Is Brufut Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Brufut is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. The people are friendly and welcoming, and crime rates are relatively low. However, like in any other place, it is important to exercise some caution. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Moderate

Brufut is generally peaceful and friendly, but like any place, caution is advised especially during evenings. Keep to well-lit and busy areas and avoid displaying expensive items. Always ensure you have a reliable means of transportation. Walking alone at night isn't recommended. It's best to travel in groups or with a companion and let others know your plans.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Brufut, is reasonably reliable and often the best way to get around the region. It mainly consists of shared taxis and local minibuses known as 'gele-gele.' However, overcrowding and unpredictable schedules can be challenging. Although safety standards aren't always up to par, incidents of crime in these transport means aren't particularly high. As a solo female traveler, it's recommended to take basic precautions like avoiding late-night travel and staying vigilant of your belongings.

Street harassment:Low

Brufut, is a generally calm location where locals boast a friendly nature. Street harassment is not prominent, but as with all destinations, common precautionary measures, like avoiding lonely areas late at night, are always beneficial. The Gambian culture respects and values their guests, hence you can calmly move around without facing major harassment issues. However, bear in mind to be respectful to their culture, dressing moderately, and not inviting unnecessary attention.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching are relatively moderate in Brufut. It's crucial to always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious, especially in crowded places. However, generally, the locals are friendly and welcoming to travelers.

Tap water:Unsafe

In Brufut, drinking tap water isn't generally advisable. Despite improvements in water quality in urban areas, rural places like Brufut may still have issues with water sanitation. Travelers are often recommended to stick to bottled water or purified water for drinking and even for brushing teeth.

Is Brufut safe to travel?

Is Brufut safe right now?

Before your visit to Brufut, it's essential to check travel advisories for Gambia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to The Gambia, due to high levels of crime and inadequate health infrastructure. Some areas pose a higher risk than others. Please ensure that you read the entire travel advisory. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 31, 2023
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in The Gambia overall, due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: January 23, 2024

Safety in Gambia