Kachikally Crocodile Pool — Attraction in Kanifing Municipal Council

The Kachikally crocodile pool is located in the heart of Bakau, Gambia, about 10 miles (16km) from the capital Banjul. It is one of three sacred crocodile pools used as sites for fertility rituals. The others are Folonko in Kombo South and Berending on the north bank.

Kachikally is a privately owned crocodile pool belonging to the Bojang family of Bakau, one of the founding families and major land owners of the city. Kachikally is also the name of the central district of Bakau town; other districts are Sanchaba and New Town, Mile 7, Farrokono.

The exact number of crocodiles is not known but it is estimated that there are about 80. It was long claimed that all the animals are Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), but research suggests they are a different species, namely the West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus). There have been reports of the presence of albino crocodiles. Crocodiles are allowed to roam freely, and can be approached and touched by visitors. Crocodiles found in the wild are sometimes taken to and reared at...

You’ll pay 100 dalasis for entry to the museum which is small but pretty informative. The “pool” is just a few meters away (you have to go through museum) with many crocodiles just “chilling “ and those are the ones which you can touch. I DO NOT agree with it and watching other people to almost sit on 🐊 and make so cool poses is disgusting. Those animals are not pets. You can go close to them just with local guide. The other section is the “pool” and I can’t go close to those ones as they are aggressive (well that’s their nature right?) but it was fascinating to watch them fight and make so many different noises! The last “section “ is with babies which is hard to spot as they are hiding:) If you wish you can make an contribution which could help locals to maintain the area a feed...

It’s small and immediately over, but the staff running it are charming and they know how to play a group. They appealed to the children in every way, enticing a bit of fear and then letting them feel brave and relaxed.

The crocodiles are much the same as anywhere else, lazy looking with their mouths wide open, and it seems each one of these you go to you find another ‘extremely rare’ albino one - which is whitish yellow in hue with devilishly red eyes.

The kids all got to touch them and the croc played along too, turning its head and looking with intent which was enough to get us all hurrying along.

Lovely area, over quickly and perfect for children.

It also has a small museum attached with some historical points and some of the trees on the walk to the crocodile pool are...