BASSE SANTA SU
In the most eastern part of The Gambia is the town of Basse Santa Su, or Basse in short. It is a lively merchant town situated deep in the traditional part of The Gambia. Renting a jeep and a guide are absolutely necessary to reach this place and because the road to it is far from comfortable and very long (it’s about a 13 hour drive!), we do recommend you taking some cushions with you to sit on. This region is famous for it’s pottery bakers who manufacture wonderful hand-painted pots and vases which are sold on the big market of Basse. Basse is at the end of the tarmac road which runs across the south bank of the Gambia river and is known as a junction for traffic and business (and smuggle) to and from the neighbouring countries.
If you want to take a rest at Basse in the shadow underneath the big mango trees, be aware of the swarms of birds also resting in the trees: they just let their droppings fall out of the trees.
A ferry connection to visit the village of Yorobawal on the north bank is present although can prove the be rather scary as this ferry is (over)loaded with cargo and passengers. Here you’ll also see many Mauretanian merchants which are to be recognised by their indigo blue caftans (traditional clothes) and turban’s. To visit Basse, it is best to combine it with also a visit to i.e. Georgetown or Tendaba Camp and to spend the night half way.
