Banjul: The Gateway to the Gambia

• HelloSalamalekum
  [sa-la-ma-le-kum]
• GoodbyeTubaaba
  [tu-ba-ba]
• YesEewa
  [ee-wa]
• NoAlaa
  [a-la]
• Please/You're welcomeNanga def
  [nan-ga def]
• Thank youJerejef
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryNjaafun
  [nja-fun]
• How are you?Senegal laa?
  [se-ne-gal laa]
• Fine. And you?Jerejef. Amaa la?
  [je-re-jef. a-maa la]
• Do you speak English?Jangi wolof?
  [jan-gi wo-lof]
• I don't understandDinaa fahm
  [di-naa fahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDamaa jekk menu, tangal leen
  [da-maa jekk me-nu, tan-gal leen]
• I don't eat meatMa laa jen la
  [ma laa jen la]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sa-lu-te]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDamaa baax, tangal leen
  [da-maa baax, tan-gal leen]

• Help!Ndanka!
  [n-dan-ka]
• Go away!Sama yaram!
  [sa-ma ya-ram]
• Call the Police!Noppulisi!
  [nop-pu-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Nopdokter!
  [nop-dok-ter]
• I'm lostNoppa la
  [nop-pa la]
• I'm illNoppa la
  [nop-pa la]

• I'd like to buy...Damaa set
  [da-maa set]
• I'm just lookingNoppa la
  [nop-pa la]
• How much is it?Mangi sa?
  [man-gi sa]
• That's too expensiveDafa wara sa
  [da-fa wa-ra sa]
• Can you lower the price?Wax naa leen sa yaram
  [wax naa leen sa ya-ram]

• What time is it?Kan waqtu la?
  [kan waq-tu la]
• It's one o'clockBenn baax
  [ben baax]
• Half past (10)Xale yi (10)
  [xa-le yi (10)]
• MorningSuba
  [su-ba]
• AfternoonNgoon la
  [ngo-on la]
• EveningNgoonu
  [ngo-o-nu]
• YesterdayNeexnaa
  [neex-naa]
• TodayHawla
  [haw-la]
• TomorrowBernde
  [bern-de]
• 1Benn
  [ben]
• 2Fett
  [fett]
• 3Nde
  [nde]
• 4Nerte
  [ner-te]
• 5Juro
  [ju-ro]
• 6Weeta
  [wee-ta]
• 7Worom
  [wo-rom]
• 8Bedel
  [be-del]
• 9Semb
  [semb]
• 10Fukk
  [fukk]

• Where's a/the...?Koo yowte...?
  [koo yow-te]
• What's the address?Kanu dippa?
  [ka-nu dip-pa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Wax naa leen (soppu lapp)?
  [wax naa leen (sop-pu lapp)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kanu jerejef (bus)?
  [ka-nu je-re-jef (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bileet (jam...)
  [bi-leet (jam)]

Banjul, originally known as Bathurst, was founded by the British in 1816. Captain Alexander Grant was tasked with finding a site for a settlement to curb the activities of slave traders. The chosen site, located on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the River Gambia, was ideal for strategic and defensive purposes. The settlement was named after the British Colonial Secretary, Henry Bathurst.

Banjul played a significant role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The city was established as a trading post and base for anti-slave trade operations. The British navy used the port to intercept and capture slave ships, contributing to the broader efforts to end the slave trade in the region.

During the colonial era, Banjul grew as a commercial and administrative center. The colonial government established key infrastructure, including government buildings, schools, and hospitals. The city became a melting pot of cultures, with influences from British colonialists, indigenous Gambians, and traders from various regions.

The Gambia gained independence from Britain on February 18, 1965. Post-independence, Bathurst was renamed Banjul in 1973 as part of a broader effort to shed colonial names and assert national identity. The name ‘Banjul’ is derived from the Mandinka word 'Bang julo', meaning 'fiber' or 'rope', reflecting the island's history of rope-making from local vegetation.

Banjul is a vibrant cultural hub, known for its rich traditions, music, and festivals. The city is home to the annual Independence Day celebrations on February 18, featuring parades, cultural performances, and community events. Another significant festival is the Roots Homecoming Festival, inspired by Alex Haley’s novel 'Roots', celebrating Gambian heritage and the African diaspora.

Banjul boasts several architectural landmarks that reflect its historical and cultural heritage. Notable sites include Arch 22, a towering gate commemorating the 1994 coup d'état, and the historic Albert Market, a bustling marketplace established in the 19th century. These landmarks provide a glimpse into the city's colonial past and vibrant present.

In recent decades, Banjul has undergone significant economic and social development. The port of Banjul remains a vital economic hub, facilitating trade and commerce. Efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education have contributed to the city's growth. Despite challenges, Banjul continues to adapt and thrive, balancing tradition with modernity.

Banjul is served by Banjul International Airport (BJL), located about 24 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from several major European cities, as well as regional hubs in West Africa. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to reach the city. Ferries are also available if you are traveling from nearby regions such as Barra.

In Banjul, taxis are the most common mode of transportation. They are affordable and can be easily hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. Shared taxis, known locally as 'bush taxis,' are a budget-friendly option but may be crowded. Minibuses and buses are available for traveling within the city and to surrounding areas. Car rentals are also available but be mindful of local driving conditions.

The official currency of The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Banjul, but they may not always be reliable. Exchange bureaus are also readily available for currency conversion.

Banjul is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places such as markets. Areas like Serekunda and the beach areas around Kololi have reported higher instances of crimes targeting tourists. Always stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 116 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire services. Banjul has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical attention. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. It's common to ask about someone's well-being before getting to business. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t use your left hand to eat, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Banjul like a local, visit the Albert Market where you can buy fresh produce, textiles, and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Don’t miss visiting Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site and popular tourist attraction. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Banjul beach during sunset, which offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.