Places · Coast · The Gambia
The southern coast: Sanyang, Gunjur, Kartong and more
South of the main resorts, The Gambia’s Atlantic coast becomes quieter and more rural. Along the coastal highway from Brufut to Kartong you pass busy fishing beaches, long empty stretches of sand, small eco-lodges and nature reserves, ending at the Allahein River on the Senegal border. It is the place to go for a slower pace, local village life and some of the country’s best coastal birdwatching.
The southern coast at a glance
| Place | Known for |
|---|---|
| Brufut | Fast-growing town with newer hotels and a fishing beach |
| Tanji | Busy fishing landing site, smokehouses, bird reserve |
| Tujereng | Quiet beaches and small lodges |
| Sanyang | Wide beaches, including the one known as Paradise Beach; fishing village |
| Gunjur | Large fishing beach, Bolong Fenyo community reserve |
| Kartong | End of the coast, Allahein River border, bird observatory |
All of these are marked on our interactive map.
Brufut
Brufut is the first sizeable settlement south of the resort strip and one of the fastest-growing parts of the coast, with new housing, several larger hotels and a working fishing beach. It is a convenient base if you want to be a little away from the crowds but still close to the restaurants of Kololi.
Tanji
Tanji is one of the country’s busiest artisanal fishing landing sites. In the late afternoon, painted pirogues land their catch, the beach fills with traders and fish processors, and smoke rises from rows of smokehouses. Next to the village, the Tanji Bird Reserve protects lagoons, dunes and offshore islands. It is essential viewing, but a working beach rather than a place to relax.
Tujereng
Around Tujereng the coast opens into long, relatively quiet beaches backed by low cliffs and scrub, with a few small lodges and beach bars. It is a good stretch for long walks and sunsets, and a peaceful alternative to the resort beaches.
Sanyang
Sanyang is a sizeable fishing village with some of the most popular beaches on the southern coast, including the stretch widely known as Paradise Beach. Wide sand, palms and a handful of beach bars make it a favourite day-trip destination from the resorts, especially at weekends when local families come too. The village’s fishing beach, a little apart from the tourist beach, is busy with boats and fish traders.
Gunjur
Gunjur has one of the larger fishing beaches on the coast, with boats, fish drying and smoking, and a lively atmosphere when the catch comes in. Nearby, the Bolong Fenyo Community Wildlife Reserve protects a lagoon, mangroves and coastal habitat and is managed with the involvement of the local community. It is good for birds. The area has seen public concern in recent years over the environmental impact of fish processing on the lagoon; ask locally about the current situation.
Gunjur and its surroundings are also known for sacred sites and community-run eco-lodges; ask a local guide about visiting respectfully.
Kartong
Kartong is the last village on the Gambian coast, on the Allahein River, which forms the border with the Casamance region of Senegal. It has a quiet, rural feel, several small lodges and a well-known birding scene: the Kartong Bird Observatory records and rings birds in the area, and the wetlands, beach and river mouth attract many species. Kartong also has a sacred crocodile pool and a strong cultural tradition. If you want to cross into Senegal here, check current border arrangements officially first — see our Senegal crossing guide.
Eco-lodges and where to stay
Accommodation along the southern coast tends to be small-scale: guesthouses, beach camps and eco-lodges, some using solar power, local building materials and community employment. They suit travellers looking for quiet, nature and a more local experience rather than nightlife. Facilities vary, so check what is included (meals, transport, power and water supply) when you book. Our where to stay guide compares the south coast with other areas.
Getting there
The paved coastal highway runs south from the resort area through Brufut, Tanji, Sanyang and Gunjur to Kartong. Journey times vary with traffic and stops, but reaching Kartong from Kololi typically takes an hour or more. Options:
- Taxi or car with driver: the easiest way to visit several places in a day; agree the price and itinerary in advance.
- Minibuses: run between the villages and the Brikama and Serrekunda areas, cheap but slower.
- Self-drive: possible, but watch for livestock, pedestrians and speed bumps; see the driving guide.
Many people combine a south-coast trip with Abuko Nature Reserve or Brikama. The day trips guide suggests routes.
Fishing-village etiquette
- Ask before photographing people, especially women processing fish.
- Keep out of the way of boats being pushed in and out of the surf.
- Dress modestly away from the beach; cover up when walking through villages.
- Buy something if you spend time with a vendor, and pay fair prices.
- Greet people — a “salaam aleikum” goes a long way. See the language and etiquette guide.
Erosion and sand mining
Parts of the Gambian coast are affected by coastal erosion, and sand mining for construction has damaged beaches and dunes in some places on the southern coast. Rapid building along the coast adds to the pressure. The authorities have at times restricted or relocated sand mining, but the situation varies from place to place and over time. As a visitor, you can help by choosing locally run and environmentally conscious accommodation and staying on paths through dunes and reserves. The responsible tourism guide has more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the southern coast of The Gambia?
It is the stretch of Atlantic coast in the West Coast Region south of the main resorts, running from around Brufut through Tanji, Tujereng, Sanyang and Gunjur to Kartong at the Senegal border.
Which is the best beach on the southern coast?
It depends on what you want. Sanyang is popular for its wide beach and beach bars, while stretches near Tujereng, Gunjur and Kartong are quieter. Busy fishing beaches such as Tanji and Gunjur are for watching village life rather than sunbathing.
How do you get to Kartong from Kololi?
By road along the coastal highway, typically an hour or more depending on traffic and stops. Most visitors take a taxi or hire a car and driver; minibuses serve the villages but are slower.
Can you cross into Senegal at Kartong?
Kartong sits on the Allahein River, which forms the border with the Casamance region of Senegal. There is a local crossing point, but rules and arrangements can change, so check the current situation officially before planning to cross there.
Is it safe to swim on the southern coast?
Many visitors swim, but the Atlantic can have strong currents and there are few lifeguards. Swim near other people, avoid rough days and ask locally about conditions.
Are there places to stay on the southern coast?
Yes. The coast has a mix of small hotels, guesthouses and eco-lodges, which are generally quieter and smaller than the resort hotels further north.
What to read next
- Kartong — the village at the end of the coast.
- Tanji — fishing village and bird reserve.
- Beaches guide — the whole Atlantic coast compared.
- Kololi and the Senegambia strip — the main resort area to the north.
- Responsible tourism — travelling lightly on the coast.
- Fishing in The Gambia — the industry behind the beaches.