One extremely hot sunny day we decided to visit the tourist town of Bakau, where we drove to the Katchikali Crocodile pool. The site was apparently discovered hundreds of years ago and is home to more than 100 crocodiles (gulp!).
We walked up to the entrance and I thought I could see a big fat croc laying in the shade of some trees about 50 metres away, but decided it must have been a carving and certainly not a real croc as there were boundary fences between me and it. As you have no doubt guessed, it was very much real and very much free to wander wherever it pleased! Anyway, moving on...
We walked through an informative and well presented museum area where pictures, items of historical relevance and information were displayed for its visitors. Unfortunately I was tearing around after a rather hyper 2 year old to take much note of the historical bits, but my family were impressed!
After the museum area we entered a shady wood with a little winding path running amongst the trees. The trees formed intriguing shapes – 1 looked like a human ribcage – pretty amazing! There were many shuffling noises in the undergrowth which could, under ‘normal’ circumstances, have been quite eerie, had it not been for my little boy (who has no sense of fear whatsoever) legging it merrily through the plant life, causing a kafuffle. I actually felt sorry for the little lizards that had the misfortune of being in his path – they were probably relaxing in the shade, hiding from the midday sun, and were rudely awoken by stomping size 6s… Thankfully I was able to grab and detain him for the remainder of the walk, which was a good thing too since we rounded a corner to find 5 BIG crocs basking in the sun (no fence – just crocs).
There were a number of supervisors hovering around to ensure no one got eaten (reassuring!). One of the men approached us and asked if we wanted to touch George – the oldest and friendliest croc at Katchikali. Since becoming a mother I have lost all my backbone, and was not overly enthralled with the idea, however, with a little cajoling from my family and the reassurance of the guide, I sheepishly approached the tail end of the slumbering giant, with my son firmly restrained. I was staying as far away from the sharp end as possible to avoid any unfortunate accidents, however, my son had other ideas. Whether he decided the croc was a bit boring lying there, all peaceful and relaxed, or just decided he didn’t really like it, I’m not sure, but, all in a split second, he announced “scary dragon!” and kicked it in the side… I almost died. My son thought it was hilarious. The croc didn’t flinch. Thank the Lord! I stayed there long enough to have a picture taken then hastily got myself safely behind the camera to take pictures of the rest of the family.
The crocodile pool is considered a magical place. Bathing in the water is believed to cure infertility and confer good fortune. In my opinion, anyone who bathes in the pool is 2 pence short of a pound and I’d prefer to be infertile than eaten by big scary reptiles! The pool was quite large and the water a thick green texture… I say texture as opposed to colour because it seemed so, so solid! Crocodiles of all different sizes basked in the sunlight on the banks, and lurked under the green slime of the pool. The only indication they were there was an occasional air bubble or the blink of some slightly protruding eyes… A little unnerving…
We took tonnes of pictures of these spectacular beasties and I have to say they did put on a bit of a show for us too! A couple of BIG crocs had a bit of a lover’s tiff which resulted in a “who can open their mouth wider and hiss loudest” contest. It was great! My mum almost provided further entertainment by unwittingly getting a bit too close to a croc which was apparently pregnant and rather grumpy (I can relate – poor thing). In mum’s defence it did blend into the path rather well but it was over 5 ft long so I still wonder how she managed to miss it! Thumbs up to the staff for keeping us out of trouble though!
Occasionally sacred rituals are held at
Katchikali Crocodile Pool with drumming and dancing. We did not get the opportunity to experience this, but I imagine it would be a very atmospheric and special experience indeed.
One of my friends has dubbed me a bit of a foodie - not sure the tag totally suits me, but I do love finding nice restaurants where the food not only tantalises the taste buds, but is also served with a smile and doesn't pull on the purse strings too much.
Whilst in The Gambia we visited Lamin Lodge a number of times and each time offered a slightly different experience. Lamin Lodge is a unique and wonderful place to visit – highly recommended!
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