Banjul, Gambia – Checking in
Published 16 years ago, updated 6 years ago
We visited Gambia in Jan/Feb 2009.
Anchor at Half Die and take your dinghy into the wharf. You have to tie up alongside a tug and will be accosted by “helpers”. Refuse all help, it is easy to visit the offices – immigration (office is on left as you come over a bridge from wharf), then customs and the port authority (ask for directions at security gate).
A “helper” in collusion with a uniformed official tried to get us to pay for a customs inspection of our boat. We checked back with the customs office and they told us it was not necessary.
You only need to pay for your river permit but we would recommend getting the tide tables, they were very helpful. You will have to pay in dalasi – go up the road from the port gates and visit the ATM first.
No problem checking out from Lamin Lodge which is still the best place to go anchor.
We also extended our visa at no charge for a further 28 days.
Make sure you go all the way up to Georgetown (furthest point possible) on the river, the best areas are above Baboon Island.
Michele Cutler
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