The Gambia
Day 7 - local life
After a breakfast overlooking the Gambia River, we first stopped at Wassu Stone Cirle, a Unesco World Heritage. Afterwards, we drove to a family to immerse ourselves in their daily life. Bunja, our guide, took us to another local market and at the end of the day we took a ferry to cross from Barra to Banjul.
Wassu Stone Circle
The Senegambian stone circles, or the Wassu stone circles, are groups of megalithic stone circles located in the Gambia. The construction of the stone monuments shows evidence of a prosperous and organized society based on the amount of labor required to build such structures. The site we visited, has up of 11 stone circles. Our guide told us to make a wish with one of the loose stones on the ground. Make your wish, and place the stone on top of the other ones. When your stone falls off, your wish well come true. Fingers crossed!
Local family home
Our guide brought us to visit a local family near the Senegal border, chosen spontaneously for an authentic glimpse of rural Gambian life. The family warmly welcomed us, proudly showing their home, garden, and animals. 🐎🌱 Their compound had traditional huts, with separate spaces for the father, mothers, and a kitchen insulated with leaves. Curious children eagerly led us around, creating a heartfelt and memorable connection. We left with warm hugs and sincere thanks, an experience full of genuine hospitality.
Local Market
The Gambia is filled with local markets! We made a quick pit stop to get some fresh, cool water for on the road and just enjoyed the busy streets.
Ferry trip
During our journey through The Gambia, we crossed from Barra to Banjul by car ferry, a simple yet memorable moment. Surrounded by locals commuting or visiting family, the ferry felt like a window into everyday life. On deck, vendors sold fruit, cashews, and essentials as fishing boats dotted the coastline. The 20-minute ride offered vibrant scenes and, nearing Banjul, we saw busy streets and large ships that help power the city.
