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The Gambia🇬🇲 | attractionsArch 2235-meter arch, rooftop deck, traffic circle, craft stalls | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Arch 22
🌟 Highlightattraction ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Arch 22 gives you the best free-ish view of Banjul from above, and the ticket price is small enough that it barely counts as a decision. The 35-meter concrete gateway stands in the Gambia’s capital, on the road coming in from Serrekunda and the airport side. Climb the stairs and you get wind on your face, hot concrete under your palms and a flat panorama of tin roofs, the Atlantic haze and the brown sweep of the Gambia River. Below, horns, hawkers and the smell of diesel and frying dough drift up from the traffic circle. The museum inside is small and dusty, and the souvenir stalls at the base can be pushy. The arch is quick, so it does not repay a long stay. Photographers, history-minded travelers and anyone passing through Banjul will like it. Travelers wanting wild adventure or hours of entertainment will not.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 The Gambia Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 attraction in The Gambia
What makes this attraction worth visiting

Arch 22 is the monument that explains modern Gambia in a single glance, built to mark the military takeover of 22 July 1994 and later kept as an emblem of the capital. Whatever you think of that history, it is a layer of the country you will not get on the beach in Kotu. Locals still treat it as the ceremonial entrance to Banjul, so you stand inside a landmark that is part of everyday arrival and departure.
The second reason is the view. The observation deck at the top is the highest easy vantage point in a flat capital, and it lets you read the layout of Banjul: the port, the river mouth, the grid of streets and the ferry route toward the north bank. That orientation helps before you wander the markets on foot.
It also works as a milestone. A trip here pairs neatly with the nearby Albert Market … read more 👉
Arch 22 is the monument that explains modern Gambia in a single glance, built to mark the military takeover of 22 July 1994 and later kept as an emblem of the capital. Whatever you think of that history, it is a layer of the country you will not get on the beach in Kotu. Locals still treat it as the ceremonial entrance to Banjul, so you stand inside a landmark that is part of everyday arrival and departure.
The second reason is the view. The observation deck at the top is the highest easy vantage point in a flat capital, and it lets you read the layout of Banjul: the port, the river mouth, the grid of streets and the ferry route toward the north bank. That orientation helps before you wander the markets on foot.
It also works as a milestone. A trip here pairs neatly with the nearby Albert Market and the National Museum, so a short stop turns into a compact half day of Banjul sightseeing.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. The observation deck: Climb the internal stairs to the top for the main reason people come. You look over Banjul’s rooftops, the harbor cranes and the wide river, and on clear days the horizon is long and flat.
  2. The arch itself from the roadside: Seen from the traffic circle, the three-legged sweep of concrete with gold-colored accents is striking, especially with taxis and minibuses streaming beneath it. Stand across the street for the full frame.
  3. The Gambia’s textile and craft museum rooms: Inside the structure there is a small museum with displays on Gambian cloth and local culture. It is modest, but the fabric and craft pieces give a quick introduction before you head into town.
  4. The sculptures and statues at the foot: Figures and decorative details around the base show national symbols. They
… read more 👉
  1. The observation deck: Climb the internal stairs to the top for the main reason people come. You look over Banjul’s rooftops, the harbor cranes and the wide river, and on clear days the horizon is long and flat.
  2. The arch itself from the roadside: Seen from the traffic circle, the three-legged sweep of concrete with gold-colored accents is striking, especially with taxis and minibuses streaming beneath it. Stand across the street for the full frame.
  3. The Gambia’s textile and craft museum rooms: Inside the structure there is a small museum with displays on Gambian cloth and local culture. It is modest, but the fabric and craft pieces give a quick introduction before you head into town.
  4. The sculptures and statues at the foot: Figures and decorative details around the base show national symbols. They are worth a few minutes for photos and for noticing how the arch is dressed up as a monument.
  5. The craft stalls: Vendors sell batik, carved wood, drums and jewelry beside the entrance. Bargaining is expected, and prices drop quickly if you stay friendly and unhurried.
  6. The sunset glow over the river: From the top in late afternoon, the sky turns orange and the water takes on a brassy shine. Few spots in town give such a clear horizon.
  7. The street scene at the traffic circle: Watch the yellow taxis, shared vans and pedestrians cross beneath the arch. The sounds of horns and greetings give you an honest sample of Banjul’s daily rhythm.
Climb the deck first, in the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon, because the view makes sense of everything else and the light is gentler for photos.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Arch 22

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • November to February: Arch 22 is at its most comfortable now, with dry, sunny days of 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F) and cool nights of 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F). Expect about 11 hours of daylight, the biggest crowds, and the highest prices for beds in Banjul and Serrekunda.
  • March to May: Heat builds to 33 to 38°C (91 to 100°F) with dusty haze. The viewing platform has little shade at midday, so go early. Prices start to ease.
  • June to October: Rain falls in heavy afternoon bursts, peaking in August, with highs of 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F) and high humidity. Visitors are few, rooms are cheapest, and the river views are green, though haze can flatten photos.
Go on a weekday morning in the cooler months, when light is soft and tour buses have not arrived.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
gambia-attraction-arch-22
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Most backpackers stay in the Kololi and Senegambia strip or in Bakau and Fajara, and ride into Banjul for Arch 22. Banjul itself has little budget lodging, and the city empties after dark, so a coastal base is easier.

