The Gambia Rewards the Curious Traveller
Beyond the beaches and the wildlife, the Gambia is a country of extraordinary colour, culture, and character. Markets that overflow with produce and crafts, river trips that feel like genuine expeditions, reptile farms that bring you face to face with the country's remarkable fauna, and local communities that welcome visitors with a warmth and openness that never gets old.
From I&M Apartments, some of the most memorable local experiences in the Gambia are within twenty five minutes.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
The Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau is one of the most extraordinary and unique attractions in the whole of West Africa. The pool is a sacred site that has been maintained by the Bojang family for generations, and is home to over eighty Nile crocodiles that have been socialised with humans to a remarkable degree.
Visitors to the pool can walk freely around the site and, under the supervision of the knowledgeable local guides, can even touch and be photographed with the crocodiles. It is an experience that sounds extraordinary before you arrive and is even more extraordinary once you are there.
The pool has deep cultural significance for local people. It is considered a site of fertility and healing, and is visited by local women seeking blessings for pregnancy and good health. Understanding this cultural dimension adds a profound layer to what is already a completely unique experience.
The attached museum provides context about the history and significance of the site, and the guides are informative, engaging, and genuinely passionate about sharing their heritage with visitors.
River Gambia Boat Trips
The Gambia River is the heart of the country, and experiencing it from the water is one of the essential things to do during any stay. Boat trips on the river offer stunning scenery, outstanding wildlife sightings, and a genuine sense of the country's scale and beauty that is simply not possible from the land.
Trips range from short afternoon excursions to full day adventures travelling upriver to see hippos, crocodiles, and extraordinary birdlife along the riverbanks. The pace is slow and relaxed, the scenery changes constantly, and every trip offers something unexpected.
We can recommend reliable and experienced local operators who offer excellent value river trips departing from nearby landing points. Combined with a visit to one of the riverside lodges, a river trip makes for one of the most memorable days you will spend in the Gambia.
Lamin Lodge
Lamin Lodge is one of the most visited and best loved spots in the Gambia, and with very good reason. Built on stilts above the mangrove creek at Lamin, the lodge offers stunning views over the water, excellent Gambian food and cold drinks, and some of the finest birdwatching accessible directly from a veranda in the whole of West Africa.
The approach to the lodge through the mangroves by small boat is itself a highlight, with kingfishers, herons, and a remarkable variety of water birds visible on every visit. The lodge itself is atmospheric, relaxed, and completely unlike anywhere else you will visit in the Gambia.
Kartong Reptiles Farm
Located in the southernmost village in the Gambia, Kartong Reptiles Farm is a fascinating and educational attraction for visitors of all ages. The farm is home to a collection of reptiles native to the Gambia and West Africa, including pythons, chameleons, tortoises, and monitor lizards, all kept in well maintained and appropriate conditions.
Knowledgeable guides walk you through the site, explaining the biology, behaviour, and conservation status of each species. Handling opportunities are available for many of the animals, making it a particularly memorable experience for children and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The village of Kartong itself is one of the most authentic and unspoiled communities in the Gambia, and combining the reptile farm with a walk through the village and a visit to the nearby beach makes for an excellent full day out.
Serrekunda Market
Serrekunda is the largest city in the Gambia and its market is the biggest and most vibrant in the country. A visit to Serrekunda Market is an assault on the senses in the very best way. Stalls piled with fabric, produce, spices, crafts, electronics, and everything in between line the streets in every direction. The noise, colour, and energy are extraordinary.
It is the best place in the Gambia to buy locally made fabrics and clothing, traditional crafts and jewellery, fresh produce, and authentic souvenirs. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience, and the market traders are generally good humoured and welcoming toward visitors.
We recommend visiting in the morning when the market is at its most active and the temperature is at its most comfortable. First time visitors may find it helpful to visit with a local guide, and we can arrange this through trusted contacts.
Ask us for recommendations on local transport and the best times to visit each of these attractions.