Fajara

Getting In and Around

Visas: For information on entering Fajara, visit our page on Gambia [LINK].

Transportation: To get to Fajara, you will need to take a privately-hired taxi or bush taxi, available in Banjul and Bakau. Since Fajara is so small, it is a great place to travel on foot. However, taxis are available outside of the hotels if you are looking to travel to Bakau or Banjul. If you are looking to travel to other places throughout the country, speak with your hotel staff for their recommendations for reputable travel services.

Mobile Phones: If you have a GSM-enabled phone, you will be able to use it in Fajara. However, we recommend buying a local SIM card.

Safety and Security

The U.S. Department of State’s consular website has a great deal of information about safety and security in Gambia. It can’t be repeated often enough: be sensible when you travel. Be alert and aware about your surroundings. The coast of Gambia is notorious for young schemers, locally referred to as “burnsters,” who will try their best to scam you for money. Beware of the burnsters and be conscientious about your surroundings.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has created a security ratings system called the Ibrahim Index, wherein scores are based on each country’s quality of government. Before traveling to Gambia or anywhere on the continent, check the index and do your research.

The Top 5: Local Advice

1. Fajara is located on the western coast of Gambia, on the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Because of its location between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, Fajara is sunny almost all year. There is a rainy season between June and July and September and October. The rest of the year is fairly dry

3. All of Gambia’s national newspapers are available in Fajara. These include the Daily Observer, The Independent, Foroyaa, and The Point.

4. As in the rest of Gambia, English is spoken in Fajara.

5. Smoking is banned in all public areas in Fajara. However, you can still light up in designated smoking areas.