Bakau - Discovering Gambia

Travelling to Bakau

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Bakau, a pretty good destination in Gambia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Bakau and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Bakau, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Gambia, here's everything to know about Bakau for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Bakau

Bakau is a coastal town located in the Gambia, a country in West Africa. It is situated just north of the capital city, Banjul, and is known for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and vibrant marketplaces. Bakau is also home to the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a popular tourist attraction where visitors can observe crocodiles up close. The town has a rich cultural heritage and offers a variety of activities for visitors to explore, including exploring the wildlife in nature reserves and going on fishing and boating trips. The best time to visit Bakau is during the dry season, which runs from November to May, when temperatures are cooler and there is less chance of rain.

What to visit in Bakau

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions in Bakau, Gambia: 1. Bakau Fish Market: This vibrant market is the largest in the area and offers a wide range of fresh seafood including lobsters and prawns.
2. Kachikally Crocodile Pool: This site is believed to have healing powers and visitors can watch crocodiles being fed and even touch them.
3. Bakau New Town Safari Park: This nature reserve has a range of wildlife including giraffes, zebras and baboons.
4. Abuko Nature Reserve: This protected area is home to a variety of bird species and primates including chimpanzees, as well as a botanical garden.
5. Bakau Craft Market: Here, visitors can buy handmade souvenirs such as textiles and wood carvings.
6. Arch 22: This iconic monument is a tribute to the Gambian soldiers who fought in the country's independence struggle. Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view.
7. Albert Market: This bustling market offers everything from fresh produce to textiles and electronics.
8. Bakau Beach: As one of the area's best beaches, Bakau Beach offers visitors a chance to relax on the sand or enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and banana boating.
9. Gambian National Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Gambia through exhibits on traditional dress, music, and art.
10. Bakau Botanical Gardens: This garden showcases a variety of plants and trees, including medicinal and ornamental species.
I hope this information helps you to plan a wonderful trip to Bakau, Gambia!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Gambia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Bakau.

When to go on holiday to Bakau

The best time to visit Bakau in Gambia is from November to mid-April as the weather is cooler and dry. During this time, you can enjoy the sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. It's also the peak tourist season, so there will be more activities and events to choose from. However, keep in mind that prices for accommodation and flights may be higher during this time. May to October is the rainy season, so you may experience heavy downpours during the day. Though the vegetation is lush during this period, some tourist attractions may be closed due to the wet conditions.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Bakau

There are several ways to get to Bakau, Gambia. The most common way is by flying into Banjul International Airport, which is approximately 17 kilometers away from Bakau. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Bakau. You can also travel to Gambia by road. If you're in Senegal, you can take a shared taxi or a bus from Dakar to Kaolack, and from there take another shared taxi or bus to Banjul, then take a taxi or minibus to Bakau. There are also ferry services from Dakar to Banjul, which take around 6 hours. Once you arrive in Banjul, you can take a taxi or minibus to Bakau.
It's important to note that it's always a good idea to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before making any travel arrangements.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Bakau, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Bakau

Bakau is a coastal town in Gambia known for its fresh seafood and spicy dishes. Here are some typical foods of Bakau with short descriptions for each of them: 1. Domoda: A popular Gambian dish made with peanut butter, vegetables, and meats like chicken or beef.
2. Benachin: Also known as "one-pot rice," this is a traditional Gambian dish with rice cooked in a flavorful tomato and vegetable sauce with meat or fish.
3. Yassa: A tangy and spicy dish made with grilled meat or fish and a marinade of lemon juice, onions, and spices.
4. Superkanja: A hearty stew made with leafy greens like collard greens or spinach, along with meat or fish and a peanut butter base.
5. Grilled seafood: Bakau is known for its fresh seafood, which is often served grilled and seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and lime juice.
6. Mbahal: A breakfast porridge made with millet or cornmeal and served with milk and sugar.
7. Kelewele: A sweet and spicy snack made with plantains that have been seasoned with ginger and chili pepper, then fried until crispy. 8. Akara: Deep-fried bean cakes made from black-eyed peas and served as a breakfast or snack. 9. Afra: A grilled meat dish marinated in a spicy rub made of peanuts, chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. 10. Tapalapa: A soft and chewy bread that is a staple food in Gambia and often served with meals or used to make sandwiches.
You can find general info about typical foods in Gambia here.

Is Bakau an expensive destination for tourists?

Bakau, Gambia can be considered a mid-range destination in terms of prices for tourists. Accommodations and meals can be found at a reasonable price, especially if you are looking to stay in a traditional guest house or local bed and breakfast. However, activities such as wildlife tours or visiting local attractions can be more expensive.
It's always recommended to research and compare prices before booking your trip to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, traveling during the off-season can often result in lower prices for accommodations and activities.

Where to find accomodation in Bakau

Bakau is a coastal town in Gambia and you can find accommodations in different areas depending on your preferences. However, the best areas to find accommodation to visit Bakau are Bijilo and Cape Point. Bijilo and Cape Point have many good hotels and guesthouses with good access to the beach, restaurants, nightlife and other tourist attractions. Another good option is to stay in the Kololi area which is also near the beach and has many hotels and guesthouses. These areas provide easy access to the Bakau tourist attractions like the Kachikally crocodile pool, Bakau craft market, and Abuko Nature Reserve.
You can check hotel prices at Bakau here:
Booking.com

Is Bakau a safe destination for tourists?

Bakau, like many other tourist destinations around the world, is generally safe as long as visitors take necessary precautions. It is always important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. That being said, the incidence of violent crime against tourists in Bakau is low. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so it is recommended that visitors keep an eye on their belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items. It is also important to follow local customs and laws, such as dressing modestly and respecting cultural practices. Overall, with common sense and practical precautions, tourists can enjoy a safe and enjoyable stay in Bakau.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Gambia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Bakau.

What type of travelers will enjoy Bakau the most?

Bakau in Gambia is a wonderful destination for travelers who are looking for a unique and authentic experience. This destination caters to all types of travelers, although it might appeal more to families and couples. Families will enjoy the many outdoor activities and attractions available for all age groups such as the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Abuko Nature Reserve, and the Senegambia Craft Market.
Couples, on the other hand, can enjoy a romantic stroll on the stunning beaches, delightful savannah, and the serene countryside without distractions of a big city.
Young people looking for fun will also enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene in Bakau, with many lively bars and clubs situated around the area.
So, it all depends on the travelers' preferences, but Bakau has something to offer for everyone who's looking to explore Gambia.

How to get around Bakau

In Bakau, you can use various modes of transportation to move around, including taxis, minibusses, and hired private cars. Taxis are the easiest mode of transportation to use in Bakau and are readily available at any time of day or night. They operate on a shared basis or can be hired privately for a more comfortable ride. Minibusses are also available and are more affordable than taxis, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable. Private hired cars are an option for travelers who prefer a more exclusive and comfortable mode of transportation. However, they are relatively expensive compared to taxis and minibusses.

What to see around Bakau

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Bakau in Gambia: 1. Banjul 2. Serrekunda Market 3. Kachikally crocodile pool 4. Bijilo Forest Park Reserve 5. Tanji Fishing Village 6. Sanyang Beach 7. Janjanbureh Island 8. Lamin Lodge 9. Abuko Nature Reserve 10. Makasutu Cultural Forest reserve.
I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Gambia you can click here.

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