Travel - Internal
Note
Visitors should not travel by road from The Gambia to Casamance in southern Senegal because of the risk of armed banditry. Crime against tourists is rare, but sensible precautions must be taken and vigilance maintained. Care should be taken when driving or walking on roads, particularly at night, due to unpredictable driving standards and lack of street lighting.
River
There are no longer any scheduled services along the River Gambia, although private charters are available. There is a ferry link between Banjul and Barra on the other side of the river. Day cruises along the river with lunch or in the evening with dinner and a live band are popular.
Road
Traffic drives on the right. There are 2700km (1675 miles) of roads in the country, about 32 per cent of which are paved. Roads in and around Banjul are mostly bituminised, but unsealed roads often become impassable in the rainy season. Extensive road improvements are underway; the latest additions are the Kombo coastal roads which have improved access to the airport and other popular sights and attractions. Bus: Local buses operate between Banjul and a number of towns and villages throughout the country. The services are fairly reliable, but buses tend to be overcrowded. Taxis: There are three types of taxis: Tourist Taxis are usually painted green and are licensed by the Gambian Tourist Authority. They operate a queue system outside hotels and resort areas and have a published tariff for set distances inside the taxi; General Purpose Taxis are usually painted yellow with green stripes - these are usually four person shared taxis which are usually used for short distances; Collective 'Bush' Taxis are usually seven-seater vans and go anywhere in the country, stopping wherever passengers want to get off, and picking up new passengers when there is room. It is advisable to settle taxi fares in advance. Car hire: AB and Hertz operate in the Gambia; check with the car hire company for details before travelling. Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence. Bicycle hire: Bikes are available to rent at many hotels and resorts.
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