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HomeRoad TripsAfricaWest AfricaThe GambiaGambia
Gambia

Gambia Road Trip

Yundum - Sotokoi - Dumbutu - George Town - Wassu - Farafenni - Essau - Banjul - Sanyang - Gunjur

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Wildlife Wildlife
Culture Culture
Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Gambia Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km630 h/stage1.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Gambia Road Trip in The Gambia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 0EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 0EUR eat & more 0EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 88EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 88EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 0EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 0EUR eat & more 0EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 113EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 113EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 0EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 0EUR eat & more 0EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 150EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 150EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 0EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 0EUR eat & more 0EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 175EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 175EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Gambia Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of The Gambia with the Gambia Road Trip! This route starts in Yundum, a city in the country of The Gambia, and ends in the same city. Along the way, you will pass through Sotokoi, Dumbutu, George Town, Wassu, Farafenni, and Sanyang, with a total distance of about 630 km. The recommended time to complete this road trip is 12 days, and the best time of the year to drive is during the dry season, which is between November and June. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the many beaches, nature, and UNESCO Heritage Monuments that The Gambia has to offer. Be aware that the road conditions are overall poor, and there is a border crossing along the route. Despite this, the Gambia Road Trip provides a very high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for any driver. This road trip can also be managed with a moderate budget, making it an ideal choice for those who want to explore The Gambia without breaking the bank.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 630 km route length
budget fair budget
good for explorer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Yundum

Distance 630 km Driving time 11.3 h Pace: modest 163.9 kWh Airports BJL
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Yundum is the perfect starting point for the Gambia Road Trip. Located in the western part of the country, the town is teeming with fascinating sights, sounds and activities to explore. The nearby international airport Fajara (IATA: FGA) offers car rentals for those looking to explore the area and its surrounding attractions. Those who visit Yundum can take advantage of its many attractions, from the bustling markets of the small town to the nearby beaches. The nearby beaches of Kotu, Kololi and Bakau offer a range of activities from relaxing on the sand to snorkeling and kayaking. For the more adventurous traveler, there are also the nearby Abuko Nature Reserve and the Kiang West National Park, where visitors can explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of Gambia. Yundum is also a great place to explore the vibrant culture of Gambia. From the lively bars and restaurants to the colorful markets, there is something to suit all tastes. For those looking to explore further afield, there are many interesting sights in the area, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kunta Kinteh Island and the nearby River Gambia National Park. For a truly unique experience, visitors can take a boat to the nearby Tanji Bird Reserve, where they can observe a wide variety of birds, such as pelicans, flamingos and kingfishers. Yundum is the perfect starting point for a Gambia Road Trip, offering a range of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests. From the bustling markets to the diverse wildlife and cultural attractions, it is the perfect place to begin your journey.

1 Yundum - Sotokoi

Distance 46 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: slow 10.7 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues interesting  historic site
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Yundum, The Gambia. This 46 km journey will take you through Abuko and Kubuneh, and end in Sotokoi. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Gambia. Make sure to take in the sights of Abuko Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Visit Kubuneh, the second largest city in the Gambia, and explore its historical sites. Driving time for this section is less than two hours, so make sure to take a break and enjoy the scenery. A 4WD car is advisable for this journey. As you drive, look out for historical sites, as well as local restaurants and accommodation options. At the end of the journey, you'll reach Sotokoi, the perfect place to end your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

2 Sotokoi - Dumbutu

Distance 90 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 26.9 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues attractive landscape
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Embark on a road trip from Sotokoi to Dumbutu, a 90 km journey that takes less than 2 hours. Get ready to experience the picturesque landscapes of The Gambia along the way. For this section, a 4WD car is recommended. Enjoy the views of the savanna, the local villages and the majestic river. For a unique experience, stop at Sotokoi and visit the local market, where you can find colorful fabrics and local crafts. In Dumbutu, visit the local museum and admire the artifacts from the area's history. Don't miss the chance to take a boat ride on the river and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Dumbutu - George Town

Distance 163 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: fast 48.8 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site border crossing
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Dumbutu, The Gambia to George Town! This 163 km journey will take you fewer than 3 hours and is a great way to explore the region. We recommend you take a 4WD car for the route as you will be crossing the border. Along the way you will get to experience some of the UNESCO Heritage sites, as well as some of the historical sites and scenic roads. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. So, get ready for an adventure and explore the wonders of Dumbutu, The Gambia to George Town!

