Best Tourist Places to Visit in Gambia, Banjul, Western Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Gambia, Banjul, Western Africa, Africa

The Gambia is a Western African country located within Senegal, at 13.5000° N, 15.5000° W. Banjul is the capital and Serekunda is the largest city of Gambia. The Government of Gambia follows the presidential republic system. The western part of Gambia faces towards the Atlantic Ocean, where the Gambia River flows into the ocean. Gambia covers an area of 10,689 sq. km, making it the mainland Africa’s smallest country. In terms of population, Gambia is the 74th largest country in the world, housing a population of 1,882,450 people (as of the 2013 census). Dalasi is the currency used in Gambia.

 

History of Gambia:

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the mid-fifteenth century, the whole Gambia was part of the Mali Empire. Gambia was a disputed region for very long period between the British Empire and the French Empire and finally Gambia came under the British rule in 1758 except enclave at Albreda, which also became the part of the British in 1856. Gambia got emancipation from the British rule 18 February 1965.

 

Getting Gambia:

The Banjul International Airport is the gateway for Gambia, handling flights from Madrid, Dakar, Freetown, Lagos, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Conakry, Copenhagen, Oslo, Barcelona, Stockholm, Dakar and many other prime European cities.

The local transportation of Gambia is catered by buses, bikes, rental cars and taxis.

Gambia is also home to travel companies that offer guided tour for both national and international tourists.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Gambia:

Although English is the official language, Gambia comprises many national languages like Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serer and Jola which belong to different ethnic groups in the country with same names.

Some popular dishes practiced in Gambia include Benachin, Domoda, Chicken Yassa and Julbrew. Kora is a typical music instrument available to purchase and other purchasable items in Gambia are wooden masks, wood carvings and African drums.

 

Things to do in Gambia:

  • Day tours
  • Hiking
  • Visiting nature reserves
  • Boat tours

 

Tourist Attractions in Gambia:

 

Gambia National Museum:

The Gambia National Museum is situated in the national capital, Banjul, describing the culture and history of the country with historical documents and objects. It was established in 1985.

 

Abuko Nature Reserve:

The Abuko Nature Reserve is open for visitors from 8AM – 6.30PM every day. It is an ideal place to meet the Gambian wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles and around 300 bird species. The reserve is located near the village of Lamin, around 25 km from Banjul. Entrance fee is GMD 35.

 

Kachikally Crocodile Pool:

The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a great site for those who have strong heart and loves animals, especially crocodiles. One can find different kinds of crocodiles including famous West African Nile Crocodiles. Admission fee is GMD 50.

 

Sanyang Beach:

The Sanyang Beach is one of the top tourist attractions of Gambia, situated in the Kombo South district, around 30 km from Serrakunda. Other than beach beauty, the site is also famous for Rainbow Beach Bar.

 

Gambia River National Park:

The Gambia River National Park is a paradise of nature and animal lovers, situated near the town of Janjanbureh. By boat tours, visitors can be spotted baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, chimpanzees and many other interesting animals. Worth a money.

 

Other places of interest in and around Gambia include:

  • Kunta Kinteh Island
  • Gambia River
  • Kiang West National Park
  • MacCarthy Island
  • Arch 22
  • Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve
  • Albert Market

 

Ideal time to visit Gambia:

Gambia generally experiences a tropical climate and the best time to visit Gambia is from December to May.

 

Accommodation options in Gambia:

Being a tourist favor country, Gambia houses all sorts of accommodation centres including 4 and 5 star resorts. Eco camps and lodges are usually located around the natural tourist destinations of the country. Here are some top hotels in Banjul in Gambia:

  • Bijilo Beach Hotel
  • Baobab Holiday Resort
  • Coco Ocean Resort and Spa
  • Golden Beach Hotel
  • Casa Carla Bijilo
  • Lemon Creek Hotel Resort
  • Papaya Residence
  • Sardinka Guest House
  • Seafront Residence Hotel
  • Adji’s Lodge
  • Kingfishers Apartments
  • Oasis Relax Lodge
  • Tranquil Holiday Resort
  • Keapar Mariam Lodge

Cogo Tourist Places to Visit in Cogo, Equatorial Guinea, Africa

Cogo Tourist Places to Visit in Cogo, Equatorial Guinea, Africa

Cogo, earlier called Puerto Iradier, is a town situated on the Muni estuary in the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, located between 1°5′ N latitude and 9°42′ E longitude, around 115 meters above sea level. Cogo is the southernmost city of Equatorial Guinea, situated around 120 km south of the country’s largest city, Bata. Cogo is also called by the different names including Kogo, Koszho.

The economy of Cogo is concentrated on the fishing activity and also partially ruined Spanish Colonial architecture in the town draws tourists throughout the year. A monument dedicated to the first European settler in Cogo, Manuel Iradier Ybulfy, is one of the major landmarks of the town. Cogo is also the birthplace of the eminent doctor and political activist, Wenceslao Mansogo. A novel ‘Chromosome 6’, written by Robin Cook, has a lank with Cogo.

