Kololi, Kotu and Bakau: The Gambia's resort coast

Bakau and Cape Point

**Bakau** is a real Gambian town that happens to have hotels. Its highlight is the **Kachikally Crocodile Pool**, a sacred pool where dozens of Nile crocodiles laze in the sun and local women come to pray for fertility. Nearby are the **Bakau fish market** on the beach, a small craft market and the **Bakau Botanic Gardens**, a peaceful green space from colonial times. **Cape Point**, at the northern tip, has a sheltered beach and some of the best sunsets on the coast.

Fajara and Kotu

**Fajara** is quieter and leafier, with older guesthouses, the Fajara golf course and the cliff top restaurants above Leybato beach. **Kotu** has a wide beach, a handful of long established hotels and the **Kotu Creek** area, where birders gather at dawn to spot kingfishers, waders and herons. Local bird guides with official badges wait near the Kotu bridge: agree a fee up front.

Kololi and the Senegambia Strip

**Kololi** is the busiest resort area. The **Senegambia Strip** is a short road packed with restaurants, bars, cafés and craft stalls that comes alive at night. It is fun and easy, though more touristy than the rest of the coast. Right behind it, **Bijilo Forest Park**, often called the Monkey Park, has shady trails where green vervet and red colobus monkeys come close. Please do not feed them, whatever the vendors suggest.

Beaches

The coast faces the open Atlantic, so swimming conditions vary. Kololi, Kotu and Cape Point are the most popular beaches, with sunbeds and beach bars. Currents can be strong, especially in the rainy season, so swim where others are swimming and heed any flags. Beaches here are public, which means vendors and bumsters will approach you; a calm, friendly no thank you usually ends it.

Food and nightlife

You can eat very well here: grilled barracuda and ladyfish, prawns, Lebanese mezze, Gambian benachin and domoda, and wood fired pizza. Beach bars at Cape Point and Kotu are great for sunset drinks, while the Senegambia Strip has live music and later clubs. Try a fresh baobab or wonjo juice.

Where to stay

Kololi suits those who want restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep. Kotu is calmer and good for families. Fajara and Bakau have characterful guesthouses and a more local atmosphere, and Cape Point offers some of the nicer beachfront hotels. Browse our places to visit for specific stays.

Getting around

Green tourist taxis wait outside hotels and charge set tourist fares, while yellow and green town taxis are cheaper and shared. Always agree the fare first. Walking along the beach between Kotu and Kololi is pleasant in daylight.

Safety

The coast is generally relaxed. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, use taxis after dark rather than walking quiet roads or beaches, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering tours, romance or business deals. Check your government's travel advice for current guidance.

Day trips from the coast

The coast is the launch pad for almost everything: Banjul for the day, Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh by boat, Abuko Nature Reserve and Lamin Lodge for birds, and the south coast for empty beaches and Tanji's fish landing.