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Bakau

Gambia · Coast · GMD · 13.478100, -16.681900
Family friendly 7.4/10 · Rank 429 of 2 709
Best season: November-May

Best for

Suitable for families, couples, beach holidaymakers and nature lovers

Best season

November-May

Daily budget
$79.00 (≈ 6 630 ₽)
For 7 days
$553.00 (≈ 46 408 ₽)
Bakau is a popular coastal resort town, known for its sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool, where hundreds of tame crocodiles can be seen. The town is famous for its botanical garden, fish market, and the scenic Cape Point Beach. It is an ideal place to discover the nature and culture of Gambia combined with beach holidays.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
21.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Bakau residents are friendly, hospitable and proud of their coastal town

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Crocodile pool
  • Fish market
  • Fresh seafood
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Strong waves
  • Rip currents
  • Dangerous jellyfish
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
25.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
29.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
21.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Cape Point Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Strong waves, rip currents, sea urchins and Portuguese man o war possible. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on rocky areas and in tidal zones, stings are painful but not fatal
  • Special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs do not form in the coastal waters of The Gambia, including the Bakau area, due to high water turbidity and desalination at the mouth of the Gambia River. The bottom is composed of silty and sandy sediments.
  • The local marine fauna consists of fish, crabs, and mollusks, which pose no danger to swimmers. It is recommended to swim only in designated areas.

Jellyfish — details

  • Portuguese man o war (Physalia physalis) — found in Gambian waters, its sting is very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention
  • Jellyfish are more common in the warm season, especially after storms

Sharks — details

  • Shark attacks off the coast of The Gambia are extremely rare. Small shark species such as the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) and bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) are found in coastal waters, posing no danger to humans.
  • Over the past decades, not a single case of shark attack on swimmers has been recorded in the Bakau area. However, encounters with sharks are possible in open waters, so caution is advised.
Attractions

Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Sacred crocodile pool where visitors can touch and take photos with the animals

Bakau Fish Market

Lively fish market where you can see the fresh catch and try local seafood

Botanical Gardens

Scenic garden with tropical plants and birds

Cape Point Beach

Scenic sandy beach with clear water

Best areas

Bakau Centre

Main area with market, shops and restaurants

Beach Area

Coastal area with Cape Point Beach and hotels

Must-try food

Domoda

Traditional Gambian stew with rice and peanut sauce

Benachin

Rice dish with meat or fish, popular in Gambia

Fresh Fish

Catch from the Atlantic Ocean, grilled

Turtle Soup

Traditional turtle soup, a regional delicacy

Where to go next

Banjul

Capital of Gambia with markets and museums 20 minutes away

Serrekunda

Major town with markets and restaurants 15 minutes away

Kotu

Tourist area with beaches and nightlife 10 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Банжул Международный Аэропорт (BJL).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-May
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Bakau: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-May. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Bakau: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Bakau: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +21.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Bakau: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Bakau: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Bakau: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Cape Point Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Bakau: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Bakau: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Strong waves, rip currents, sea urchins and Portuguese man o war possible. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Bakau: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $79.00 (≈ 6 630 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Bakau: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $90.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Bakau: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Bakau: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $18.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Bakau: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kachikally Crocodile Pool — Sacred crocodile pool where visitors can touch and take photos with the animals; Bakau Fish Market — Lively fish market where you can see the fresh catch and try local seafood; Botanical Gardens — Scenic garden with tropical plants and birds; Cape Point Beach — Scenic sandy beach with clear water. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Bakau: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Domoda — Traditional Gambian stew with rice and peanut sauce; Benachin — Rice dish with meat or fish, popular in Gambia; Fresh Fish — Catch from the Atlantic Ocean, grilled; Turtle Soup — Traditional turtle soup, a regional delicacy. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Bakau: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Bakau Centre — Main area with market, shops and restaurants; Beach Area — Coastal area with Cape Point Beach and hotels. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Bakau: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Bakau: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Банжул Международный Аэропорт (code BJL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $18.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Bakau: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GMD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $79.00 (≈ 6 630 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Bakau: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Bakau: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Bakau: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Banjul — Capital of Gambia with markets and museums 20 minutes away; Serrekunda — Major town with markets and restaurants 15 minutes away; Kotu — Tourist area with beaches and nightlife 10 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.4/10
Overall rank: 429 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 297

Best season

November-May

Useful information

Currency: GMD
Coordinates: 13.478100, -16.681900