 

How to reach Cogo?

Cogo is situated around 120 km south its nearest airport, Bata Airport. The airport is connected to only African cities such as Douala, Libreville, Cotonou and Malabo.

There are taxis always being ready to serve visitors at the airport and also one can use a pre-booked rental vehicle for comfort and convenient airport travel. Buses are the inexpensive options.

The local transportation of Cogo is served by minibuses and also the town houses some travel agencies that provide car and bikes for local travel.

Food and Shopping in Cogo:

Modernized shops and food corners are difficult to see in Cogo but one can see many traditional shops and food corners all around the town. Visitors can consider Bata city to have memorable shopping experience and international dishes. Bata is around 120 km away from Cogo.

 

Things to do in Cogo:

  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Shopping

 

Places to see in Cogo:

 

Ruined Spanish Colonial buildings:

Cogo is famous among visitors for its partially ruined Spanish Colonial buildings that are allowed for visitors. One can take a natives’ help or choose a guided tour to find them easily.

 

Cogo Port:

The Cogo Port is the backbone of the town’s economy, where people usually work on fishing. There is an uninhabited Island of Evele, located in the vicinity of the port.

 

Manuel Iradier Ybulfy monument:

The town of Cogo houses a monument dedicated to the first European settler in the area, who settled in Cogo in the year 1850. Monument is large, functioning as one of the landmarks of the town.

Reserva Natural del Estuario del Muni:

The Reserva Natural del Estuario del Muni is a nature reserve in the southern region of Equatorial Guinea. It is well known for its affluent vegetation which receives nature lovers from all around the country.

 

List of other places of interests in and around Cogo include:

  • Piedra Bere Natural Monument
  • Evinayong
  • Oyala
  • Mongomo Provincial Hospital
  • Monte Alén National Park
  • Piedra Nzas Natural Monument
  • Bata Airport
  • Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
  • Moca Valley
  • Monte Alén National Park
  • Beaches and nightlife in Bata
  • Arena Blanca
  • Santa Isabel Catholic Cathedral
  • Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve
  • Pico Basilé
  • The Museum of Biyabiyan
  • Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program

 

Best time to visit Cogo:

The best time to visit Cogo depends on visitors’ interest, although the most popular time to visit Cogo is from December to February.

 

Accommodation Options in and around Cogo:

There are upgraded hotels less in number, so it is advised for visitors to reach the country’s largest city, Bata to make tour memorable staying at top end hotel with tourist favor facilities and services. The prominent hotels in Bata (around 120 km from Cogo) are listed below:

  • Hotel Gabriel
  • Hotel Yessika
  • Les Pagaies
  • Elik Melen
  • Hotel Mongomo
  • Panafrica Hotel
  • Ibis Bata
  • Aparthotel Plaza

Tourist Places to Visit in Mongomo, Wele-Nzas, Equatorial Guinea, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Mongomo, Wele-Nzas, Equatorial Guinea, Africa

Mongomo is a city belonging to the Wele-Nzas Province of Equatorial Guinea, situated in the extreme east of the country, on the border of Gabon with Equatorial Guinea. Mongomo geographically coordinates with 1°38′43.34″ N latitude and 11°19′00.60″ E longitude, is located around 200 km east-southeast of Bata, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. Mongomo is home to a soccer club, Deportivo Mongomo, which pays in Equatoguinean Premier League. The Mongomo Provincial Hospital and Mongomo Hotel are the two major landmarks of Mongomo.

 

How to reach Mongomo?

Mongomo is served by the Bata Airport, one of three airports of Equatorial Guinea. It is situated around 220 km away from the centre of Mongomo. This airport covers only African cities like Douala, Libreville, Cotonou and Malabo.

At the airport, taxis are generally available and for those who want more comfort travel, advised to book a private transfer prior to the reaching the airport.

To get around Mongomo, buses are generally available and taxis are gettable from the local travel agency on day or week basis.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mongomo:

Mongomo houses one of the major soccer clubs of the country, named Deportivo Mongomo. The city also houses many cultural centres showcasing importance of itself and country’s culture.

Mongomo houses a nice traditional market where one can purchase a wide range of locally produced colorful handicraft products, fresh fruits and cloth. Mongomo also possesses few tourist favor restaurants.

 

What to do in Mongomo?

  • Visiting traditional markets
  • Walking
  • Village tours

 

Places to see in and around Mongomo:

 

Mongomo Provincial Hospital:

The Mongomo Provincial Hospital is one of the landmarks of Mongomo and other than services, the hospital is known for its nicely constructed building and surrounding environment.

 

Piedra Bere Natural Monument:

The Piedra Bere Natural Monument is a nature reserve, to the northwest of the city of Mongomo. It is rich in vegetation and also houses some native faunal species. Taking a guided tour to explore it is better.

 

Oyala:

Oyala is a city under construction to become the future capital of Equatorial Guinea by replacing the present capital, Malabo. The city is expected to cover an area of 8,150 hectares. It is located around 100 km west of Mongomo.

