🇬🇲 Flights to Banjul
Cheap Flights to Banjul from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Banjul International Airport (BJL). Dream Fare specialises in Gambia routes with the best prices for Banjul — the gateway to the Smiling Coast of Africa, one of the UK’s most beloved winter sun destinations.
Airlines to Banjul
All Airlines Flying UK to Banjul
The Gambia is served by several UK charter and scheduled airlines from London and regional airports. We compare every option to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — UK to Banjul
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUI Airways | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 20kg | Included in all holiday packages |
| Jet2 | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 22kg | 22kg included on all fares |
| Brussels Airlines | 1 bag up to 12kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | 2 x 23kg | Generous two-piece standard economy |
| Air Senegal | 1 bag up to 10kg | 1 x 23kg | Included on standard fares |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit The Gambia
The Gambia has a tropical climate with a long dry season and a short rainy season. The dry season is the peak tourist period and the finest time to visit. The Gambia shares the same time zone as the UK — no jet lag.
Peak Dry Season
Nov — May
The finest time to visit The Gambia. Warm and sunny (25°C to 33°C) with low humidity and virtually no rain. Perfect for beaches, birdwatching and river trips. The main UK package holiday season to Gambia.
Coolest & Best
Dec — February
The harmattan wind from the Sahara brings slightly cooler and hazier conditions (22°C to 28°C). The most comfortable time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Peak season for UK visitors escaping winter.
Rainy Season
June — October
The West African monsoon brings heavy daily rainfall (June to October). The landscape turns lush and green. Lowest fares of the year. Birdwatching is exceptional as migratory species arrive. Not recommended for beach holidays.
Shoulder Season
Oct — November
The rains ease in October and The Gambia begins to dry out. Green and beautiful landscape after the rains. Good value fares before the peak season. The Gambia River is at its highest and most navigable.
About Banjul & The Gambia
Banjul — Gateway to the Smiling Coast
The Gambia — Africa’s smallest mainland country — is a tiny sliver of land along the Gambia River surrounded by Senegal. Known as the Smiling Coast of Africa for the extraordinary warmth and friendliness of its people, The Gambia has been one of the UK’s favourite winter sun destinations for decades — offering excellent beaches, outstanding birdwatching, authentic African culture and superb value for money.
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Atlantic Beaches
The Gambia’s Atlantic coastline has excellent beaches — long stretches of golden sand with warm, calm surf. The Senegambia and Kololi beach areas south of Banjul are the main resort areas with excellent hotels, beach bars and restaurants. The beaches are largely uncrowded by West African standards and the Atlantic water is warm year-round.
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World-Class Birdwatching
The Gambia is widely considered the finest birdwatching destination in West Africa — an extraordinary 600+ bird species have been recorded in this tiny country. The Abuko Nature Reserve, Kiang West National Park, the mangrove creeks and the Gambia River are all exceptional birding locations. The dry season (November to May) is the best time with both resident and European winter migrant species present.
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Gambia River Trips
The Gambia River — the country’s defining geographical feature — is the heart of the country’s culture and history. River trips upstream to Janjanbureh (Georgetown), Kunta Kinteh Island (the slave trading post that inspired Alex Haley’s Roots — a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the traditional villages along the river banks offer an extraordinary insight into authentic Gambian life.
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Wildlife & Nature Reserves
The Abuko Nature Reserve near Banjul is one of West Africa’s finest small nature reserves — a patch of forest with green vervet monkeys, western red colobus, crocodiles, monitor lizards and extraordinary birdlife accessible by short taxi from the Senegambia hotel area. Bijilo Forest Park (a small coastal strip of forest) also has excellent primate and bird sightings.
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Gambian Cuisine
Benachin (rice cooked with tomatoes, vegetables and fish or meat — the West African equivalent of paella and The Gambia’s national dish), Domoda (groundnut stew with meat), Superkanja (okra stew), Afra (grilled street meat), Tapalapa (local bread), Wonjo juice (hibiscus flower drink) and fresh Atlantic barracuda grilled on the beach are all essential Gambian food experiences.
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UK Gambian Diaspora
The UK has a significant Gambian diaspora community — concentrated in London and other major cities. Dream Fare has served UK Gambians for years with specialist knowledge of Banjul routes and the best available fares from the UK. We understand the importance of generous baggage allowances and flexible booking for families travelling home.
Top Places to Visit in The Gambia
Senegambia & Kololi Beach Strip
The Gambia’s main resort area — a lively strip of hotels, restaurants, craft markets, beach bars and nightclubs south of Banjul near Serrekunda. The Senegambia Hotel is the social hub. The beach is excellent. The famous Senegambia craft market has hundreds of stalls selling batik, woodcarvings, silver jewellery and traditional Gambian crafts. The restaurant scene along the strip is excellent for fresh fish.
