🇬🇲 Flights to Gambia
Cheap Flights to Gambia from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Banjul and the Gambian coast. Dream Fare specialises in Gambia routes with the best prices for beach holidays and the UK Gambian community.
Your Gateway to Gambia
Flights to Banjul
Banjul International Airport (BJL) is the gateway to one of West Africa\u2019s most popular beach holiday destinations and a favourite winter sun escape for UK travellers.
🇬🇲
FROM £399Banjul
Banjul International Airport (BJL)
The Gambia\u2019s capital and the gateway to the Senegambia Strip beaches, Kotu, Kololi and the banks of the Gambia River. A favourite UK winter sun destination with no time difference from the UK.
View flights →
Airlines
Airlines Flying to Gambia from UK
We compare all airlines on the London to Banjul route to find you the best price.
Baggage Allowances to Gambia
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly to Gambia
The Gambia is a classic winter sun destination for UK travellers. The dry season from November to May is perfect for beach holidays. Gambia is on GMT year-round \u2014 the same time as the UK in winter, making it the easiest possible timezone for British travellers.
Peak Season
November — March
Perfect winter sun escape from the UK. Dry, sunny and 28°C to 34°C. The Gambia’s busiest tourist season with the most charter flights and the highest demand.
Good Value
April — May
Still dry and sunny but beginning to heat up. Lower fares than peak season. Good birdwatching as migratory species are present before departing north.
Wet Season
June — September
Rainy season with heavy downpours, high humidity and temperatures up to 40°C. Lowest fares of the year. Charter flights are significantly reduced in frequency.
Shoulder Season
October
End of the rains. Lush and green. Birdwatching is exceptional as migratory species arrive from Europe and beyond. Fares are competitive ahead of the peak winter season.
Gambia Weather & Packing Guide
☀️
Coastal Gambia (Nov–Mar)
Warm and dry with temperatures of 22°C to 32°C. Comfortable Atlantic breezes keep the coast pleasant. Pack light cotton clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent. Evenings can be cool in December and January — pack a light layer.
💧
Rainy Season (Jun–Sep)
Very hot with high humidity and heavy daily downpours. If travelling in the wet season, pack waterproof clothing. The lush green landscape is beautiful but the heat and humidity can be intense, particularly in July and August.
🐦
Birdwatching
The Gambia is one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the world for its size. Over 570 species recorded. Pack good binoculars and a bird guide. October to April is the best time with resident and migratory species both present.
🧳
General Packing Tips
Gambia uses Type G plugs (same as the UK — no adapter needed). No time difference from the UK in winter. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis and modest clothing for visiting mosques and markets.
Culture & Food
Gambian Culture, Food & Traditions
The Gambia is a tiny country (the smallest on mainland Africa) completely surrounded by Senegal \u2014 but it punches far above its weight in culture, birdwatching, beaches and welcoming hospitality.
🍜
Gambian Cuisine
Domoda (groundnut stew), Benachin (Gambian Jollof rice), Yassa (grilled chicken with onion sauce), fresh grilled barracuda and oysters from the mangroves are the must-try dishes. Afra (grilled meat roadside stalls) are everywhere at night.
🐦
World-Class Birdwatching
The Gambia is renowned among birdwatchers worldwide. Over 570 species in a country smaller than Yorkshire. Abuko Nature Reserve, Tanji Bird Reserve and the Tendaba Camp area are the premier birdwatching destinations.
🎵
Music & Kora
The Kora — a 21-string harp-lute — is the iconic instrument of the Mandinka people of the Gambia and Senegal. Griots (hereditary musicians and oral historians) are the custodians of centuries of cultural memory in West Africa.
🚣
River Life
The Gambia River runs the entire length of the country from east to west. River safaris to see hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species are one of the Gambia’s greatest experiences and easily arranged from Banjul.
🏖️
Beaches
The Gambian coast has lovely sandy Atlantic beaches with warm water year-round (25°C to 28°C). Kotu, Kololi, Brufut and Tanji are the most popular. The beaches are far less crowded than comparable European destinations.
🤝
Close Ties with the UK
The Gambia has a unique relationship with the UK — it was a British colony until 1965 and English is the official language. There is a large UK Gambian community and the country remains a popular winter destination for British tourists.
