Banjul-Barra Ferry

The Banjul–Barra ferry is the quickest way across the mouth of the River Gambia for travellers heading north — into Senegal's Casamance, or to the Roots heritage sites around Juffureh and Albreda. Official crossings run roughly every 90 minutes from 7am to 7pm, with the passage itself taking about 45 minutes, and both foot passengers and vehicles are carried. It's a working ferry rather than a tourist attraction, and vehicle queues can be long on busy days, so foot passengers usually have the easier time of it. Bring water, small change for the fare, and a little patience. For all its chaos, the crossing is part of the experience: wide brown river, fishing pirogues, and the Banjul skyline shrinking behind you. Arrive early in the day to avoid the worst of the waits.