Last Updated on 20 January 2026 by Vanessa
Are you looking for unforgettable things to do in The Gambia?
The Tanji Fishing Village (also spelled Tanjeh or Tanje) is one of the most colorful and authentic places to visit in The Gambia. Each day, when the fishing boats arrive, the locals walk into the sea to assist the fishermen to unload their catch and carry it onshore.
The fish is promptly sold right on the beach, alongside a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A portion finds its way to the beach’s smoking houses, where it is smoked and packaged for later consumption.
In November 2014, I had the privilege of visiting The Gambia as part of a press trip. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with unforgettable moments – meeting the descendants of Kunta Kinte in the village of Juffureh, getting up close with predators at the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, and embarking on a canoe adventure through the Makasutu Cultural Forest.
One of the experiences that really stood out was Tanji Fishing Village.
Here’s all you need to know before going.
Tanji Fishing Village in The Gambia
Where is Tanji Fishing Village?
Tanji is a coastal fishing village, located in The Gambia’s West Coast Region. Some of the well-known destinations in the vicinity of Tanji are Kartong, Gunjur, Bufut, and Sanyang.
Why is Tanji Fishing Village worth visiting?
Visiting Tanji Fishing Center is a unique experience for several reasons:
A window into everyday Gambian life
Tanji Village pulls you straight into the rhythm of coastal life in The Gambia. Many ethnic groups live here, including Mandingka, Jola, Wolof, and Serer.
The fishermen (the Serer) still rely on traditional methods, and you can see them at work the moment the boats hit shore.
The other villagers – from children to seniors and everything in between – wade into the water to help unload the catch, and vendors prepare for the rush. Others specialize in farming and crafts.
It truly offers a genuine look at daily life in The Gambia.
The energy of the morning catch
The market has a very lively atmosphere, especially in the early mornings when the fishermen bring their catch in from the Atlantic Ocean.
What follows are shouts of negotiation, splashing water, clanking baskets, and smoke drifting from nearby smoking houses while traders sort, weigh, and sell their goods.
The atmosphere is raw, busy, and unmistakably alive.
Cats
Dozens of cats roam the beach, and a fishing boat returning always receives a royal welcome by the feline community. Because The Gambia is a developing country, these creatures are starving. Consider sharing some food with them; it makes a real difference.
Seafood at its freshest
Tanji rewards anyone who appreciates seafood.
Fish, prawns, crabs, bonga fish, captain fish, barracuda, ladyfish, red snapper, cuttlefish, squid, and more arrive straight from the ocean and go on sale within minutes. Nothing sits on ice for long.
You taste the difference immediately, whether you buy directly from the beach or watch locals prepare the catch for smoking and later sale.
Photo opportunities
The fish market is a great place for taking memorable photos. Painted boats line the shore, baskets overflow with silver fish, and patterned fabrics move through the crowd. The constant interaction between fishermen, traders, and buyers creates endless unique photo opportunities.
Supporting local economy
Most Gambians don’t have any money, so everything you spend here directly supports local fishermen, vendors, and traders who depend on the daily catch. It helps sustain the local economy and encourages a form of tourism rooted in respect and participation rather than observation from a distance.
Educational experience
If you’re interested in learning about the fishing industry, the Tanji Fishing Village offers insights into the various stages of the fishing process, from the arrival of the catch to the trade and sale of seafood.
Off the beaten path
Tanji Fishing Village is not a typical tourist hotspot, even though it’s one of the most visited places in The Gambia. It’s an opportunity to step away from more touristy areas and engage with a genuine slice of Gambian life.
Tips for visiting the Tanji Fish Market
Here are some tips to consider when visiting Tanji Fishing Village in The Gambia:
Visit early in the morning
Start early. Fishermen arrive at dawn with their catch, and the market hums with life in those first hours. Arriving later means missing the energy, the bustle, and the freshest fish.
