Touching West African Crocodiles at Bakau Kachikally Pool

Bakau Kachikally Crocodile Pool houses approximately 80 West African crocodiles within a 9-acre sacred site that has served as a center for fertility rituals for over 500 years. Entrance fees currently range between 100 and 200 GMD—roughly 2 to 4 US dollars—which provides access to the pool area, a mini-forest nature trail, and an ethnographic museum. Unlike typical wildlife parks, this is a privately managed heritage site under the custodianship of the Bojang family, who have lived in Bakau since the 16th century. The water remains hidden beneath a thick layer of water lettuce (pakanju), creating a green carpet that the reptiles use for camouflage while sunning themselves on the muddy banks.

Spiritual Custodianship of the Bojang Family

The pool is not a zoo but a living shrine dedicated to the spirit of Kachikally, a mystical figure who local legend says granted the Bojang family guardianship of the water after they showed her kindness. This ancestral connection remains visible today through the daily presence of family elders who oversee the site and ensure visitors respect the ground's sanctity. While tourists visit to see the reptiles, Gambians travel from across the country to participate in fertility ceremonies. These rituals involve washing with sacred water in private stalls near the pool—a practice so revered that children born afterward are often named Kachikally in gratitude.

If you happen to see local women carrying out these ceremonies, it is essential to maintain a respectful distance and avoid taking photographs of the private prayer areas. The Bojang family maintains a delicate balance between welcoming global tourism and preserving these deeply personal animist traditions. Most guidebooks fail to mention that the "guards" you see handling the crocodiles are actually members of this lineage, possessing an intimate, generational understanding of each individual animal's temperament.

Wildlife Interactions and Safety Guidelines

The crocodiles at Kachikally are remarkably docile, primarily because they are fed a consistent diet of bonga shad and other fish twice weekly. This regular feeding schedule eliminates their hunting instinct, allowing them to coexist with humans in a way that seems surreal to first-time visitors. You can often sit beside the larger residents, such as the famous 70-year-old Charlie, and touch their tails or back scales under the strict supervision of the handlers. While they appear lethargic, these are still wild animals (Crocodylus suchus) capable of sudden movement, so you should always approach from the rear and stay clear of the snout and head.

Safety at the pool is managed through a low-intervention approach where handlers identify which crocodiles are in a resting state versus those that are nesting or irritable. During the rainy season between June and October, the crocodiles occasionally wander into the surrounding neighborhood; the Bojang family is then called to safely escort them back to the sacred waters. This species is slightly smaller than the East African Nile crocodile, rarely exceeding 3 meters in length, which contributes to the manageable nature of the interactions within the cramped, shaded grove.

Exploring the Ethnographic Museum and Grounds

The onsite ethnographic museum consists of five galleries housing over 1,000 artifacts that provide a surprisingly deep look into Gambian tribal history. You will find Kankurrang masks used in Mandinka initiation rites, traditional musical instruments like the kora, and a collection of jujus—religious talismans often made from animal parts or leather. The exhibits are occasionally dusty and lack high-tech lighting, but the information density regarding the colonial struggle and ethnic diversity in The Gambia is superior to many larger state-run institutions in Banjul.

Navigating the site takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes if you include the short nature trail that winds past a massive, ancient silk cotton tree. This trail offers a quieter experience than the main pool area and is a prime spot for birdwatchers to see cattle egrets and kingfishers. If you are arriving from the Senegambia tourist strip, expect to pay around 400 GMD for a green tourist taxi return trip (including waiting time), though adventurous travelers can take a local shared taxi to the Bakau "traffic light" junction for less than 50 GMD. I recommend visiting before 10:00 AM to avoid the humidity and the large tour bus groups that often arrive by midday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current entrance fee for Kachikally Crocodile Pool?

Foreign visitors generally pay 100 GMD for adults, though some recent reports suggest prices can reach 200 GMD depending on the season. This fee includes the museum, the pool access, and the nature trail, but you should bring extra small change for tipping the crocodile handlers.

Is it safe for children to visit and touch the crocodiles?

Children are welcome and can safely observe the animals, but touching should only be done by older children who can strictly follow the handler's instructions. The staff is very protective and will only permit interaction with the most placid, well-fed crocodiles to ensure a zero-risk environment.

How do I get to the pool from the main hotel areas?

The most direct way is via a yellow or green taxi from Kololi or Kotu, which takes about 15-20 minutes. If you want to save money, take a shared "bush taxi" to Bakau and walk the final 10 minutes through the old town market area to reach the site entrance.

Are the crocodiles drugged or sedated for tourists?

No, the crocodiles are entirely conscious but are kept in a state of "food coma" through a heavy, regular diet of fish. Their docility is also attributed to being habituated to human presence over several decades within a relatively small, enclosed habitat.

Can I visit the pool during the rainy season?

Yes, the site remains open year-round, although the paths can become quite muddy and slippery between July and September. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe sandals is highly recommended during these months to navigate the damp roots and mossy stones surrounding the water.