During our journey through The Gambia, we had to take a ferry with our car to cross the water from Barra to Banjul. Surrounded by locals going about their daily routines, it became one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Our guide explained that many Gambians take this ferry regularly, to visit family or commute for work. It’s not a tourist attraction in itself, but the authentic atmosphere made it special.
Once the car was parked on the ferry, we went up to the deck where benches were placed for passengers. Vendors walked by offering fresh fruit, cashew nuts, and even essentials like toothpaste. It was a lively scene that felt far from staged, just everyday life happening all around us.
From the boat, we had a great view of the coastline of Barra with its many fishing boats scattered across the water. The ride itself was short, about 20 minutes. As we approached Banjul, the city’s energy was immediately visible, busy streets, more people, and the sight of large ships anchored near the coast. Our guide told us those ships help generate electricity for the city. It was a simple crossing, yet one filled with color, movement, and a real sense of being part of local life.
- Brussels Airlines safely brings you from Brussels to The Gambia with a direct flight -
