Janjanbureh: A Historical Gem on the Gambia River

• HelloSalam aleikum
  [sa-lam a-lay-kum]
• GoodbyeTaa
  [ta]
• YesEey
  [ee-y]
• NoAla
  [a-la]
• Please/You're welcomeAbaraka
  [a-ba-ra-ka]
• Thank youJerejef
  [je-re-jef]
• Excuse me/SorryNjaafun
  [nja-fun]
• How are you?Nanga def?
  [nan-ga def]
• Fine. And you?Nopp. Nopp, yow?
  [nop. nop, yow]
• Do you speak English?Nopp, baangi Englisi?
  [nop, ban-gi en-gli-si]
• I don't understandMaa laa jee?
  [maa laa jee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNopp, baangi menu xee ma?
  [nop, ban-gi me-nu xee ma]
• I don't eat meatMaa laa nopp jaram
  [maa laa nop ja-ram]
• Cheers!Baanoot!
  [ba-noo-t]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNopp, baangi fii ma
  [nop, ban-gi fee ma]

• Help!Jibaa!
  [ji-baa]
• Go away!Deegal!
  [dee-gal]
• Call the Police!Nopp, baangi polis yi
  [nop, ban-gi po-lis yi]
• Call a doctor!Nopp, baangi dokteer yi
  [nop, ban-gi dok-tee-er yi]
• I'm lostNopp, maa baax
  [nop, maa baax]
• I'm illNopp, maa jamm
  [nop, maa jam]

• I'd like to buy...Nopp, baangi jum
  [nop, ban-gi jum]
• I'm just lookingNopp, ma xel
  [nop, ma xel]
• How much is it?Wala ngay jum?
  [wa-la ngay jum]
• That's too expensiveXalee ci la
  [xa-lee ci la]
• Can you lower the price?Mangi waay jum?
  [man-gi waay jum]

• What time is it?Waar def?
  [waar def]
• It's one o'clockWaar mo genn
  [waar mo genn]
• Half past (10)Xaliss (10)
  [xa-liss (10)]
• MorningSubaka
  [su-ba-ka]
• AfternoonDinde
  [din-de]
• EveningLeeral
  [lee-ral]
• YesterdayNoppal
  [nop-pal]
• TodayNopp
  [nop]
• TomorrowNoppal na
  [nop-pal na]
• 1Benn
  [ben]
• 2Jujj
  [juj]
• 3Talat
  [ta-lat]
• 4Nyaar
  [nyaar]
• 5Jamm
  [jam]
• 6Jomon
  [jo-mon]
• 7Jete
  [je-te]
• 8Jowor
  [jo-wor]
• 9Jowor na benn
  [jo-wor na ben]
• 10Jowor na jujj
  [jo-wor na jujj]

• Where's a/the...?Feen...
  [feen]
• What's the address?Ndax...
  [nda-x]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mangi nopp dina?
  [man-gi nop di-na]
• When's the next (bus)?Feen...
  [feen]
• A ticket (to ....)Nopp, baangi bi (to ....)
  [nop, ban-gi bi (to ....)]

Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown, was established by the British in 1832. It was strategically located on MacCarthy Island in the River Gambia, making it an important center for trade and administration during the colonial period.

During the British colonial era, Janjanbureh served as a key administrative center. The island was named after Sir Charles MacCarthy, the then-Governor of the British West African Territories. The town housed various colonial buildings, including a court house and a governor's residence, which still stand today as historical landmarks.

Janjanbureh played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. The island served as a holding point for enslaved Africans before they were transported to the Americas. The remnants of slave trading posts and holding cells can still be visited, offering a somber glimpse into this dark chapter of history.

After The Gambia gained independence from British rule in 1965, Janjanbureh gradually shifted from being an administrative hub to a more locally-focused community. However, its historical significance remains intact, and it continues to attract visitors interested in colonial and slave trade history.

Janjanbureh is not just a historical site but also a vibrant cultural center. The town is home to the annual Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival, which celebrates the traditional Mandinka masquerade known as the Kankurang. This festival is a colorful and lively event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Janjanbureh boasts several historic sites that offer a window into its past. Key landmarks include the Freedom Tree, where enslaved people were auctioned, and the Wassu Stone Circles, which are ancient megalithic sites believed to be burial grounds dating back to between 750 and 1000 AD. These sites are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The island is home to several educational institutions that have historical roots. Armitage High School, established in 1927, is one of the oldest secondary schools in the country. It has produced many prominent Gambian leaders and continues to serve as an important educational institution.

Today, Janjanbureh is a small but bustling town that blends its rich historical past with modern Gambian life. It serves as a gateway for eco-tourism in the Central River Region, offering activities such as bird watching, river cruises, and visits to nearby national parks like River Gambia National Park.

Janjanbureh, also known as Georgetown, is located on MacCarthy Island in the Gambia River. The nearest major airport is Banjul International Airport (BJL) in the capital city of Banjul. From Banjul, you can take a combination of road and ferry transport to reach Janjanbureh. The journey typically involves a drive to the town of Barra, followed by a ferry crossing to the north bank of the river, and then another drive to Janjanbureh. Alternatively, you can arrange for a domestic flight to the nearby Farafenni Airstrip and then take a taxi to Janjanbureh.

In Janjanbureh, transportation options include local taxis, which are relatively inexpensive and can be hired for short trips around the island. Motorbike taxis, known as 'Jakarta', are also a popular mode of transportation for shorter distances. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. Public minibuses (locally known as 'Gele-Gele') are available for travel to surrounding areas, but schedules can be irregular.

The official currency in The Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller shops and local markets. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to Janjanbureh, as banking facilities on the island are limited.

Janjanbureh is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is always important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Janjanbureh does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 116 for medical emergencies. There is a local police station in Janjanbureh and a healthcare center that can handle minor medical issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, remove your shoes and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers and give up your seat to elderly or pregnant individuals. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salaam aleikum' (peace be upon you). A handshake is common, but be mindful that physical contact with the opposite gender may not always be appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Janjanbureh like a local, visit the vibrant local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit historical sites such as the Wassu Stone Circles and the Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island), both of which offer insights into the region's rich heritage. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the Gambia River to observe the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of the area.