Things To Do
in Bakau
Bakau is a coastal town located in the Gambia, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant fishing community. The town is also home to the famous Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred site where visitors can see and even touch crocodiles. Bakau's lively market offers a variety of fresh produce, handicrafts, and textiles for locals and tourists to enjoy.
With its warm tropical climate and friendly residents, Bakau is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure.
- "What is your name?" - Ki sa gra?
- "How are you?" - Mbaa ngfa dio?
- "Thank you" - Jerejef
- "Good morning" - Njaa baa
- "Good evening" - Njaa bain
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Arch 22 and learn about Gambia's history. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery.
Explore the vibrant Bakau Fish Market, soaking in the lively atmosphere and fresh catches of the day. Take a scenic walk along the coastline to enjoy the views.
Dine at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood. Enjoy live music or local entertainment to wrap up the day.
Spend your morning at the beautiful Cape Point Beach, basking in the sun. Go for a swim in the refreshing ocean waters.
Grab lunch at a beachside café and continue lounging on the sands. Consider engaging in water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding.
Watch the sunset from the beach, capturing stunning views. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant with a view of the ocean.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery with stunning beaches.
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Growing tourism industry providing various activities and experiences.
- Opportunity for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and bird watching.
- Limited infrastructure and services compared to more developed countries.
- Potential for seasonal weather challenges, such as heavy rains.
- Healthcare facilities may not be up to standard for serious medical issues.
- Job opportunities can be limited for expatriates.
- Challenges with transportation and traffic congestion in some areas.
Best Activities in Bakau
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the sacred pool believed to have healing powers and see the resident crocodiles
Tours
Uncover the best of Bakau with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bakau
Visit one of these nice places.
A lush forest reserve with walking trails and the chance to spot wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds.
A picturesque sandy beach lined with palm trees, offering stunning ocean views and sunsets, ideal for photography.
A monumental arch offering panoramic views of Banjul and the surrounding area, providing an excellent vantage point for photography.
Food in Bakau
Bakau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish consisting of a rich peanut stew with your choice of meat or fish, served with rice. Try it at Mama D's Kitchen.
Must-Try!
Also known as 'one-pot,' benachin is a flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, meat or fish, and a variety of local spices. Enjoy this dish at Lamin's Kunda.
Yassa is a tangy and savory dish of marinated meat or fish, typically served with onions and a zesty lemon sauce. Head to Mustapha's Place for an authentic Yassa experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bakau better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering an array of fresh produce, spices, and local snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to savor grilled seafood and kebabs from the street vendors surrounding the market.
Explore the vibrant food stalls at Bakoteh Market for an authentic street food experience. Indulge in akara (bean fritters), spicy grilled chicken, and delectable pastel (fried pastries filled with fish or meat).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It's important to greet people with respect, using the local traditional greetings such as 'Nanga def?' (How are you?) and 'Be Jaaraama?' (Good morning).
In Bakau, respecting elders is crucial. It's customary to use titles like 'Uncle' or 'Auntie' when addressing older individuals, and to show deference and politeness in interactions.
When visiting Bakau, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially when outside tourist areas. Dressing conservatively shows consideration for local cultural norms.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bakau with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bakau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Bakau, Gambia, but is appreciated in some establishments, especially in restaurants and for tour guides. A tip of 10-15% of the total bill is considered generous.
Cash is the primary mode of payment in Bakau, Gambia. Credit and debit cards may be accepted in some larger hotels and restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for most transactions. ATMs are available for withdrawing local currency.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Bakau, Gambia, as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity during this time, which can be a challenge for outdoor activities. However, the landscape becomes lush and green, and it's a good time for birdwatching.
Bakau at Night
Hiking in Bakau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic wildlife reserve with trails through the forest, offering a chance to see various bird species and other wildlife.
A peaceful area with marked trails that provide a relaxing hike through diverse flora and fauna.
A coastal reserve with trails that lead to stunning views of the ocean and opportunities for birdwatching.
Not only a cultural site, but also offers trails nearby that blend nature and local traditions.
A rural trail that provides insight into local life and agriculture, perfect for cultural hiking experiences.
Aiports
How to reach Bakau by plane.
The main international airport serving The Gambia, located approximately 26 km from Bakau.
An international airport located in Ziguinchor, Senegal, about 120 km from Bakau.
The primary airport serving Guinea-Bissau, located approximately 250 km from Bakau.
An airport located in Cap Skirring, Senegal, about 100 km from Bakau.
The main airport serving Dakar, Senegal, located around 250 km from Bakau.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Mandinka people are one of the largest ethnic groups in The Gambia, comprising a significant portion of Bakau's population, known for their rich cultural heritage and history.
Wolof is another major ethnic group in Bakau, known for their vibrant customs and language, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
The Fula people, also known as Fulani, represent a substantial demographic segment in Bakau, traditionally known for their pastoral lifestyle.
The Jola are an ethnic group in Bakau, with a strong connection to agriculture and fishing, contributing to the local economy.
The Serer people, although a smaller group in Bakau, are influential in the socio-cultural fabric of the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Bakau, with many local teams and vibrant community support.
Basketball has gained popularity among the youth in Bakau, with several courts available for play.
Traditional wrestling is an important cultural sport in Gambia, including Bakau, often featuring local competitions.
Running and other athletic events are popular, especially among schools and community groups.
Cricket is played informally in Bakau, with some organized groups and leagues forming in recent years.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bakau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Gambian cuisine is centered around meat and fish, some restaurants and local eateries in Bakau offer vegetarian and vegan options such as yassa with tofu, domoda with chickpeas, and flavorful vegetable benachin.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled fish, yassa with rice, fresh vegetable salads, and fruit sorbets at various dining establishments.