The crocodiles
On the bank.
stuart Burns from Erith, England — CC BY 2.0 · Niels Elgaard Larsen - User: (WT-shared) Elgaard at wts wikivoyage — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Niels Broekzitter from Piershil, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0 · tjabeljan — CC BY 2.0 · Niels Broekzitter from Piershil, The Netherlands — CC BY 2.0
Kachikally Crocodile Pool is a sacred pool in the coastal town of Bakau, near Serrekunda in western Gambia. Dozens of crocodiles live here, some wandering calmly on the ground around the pool. It is one of the country's best-known sights, with a small museum of local culture alongside. The site is sacred to a local family that has looked after it for generations. Some people come seeking blessings, including women who wash in its water hoping for children, according to local tradition. The crocodiles have lived here a long time, are used to people and are fed fish regularly. You see a green pool thick with water plants, and large crocodiles lying on the muddy bank or floating in the water. Tall trees with huge trunks and sandy paths surround it. The museum holds tools, musical instruments and traditional dress that tell of Mandinka life. It is about 3.5 km from central Serrekunda in a straight line and about 11 km from Banjul. Guides sometimes let visitors touch certain crocodiles, but they are wild animals, so follow the guides exactly and keep away from the water.
On the bank.
Thick water plants.
Mandinka culture.
Bakau, near Serrekunda, The Gambia
They are used to people but wild, so follow the guide.
A local family has kept it for generations, and people come for blessings.