Car Hire

Gambian roads are generally not the best, although they are gradually improving! Many of the roads around the coastal areas are not too bad, although there still plenty which are not tarmacked at all. There are several taxis at the coast all vying for business, so getting about down there really isn't a problem. Rather than creating your own private bubble-on-wheels, why not hire a local driver and give him (it is usually a him) a bit of business? You'll probably get a lot more out of your day, than if you were to hire your own car.

The north bank road which leads inland from Barra to Georgetown was first tarmacked in 2004 and is currently still in good condition. However, the south bank road is in a poor state, despite ongoing roadworks. Therefore most traffic heading east from the populated areas near Banjul will first cross to the north bank on the public ferry from Banjul to Barra. When combined with the substantial (Senegalese?) traffic heading north-south, this creates a horrendous bottle-neck on the ferries and can often mean delays of up to 3 hours or more as you edge your vehicle forwards in the (not always so fair) queue.

It takes at least 6 hours to drive to Bird Safari Camp from the coast Click here for directions to the camp. However, you have to ask yourself whether car hire in The Gambia really is as desirable as you might imagine. How much of the river and its wildlife will you see if you travel by road? Would you not rather sail up-river on a boat? Or do part of the journey by boat and part by road?

Well, we think so... and since buiding Bird Safari Camp in 1997, we've developed the most stress-free, safe and enjoyable way for you to travel up-river. Have a look at Hidden Gambia holidays for further info...

Hidden Gambia Ltd. Tel. +44 121 288 4100 www.hiddengambia.com