Highlights of The Gambia: Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Kachikally crocodile pool and museum


Thinking of visiting The Gambia? Check out our sister site, Travel The Gambia, for things to do, practical information and more!


This small but fascinating destination is popular with visitors, packing a surprising amount into a small area.

Located in the Bakau district, at the northern end of the coastal tourist trip, a visit to Kachikally Crocodile Park Gambia will take you through narrow local streets brimming with life. The entrance to the crocodile pool is hard to miss, with brightly coloured abstract murals decorating the exterior walls.

A few of Kachikally Crocodile Pool Gambia’s 80+ inhabitants

Entrance charge

Entrance cost an affordable D100 in October 2019.

The lush surroundings of this Gambia crocodile pool, where crocodiles can often be seen lazing on the banks

Crocodile pool and encounter

The main draw of Kachikally is its crocodile pool, where up to 80 crocs can be visible on the banks – although the natural undergrowth can make them hard to spot. But continue up the path and you will soon come face-to-face with a number of crocodiles dozing in the sunshine, lured by the promise of fish from the local staff. The crocodiles here roam freely, and are mostly 1m-2m in length. It is possible to touch them and take photos, although it’s essential to heed the advice of the local experts.

Animal encounters can be controversial; the crocodiles at the pool appeared to be relaxed and in good condition.

A stone shelter where women can bathe in the waters of the pool. Bathing in the sacred water is believed to help childless couples conceive

Fertility rituals

Kachikally is one of three sacred crocodile pools in the Gambia, traditionally believed to cure couples of infertility. Women struggling to conceive traditionally visit to bathe in the water (today this takes place in an open concrete hut); if a pregnancy results, it is traditional to give the child “Kachikally” as part of their name.

Some of the traditional items on display

Nature trail

A nature trail through tropical forest is located nearby; look out for monkeys, kingfishers and lizards as well as trees such as baobabs, fig trees and palms.

Museum

The Kachikally museum is a series of huts containing exhibits on Gambian history and culture. In particular, don’t miss the display of traditional local musical instruments, or the exhibit detailing the role Gambians have played in British military history.

The entrance to Kachikally Crocodile Pool 

Souvenirs and refreshments

Local handicrafts are available to purchase on site, and there is also a small bar area selling soft drinks.

Planning your visit

Opening hours are from roughly 9am to 6pm-7pm every day (closing time is flexible). A visit to the pool and museum takes around 45 minutes.

Because of its location, the best way to get to the Gambia crocodile park is by taxi or on an organised excursion.

Jill Bowdery, Reading the Book Travel: I'm Jill, and I'm a British blogger who has been travelling for two decades, visiting more than 70 countries on 6 continents. I love to travel both solo and with groups, and to discover the cultures and peoples of the countries I visit. And I love to share a good story or two along the way!
Related Post