4 George Town - Wassu

Distance 21 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.5 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road border crossing
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from George Town, Malaysia to Wassu! Along the way, you will pass through the River Gambia National Park, a lush and beautiful landscape that is home to a variety of wildlife. A 4WD car is recommended for this 21 km drive, which should take you less than 1 hour. As you traverse the scenic road, be sure to keep an eye out for the border crossing. Once you arrive at the River Gambia National Park, you will be able to explore the area's numerous attractions, including the beautiful beaches, the rainforest, and the many animals that inhabit the park. After taking in the sights, you can continue your journey to Wassu, where you will find more exciting attractions. Be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!

5 Wassu - Farafenni

Distance 95 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 28.5 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road ferry crossing stretches of gravel road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Wassu to Farafenni! This 95 km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours, and is a great way to explore the area. A 4WD car is advisable for this section, and you'll even get to take a ferry crossing! Along the way, you'll get to take in the beautiful scenery, so keep your eyes open for any interesting sights. Some of the most interesting places to visit in this area include Wassu Stone Circles, Kiang West National Park, and the Farafenni Market. Whether you're just passing through or making this part of a larger tour, you'll find plenty of attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites to make your journey even more enjoyable. For more information, check out the Itinerary for this stage!

6 Farafenni - Essau

Distance 109 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 32.7 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road accommodation options
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Are you ready to embark on the Farafenni to Essau road trip? This 109 km journey will take you less than two hours and you will be able to explore the beautiful sights of The Gambia. A 4WD car is recommended for this trip, as the roads are quite bumpy. Along the way, you will be able to take in the stunning views of the countryside, so keep your eyes peeled. Make sure to stop in Farafenni, where you can visit the Farafenni Mosque and the Kiang West National Park. In Essau, you can explore the Kiang Central River National Park, the Essau Mosque and the Essau Island. This road trip is just one of the many stages on a much longer journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting adventure!

7 Essau - Banjul

Distance 11 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: slow 2.5 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road ferry crossing interesting  historic site attractive landscape
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If you're looking for an exciting road trip, look no further than the 11km drive from Essau to Banjul in The Gambia! This journey will take you less than an hour, so it's perfect for a short day trip. To make the most of the journey, we recommend you take a 4WD car and be prepared for a ferry crossing. As you drive, take in the historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. You'll be amazed at what you'll find along the way! For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the itinerary for this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

8 Banjul - Sanyang

Distance 39 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: slow 8.9 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road accommodation options attractive landscape
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Banjul to Sanyang, a journey of 39 km that will take no more than two hours. Start your journey in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, and make your way to Bijilo Forest Park, an enchanting wildlife reserve with an abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and many species of birds. While there, take some time to explore the trails, observe the local wildlife, and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. After leaving Bijilo, you will make your way to Sanyang, a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a vibrant fishing industry. Along the way, be sure to take in the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. A 4WD car is recommended for this section of the route. From Sanyang, you can continue on your journey, with more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

9 Sanyang - Gunjur

Distance 13 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 3.3 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Sanyang to Gunjur and explore the best of Gambia! Enjoy the scenic drive of just 13 km and take in the beauty of the Gambian countryside in fewer than 1 hour. A 4WD car is advisable to drive this section, and you will be rewarded for your efforts with stunning views of the region. Along the way, be sure to visit the bustling Sanyang Market, the peaceful Sanyang Beach, and the vibrant Gunjur Beach. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip through Gambia!

10 Gunjur - Yundum

Distance 44 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: slow 10.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues
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Embark on an exciting road trip stage starting in Gunjur, The Gambia and leading through Brikama and Yundum. This 44km journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete, and you will be able to explore the most interesting places in these locations. Start your adventure in Gunjur, where you can visit the Gunjur Market, the largest market in the region, and the Gunjur Beach, a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. Then, make your way to Brikama, where you can explore the Brikama Market, a bustling market with local goods and products, and the Brikama Baobolong Wetland Reserve, a protected area with a rich biodiversity. Finally, end your journey in Yundum, the city of peace, where you can visit the Yundum International Airport and the Yundum National Park. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the most interesting places in Gunjur, Brikama, and Yundum.

  Yundum

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Yundum is the perfect destination to finish off your Gambia Road Trip. Located just 30 minutes outside of the capital, Banjul, Yundum is the ideal place to relax and take in the beauty of The Gambia. The town offers many attractions, including the beautiful Yundum Mosque, the Yundum National Park and the Yundum National Monument. The National Monument is particularly interesting, as it is the last resting place of the first President of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. For nature lovers, there is plenty to explore in Yundum. The Yundum National Park is a great place to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. From monkeys and parrots to antelopes, you’ll be sure to find something interesting here. If you’re looking to take in some culture, Yundum is home to a number of traditional markets and art galleries. Here you can find a variety of local arts and crafts, including traditional fabrics, jewellery and pottery. For those travelling by car, Yundum is easily accessed via the Trans-Gambia Highway. The nearest international airport is Banjul International Airport (BJL) which is just 30 minutes away. Finish your Gambia Road Trip in style by visiting Yundum. With plenty of attractions and activities to explore, you’re sure to have a great time here.

Gambia Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, the presented road trip idea gave you multiple inspirations for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse stopovers.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around The Gambia, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to remember to ensure safety. These tips will also become useful for drivers who are considering vehicle rental or camper rental in The Gambia.
When driving around The Gambia, there are a number of traffic regulations to be mindful of. When moving around The Gambia in a car, try to avoid spirits at any price. Drivers ought to remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is rather low and is only -. In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed -, which is the maximum permissible speed when driving around the the city streets. The maximum permissible speed in undeveloped areas is -. Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of - when driving on highways. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase your safety.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Of course, depending on the budget option that you aim for, the amount of money that you have to pay for your travel expenses will vary. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 11 stages while travelling around The Gambia will cost roughly 88 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost tourists around 0 EUR. Tourists should also remember about the fact that they will spend around 0 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. Travellers will have to pay around 0 EUR if they are interested in the budget car hire option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 88 EUR to roughly 88 EUR.
Holidaymakers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 113 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 0 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard hotels. Travellers can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost around 0 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 0 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 113 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car rental and 113 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Travellers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 150 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend roughly 150 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire car should expect a cost of roughly 0 EUR. If you are interested in the highest standard of the adventure, you need to spend the maximum of 150 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the itinerary. You should expect to pay about 0 EUR for restaurants and food and about 0 EUR for accommodation if you are searching for the exclusive standard of services during your road trip.
Gambia Road Trip is also a superb opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this travel means, it costs approximately 0 EUR. Travellers will spend around 175 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Tourists who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay around 0 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 0 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the mentioned expenses in detail.
The period between November and April is superb to visit the part of The Gambia mentioned in our itinerary idea. If you like Gambia Road Trip, you should see other intriguing scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website. Even the most demanding of tourists will surely be surprised by the great versatility of travel opportunities that we offer.

Facts for safer driving in The Gambia

drink drive limit drink drive limit -
max speed urban max speed urban -
max speed rural max speed rural -
max speed highway max speed highway -
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime -
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher -
tolls tolls -
seat belts seat belts yes

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