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Serrekunda Market & Town, Gambia |
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 The town of Serrekunda
(also spelt Serekunda), has a population of 336,000. The name
which means 'the home of the
Sere family', is
the largest town in Gambia and is located a few kilometres inland from
the coastal resorts of Kololi and
Kotu (see
map).
It really consists of nine small villages which have merged over the
years into one large urban sprawl encompassing Churchill's Town,
Latrikunda & London Corner. Geographical co-ordinates 13.46°N,
16.69°W.
Serrekunda Market
It is made up of wide, sprawling
suburbs, heavily overcrowded, and is loud and bustling in nature. It's
central hub is Serrekunda Market and
Sayer Jobe Avenue which is packed with local shops,
banged out taxis, merchants, craft sellers, street peddlers from all over West Africa
and some Arab countries.
It is the place to visit if you want to experience 'culturally vibrant'
urban African life.
Batik and Craft Factory
Located in Dippa Kunda you can see the batik making process from the design,
waxing, boiling to the finished product. This is one of the
major batik factories in the Gambia supplying many of the local
stalls with locally made batiks. Here you will find fabrics being
drawn, waxed and boiled. Use this opportunity to shop a couple
of souvenirs.
Wrestling
This is the National sport of the Senegambia region. Wrestling
contests take place every weekend Saturdays and Sundays in the
local wrestling arena in Serrekunda or at the national stadium
in Bakau. Each wrestler has a group of Djembe drummers who frantically
beat there drums before each bout and the total event last for one
hour.
Paper Recycling Project
An
environmentally innovative scheme located at the 'Craft Village' which
was set up by an English artist which introduces traditional skill of
papermaking which helps students to acquire books. Tel: +220
7707090
gambianpaper@yahoo.co.uk
Alliance Franco-Gambienne
The French cultural centre focused on teaching French classes,
cultural activities such as theatre and live musical performances, a library, a
Cafeteria and a music recording studio where local Gambian talent can
hire and record their music. It is easily accessible as it is located on Kairaba Avenue (Pipeline
Road).
Tel: +220 - 437 5418
Note:
Pickpockets are active in the
area so keep your cash and jewellery well tucked away.
It is illegal to export from The Gambia any article made from wild
animal skins, ivory, feathers or any other part of any protected
creature. Offenders will have goods confiscated and heavy fines
imposed.
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Attractions / Excursions
Nature Reserves
Resorts
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