"Georgetown or Janjanbureh" Georgetown by johnsakura

Georgetown Travel Guide: 34 reviews and 37 photos

georgetown janjanbureh gambia - Georgetown

The city was known in its colonial times as Georgetown. Only recently it has recovered its original name of Janjanbureh.
This city is located on the mainstream of the Gambia river on Janjanbureh Island know before as the MaCarthy Island.

The town

georgetown janjanbureh gambia

To access the island its quite easy as there are ferries that connect the Island both to the southern arm and to the north bank part of the country. the southern arm is only 100m wide and its crossed by a hand pulled ferry.
The town is quite relaxed and people don't even try to make any confusion with you. You are more than welcome there, they dont try to make any profit out of you in shops (not in handicraft shops of course). altough some guides will try to convince you to make some tours on the island to see the monkeys and the hippos. they will try hard to convince you.

The people

georgetown janjanbureh gambia

People are quite nice. All my experiences on the streets, the hotel and the shops were ok. On the port to take the ferry people were a bit wrong but its ok, they wanted me to go and see some place where slaves used to be kept and I said no and they wanted to push me or something saying the ferry would only leave in 1 hour and I had time. conclusion was that the ferry was about to leave of course.

This kid on the picture told me they had to buy a ball to play footbal and I gave them some money.

Last visit to Georgetown: Apr 2004
Intro Written May 29, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (34)

Fire at night Favorites (9)

more travel advice

House near port Favorites (9)

This house is located right in front of the slave house. It actually has one of the touristic highlights of the town... more travel advice

Queen street Favorites (9)

more travel advice

house Favorites (9)

more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Local shop
Local Customs (4)
See All Posing for photo
Things to Do (16)
See All Warehouses
Nightlife (1)
Local music

Hotels (1)
Alakabung Lodge
Transportation (1)
Ferry boats
Off The Beaten Path (1)
Wassu Stone circles
Been to Georgetown?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (8)

traveldave Jul 12, 2006 at 3:41 PM Report Abuse

Hi Joao. Thanks for checking out my homepage the other day. I'm going to Gambia (including Janjangbura) in January, so I just had to read this page. Thanks for the information.
Bodwick Jun 5, 2006 at 7:11 AM Report Abuse

The wire should be pulled by using the wooden stickes that are placed on the deck. The are about a foot long and have a chunk cut out that the wire fits through. Pull the wire using this and never touch wire rope with your hands.
kultura Feb 10, 2005 at 9:09 PM Report Abuse

nice place. KuLtUrA
yakuza-desu Oct 14, 2004 at 1:22 PM Report Abuse

nice photos, arigato!
iandsmith Jul 17, 2004 at 12:45 PM Report Abuse

Mmmm, different.
sachara Jun 7, 2004 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful pictures !! I liked my visit to Georgtown.
IIGUANA May 31, 2004 at 2:04 PM Report Abuse

Amazing, simply amazing. Great pictures Joao!!! Congratulations!
arasnosliw May 29, 2004 at 12:59 AM Report Abuse

fantastiK new photos Joao!