Georgetown

Introducing Georgetown

Georgetown (Jangjang-bureh) is a sleepy, crumbling former colonial administrative centre, and a fine place to relax or venture for day trips into the surrounding area. It is situated on the northern edge of MacCarthy Island, a 10km-long and 2.5km-wide island in the Gambia River, about 300km upstream from Banjul. It has ferry links to both river­banks, but there is little in terms of infrastructure – no banks and no hospital. There is, however, plenty to please those with a weak spot for birds and history.

In town, the Central River Division Forestry Project (CRDFP; 5676198; www.crdfp.org), which battles against deforestation, is a great place to visit, mainly for its tours along the ecotrails of various forest parks.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009