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Brikama, Gambia - Things to Do in Brikama

Brikama

Brikama, Gambia - Complete Travel Guide

Brikama, the capital of the West Coast Region in Gambia, is a busy town located just 25 kilometers south of the capital Banjul. Known as the country's largest town outside the capital area, Brikama serves as an important commercial and cultural hub, famous for its traditional crafts, bustling markets, and authentic Gambian atmosphere. The town is particularly renowned for its skilled woodcarvers and craftsmen who create beautiful furniture, sculptures, and decorative items that are exported throughout West Africa. Visitors to Brikama will discover a more authentic side of Gambian life, away from the tourist-focused coastal areas. The town offers excellent opportunities to experience local culture, witness traditional craftsmanship, explore busy markets, and interact with friendly locals. With its central location, Brikama also serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region, including nearby nature reserves, traditional villages, and the scenic Gambia River.

Top Brikama

Brikama Craft Market

Visit the famous craft market where skilled artisans create and sell traditional Gambian woodcarvings, furniture, and decorative items. Watch craftsmen at work using traditional techniques passed down through generations, and purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the makers.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required - visit during morning hours (8-11 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected, so start at about 30-40% of the asking price. Look for high-quality hardwood pieces and ask about shipping options for larger items.

Traditional Village Cultural Experience

Take a guided tour to nearby traditional villages to experience authentic Gambian rural life. Participate in daily activities, learn about local customs, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and share meals with local families.

Booking Tip: Book through local tour operators or your accommodation for $25-40 per person including transport and meals. Best experienced during dry season (November-May). Choose operators who work directly with village communities to ensure real feels and fair compensation.

Gambia River Excursion

Join a boat trip along the scenic Gambia River to spot wildlife, visit riverside villages, and enjoy the peaceful waterway landscapes. These excursions often include opportunities to see various bird species, monkeys, and traditional fishing communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $30-50 per person including boat, guide, and refreshments. Book 1-2 days in advance through local operators. Early morning departures (7-8 AM) offer best wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. Bring sun protection and binoculars.

Local Market and Street Food Tour

Explore Brikama's bustling local markets and sample authentic Gambian street food and local delicacies. Visit spice vendors, fresh produce stalls, and try traditional dishes like benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), and fresh tropical fruits.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, or join organized food tours for $20-30 per person. Visit markets in the morning (8-11 AM) for freshest produce and most active atmosphere. Bring small bills for purchases and try foods from busy stalls with high turnover.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool Day Trip

Visit the sacred crocodile pool in nearby Bakau, where Nile crocodiles live in harmony with local communities. This spiritual site is believed to have fertility powers, and visitors can safely touch the docile crocodiles under supervision of local guides.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around $5-8 per person plus small tips for guides. Combine with other coastal attractions for a full day trip costing $40-60 including transport. Visit any time of day, but morning hours offer more active crocodiles. Photography fees may apply separately.

Getting There

Brikama is easily accessible from Banjul International Airport, located about 45 minutes away by road. Shared taxis (sept-place) run regularly between Banjul and Brikama for around $2-3 per person, while private taxis cost $15-25 for the journey. Local buses (gele-gele) provide the most economical option at under $1 but take longer and can be crowded. Many visitors rent cars in Banjul or arrange private transfers through their accommodation, which offers more flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.

Getting Around

Getting around Brikama is best done on foot for the town center, as most attractions, markets, and restaurants are within walking distance. For longer distances or day trips to surrounding areas, shared taxis and motorcycle taxis (jakarta) are readily available and inexpensive, typically costing $1-3 for local trips. Bicycle rentals are sometimes available through guesthouses for around $5-8 per day. For exploring multiple sites or traveling with luggage, hiring a private taxi for half or full days (negotiable at $25-40) provides comfort and convenience.

Where to Stay

Brikama Town Center
Sukuta Area
Brufut Heights
Tanji Coastal Area
Gunjur Beach Zone
Sanyang Village

Food & Dining

Brikama's food scene centers around local markets, street food vendors, and small family-run restaurants serving authentic Gambian cuisine. Try traditional dishes like benachin (Gambian jollof rice), domoda (rich peanut stew), and fresh grilled fish at local eateries for $3-8 per meal. The town's markets offer excellent fresh tropical fruits, groundnuts, and local snacks. Several small restaurants near the craft market cater to visitors with both local and basic international dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, head to nearby coastal areas where beach restaurants serve fresh seafood and international cuisine in scenic settings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Gambia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Ganbei Japanese Restaurant & Bar

4.5 /5
(972 reviews) 2

Delicious Indian Cuisine & Bar

4.7 /5
(900 reviews) 2

Nepali Chulo

4.9 /5
(200 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Brikama is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable (20-30°C) and there's minimal rainfall. December through February offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for exploring markets and outdoor activities. The wet season (June-October) brings heavy rains and high humidity, though the landscape becomes lush and green. Avoid visiting during the peak of the wet season (July-September) when roads can become difficult to navigate and outdoor activities are limited.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Wolof or Mandinka greetings - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it often leads to better prices and warmer interactions
Carry small denominations of dalasi for market purchases and tips, as vendors often don't have change for large bills
Visit the craft workshops in the early morning to see artisans at work before the heat of the day, and ask about custom pieces that can be made during longer stays

Activities in Brikama