Excursion Serrekunda & bakau tour at Banjul
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Banjul National Museum
Depart the pier by motorcoach and drive to and visit the Banjul National Museum. The Museum and contributions made by Gambians to the arts, religion, politics, sports and technology shown in photos, and archaeological finds describing the African people and their colonial period. It houses three floors of exhibits. The ground floor displays the political and cultural history of the nation's capital Banjul. On the basement level you can learn about the musical heritage of the Gambia and see what instruments are popular throughout the country. On the second floor, you can learn about the archeological history of West Africa and the Gambia. The same floor also details the national colonial and post-independence political and economic history
Arch 22 Photo stop
Make a brief stop to photograph Arch 22 (built in 1996), commemorating the 22 July 1994 bloodless military coup. Arch 22 is a commemorative arch on the road into Banjul. It was built in 1996 to mark the military coup through which Yahya Jammeh and his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council overthrew the democratically elected Gambian government. A statue of the "unknown soldier" can be seen near the base of the arch: the soldier has a rifle strapped to his back and carries a baby in one hand whilst signaling victory with the other. Arch 22 is also depicted on the back of the 100-dalasis banknote.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Then drive to Bakau Katchikally and visit the Crocodile Pool. It is one of three sacred crocodile pools used as sites for fertility rituals. It is a privately owned crocodile pool belonging to the Bojang family of Bakau, one of the founding families and major land owners of the city. The exact number of crocodiles is not known but it is estimated that there are approximately 80.
Serrekunda - Batik Factory
Continue on to Serrekunda (meaning the home of the Sere Family), made up of 9 small villages that have merged over the years, this being the largest town in Gambia today. Visit the tie dye batik factory and see the full process from design to the waxing, and boiling of the fabrics. It supplies many of the local ships.
Saint Albert Market
Return to town and make a stop at the Saint Albert Market to browse through this colourful market and catch a glimpse of both household items and souvenirs on offer. Bargaining is expected! Look for batiks, handicrafts, T-shirts, hats. It is named after Albert, Prince Consort, husband of Queen Victoria, who controlled Gambia during colonial times. Afterwards, return to the ship.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Banjul National Museum, Photo Stop Arch 22, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Serrekunda - Batik Factory, Saint Albert Market
Note
Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.5-1km or 0.3-0.6 miles and 16 steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Please bring with you a hat, sun protection, sun glasses and mosquitoes repellent. No short shorts to be worn at the Market. Guests are advised to ask for permission to take photos of locals. It is not permitted to take photographs of any Military or Government buildings.