Senegambia and Kololi have the most social scene, with the greatest concentration of hostels and guesthouses, plus restaurants, bars and a currency exchange within walking distance. Expect touts on the main strip, but it is busy late into the evening and feels safe for solo travelers. Getting to Banjul takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour by shared taxi or minibus.

Bakau and Fajara … read more 👉
Most backpackers stay in the Kololi and Senegambia strip or in Bakau and Fajara, and ride into Banjul for Arch 22. Banjul itself has little budget lodging, and the city empties after dark, so a coastal base is easier.

Senegambia and Kololi have the most social scene, with the greatest concentration of hostels and guesthouses, plus restaurants, bars and a currency exchange within walking distance. Expect touts on the main strip, but it is busy late into the evening and feels safe for solo travelers. Getting to Banjul takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour by shared taxi or minibus.

Bakau and Fajara are calmer, closer to Banjul (about 30 minutes), and good for travelers who prefer small guesthouses, the Bakau fish market, and the Kachikally crocodile pool nearby. Evenings are quiet, with a few beach bars. Walk with care after dark and use taxis for late returns.

If you want to cut transport time, a night in Banjul near the ferry terminal works for early departures toward the north bank, but expect limited food options after sunset.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

A day at Arch 22 costs a backpacker about US$2 to 4 including the entrance fee, transport from the coast, food and lodging. The Total Daily Budget below is US$47.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$2 to 4Foreign adults pay a small fee at the gate, usually in cash, which includes the lift to the viewing platform.
MuseumUS$0 to 2The small exhibition inside the arch is typically covered by the ticket.
GuideUS$0 to 5Informal guides approach you outside. Agree on a price first, or politely decline.
TransportUS$2 to 8Shared taxis and minibuses from Serrekunda cost under US$1 to 2 each way. A private taxi from Kololi runs US$12 to 20.
FoodUS$4 to 10Rice and fish at local canteens is cheap. Beach restaurants cost more.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 20Dorms and basic guesthouses in Kololi
… read more 👉
A day at Arch 22 costs a backpacker about US$2 to 4 including the entrance fee, transport from the coast, food and lodging. The Total Daily Budget below is US$47.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$2 to 4Foreign adults pay a small fee at the gate, usually in cash, which includes the lift to the viewing platform.
MuseumUS$0 to 2The small exhibition inside the arch is typically covered by the ticket.
GuideUS$0 to 5Informal guides approach you outside. Agree on a price first, or politely decline.
TransportUS$2 to 8Shared taxis and minibuses from Serrekunda cost under US$1 to 2 each way. A private taxi from Kololi runs US$12 to 20.
FoodUS$4 to 10Rice and fish at local canteens is cheap. Beach restaurants cost more.
Accommodation (low season)US$8 to 20Dorms and basic guesthouses in Kololi or Bakau.
Accommodation (high season)US$15 to 30Prices climb from November to February, and booking ahead helps.
Total Daily BudgetUS$47Roughly one night in a mid-priced hostel, meals, and shared taxis.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQTraveler FAQ

Allow 1 to 2 hours at Arch 22, which covers the lift to the platform, the small museum, and photos. Add another 2 to 3 hours if you wander Banjul’s Albert Market and the nearby ferry terminal. Early morning gives the clearest views over the Gambia River and the city.
Arch 22 is worth the small fee of roughly US$2 to 4 if you want a quick city overview. The platform gives sweeping views of Banjul, the river mouth, and the ferry crossings, and the museum is brief but informative. It will not fill a day, so pair it with the market and National Museum.
Arch 22 sits at the entrance to central Banjul, about 20 to 25 km from Serrekunda and Kololi. Shared taxis and minibuses run to Banjul for under US$2, taking 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. A private taxi from the coast costs roughly US$12 to 20, and the ferry from Barra lands a short walk away.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Gambian attractions near Arch 22

Explore more nearby:

  • National Museum of The Gambia—Ethnographic cases, kora and drums, slave trade rooms, independence photos| 1 km away
  • Albert Market—Covered lanes, wax-print cloth, tailor rows, dried fish and spice| 1 km away
  • Lamin Lodge—Stilt lodge, mangrove channels, kingfishers, tidal mudflats| 9 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Arch 22 suits curious travelers who like a quick landmark with real political history behind it, plus anyone who wants a clear overview of Banjul before exploring on foot. If you hate haggling or want big thrills, skip it. I would go late in the afternoon, bring small bills for the stairs and stalls, and keep your camera ready.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in The Gambia. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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