There is a free anchorage in Half Dike, of the new public pier. At night, all the fishermen return to anchor in their canoes and cook and chatter and laugh all night. They are curious, friendly and respectful.

Everything they say about entry clearance is true. A guy at the new public pier gate assisted me in going to all of the different offices. Some baksheesh was paid to two officials, and some small gifts, candy and coffee were given. Nothing major. A bit of a marathon, but an interesting experience if you are open to the chaos of it all! The port offices are all in a port complex which is heaving with people, dust and heavy container trucks. I would not want to attempt this unaided! There is a lot of walking and the assistant beach master likes to run everywhere but he kindly gave me half a margarine sandwich!

There is a standpipe near the new pier gate where I got good drinking water for my tanks. If it’s locked, the gate security has a key. I had a quick all-over wash when I was there and no one seemed to mind! Had to ferry the water containers out in the dinghy by hand.

There’s a fuel available known as black diesel which is made from old engine oil etc. It’s cheap and apparently, people buy it when visiting. Personally, I would be hesitant. There are regular garages inland that sell the fuel that runs modern cars, so it must be ok.

Approaching Banjul by night, I couldn’t work out what the orange flickering was in some small vessels. I later learned that the fishing canoes light fires on board to cook! There was a proliferation of these guys in their canoes on the last 25 miles via the pilotage route. Also many nets and flagged fishing buoys.

I wouldn’t say that Banjul is that good for provisioning. Fruit and veg seem in short supply. I went out of town and found a market to buy three weeks worth of stuff.

Report by Dan Stroud

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of noonsite.com or the World Cruising Club

Related content

Banjul