MacCarthy Island Island

Address: MacCarthy Island (Janjanbureh), Central River Division, The Gambia

MacCarthy Island, commonly known today by the town name Janjanbureh, is an inhabited island in the middle reaches of the Gambia River in the Central River Division. It is the site of a market town that served as a colonial administrative and trading post.

The island town contains 19th-century colonial-era structures and remains a local centre for administration, commerce and river transport. Visitors encounter a compact townscape with markets and waterfront activity rather than tourist infrastructure.

The island was settled and developed during the period of British influence in the region as a riverside trading post and administrative location and has continued as a local hub for communities along the Gambia River.

Geographically MacCarthy Island sits within the central Gambia River corridor, upstream from the river mouth and connected to river transport routes that link it to surrounding settlements.

• Town: The island hosts the town of Janjanbureh, historically known as Georgetown, which contains colonial-era buildings and local markets.
• Access and function: Accessible by river transport and serves as an administrative and trading centre for the surrounding riverine districts.

What to See#

• Settlement and market town: Janjanbureh town (formerly Georgetown)

MacCarthy Island (Janjanbureh) is reached by road from Banjul and by riverboat services along the Gambia River. The nearest regional centre is Basse; visitors often travel via road to Janjanbureh bridge or by scheduled river transport.

• Plan travel along the Gambia River carefully - river transport schedules can be irregular and depend on tides.
• Bring local currency for small purchases; facilities on the island are limited.
• Hire a local guide in Janjanbureh (Georgetown) to learn about the island's colonial and riverine history.