Tourist destinations in Gambia: your guide to a different journey through the forests

Ahmed Salem

On the map of tourist destinations in Africa, Gambia stands out, famous for its attractive beaches and environmental activities that appeal to international tourists, as one of the destinations with increasing tourist demand in recent years.

If you intend to travel to The Gambia, you are set for a visit to a homeland of over 600 bird species, as you are effectively in the transitional zone between tropical forests and semi-arid regions.

The tourist attractions and activities you can do in Gambia have a different character. It is considered a major center for migratory birds around the Old Arctic region, not to mention the crocodile pond in Kachikally and the goat and cattle market, and other activities in the following Zoom Africa report:

1. Crocodile pond in Kashikali

The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is one of the most amazing tourist activities you can do in The Gambia. When you enter this farm, the first thing you see is a large pool full of crocodiles. Everywhere you look, you'll find them in the water or on the shore. It's truly an exciting experience.

Next to the pool, you'll find rooms resembling a museum, where the history of the Kachikally farm is told. In addition to being a tourist destination, the farm remains a pilgrimage site for infertile women in Gambia.

You will find comprehensive information about this history displayed on the walls. According to visitors who have been exposed to the narratives, it is a very interesting and moving story, whether read or heard from the tour guide.

Also inside the crocodile pool, there is a museum that houses a number of old musical instruments, some of which you can touch and even play a little.

After your museum tour, you can head to the other side of the pond. There, you'll find some friendly crocodiles that are accustomed to people. The crocodiles are fed every morning, so they won't be hungry and attack you upon your arrival.

You can play with these crocodiles from their backs. It's almost a truly special feeling to touch a crocodile's thick skin, even just once, which gives you goosebumps.

You are also allowed to take pictures with crocodiles here, which is very common. These days, there are increasing reports of animal mistreatment abroad and the necessity of avoiding taking pictures with wild animals.

Tigers are sedated and injected with drugs, and elephants, camels, and horses are treated cruelly, kicked, and beaten.

There are many other examples of this. On this crocodile farm, I didn't feel that the crocodiles were being treated badly; they live freely, and it seems there's something wrong with all the crocodiles that prevents them from living in the wild.

2. Goat and Cow Market

Goat and cattle markets can be found in various places along the roads in Gambia. These markets are not located in tourist areas, so it is recommended to visit them with a tour guide.

Personally, I found it shocking to see all these cows and goats standing with ropes around their necks. This is one of the reasons we abstain from consuming animal products. When they are sold, they are transported to homes in unbelievable ways, either on the back of a motorcycle or carried down the road as if they were a pet.

3. Spend some time with a local

A day trip with a local is highly recommended. First, they enjoy taking tourists to these places, and they may even show you some of their skills in front of others.

Secondly, you will visit places you wouldn't have been able to visit as a tourist otherwise, and I think any of us would like to visit interesting places we hadn't planned for.

But a piece of advice: in Gambia, as in other countries, it is important to consult your heart. If you feel uncomfortable or have a strange feeling, be sure to step away and return to your hotel.

4. Fish market

The fish market is another famous market in Gambia, and this market is always very crowded, especially in the late afternoon.

Around 4 p.m., when the day's catch arrives, the market is at its liveliest, with stalls set up everywhere, fish being cleaned, and people shouting at each other.

As a tourist, you can walk past the stalls and admire everything without anyone shouting at you to buy fish, and I liked that compared to other places.

According to visitors there, you will have difficulty seeing all these animals on display. But it's different here in Gambia, where people suffer from a food shortage, and fish are the easiest catch for the local population. Of course, you also have to put up with the pungent smell of fish. After all, it's unmistakable.

5. Bigelo Forest Park

This park is located a one-kilometer walk from the main street in Kololi. Therefore, it is one of the few activities in The Gambia that can be done without a tour guide.

Entry to the park from the beach is not permitted as you will not be able to pass through the ticket booths. Police are regularly present at the entrance on the beach. Therefore, please enter through the main entrance (located on the road).

At the entrance, you can buy bags of nuts to feed the monkeys. As soon as you enter, you will find many monkeys waiting for food, but they do not finish everything yet. In fact, there are more monkeys in the park who would appreciate getting some treats from you. There is a beautiful walking path through the forest with several side trails. This path allows you to wander around for a while, about one to two hours.

Pay close attention to anything not securely fastened, like a camera hanging around your neck or your phone in your back pocket. Monkeys, in fact, find this very interesting and will happily snatch it from you.

6. Go on a boat trip

One of the best activities you can do is undoubtedly exploring Gambia's nature from a boat. During the trip, you will see different types of birds, as well as rare plants.

The water temperature is also very pleasant, and the tour guides will provide you with a lot of information about the scenic places you will visit.

7. Visit a slum and bring toys for the children.

This point is very important and interesting for those who love to do humanitarian deeds, as you can take your tour guide to a very poor village, you will find many children playing outside. And bring them wrapped gifts.