Barra- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Barra, a riverside town in The Gambia’s Lower Niumi District, lies on the north bank of the River Gambia estuary, 5 km from Banjul across the river, accessible via the Banjul-Barra ferry. With approximately 6,000 residents from Serer, Mandinka, Wolof, Fulani, and other communities, it serves as an economic hub for the North Bank Region alongside Farafenni. Its coastal position and cultural diversity reflect its historical role in regional trade and colonial history. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: • Fort Bullen: A British-built fortification (1826) at Barra Point, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Monument. Features historic cannons and navigation lights guiding ships into the estuary. • Street Market: Near the ferry terminal, offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, clothing, and household goods for travelers and locals. • Bird Watching: Estuarine and scrubland areas near Fort Bullen, Niji Bolon, and Atlantic shores host species including Oystercatchers, Sanderlings, Royal Terns, African Darters, and migratory birds like Whinchats. • Dolphin Spotting: Bottlenose dolphins occasionally visible during ferry crossings in the Gambia River estuary. • Berending Crocodile Pool: Sacred site 10 km east of Barra, featuring natural pools with crocodiles amid riverine foliage.