crossing Gambia south to north
 

Hi folks,

currently in Saly, Senegal, headed to Tambacounda tomorrow. Plan is to spend a few days in Niokolo-Koba Park, then head to Zigancour, then south into Guinea Bissau for a few days before heading back north to Dakar. Have heard some locals say that it is a nightmare crossing the Gambia - customs and the river ferry. We already have visas. Any advice or current info?

Thanks, Rick.

We were there last year and came in from the north. We were on a tandem bicycle and got through customs with no hassle (I'm from UK). The river ferry from Bara to Banjul was packed and incredibly slow, but it got there. They sell frozen Baobab juice on board. Fantastic stuff :-)

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Cross from Gambia back into Senegal at Faraffeni rather than from Banjul. Much less hassle and quicker. Customs and immigration always very friendly there.....they love a good chat!

+1
Go for Farafenni, easy, cheap, no hassle. The northern road is new tar, and you have it all for yourself!

Cheers,

Gee

Thanks folks! Farafenni sounds like a much better option.

Crossing the Gambia.
 

I did both crossings about a month ago, the Banjul ferry north- south and the Farafenni one South - north. The Banjul ferry is quite chaotic but the Farafenni one is OK. The borders on both roads were easy and the Farrifenni one the easiest one I encountered, very relaxed. The road after the Farrafenni border is rubbish for about 30km, surface worn away and deep potholes. After that it is fine all the way to Dakar.

Both north and South roads are now good. One paid for by the EU, the other by Gadaffi.

Gambia is easy going, all borders easy as long as your polite. Met a couple if guys who were impatient and didn't have such a good time crossing. I've found if your nice, 90% or higher officials are nice back.



Gary
www.longbikeride.co.uk

Hi,

Not sure why people praise the northern road from Farafenni. I entered Gambia at Farafenni less than a month ago and half of the road between Kaolack to the border is terrible but not at all impassable. It just takes some time. In Gambia the roads are great.

I agree that you need to be polite and follow common border rules. I took a photo within the border area and subsequently was deemed as being disrespectful to an ununiformed man and had to go through a complete screening of every single item in my luggage and on my bike. 2 hours in the baking sun. Be nice - no trouble.

Note that you are not supposed to be on the roads in Gambia between 9-13 on the last Saturday in every month as this is officially "national cleaning day" and vehicles are banned from the roads.

Farafenni road.
 

I agree that the road heading north after getting of the Farafenni ferry is poor. It has had tarmac in the past but has all worn away and has big potholes, this lasts for 20 - 30 km. The best track for a bike was to the side of the road which was smoother but quite sandy. It was tough riding this in 40C heat last month in full bike gear. After this bad road the road improves and is good all the way to Dakar.