Beach town in Kanifing, Gambia
Kololi
The Gambia's main resort strip: beaches, English speakers, cheap beer and fresh fish, 20 minutes from the airport. Good for winter sun and slow stays; touts and sex tourism put some off.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$806–1,340Comfortable, one person · D60,000–100,000Details
- Value for money62/100Better value than 61% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Nov, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; avoid street ice.Details
- LGBTQ+1/5DangerousDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–47Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYellow-and-green taxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in resorts and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, markets, bars and craft stalls.Details
Where to stay in Kololi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Senegambia Strip | Restaurants, bars, craft stalls; lively and touristy |
| Kololi and Kerr Serign | Resorts, quieter lanes, apartment stays |
| Bijilo | Forest park and quieter beachside stays |
| Kotu | Birdwatching, relaxed beach, cheaper guesthouses |
Apps that work in Kololi
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Wave: Mobile money used for local payments
- Taxis: No ride apps found; use hotel-recommended drivers or negotiate with taxis. Taxis can be hired by the hour for day trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Gambia.
- Mostly cash Cards work in resorts and larger restaurants; cash for taxis, markets, bars and craft stalls. Bring euros or pounds to change and use ATMs sparingly.
- Currency: Dalasi (GMD). US$1 ≈ D74.41 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Few ATMs accept foreign cards, and they cap withdrawals at about 5,000–10,000 GMD; Visa is more widely accepted.
- Tipping: Not required; 10% in restaurants or a small tip is appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Wave and Afrimoney work locally but need a Gambian SIM and registration. Apple/Google Pay are not accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free or can apply for a visa online; check requirements for your passport before booking.
- A yellow fever certificate is needed if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; an onward ticket and accommodation details may be requested.
Emergency numbers
Police 117
Plugs
Type G · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at the Banjul airport or carrier shops in Serrekunda with your passport. Roughly 500–1,000 GMD for a month of data.
More places in Gambia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.