Gambia day tour: crocodile pool, local markets & beach

Summary

Visit sacred crocodile pools, lively markets & Paradise Beach

You’ll meet locals at sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool, wander Serekunda’s wild market lanes, watch master carvers in Brikama, float through Lamin’s mangroves by boat (bring cash), then relax on Paradise Beach before ending at Tanji fish market—expect laughter, new tastes, and stories you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared?” our guide Musa grinned at me as we edged closer to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or testing me, but honestly, I’d never been this close to a crocodile before. The air smelled earthy and damp under the trees, and one of the crocs blinked lazily as a woman in bright fabric tossed water from a calabash nearby—she smiled at us like it was nothing. Musa told us about the legend of fertility here; I tried to repeat the name “Kachikally” and probably butchered it. He just laughed and waved us on.

The drive through Serekunda was chaos in the best way—market stalls everywhere, people calling out prices for mangoes and fish, radios blaring something fast and cheerful. I bought peanuts from a boy who couldn’t have been older than ten; his hands were dusty but his grin was huge. We stopped at Brikama’s wood carving factory next. The smell of sawdust mixed with sweat and something sweet—maybe palm wine?—and I watched an old man carve tiny birds from dark wood without looking up once. There must’ve been two hundred carvers there, all working quietly except for one who whistled off-key.

Lamin Lodge came after that, all rickety wooden beams over the creek. We paid cash for a boat (bring small bills—they don’t do cards), then drifted past tangled mangroves while women collected oysters right off the roots. The sun felt heavy on my shoulders but the breeze kept it bearable. In Daranka village, we met Fatou by her garden—she let me taste a leaf straight from her plot (bitter! but she swore it’s good for you). There’s an old tree there they call the Elephant Tree; I leaned against its trunk and just listened to everyone chatting in Wolof for a minute or two.

Paradise Beach lived up to its name—not in some postcard way, but because kids were playing football barefoot and someone handed us fried fish wrapped in newspaper. By the time we reached Tanji fish market, everything smelled like salt and smoke and fresh catch. My shoes were full of sand by then but I didn’t care—I still think about that view over the boats at sunset sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of key Gambia sites

• Visit Kachikally Crocodile Pool
• Explore Brikama woodcarving factory
• Drive to Lamin Lodge
• Boat ride on the creek
• Visit Daranka village and women's garden
• See the Elephant tree in Daranka

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Gambia day tour?

No, hotel pickup is not mentioned as included for this tour.

Are entry fees included for Kachikally Crocodile Pool?

No, admission fees for Kachikally Crocodile Pool are not included.

Can I pay by credit card during the tour?

No, most places in Gambia do not accept credit cards; bring cash.

How long is the boat trip at Lamin Lodge?

The boat trip lasts 1-2 hours depending on duration chosen.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No lunch is specifically included; food can be purchased along the way.

What markets are visited on this Gambia day trip?

Serekunda market and Tanji fish market are both visited.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels including families.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

You should bring water, sunscreen, and enough cash for fees or purchases.

What’s included

Your day is guided by a knowledgeable local who leads you through Kachikally Crocodile Pool (entry fee not included), Serekunda market, Brikama woodcarving factory, Lamin Lodge with optional boat ride (fee varies), Paradise Beach in Sanyang and Tanji fish market—all with plenty of chances to chat with locals along the way.