Top Attractions
Top Places to Visit in Gambia
The Gambia is small enough to explore thoroughly in one week, with beaches, wildlife and culture all within easy reach.
Kotu & Kololi Beaches
The heart of the Gambian tourist strip with sandy Atlantic beaches, beach bars, watersports and the famous Senegambia Strip of hotels and restaurants. The most popular beach area for UK tourists and ideal for families.
Abuko Nature Reserve
The Gambia’s oldest wildlife reserve — a small but extraordinarily rich tropical forest home to crocodiles, monkeys, over 300 bird species and the rescued chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. Just 20 minutes from the coast.
River Gambia Hippo Pools
Day trips up the Gambia River to see wild hippopotamuses in their natural habitat are one of the country’s great experiences. The river is also superb for birdwatching with dozens of species visible from the boat.
James Island (Kunta Kinteh Island)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — a small island in the Gambia River that was a major slave trading post in the 17th and 18th centuries. The ruined fort is a profoundly moving historical monument.
Tanji Village & Fish Market
One of West Africa’s largest artisanal fishing communities. Hundreds of brightly painted pirogues (fishing boats) arrive at dawn laden with the night’s catch. A vivid, photogenic and genuinely authentic West African experience.
Banjul City
The Gambia’s small and charming capital with the busy Albert Market, the National Museum, Independence Square and the recently renovated Arch 22 gateway. A compact city that can be explored thoroughly in half a day.
Visa & Travel Tips
Gambia Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before flying to the Gambia from the UK.
🛂
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter the Gambia for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival at Banjul International Airport. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date.
💱
Currency & Money
The Gambia uses the Dalasi (GMD). GBP can be exchanged at the airport and hotels. USD and EUR are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Carry Dalasi for markets, taxis and local shops.
💉
Health & Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all areas of the Gambia year-round. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations also advised. Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before departure.
📱
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Africell and QCell SIM cards available at Banjul Airport and across the country. 4G coverage is available in the Banjul and coastal tourist areas. Coverage can be limited inland and in rural areas.
🚕
Getting Around
Taxis and tourist minibuses operate along the Senegambia Strip. Green tourist taxis are metered. Arranged excursions and guided tours are the easiest way to see the country. The Gambia is small enough to explore fully in one week.
🔒
Safety Tips
The Gambia is generally safe for tourists. The Senegambia Strip and beach areas are very tourist-friendly. Be aware of persistent beach vendors and informal guides. Avoid walking alone at night away from lit hotel areas. Check FCDO advice before travel.
FAQs
Flights to Gambia FAQ
How long is the flight from the UK to Gambia?
Flights from UK airports to Banjul International Airport take approximately 6 hours. TUI and Jet2 operate charter flights from multiple UK regional airports directly to Banjul. Scheduled services via Brussels or Dakar take 8 to 10 hours.
Do UK citizens need a visa for the Gambia?
No. UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter the Gambia for stays of up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport on arrival. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from the Gambia.
What is the best time to visit the Gambia?
November to March is the best time to visit the Gambia — the dry season with sunny skies, warm temperatures (28°C to 34°C) and the peak tourist season. The Gambia is an excellent winter sun destination from the UK with no time difference in winter.
Is there a time difference between the UK and the Gambia?
No. The Gambia is on GMT year-round, which is the same as UK winter time. In summer when the UK switches to BST (British Summer Time), the Gambia is one hour behind. This makes it one of the most time-zone-friendly destinations from the UK.
What is the Gambia famous for?
The Gambia is famous for its birdwatching (over 570 species), its beautiful Atlantic beaches, the Gambia River hippo trips, James Island slave trading post (UNESCO), and the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project. It is also famous as the setting for Alex Haley’s Roots.
Is the Gambia good for families?
Yes. The Gambia is one of West Africa’s most family-friendly destinations. The beaches are safe and calm, the weather is reliably sunny, the locals are extraordinarily welcoming and English is the official language making communication easy.
How much do flights from the UK to Gambia cost?
Return flights from the UK to Banjul start from approximately £399 with Dream Fare. Charter flights with TUI or Jet2 can be even cheaper when booked as part of a package. Contact us for the latest fares and exclusive deals.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.