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Home / Beaches / Kololi Beach

Kololi Beach

Пляж Кололи
Gambia · Beach · Banjul
moderate
Best month: December

Best for

Ideal for young people, couples and lovers of active recreation with vibrant nightlife. Suitable for families with children thanks to lifeguards and infrastructure. Not suitable for those seeking quiet and solitude.

Best month

December

Water
+27.0°C
Length
1 500 m
A popular beach in the Kololi area, known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife. It features golden sand and calm water, popular for swimming, water sports and entertainment. Hotels, restaurants and bars are located here.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A popular beach in the Kololi area, known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife. It features golden sand and calm water, popular for swimming, water sports and entertainment. Hotels, restaurants and bars are located here.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Long sandy beach
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Many restaurants and bars
  • Lively nightlife
  • Suitable for families with children
  • Lifeguards in summer

Cons

  • Very crowded in high season
  • Many vendors on the beach
  • Noisy
  • Strong currents in some areas
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for young people, couples and lovers of active recreation with vibrant nightlife. Suitable for families with children thanks to lifeguards and infrastructure. Not suitable for those seeking quiet and solitude.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Kololi Beach is the centre of Gambia-s tourist life with the famous Senegambia Strip, home to the country-s best restaurants, bars and clubs. The beach was artificially expanded in 2004.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
moderate
Average Water Temp
+27.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December
Season end
April May
Best month
December
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
3.0 km
Dangerous creatures
strong currents
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Gusto

Italian

Italian restaurant on the Senegambia Strip with pasta and pizza

El Sol

Mexican

Mexican restaurant with classic dishes and great service

Mahek Indian Restaurant

Indian

Indian restaurant operating since 2011 with a rich curry menu

Salt Kitchen & Bar

International

Restaurant at Kololi Beach Resort with ocean views and diverse menu

Nearby cuisines

Local

Gambian cuisine with rice, peanut sauce and fish

Must try: Domoda, yassa, benachin, fresh fish

European

Italian, Mexican and international cuisine on the Senegambia Strip

Must try: Pizza, pasta, burritos, steaks

Asian

Indian and Asian cuisine in Kololi restaurants

Must try: Curry, sushi, wok
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
vibrant
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Headwear
Best Time to Swim
The best time for swimming is from 10:00 to 16:00 in the dry season. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Dogs are allowed on the beach under control. Littering is prohibited. Swimming in unequipped areas is not recommended.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Senegambia Strip

Main tourist street with restaurants, bars and clubs

Bijilo Forest Park

Reserve with monkeys and tropical birds a 10-minute walk away

Senegambia Craft Market

Market with handicrafts, souvenirs and African art

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Kololi Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Kololi Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Kololi Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Kololi Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Kololi Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is December. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Kololi Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Kololi Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: strong currents. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Kololi Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Kololi Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor.
Kololi Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Gusto, El Sol, Mahek Indian Restaurant. Cuisines available: Local, European, Asian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Kololi Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Headwear.
Kololi Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is from 10:00 to 16:00 in the dry season. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Kololi Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Dogs are allowed on the beach under control. Littering is prohibited. Swimming in unequipped areas is not recommended.
Kololi Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Kololi Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for young people, couples and lovers of active recreation with vibrant nightlife. Suitable for families with children thanks to lifeguards and infrastructure. Not suitable for those seeking quiet and solitude.
Kololi Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Kololi Beach is the centre of Gambia-s tourist life with the famous Senegambia Strip, home to the country-s best restaurants, bars and clubs. The beach was artificially expanded in 2004.
Kololi Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Long sandy beach, Developed infrastructure, Many restaurants and bars, Lively nightlife, Suitable for families with children, Lifeguards in summer. Cons: Very crowded in high season, Many vendors on the beach, Noisy, Strong currents in some areas.
Kololi Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Senegambia Strip, Bijilo Forest Park, Senegambia Craft Market. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Kololi Beach: how do I get to the city of Banjul?
The beach is located near the city of Banjul. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Banjul.

City

Banjul

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.