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Janjangbureh / Georgetown |
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The island of Janjangbureh (aka Janjanbureh) ,
in Gambia, lies about 300 km up river
and covers an area of about 7.7 square miles. It is still referred to by by some as MacCarthy Island
(as used in the colonial era up to 1995). It used to be called Lemain
Island but was later re-named after Sir Charles MacCarthy, the African
administrator who was ardently opposed to the
slave trade.
The port town on Janjangbureh is called Georgetown and
is located in the northern part. It was founded in 1823 when Kolli,
the King of Kataba, signed a treaty with Alexander Grant ceding the
island to the British Government in exchange for a case of wine and 5
cases of coins. According to oral tradition, the island was first
settled by two brothers, Janjang and Bureh hence its new name.
During the slave trade, former captives reportedly sought refuge here
from Jongkaa Kunda which lay on the mainland adjacent to the present
day village of Laminkoto. The town attracted the attention of traders
and businesspeople. Christian missionaries arrived as early as 1824
and a government boarding school was opened in 1927 (called the
Chief's School) reserved for the sons of the seyfolu and is today
known as Armitage High School.
Things to Do:
The area is now one of the top ecotourism
destinations in Gambia as many areas are covered in tropical forest
and the island's water front is ideal for fishing and
wildlife spotting
where you can see crocodiles and hippos. There are plenty of bird
species to be spotted there and birdwatchers should consider leaving
Janjangbureh for a day trip to the Tankandama Community Forest or
Kunkilling Forest Park located on the south bank.
It is an ideal spot for a few days excursion to get away from
the coastal resorts and stay at the
Bird Safari Camp,
Baobolong or
the Janjang Bureh Camp which can be reached by river cruise or by car.
Most of the accommodation on Janjangbureh are located in
and around Georgetown. There are two ferry services, one in the north of
the island and one in the south which are connected directly by road.
You can still view many buildings from the colonial period
dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries such the Maurel and Prom
Building, CFAO ruins, the old slave market, the commissioner's residence, the
local market, post office as well as some restaurants which are all
within close reach of each other. There is also the Foroyaa Sooto
Freedom Tree Monument where it is believed that any slave who managed to
touch the tree were given their freedom. If you are looking for
tourist souvenirs then pay a visit to the Chameleon Arts shop which
sells tie dye cloths, locally made drums, African jewellery and wood
carvings.
Today
the economy of the town is primarily used as a collection point for
peanuts & rice which has been harvested by the local farmers and in outlying areas. It is the countries 'second city' and is
still an administrative & trading centre of the region. There are
telephones and internet access at the town.
In 1983 it was
decided by a few locals to hold a yearly festival called the
Janjangbureh Cultural Festival.
Travel Information
Barra to Banjul
Ferry then go by car and take a ferry over to Georgetown (best route).
Southern route by car.
Places to Eat:
Jukes Bar & Bistro
Jarreh Cafe
Accommodation:
Precede telephone
numbers with +220
Alakabung Lodge:
5676123
Baobolong Camp: 5676133
Janjang Bureh Camp:
5676182
Talamanca
Lodge: 9921100
 
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