Serekunda is the largest urban area in The Gambia, sitting on the Atlantic coast near Banjul and the mouth of the Gambia River. Together with Banjul it forms the built-up area known as the Kombos, and the city has absorbed several older villages, including Dippakunda, Latrikunda, Bundung, Tallinding and London Corner, into one continuous sprawl.
For a visitor, the practical question is not the city centre but the coast. Serekunda itself is a busy commercial city, while the beach resorts sit along the shoreline in and around the neighbouring coastal towns of Kotu and Kololi, with Bakau to the north. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Serekunda
1. The coastal strip at Kololi and Kotu
This is the tourist coast, where beach resorts are dotted along the shore and are often frequented by charter tourists. If you want to walk to the beach, eat and drink without long journeys, and stay among other visitors, this is the most straightforward base.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants a holiday built around the coast rather than the city. The Senegambia Strip, along this coast, is the popular place for foreign tourists. Note that this area is also known for sex tourism, so it is worth choosing your surroundings with that in mind. Serekunda's own commercial centre and its market, the largest in the country, lie inland from here and are reached by road.
2. Bakau
Bakau began as a fishing village and has grown into part of the urban sprawl of Serekunda. It sits to the north along the coast, and the northern Bakau beach is where you find large resort hotels.
It suits travellers who want a beach base that is slightly removed from the Senegambia Strip, and families looking for a quieter stretch of coast. Accommodation here leans towards larger resort properties rather than small guesthouses. Bakau is also one of the towns that expanded alongside Serekunda as a satellite of Banjul, so it is well connected to the rest of the conurbation.
3. Central Serekunda and the market area
This is the working city: the commercial core, the country's largest market, and the streets around Sayerr Jobe Avenue, named for the city's founder. Offices moved here from Banjul from the 2000s onwards, and it remains the busiest part of the conurbation.
It suits budget travellers and those who want to be in the middle of everyday Gambian city life rather than on the tourist coast. Guesthouses and hostel-style places appear in this part of the city and in the residential sections around it. Be aware that this is a dense, active urban area, and the coast is a journey away rather than a walk.
4. Kanifing and the southern districts
Kanifing lies to the south of the city core, and the wider Kanifing area takes in Serekunda along with districts such as London Corner, Dippakunda, Bundung and Tallinding. This is residential and mixed-use rather than resort-oriented.
It suits longer stays, budget travellers and anyone who prefers local neighbourhoods to the beach strip. Smaller guesthouses and hostel accommodation are found in this part of the conurbation. Distances within the area are significant, so plan on using transport to reach both the coast and the city centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses and hostel-style accommodation, typically with shared bathrooms, and often including free wifi and breakfast. These are found in the city and residential districts rather than on the beachfront.
- Mid-range: double rooms with private, ensuite bathrooms, sometimes with a balcony and breakfast included, in guesthouses and small properties around the city and coast.
- Splurge: large resort hotels on the coast, particularly next to the northern Bakau beach, with the full range of resort facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself on the coastal strip at Kololi and Kotu. It puts you on the beach, among the resorts and restaurants that cater to visitors, and within easy reach of the Senegambia Strip. From there you can travel inland to Serekunda's market and city centre when you want them, rather than living in the middle of them.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Serekunda itself or on the coast?
The coast, in the Kololi, Kotu and Bakau areas, is where the beach resorts are and is the easier base for a holiday. Central Serekunda is the commercial city, better suited to travellers who want a local urban base and are happy to travel to the beach.
Is there budget accommodation in Serekunda?
Yes. Guesthouses and hostel-style accommodation with shared bathrooms are available, generally in the city and residential districts rather than on the beachfront, and often with free wifi and breakfast included.
Which area is best for families?
The coastal areas, particularly around Bakau and the northern beach, where the large resort hotels are located and the setting is quieter than the Senegambia Strip.
Do I need to worry about anything on the Senegambia Strip?
The strip is the popular place for foreign tourists, and it is also known for sex tourism. It remains the main visitor-focused stretch of coast, but it is worth being aware of what kind of area you are choosing.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.