Stone Circles of Senegambia
Location: Wassu and Kerbatch, Eastern Gambia
Year of Inscription: 2006
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are a collection of four archaeological sites in The Gambia and Senegal that are home to thousands of ancient stone circles. The circles date back to between 3rd century BC and 16th century AD, and are believed to have been used for ceremonial and ritual purposes by the people who built them.
Prominent Features: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are home to thousands of stone circles, some of which are as large as 30 meters in diameter. These circles are made up of standing stones, and many of them have been intricately carved with patterns and designs. The circles are arranged in different patterns, some in straight lines and others in clusters, and many of them are surrounded by smaller stones that form a sort of enclosure.
History: The stone circles were built by the ancestors of the people who live in the region today, and are believed to have been used for ceremonial and ritual purposes. The circles are thought to have played an important role in the lives of the people who built them, and they continue to be revered by their descendants today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the stone circles and learn about the history and culture of the people who built them. There are also opportunities to go on guided tours of the sites and to learn about the archaeology and geology of the region.
Fun Fact: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are believed to be older than Stonehenge and were built over a longer period of time.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee for each of the sites, which varies depending on the location usually 50 Dalasis
How to Reach It: Wassu and Kerbatch Sites are located in The Gambia, and the most convenient way to reach them is by road.
From Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, you can take a shared taxi or a private car to Wassu and Kerbatch. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Banjul to Janjanbureh, the largest town in the Central River Region, and then take a taxi to Wassu and Kerbatch.
It is also possible to arrange a guided tour from Banjul or Janjanbureh to Wassu and Kerbatch, which may include transportation, entry fees, and a tour guide.
The sites are located in remote areas, and visitors are advised to hire a guide or join a guided tour to ensure they can find the stone circles.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options near the Stone Circles of Senegambia, ranging from basic guesthouses to more luxurious hotels. The closest accommodation options are in the towns of Wassu and Kerbatch in The Gambia.
Next Stop: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites
Year of Inscription: 2006
Criteria: (i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.
Overview: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are a collection of four archaeological sites in The Gambia and Senegal that are home to thousands of ancient stone circles. The circles date back to between 3rd century BC and 16th century AD, and are believed to have been used for ceremonial and ritual purposes by the people who built them.
Prominent Features: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are home to thousands of stone circles, some of which are as large as 30 meters in diameter. These circles are made up of standing stones, and many of them have been intricately carved with patterns and designs. The circles are arranged in different patterns, some in straight lines and others in clusters, and many of them are surrounded by smaller stones that form a sort of enclosure.
History: The stone circles were built by the ancestors of the people who live in the region today, and are believed to have been used for ceremonial and ritual purposes. The circles are thought to have played an important role in the lives of the people who built them, and they continue to be revered by their descendants today.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the stone circles and learn about the history and culture of the people who built them. There are also opportunities to go on guided tours of the sites and to learn about the archaeology and geology of the region.
Fun Fact: The Stone Circles of Senegambia are believed to be older than Stonehenge and were built over a longer period of time.
Entry Fees: There is an entrance fee for each of the sites, which varies depending on the location usually 50 Dalasis
How to Reach It: Wassu and Kerbatch Sites are located in The Gambia, and the most convenient way to reach them is by road.
From Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, you can take a shared taxi or a private car to Wassu and Kerbatch. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Banjul to Janjanbureh, the largest town in the Central River Region, and then take a taxi to Wassu and Kerbatch.
It is also possible to arrange a guided tour from Banjul or Janjanbureh to Wassu and Kerbatch, which may include transportation, entry fees, and a tour guide.
The sites are located in remote areas, and visitors are advised to hire a guide or join a guided tour to ensure they can find the stone circles.
Where to Stay: There are a number of accommodation options near the Stone Circles of Senegambia, ranging from basic guesthouses to more luxurious hotels. The closest accommodation options are in the towns of Wassu and Kerbatch in The Gambia.
Next Stop: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites