📖 About Basse Santa Su

Basse Santa Su, usually known simply as Basse, is The Gambia's easternmost town, lying on the south bank of the River Gambia about 370km from the capital Banjul. As the capital of the Upper River Division, Basse serves as an important administrative and commercial center for the region.

The town is home to predominantly Fulani and Serahule ethnic groups, who take pride in their communal identity and traditions. Basse offers visitors an enriching experience connecting with the heart of Gambian life, where the blend of past and present is palpable.

Known for its important weekly market, one of the largest in the country, Basse attracts traders from across the region who come to buy and sell agricultural goods, textiles, and livestock.

🎯 Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Basse's economy centers on trade and agriculture, with the weekly market serving as the commercial heartbeat of the Upper River region. Farmers from surrounding villages bring produce, livestock, and crafts to sell, while traders offer manufactured goods and textiles.

The town also serves as an important transportation hub, with goods and passengers moving between The Gambia and neighboring Senegal. A regional hospital provides healthcare services to the surrounding area.

The Fulani and Serahule communities maintain strong cultural traditions, with music, dance, and oral histories passed down through generations. Visitors experience authentic Gambian hospitality and a way of life that has changed little over the centuries.

📜 History

Basse Santa Su developed as a trading post on the River Gambia, strategically located where the river becomes navigable for larger vessels. The town grew as a center for trade between coastal areas and the African interior.

During the British colonial period, Basse served as an important administrative outpost in the eastern Gambia. The town's market tradition dates back centuries, serving as a meeting point for different ethnic groups and traders.

Since The Gambia's independence in 1965, Basse has maintained its role as the eastern gateway, connecting the nation to its neighbors while preserving its traditional character and cultural heritage.