Gunjur

Gunjur is one of the larger fishing towns on the Gambian coast, with a landing beach where pirogues come in through the surf and the catch is sorted, smoked and loaded on the sand, and a smokehouse quarter behind that works most of the day. Bolong Fenyo, a community-run reserve with a lagoon, dune and savanna, lies just north and holds waders, monkeys and hyena tracks.

History

Gunjur was founded in the mid-18th century by the Darboe family. In the Soninke-Marabout wars of the 19th century it became a centre of Muslim resistance to the mansa of Kombo under Foday Kabba Touray, who after his victory at Suling Jatta in 1855 was one of the most powerful men in the area; his brother Foday Sillah succeeded him in 1868, took over the town's leadership from the Darboe family and ruled what was called the Kingdom of Gunjur, until in 1893 the British conquered it and joined it to the Gambia Colony and Protectorate (Wikipedia, Gunjur).

The main sights

• The landing beach - pirogues coming through the surf and the catch sorted on the sand.
• The smokehouses - the fish-curing quarter behind the beach.
• Bolong Fenyo - the community reserve with lagoon and savanna to the north.
• The working town - a fishing settlement rather than a resort.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. Landings happen through the day, heaviest in the afternoon. The rains from June make the beach road difficult.

Things to know

The beach is a working site and the smell of the smokehouses is strong. Photography of the fishermen needs asking. Facilities for visitors are minimal.

Nearby

Kartong is south, and Sanyang is north.

Key facts