Dress modestly
Respect the customs and practices of the locals, most of whom follow Islamic traditions. That means you have to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
Ask for permission before taking photos
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, products, and animals. Ignoring this can create tension or misunderstandings. I didn’t know this at first and was attacked at Albert Market in Banjul for photographing the cats.
Watch your step
The fish market can be extremely crowded and busy, with lots of people moving around and debris everywhere. It can also be uneven, wet, and slippery due to water, fish, and other fluids.
Handle seafood wisely
Hygiene is not to the standards you’re likely used to. Insects and worms are everywhere!
Also, fish can spoil quickly in the sun, and the locals use broken freezers that they fill with ice cubes to store their catch.
If you plan to eat on-site, it’s best to look for high-turnover stalls and observe the cleanliness of preparation areas—busy, well-maintained stalls often indicate quality.
Bargain with moderation
Bargaining is a common practice in markets like Tanji, and haggling can be a fun part of the experience, although the fish is extremely cheap here.
Remember though that The Gambia is a developing country and sellers can really benefit from a fair price.
Communicate with patience
Many people speak English, but not everyone. A smile, clear gestures, and patience go a long way toward smooth interactions.
Keep belongings close
While The Gambia is generally safe for travelers, it’s a good practice to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets. Avoid displaying valuable items or large amounts of cash.
Consider a local guide
A local guide can transform a visit into a deeper experience. They explain the fishing techniques, the history of the village, and the nuances of trade. Guides also smooth communication and help navigate safely, allowing you to focus on observing and enjoying the day.
This guided tour of the Tanji Fish Market is very much recommended, and afterwards, you’ll make a traditional Gambian lunch with the ingredients you bought. The tour also takes you to the Gunjur Snake Farm, the village of Sansanding, and an educational community center.
Guided tours and Gambian cooking classes
The Tanji Fishing Center can be visited as part of a package when taking Gambian cooking lessons with Ida Cham. (The complete packaged can be booked here if you’re interested.)
Ida Cham, your cooking host, will take you to the Tanji Fishing Village for a guided tour and to buy all the necessary ingredients for the meal you will be cooking together.
Some of the things we bought were jandori fish, bissap, okra, peppercorn, onion, tomatoes, chili, garlic, lime, cassava, African eggplant, papaya, sweet potato, and rice.
We would later use these ingredients to make Benachin, a rice dish typical for The Gambia and Senegal. But not before Ida Cham made us dress up in African outfits.
Benachin took several hours to make, and we killed time by playing a game called Wri.
At home, I would probably never have enough patience to make Benachin, though I have to admit that the taste is worth the effort. I particularly loved how the papaya, cassava, sweet potato, and African eggplant mingled with the rest of the dish.
If you ever want to follow one of Ida Cham’s Gambian cooking lessons, then be sure to book in advance, because courses are filling up quickly.
Practical tips
Address
Tanji Fishing Village aka Tanji Fishing Center, 9652+9H4, Tanji, The Gambia.
Opening times
Tanji Fishing Village is open 24/7.
The mornings, however, hold the most magic. Around sunrise, fishermen return from the Atlantic, baskets brimming with fresh fish. Arriving at this hour lets you see the market at its busiest, hear the calls of traders, and watch the catch move from sea to shore. This is when Tanji feels most alive.
Getting there
The best way to travel to Tanji is by car or by Gambian taxis or minibuses (yellow taxis are cheaper than green ones). It is approximately 30 km by road from the capital city of Banjul and approximately 12 km from Kololi.
If you book cooking classes, a visit including transportation will be included in the package. Reserve your spot now before it’s fully booked.
Where to stay?
For inspiration on where to stay in the neighborhood, check out my dedicated article Best Places to Stay in The Gambia.
Final thoughts
Have you visited the Tanji Fish Market, or would you like to see it in person? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan.
Disclaimer: My trip to The Gambia was sponsored by The Gambia Tourism Board, Coconut Residence, and SN Brussels Airlines.
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