Things To Do
in Kerewan
Kerewan is a market town and administrative centre in the North Bank Region of The Gambia, sitting near the inland banks of the Gambia River. It serves as a local hub for farming communities, with lively open-air markets and a slow, small‑town pace of life. The town is surrounded by rice paddies, mangroves and casuarina trees and offers good access to river scenery and nearby nature reserves.
Visitors come for authentic rural Gambian culture, birdwatching and simple riverside experiences rather than luxury tourism infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a traditional Gambian breakfast at a local eatery, where you can sample dishes like 'domoda' and fresh fruit. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour through the village to learn about the daily lives of the locals and the significance of traditional crafts. Engage with artisans as they create beautiful handmade crafts, providing insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
After lunch at a charming bistro, explore the vibrant markets of Kerewan, filled with colorful textiles, spices, and local produce. Spend time interacting with vendors and perhaps trying your hand at bargaining for unique souvenirs. As you wander, take breaks to enjoy the lively atmosphere and the sounds of local music filling the air.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Gambian dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes like 'benechin' or grilled fish. After your meal, participate in a local dance event, where you can learn traditional moves and enjoy the rhythms of the Gambia. End the evening by stargazing in the clear African sky, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Start your day with a scenic drive to the ferry terminal, where you can catch a ferry to Banjul, the capital of Gambia. Enjoy the fresh morning air and panoramic views of the river as you cross, keeping an eye out for local fishermen and wildlife. Once you arrive, visit the National Museum to learn about Gambian history and culture through fascinating exhibits.
After exploring the museum, stroll through the bustling streets of Banjul and visit the Albert Market, a colorful hub of local commerce. Sample street food delicacies, including fresh fruit juices and pastries, while mingling with friendly locals. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Arch 22, where you can climb to the top for stunning views of the city and the coastline.
Make your way back to Kerewan as the sun sets, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Dine at a riverside restaurant, savoring grilled seafood and local specialties as you listen to the gentle sounds of the river. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening walk along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local minibus/taxi ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🛌Budget guesthouse room | $10-25 |
| 🥤Bottle of water / soft drink | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Gambian experience with friendly locals
- Excellent access to river scenery, birdlife and mangroves
- Low cost of travel and simple, tasty local food
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer modern amenities
- Heat, humidity and malaria risk during the wet season
- Sparse nightlife and limited transport options at night
- "Nanga def?" - How are you? (Wolof)
- "Jërëjëf" - Thank you (Wolof)
- "A baaraka" - Hello / Peace (Mandinka greeting form)
- "Waaw / Deedeet" - Yes / No (Wolof)
- "Sama tur ..." - My name is ... (Wolof)
Places to Visit in Kerewan
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over the river provide beautiful light for landscape and daily-life photography — fishermen, pirogues (canoes) and mangroves are common subjects.
Vibrant stalls, colourful produce and candid portraits of vendors make the bustling market a rich photographic environment.
Traditional compounds, children playing by the water and everyday village life offer intimate cultural shots when permission is asked first.
Narrow channels and mangrove fringes near Kerewan are excellent for bird photography and scenic compositions.
Food in Kerewan
Kerewan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich peanut (groundnut) stew usually served with rice; commonly made with fish or chicken. You can find good versions at local family-run restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
A one‑pot rice dish cooked with tomatoes, vegetables and sometimes fish or meat — a filling everyday favourite available at local eateries.
Onion and lemon-based sauce often served with grilled fish or chicken; look for it in riverside restaurants where fresh fish is used.
Sweet fried dough balls sold by street vendors and in markets — a popular snack with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s central market is where locals buy produce, fish and spices — ideal for tasting snacks, fresh fruit and encountering street food vendors selling grilled fish and bofrot.
Small open-air stalls along the river serve freshly grilled fish and rice dishes; eat where locals gather for the most authentic experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting people properly is important — a friendly 'hello' and asking after someone’s health (use local phrases if possible) goes a long way. Handshakes are common; greet elders first.
Dress conservatively, especially for women — shoulders and knees covered are advisable in public and when visiting religious sites or villages.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and in rural compounds; a small respectful conversation before taking pictures is customary.
Use the right hand for giving and receiving items where possible — using the left hand may be considered impolite in some contexts.
If invited into someone’s home, bring a small gift (sweets or soap is fine), remove shoes if asked, and accept offered food or drink politely.
Safety
Tipping in Kerewan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; small tips (20–50 GMD / roughly $0.50–$2) for porters, guides or helpful staff are common. In modest local eateries leave small change rather than a percentage; in tourist-orientated places 5–10% is acceptable.
Cash in Gambian dalasi (GMD) is the primary payment method in Kerewan; ATMs and card acceptance are limited, so bring enough cash or obtain local currency in Banjul. Mobile money services exist but coverage can be patchy in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and lower humidity make this the most comfortable time to visit; days are warm and dust from the inland (harmattan) can reduce visibility in January–February.
Heavy rains and high humidity predominate, with lush green landscapes and increased mosquito activity — some rural roads can become muddy and harder to navigate.
Dusty, hazy winds from the Sahara can lower air quality and reduce visibility; mornings may be cooler but airborne dust can be irritating for sensitive travelers.
Kerewan at Night
Hiking in Kerewan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the North Bank region near coastal areas, the park offers flat mangrove and wetland trails for birdwatching and nature walks — good for wildlife photography and short hikes.
Informal walking routes along the Gambia River and through mangrove channels near Kerewan are ideal for short hikes and exploring local ecosystems; go with a guide in wet season.
While not steep trails, routes between rice fields and villages provide pleasant, flat riding and walking opportunities to experience rural landscapes and meet local communities.
Airports
How to reach Kerewan by plane.
The main international airport for The Gambia, located near the coast. Reachable from Kerewan by road and the Barra–Banjul ferry crossing; allow a couple of hours for travel depending on connections and ferry schedules.
For some travellers it can be efficient to travel via northern Senegal airports or overland through border crossings — this requires additional visa/entry planning but can offer alternative routes for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest ethnic groups in the area, traditionally involved in farming and trade; Mandinka language and customs are widely present.
Pastoralist and trading community with distinct cultural traditions and language; often involved in livestock and local commerce.
Other ethnic groups present in the North Bank region contributing to the cultural mix; Wolof is commonly used as a lingua franca alongside English.
The population is predominantly Muslim, with small Christian and traditional belief communities — religious observance shapes daily life and local customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide, played and watched in towns and villages — local matches are community events with lively support.
Traditional forms of wrestling are popular in communities across the region and can be an entertaining cultural spectacle when held as events.
Both a livelihood and a pastime, local fishing skills and informal competitions are common along the river.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kerewan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are basic — rice with vegetable stew, sauces made from groundnuts or okra, and fried plantains. Always ask about stock or fish-based broths, and communicate dietary needs clearly in English or through a local helper.
More limited because many sauces use fish stock; stick to plain rice, stewed vegetables and fruits, and confirm preparation methods when possible.
Most meat served is halal due to the predominantly Muslim population, but if you have strict requirements, ask at the point of purchase.