 

Evinayong:

Evinayong is a town, located around 130 km southwest of Mongomo. The town is well known for its nightlife activities with upgraded clubs, restaurants and cafes. Its traditional market is also popular.

 

List of other places of interests in and around Mongomo include:

  • Monte Alén National Park
  • Piedra Nzas Natural Monument
  • Bata
  • Bata Airport
  • Evinayong
  • Beaches in Bata
  • Nightlife in Bata
  • Arena Blanca
  • Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
  • Moca Valley
  • Pico Basilé
  • The Museum of Biyabiyan
  • Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program
  • Monte Alén National Park
  • Santa Isabel Catholic Cathedral
  • Pico Malabo
  • Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve

 

Best time to visit Mongomo:

Generally during the months between November and February is the best time to visit Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea.

 

Accommodation Options in Mongomo:

The Mongomo Hotel is the most important accommodation centre in Mongomo, providing excellent hospitality services with all upgraded facilities and services. It is located at Kos Ete. For more facilitated hotels, it is advised for visitors to drive towards Bata. Some reputed hotels in Mongomo and Bata (around 200 km from Mongomo) are as follows:

  • Hotel Mongomo
  • Panafrica Hotel
  • Les Pagaies
  • Elik Melen
  • Ibis Bata
  • Aparthotel Plaza
  • Hotel Gabriel
  • Hotel Yessika

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Evinayong, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Evinayong, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa, Africa

Evinayong is a town and the administrative centre of the Centro Sur Province in the Rio Muni mainland of Equatorial Guinea, located around 120 km southeast to the country’s largest city, Bata. It is situated in the mountainous region, famous among tourists for its nightlife, traditional market and waterfalls in the vicinity of the town. Other than nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts are also frequented to Evinayong.

Prison in Evinayong is one of the landmarks of the town. Evinayong lies around 630 meters above sea level and coordinates with 1°27′ N latitude and 10°34′ E longitude.

 

How to reach Evinayong?

There is no alternative to travel Evinayong except Bata Airport, so international tourists are needed to reach Bata Airport first and then take bus or taxi from there to Evinayong. The Bata Airport is located around 130 km away from the centre of Evinayong and operates flights from and to the African cities Douala, Libreville, Cotonou and Malabo. Intercontinental tourists are advised to reach either Malabo Airport within the country or Douala Airport in Cameroon or Libreville Airport in Gabon and then to turn their journey to Bata Airport.

The town of Evinayong can explore by buses or rental vehicles.

 

Food and Shopping in Evinayong:

Evinayong houses many tourist favor food corners serving visitors with mouthwatering local delicacies at reasonable prices. Shopping is limited to traditional markets and grocery store. For modern shopping options, visitors can drive towards Bata city.

 

Things to do in Evinayong:

  • Exploring waterfalls
  • Village tours
  • Shopping at Evinayong traditional market

 

What to see in Evinayong?

 

Nightlife in Evinayong:

Nightlife is one of the main reasons to visit Evinayong, which features many clubs, restaurants and cafes with different entertainment activities until midnight.

 

Monte Alén National Park:

The Monte Alén National Park is situated to the west of Evinayong, covering an area of 2000 km². The park was established in the year 1990 and receives loads of nature and adventure sport lovers for waterfalls, prosperous vegetation and hiking opportunity. It can explore best through a guide tour.

 

Traditional market of Evinayong:

As like the other towns in Equatorial Guinea, Evinayong also houses prominent traditional market with a great selection of locally made items like handicraft products, woodcarving, dolls and jewels.

 

Piedra Nzas Natural Monument:

The Piedra Nzas Natural Monument is a nature reserve in Equatorial Guinea, covering an area of 19,000 ha. Established in the year 2000, the reserve is situated to the east of Evinayong.

 

Bata:

Bata, the largest city of Equatorial Guinea, situated around 120 km away from Evinayong, houses many spectacular beaches as well as upgraded nightlife options like restaurants, cafes and disco clubs.

 

Other places of interest in and around Evinayong are as follows:

  • Bata Airport
  • Arena Blanca
  • Evinayong
  • Beaches in Bata
  • Nightlife in Bata
  • Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
  • Moca Valley
  • Monte Alén National Park
  • Santa Isabel Catholic Cathedral
  • Pico Malabo
  • Colegio Nacional Enrique Nvó Okenve
  • Pico Basilé
  • The Museum of Biyabiyan
  • Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program

 

Best time to visit Evinayong:

The best time to visit Evinayong is from November to March while the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

 

Accommodation Options in Evinayong:

There are modernized hotels difficult to see in Evinayong but one can use camping for accommodation purpose. Those who want more facilitated hotels can head towards Bata city, which is situated around 120 km away from Evinayong. The prominent hotels in Evinayong and Bata city are as follows:

  • Panafrica Hotel
  • Les Pagaies
  • Elik Melen
  • Ibis Bata
  • Hotel Gabriel
  • Hotel Yessika
  • Aparthotel Plaza
scroll to top