Abuko Nature Reserve
West Africa’s finest small nature reserve — just 12km from Banjul and easily accessible by taxi. The dense riverine forest has western red colobus monkeys, green vervet monkeys, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards and over 300 bird species. The orchid garden and animal orphanage are also excellent. An unmissable half-day experience from the Senegambia beach area.
Kunta Kinteh Island (UNESCO)
Formerly James Island — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gambia River that was a major slave-trading post from the 17th century. Made internationally famous by Alex Haley’s novel Roots and the subsequent TV series. The ruined fort and the historical exhibitions document the extraordinary and tragic history of the transatlantic slave trade. Accessible by boat from Juffureh on the river bank.
Gambia River Boat Trip
A boat trip up the Gambia River is one of the most rewarding experiences in West Africa. Bird-rich mangrove creeks, fishing villages, hippo pods, crocodiles, monitor lizards and the extraordinary river scenery make a Gambia River trip unmissable. Day trips to Tendaba Camp (where hippos come to the river bank at dusk) and longer trips to Janjanbureh are both excellent.
Banjul City
Banjul — one of Africa’s smallest capital cities — occupies a small island at the mouth of the Gambia River. The Albert Market, the National Museum, the arch at independence square and the colourful port are all worth visiting. Banjul has a slightly faded colonial charm and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with the more touristy Senegambia strip.
Makasutu Culture Forest
A remarkable privately owned forest reserve along a tidal creek south of Banjul — Makasutu (meaning Sacred Forest in Mandinka) offers guided canoe trips through mangrove creeks, forest walks with primates and birds, and authentic cultural performances. One of The Gambia’s finest eco-tourism experiences and excellent for families.
Travel Tips
Banjul Travel Guide
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Visa for The Gambia
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter The Gambia for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at Banjul International Airport. The Gambia is one of the most welcoming West African destinations for UK visitors with no visa requirement and very friendly immigration procedures.
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Currency & Money
The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). USD and GBP are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Cards are accepted in major hotels and tourist restaurants. ATMs are available in the Senegambia area. The exchange rate is approximately 85 GMD to 1 GBP. Bring some cash for markets and local restaurants.
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Getting Around The Gambia
The tourist areas of Senegambia, Kololi and the beach strip are close together and easily walkable. For trips to Banjul city (20 minutes), Abuko Nature Reserve and further afield, yellow taxis are widely available at very affordable rates. Agree the fare before getting in. Tourist taxis at hotels charge more but are reliable. Bush taxis (shared minibuses) are cheap and authentic.
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SIM Cards & Data
Africell Gambia and QCell are the main networks. SIM cards are available at Banjul Airport on arrival and throughout the Senegambia area. 4G coverage is reasonable in the tourist areas. Data bundles are affordable. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many restaurants along the Senegambia strip.
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Weather — No Jet Lag
The Gambia shares the same time zone as the UK (GMT) — a major advantage with absolutely no jet lag. The dry season (November to May) offers warm sunny conditions (25°C to 33°C) ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. The rainy season (June to October) is hot and humid with heavy daily downpours.
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Safety in The Gambia
The Gambia is generally considered one of the safer West African destinations for UK tourists. The Senegambia tourist area is well-policed and incidents are relatively rare. Standard travel precautions apply — use trusted taxis, keep valuables secure and be aware of beach vendors. The Gambian people are genuinely friendly and welcoming — the Smiling Coast nickname is well-deserved.
Flights to Banjul FAQ
How long is the flight from the UK to Banjul?
Direct flights from London to Banjul International Airport take approximately 6 hours. TUI, Jet2 and Thomas Cook Airlines operate direct services from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK regional airports during the main tourist season (October to May). Banjul is in the same time zone as the UK (GMT) — no jet lag.
Do UK citizens need a visa for The Gambia?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter The Gambia for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at Banjul International Airport. The Gambia is one of the most welcoming West African destinations for UK travellers with no visa requirement.
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
November to May is the dry season and the best time to visit — warm, sunny and virtually no rain. December to February is the most popular period with UK visitors. June to October is the rainy season with heavy daily downpours — not recommended for beach holidays but excellent for birdwatching as migrant species arrive.
Is The Gambia good for birdwatching?
Yes — The Gambia is widely considered the best birdwatching destination in West Africa. Over 600 species have been recorded in this tiny country. The dry season (November to May) is best with both resident species and European winter migrants present. The Abuko Nature Reserve, Kiang West National Park and the mangrove creeks are all outstanding birding locations.
What is The Gambia like as a holiday destination?
The Gambia offers excellent value, warm people (the Smiling Coast nickname is well-earned), beautiful Atlantic beaches, outstanding birdwatching, authentic West African culture and easy access from the UK. It is particularly popular with older UK couples and families seeking a genuine African experience in a safe and welcoming environment at reasonable cost.
How much do return flights from the UK to Banjul cost?
Return flights from the UK to Banjul start from approximately £399 with Dream Fare. TUI and Jet2 all-inclusive packages offer excellent value for the full holiday. Prices vary significantly by date and season. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and Gambia holiday packages.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.