwick and Manchester. Reckon on about six hours from London and a little over six hours from Manchester. These flights run mainly as package holidays, though flight-only seats are frequently available. Year-round you can also reach Banjul with one stop on carriers such as Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Connecting routes take longer but add flexibility outside the winter season, when direct options thin out.
Things to do in Banjul
Banjul itself is small and easily seen in a day, with more to explore just along the coast.
- Arch 22: A 35-metre ceremonial gateway on the road into the city, with a small museum and a rooftop viewpoint over the rooftops and river.
- Albert Market: A busy warren of stalls off Liberation Avenue selling fabrics, wood carvings, spices and everyday goods.
- National Museum of The Gambia: Compact galleries on the country's history, cultures and road to independence, near MacCarthy Square.
- Kachikally Crocodile Pool: A sacred pool in nearby Bakau where you can get surprisingly close to resident Nile crocodiles.
- Kotu Creek and the Tanbi Wetlands: Mangrove channels on the city's edge that rank among West Africa's easiest spots for casual birdwatching.
At Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Banjul International Airport, also known as Yundum, lies about 24km (40 minutes) south-west of central Banjul and 15 to 20km from the main coastal resorts. There is no rail link. Most package travellers use a pre-booked hotel transfer; otherwise official green tourist taxis charge fixed, government-set fares, while yellow shared taxis are cheaper but you should agree the price before setting off. Car hire is available at the terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Banjul
- Book roughly two to three months ahead for winter-sun dates, as the best-value seats on the seasonal direct flights sell early.
- Sidestep the Christmas, New Year and February half-term peaks; mid-January, late April and the green season bring fares down noticeably.
- Choose midweek departures where you can, as Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
- Compare a flight-only booking against a TUI package, check both Gatwick and Manchester, and use the price charts on this page to time it.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not currently need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but check the latest entry rules on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before you travel and make sure your passport is valid for the whole trip. The currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD), and cash is essential outside larger hotels, so carry small denominations for taxis, markets and tips. See a GP or travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure for advice on malaria precautions and routine vaccinations; a yellow fever certificate is only required if you are arriving from a country where the disease is a risk, not on direct flights from the UK.
