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Voykit pocket guide · The Gambia
Brikama
Skip Brikama as a base: visit for a half-day to see the woodcarvers' market and Makasutu Culture Forest, then return to the coast.
Brikama is The Gambia's largest inland town and a transport hub, known for its woodcarvers' market and the nearby Makasutu Culture Forest. Most travellers pass through on a day trip from the Atlantic Coast resorts rather than staying overnight. The town itself has limited sights, but the forest reserve and craft market make a worthwhile half-day outing.
- Country
- The Gambia
- Best months
- Nov–May
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy season, some roads become muddy)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- GMD
- Money
- Currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD), about 70–75 per US$ (check). Cards work in larger hotels; most other payments are cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget GMD 1,500–2,500 excl. bed · Mid GMD 3,000–5,000 excl. bed · High GMD 6,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Africell, QCell and Gamcel SIMs sold at the airport and shops; passport registration.
- Emergency
- Police 117 · Ambulance 116 · Fire 118
- Plugs
- Types G · 230 V · 50 Hz · UK three-pin; power cuts happen — hotels have generators.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: 10% if no service charge.; Guide day: 300–500 GMD or €5–10.; Driver day: 300–500 GMD.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; bottled water everywhere.
- Toilets
- Western toilets in hotels; basic elsewhere.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bush taxi Brikama–Banjul | GMD 150–200 |
| Taxi from Brikama to Makasutu | GMD 500–800 |
| Wood carving (small piece) | GMD 300–1,000 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 L) | GMD 30–50 |
| Local meal (rice with fish or chicken) | GMD 150–300 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- BJL · Banjul International Airport
- About 30 min by taxi or bush taxi; check fares.
Typical fares
- Bush taxi Brikama–Banjul
- GMD 150–200, about 45 min (check)
- Taxi Brikama–Makasutu
- GMD 500–800, about 15 min (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Bush taxis (sept-places) and shared taxis connect Brikama to the coast and Banjul. Walking covers the market and town centre. For Makasutu, hire a taxi from Brikama or from your resort.
See and do
Known for
- Brikama Woodcarvers' Market
- Makasutu Culture Forest
- Wood carving and music
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Makasutu Culture Forest | Taxi from Brikama centre, about 15 min | About 30 min from Brikama |
| Banjul | Bush taxi or shared taxi, about 45 min | About 1 h |
| Serekunda | Bush taxi, about 30 min | About 45 min |
| Tanji | Bush taxi, about 20 min | About 35 min |
Sleep
- Town centre
- Basic guesthouses with shared facilities; few options.
- Outside town (Fula Kunda, Marakissa)
- Lodges with en-suite huts and river views; better standard.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | Salaam aleikumsa-laam a-ley-kum |
| Thank you | Jerejefje-re-jef |
| How much? | Ñata?nya-ta |
| Yes | Ha'aha-a |
| No | Haniha-ni |
| Goodbye | Farafa-ra |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Take time over hellos; avoid: Rushing into requests
- Hands: Right hand only; avoid: Left-hand giving
- Dress: Cover up in towns; avoid: Beachwear in Banjul
- Bumsters: Firm, friendly no; avoid: Anger
Scams and watch-outs
- Woodcarvers' market vendors are persistent; negotiate politely.
- Makasutu Culture Forest: check opening hours and entry fee before going.
- Roads can be unlit and have livestock; avoid driving after dark.
Brikama is generally safe for daytime visits. Watch for traffic on the main road and keep valuables out of sight in crowded markets. At night, stick to well-lit areas or take a taxi.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Brikama yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Brikama Woodcarvers' Market
- Makasutu Culture Forest
- Wood carving and music
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Brikama, revision 5265877 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5265877
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/brikama). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.