Banjul, The Gambia 12-10-23

This tiny country, the smallest in Africa, is just 35 miles wide.  A republic since 1965 the Gambia River provides economic development.  Senegal surrounds The Gambia. This was the home of Kunta Kinte an African, taken from his village of Juffure and is what is now The Gambia. Kunta was sold into slavery.  His story the basis for the movie Roots. 

Dodou 

Today we were with Dodou the owner of Gambia Friendly Tours. He started his business by working for free for another company and now has a mini bus and a thriving business. We had fourteen on this tour, organized by me.  We started the day with the chaos of the port.  Our driver, Lamin, finally found us and away we went. 

Green Vervet

First stop was a Monkey Park. The monkeys are expecting the free peanuts and bananas and are rather rambunctious. Travel to the Serrekunda Market, the largest in The Gambia, took time as the traffic on Sunday is heavy by mid-morning. The market is hectic and crowded but the way the residents shop for any item they may need

Red Colobus

Dodou took us to his village school, Babylon Basic Cycle School.  He attend there as do many in his village of 5,000 and the principal is very proud of Dodou as he helps support them. While the school is free students must perform to be allowed to stay. Our group had come prepared with donations. 

School courtyard

Carried to the boats

We visited Lamin, another large town and the location of the oyster farm on the river. We were all surprised with a boat ride to see the oysters hanging from the mangroves. Women run The Gambia’s oyster trade. Only when the tide is out can the women collect the oysters from mangrove roots, preparing them on land and then transporting and selling them in the Gambian capital of Banjul. The shells are ground to make building blocks.

On The river Gambia

Tide down so the oyster can be harvested

Dodou's very proud father welcomed us to his home

We then met Dodou’s family in their compound, brothers, sisters and his father. He is so proud of Dodou and all his family. They served drinks and watermelon and danced and sang.  Friends forever as The Gambian value all people.

This little girl loved my white skin

Washing up in the compound that houses 200 people