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Banjul
Overview
Banjul is the capital of Gambia and its fourth largest city. The city is on an island, which has constrained its size - its population is only 31,000 (2013). Consequently much of the population now is based on the mainla
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia1,632 words
WBP editorial3
A walk through colonial footprints
Banjul’s streets retain the grid laid out by the British in the early 19th century, but the rhythm of daily life has long since overwritten the pomp of empire. If you stray from the main thoroughfares, you’ll discover modest wooden shacks that house long‑standing family businesses selling everything from freshly baked coco‑bread to hand‑woven raffia bags. The modest size of the city means you can trace the arc of history on foot, moving from a former administrative precinct to the bustling fish market, where the scent of smoked tilapia mingles with the Atlantic breeze. Observing the contrast between well‑preserved colonial facades and the colourful, often improvised, market stalls offers a nuanced glimpse into how Banjul has re‑appropriated its built heritage.
Seasonal rhythms and the river’s pulse
Travelers often assume the capital’s small size guarantees constant weather, yet Banjul’s proximity to the river mouth creates a subtle seasonal swing. Between July and October the Harmattan dust from the Sahara can be felt in the air, making mornings crisp and the river’s surface a silvery sheen—a photographer’s delight. Later, when the rains swell the Gambia River, boat trips from the harbour reveal villages that appear only at high water, their mud‑brick homes perched on temporary stilts. Planning a visit around these natural cycles lets you witness the city’s relationship with the water, from the quiet, mist‑laden sunrise over Independence Square to the lively evening when locals gather on riverbanks for informal drumming sessions.