Cycling in Gambia
Including Gambia River Trail and Coastal Routes and Tanji and Coastal Forest Trails. On the map.
The vibe
Riding here is a rugged, communal experience where you share the road with donkey carts and local traffic rather than dedicated cycling infrastructure. The cooler, breezy months of the dry season are ideal for covering distance without the intensity of the midday heat. It feels like a genuine, unpolished adventure where you are part of the daily flow of village life.
Gambia River Trail and Coastal Routes
Central River Division
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The Gambia offers a unique flat-terrain touring experience, following the Gambia River through lush mangroves and traditional riverside villages. The route is characterized by its gentle topography, vibrant local culture, and the opportunity to cycle through diverse ecosystems from the coast to the interior.
Access. Banjul serves as the primary hub for bike rentals and logistics. Local tour operators provide support for multi-day expeditions along the riverbanks and coastal paths.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season from November to April. Traffic is generally light on rural tracks, but caution is advised on the main coastal highway.
Tanji and Coastal Forest Trails
West Coast Division
Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The area around Tanji and the surrounding coastal forests provide a network of sandy, hard-packed gravel paths perfect for mixed-surface riding. Cyclists can traverse through nature reserves and along the Atlantic coastline, enjoying a blend of forest scenery and ocean views.
Access. Accessible via short transfers from the Senegambia tourist strip. Several local bike shops in the coastal region offer mountain and gravel-ready bike rentals.
Notes. Ideal for intermediate riders comfortable with sandy terrain. E-bikes are becoming more available in the coastal resort areas.