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Tanji, Gambia -
Village, Nature Reserve & Museum |
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 Around 11km south of the Atlantic coast resorts on
the Kombo coastal highway is the small fishing village of Tanji (aka
Tanjeh, Tanje), it's
village museum as well as the Tanji Karinti Bird Reserve. The
village itself lies right along the coast and includes the beach area
itself.
Fishing Village
The main features
of the village are its bonga fish smoking houses, the lines of African
pirogues and fishermen and housewives lining the shore and haggling
over prices. There is also a market incorporated into the seaside
village selling plastic bowls and other goods.
Tanji River Karinti Bird Reserve
Around 3km north of the fishing village is the Tanji
River Bird Reserve, established in 1993, made up of woodland, scrub
and lagoons including mangrove swamps, reefs and encompass the small islands of Bijol Island
(Kajonyi). These different environments attracts a wide range of more
than 300 bird species. These include a large numbers of gulls, terns,
waders and pelicans, many of which are European migratory birds which
make this reserve their first port of call. Over thirty species of
birds of prey have been sited. You can also find many mammalian
species around the Bijol Islands such as minke whales, dolphins, monk
seals as well as green turtles. Special permission is required to land
on the islands as they are a protected habitat.
Tanji Village Museum
The museum is actually more like an
African village, with mud and thatched huts containing displays of
traditional artifacts and furniture. It could be described as a
'Living Museum'. The exhibits are clearly labelled and explanations
given about each including the vegetation section. You can also talk
to and interact with the craftsmen at work. There’s also a nature
trail and a crafts area, plus a small restaurant serving traditional
food and drink which sometimes puts on live music and dancing shows,
too. There is also a Mandinka traditional family compound on display
in the museum complex. The museum is well worth visiting if you want
to get away for a quiet bit of cultural tourism. Look out for the
local honey on sale.
 There
is a base for
camel riding if you are feeling a little
more adventurous.
Travel Information
Places to Eat:
See below
Accommodation:
Paradise Inn Lodge:
- Tel: +(220) 460023
Nyanya Safari Lodge:
Museum - Tel: +(220) 4371007
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Attractions / Excursions
Nature Reserves
Resorts
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