The Gambia Museums

(The Gambia, GM, Western Africa)

The Gambia has several interesting museums on hand for those who wish to find out more about the country's history, ethnography and cultural traditions.

The National Museum based in Banjul is perhaps the best place to start. However, if you have a particular interest in The Gambia's role in the history of slavery, then a visit to the Museum of Slavery is a must. If you are here as a family, then the Crocodile Pond at the Kachikally Museum provides added interest for younger visitors.

Tanji Village Museum

Address: Tanji, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Tel: +00 220 437 1007
Tanji Village Museum's exhibits are displayed in a series of African-style thatched huts. Thanks to this rather unusual format, it is possible to get a more vivid picture of what life in an African village is like. In the main building, there are the sort of displays that you'd expect to find in a traditional-style museum, including musical instruments, local plants and even insect repellents. Visitors can add onto their visit a short walk around a nature trail. It is often also possible to watch local craftsmen at work. A modest restaurant offers an opportunity to sample tasty African food and drinks.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

The Gambia National Museum

Address: Independence Drive, PMB 151, Banjul, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Tel: +00 220 226 244
The Gambia's main museum features a wide range of historical and archaeological exhibits relating to the people and area, including the period of British colonial rule. Founded in 1982, this important cultural attraction also has a number of photos and maps on display.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 09:00 to 18:00; Friday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Kerr Batch Ethnographic Museum

Address: Nyanga Bantang, The Gambia, GM, Africa
The Ethnographic Museum is located at the site of the Kerr Batch Stone Circles, within easy reach of Nyanga Bantang. The stones are actually a part of the Senegambia Stone Circles, found all over this region. The Kerr Batch Ethnographic Museum itself is home to an interesting collection of ceremonial and agricultural objects, and artefacts, all of which throw some light on the daily social life and work activities of the local people.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Museum of Slavery

Address: Albreda, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Opened in 1996, the Slavery Museum is home to a collection of objects that date back to the slave trade. Together, they offer an interesting insight into the history of slavery. Nearby are the ruins of a fortified slaving station which was built during the 17th century. This attraction is also situated just a short distance from Juffure village, The Gambian village that became famous as a result of Alex Haley's acclaimed book, 'Roots', published in the 1970s.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pond

Address: Bakau, The Gambia, GM, Africa
Tel: +00 220 778 2479
The Kachikally Museum is actually part of the larger Kachikally Sacred Pool complex. This privately owned museum has recently become a major Gambian tourist attraction. A collection of over 1,000 exhibits are on display in several African-style huts. These include examples of local crafts, traditional medicine and initiation rites and musical instruments. The crocodile pool was discovered centuries ago by Bakau natives. Today, it is home to some 80-odd crocodiles, all of which are remarkably tame and photogenic.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge