Arch 22 Banjul
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Arch 22 Banjul

4.1
·259 reviews·Banjul, The Gambia

A towering commemorative arch in Banjul, offering panoramic city views and a glimpse into The Gambia's complex history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Arch 22 Banjul

Arch 22 Banjul

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A towering commemorative arch in Banjul, offering panoramic city views and a glimpse into The Gambia's complex history.

4.1
(259 reviews)

"The view from the top of Arch 22 is amazing over Banjul and the whole river Gambia delta."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 100 steps to reach the top!

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.1 · 259 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of Arch 22

Ascend over 100 steps for breathtaking 360-degree views of Banjul and the surrounding river delta.

InstagramReddit
Commemorative Arch

Commemorative Arch

Entrance to Banjul

A striking monument marking the 1994 military coup, this arch is a significant landmark in Banjul.

Instagram+1
Architectural Significance

Architectural Significance

Arch 22 structure

Admire the unique architecture with its eight massive pillars and three floors, a testament to its commemorative purpose.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Climb for City Views

Prepare for a climb! Over 100 steps lead to the top of Arch 22, offering panoramic views of Banjul and the river delta. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a workout. InstagramReddit

Understand the History

Arch 22 commemorates the 1994 military coup. Its history is complex, with some viewing it as a symbol of a difficult past. TikTokInstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures for climbing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Arrival of Abdou Kareem at Arch 22 #gambian_tiktok🇬🇲🇬🇲 #fyp
@f_o_dmedia
37.7K likes • 443K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 100 steps to reach the top! InstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day. InstagramReddit

Mourides gathered at Arch 22 to express dissatisfaction regarding Abdou Kareem’s remarks #gambian_tiktok🇬🇲🇬🇲 #fyp
@f_o_dmedia
22.6K likes • 351.4K views
Arch 22 is a commemorative arch on the road into Banjul in the Gambia. It was built in 1996 to mark the military coup d’état of July 22, 1994, through which Yahya Jammeh and his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council overthrew the democratically elected Gambian government of President Sir Dawda Jawara. #gambia #sections #seneweb #gambwereddi
abss_jay
998 likes • 18.8K views

🤔 Understand the History

Learn about the 1994 coup and its significance to The Gambia. TikTokInstagram

💰 Fair Entry Fee

The entrance fee is generally considered fair for the experience and views. Reddit

The Banjul Arch 22 Beautiful 😍 ❤ Capital City of the Gambia 🇬🇲 ♥ Africa 🌍 2025
riyanvloger
5 likes • 207 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 100 steps to reach the top! InstagramReddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day. InstagramReddit

🤔 Understand the History

Learn about the 1994 coup and its significance to The Gambia. TikTokInstagram

💰 Fair Entry Fee

The entrance fee is generally considered fair for the experience and views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(259 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Arch 22 is a significant landmark in Banjul, offering impressive panoramic views from its observation deck after a climb of over 100 steps. Visitors appreciate the historical context, though its complex past is noted. The experience is generally considered worthwhile and fair in price.

"A monument to remember military coup, the place was earlier a cemetery, and later built as welcome Arch, one has to climb to reach the last viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of the Banjul city, there is admission ticket."

Madan Gopal Madabhushi

"Going to Gambia was definitely an open opener. The history and culture is very rich and everyone should at least have the experience. Please wear comfortable shoes because you be doing walking up the stairs. The breeze also feels amazing as get into the breezeway."

sierra simmons

"Arch 22 in Banjul is an imposing, complex monument—not a simple celebration, but a colossal, 36-meter-high gateway that physically and emotionally anchors The Gambia's multifaceted history. Standing at the heart of the capital, the Arch commands respect for its sheer scale, yet visitors feel a deep, poignant reflection on the military past it commemorates, a period many remember with profound ambivalence. Climbing the tower to be met by the refreshing, panoramic view of the city, the winding River Gambia, and the boundless Atlantic Ocean is a cathartic experience, symbolizing the nation's resilient spirit; from this height, the past is framed by the hopeful horizon, urging all who visit to recognize the weight of their journey while embracing the promise of a peaceful, democratic future."

İbrahim Kapuzcu

What People Like

Amazing city views
Historical significance
Fair entry price

What People Dislike

Challenging climb
Complex history

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arch 22 is located on the road into Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia. It's a prominent landmark and easily accessible by taxi or private car from other parts of the city. Instagram+1

Yes, Arch 22 is a very visible and well-known monument, serving as a gateway to Banjul. Most locals will be able to direct you. Instagram

Taxis are readily available for getting around Banjul. Negotiate your fare before starting your journey. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While some sources mention ticket purchases, one visitor noted they did not have to buy any tickets. It's advisable to check on arrival, but it may be free to access the base. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Visiting in the afternoon is recommended for fewer crowds. Reddit

One review mentions a price of 100 GMD per adult for access to the top and views, which is considered fair. Reddit

Yes, you can admire the arch from the outside and learn about its history without climbing to the observation deck. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is climbing the stairs to the observation deck for panoramic views of Banjul and the river. You can also learn about its historical significance. InstagramReddit

Allow about 1-2 hours to climb to the top, enjoy the views, and take photos. Instagram

Children can visit, but the climb of over 100 steps might be challenging for very young ones. The views are engaging for all ages. Instagram

You'll get a thrilling panoramic view of Banjul, the capital city, and the surrounding river delta. InstagramReddit

Information on specific facilities like restrooms or shops is limited, but the focus is on the arch and the views. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the imposing exterior of the arch, the intricate pillar design, and the sweeping cityscapes from the observation deck. Drone shots are also popular. Instagram+1

Late afternoon or early morning can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photography experience. Instagram

Drone photography is possible and has been showcased, offering unique aerial perspectives of the arch and Banjul. Instagram

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