The largest urban area in Gambia has a central market with hundreds of stalls selling fabrics, fresh produce and crafts. Streets fill with vendors and shoppers daily.
Serrekunda, The Gambia's most populated city, lies just inland from the Atlantic coast, a short drive from Banjul. Walk through its large Sandika Market to see vendors sorting fresh barracuda, stacks of cassava leaves, and bolts of dyed cotton cloth. Along the Senegambia Strip, youβll spot open-air grills serving chicken yassa and reggae bars hosting live bands. The city holds wrestling matches every weekend at Serekunda West Mini Stadium, where crowds cheer athletes in loincloths. Its location between the capital and beach resorts makes it a convenient place to stay while exploring inland villages and river systems.
Sandika Market
Begin at Sandika Market, a trading hub operating since the 19th century. Walk through narrow aisles past stalls selling okra, bitter tomatoes, and smoked catfish delivered each morning from fishing towns. Watch artisans dip fabric into indigo vats using wax patterns to create geometric designs. Try domoda, a peanut stew sold in metal bowls near the cloth section, or buy mangoes from women balancing baskets on their heads. In the northern stalls, traders from Guinea-Bissau barter printed bazin fabric using a mix of Wolof and French.
Senegambia Strip
Head to this coastal strip after 6 PM to hear djembe drums and smell grilled seafood at roadside stalls. At Ngala Lodge, bands play sabar rhythms while diners share plates of jollof rice and fried plantains. By day, rent a sunbed at Kololi Beach but stay close to shore due to shifting sandbars. Browse woodcarving workshops near the craft market, where carvers shape ebony into animal figurines. Taxis to nearby Kotu Beach take 10 minutes β look for kingfishers darting between mangrove roots at low tide.
Serekunda Mosque and Pipeline Mosque
Visit the Serekunda Mosque on Sayerr Jobe Avenue, built on the former compound of the cityβs Wolof founder. The ochre walls of this mosque stand near the white-tiled Pipeline Mosque, whose 33-meter minaret rises above Kairaba Avenue. In Bundung, join Friday prayers at Markaz center, where West African scholars discuss Quranic teachings under neem trees. South of Arch 22, notice how Muslim and Christian burial grounds share a fence line β a rare arrangement in the region.
Gambian Wrestling Matches
Attend a wrestling event at B.O. Semega Janneh arena in Dippa Kunda on Saturdays. Fighters rub sand and herbal pastes on their skin before stomping in circles to intimidate opponents. Local promoters like Semega Productions organize bouts during holidays, with bets placed on stars like Bombardier. The sport gained national attention after Bocar Janneh, a 1970s champion, introduced televised matches. Arrive early to watch warm-up dances accompanied by balafon players.
Transportation and Safety Tips
Take shared taxis (βgele-geleβ) from Westfield Junction to Banjul for 50 dalasi β drivers leave once all seven seats fill. From Senegalβs Ziguinchor, cross at Bignona border post using shared taxis costing 2,000 CFA francs. Buy a Gamcel SIM card at shops near Sandika Market for reliable network coverage. Keep cash in a secure pouch under clothing, especially in market crowds. Kanifing General Hospital handles emergencies, but carry antiseptic cream for minor cuts from market stalls.
Trips to Nearby Villages and Parks
Catch GSTC buses on Jimpex Road by 7 AM to reach Kwinella before midday heat. From there, motorboats ferry passengers to Tendaba Camp on the Gambia River. Hire a taxi to Bijilo Forest Park south of the city β follow trails past tamarind trees to spot vervet monkeys stealing picnic scraps. At Tanji Fishing Village, watch crews unload silver bonga fish onto bamboo drying racks by mid-morning. Bring closed-toe shoes to avoid sand fleas on the beach.
