Bakau
Bakau is a coastal town in The Gambia with Atlantic beaches, a fish market and seafood, a short drive from Banjul and next to Serrekunda.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Bakau is a coastal town on the Atlantic coast of The Gambia, in West Africa. It sits in the Kanifing Municipality, next to Serrekunda, the country's largest urban area, and is a short drive from Banjul, the capital. Its beaches face the ocean, and the fishing community keeps the shoreline busy with boats and the daily catch, which makes Bakau a practical base for beach time and trips into the city.
Visitors come for beach afternoons, fresh seafood and a look at coastal life away from the resort strips. The fish market and the fishing boats are the main draw for anyone who wants to see the work on the water. Bakau suits travelers who want a base with shops and restaurants nearby and who are comfortable with busy streets. The cool, dry months from November to February suit beach days best, while June to October is the rainy season. Two days cover the beach, the market and a day trip into Banjul.
Bakau in five
- Carry dalasi for small purchasesThe currency is the dalasi (GMD). Many stalls, fish sellers and taxi drivers take only cash, so change some before you reach Bakau.Money and costs
- Agree the taxi fare before you get inTaxis here do not run meters, so settle the price with the driver before you set off. Ask your lodging what a ride to the fish market should cost.Getting around
- Set the guide fee at KachikallyGuides at the crocodile pool expect payment for showing you round. Agree the amount before you walk in, and ask before you take photos.
- Load offline maps before you leaveThe lanes around the fish market and the coast road are easy to lose. Download maps for Bakau and Serrekunda while you still have a connection.Phones and eSIM
- Swim where locals swimAtlantic beaches here can have strong currents. Ask your lodging or local fishermen which stretch is safe before you go in.
Need to know
- Currency
- Dalasi (GMD)
- Entry
- Visa needed by many passports; check the rules before you travel
- Emergency
- 117 police; ask your lodging for an ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; small tips for good service are welcome
- Time
- UTC+0, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryDry, hazy
- MarchHot, dry
- AprilVery hot, dry
- MayHot, rains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRainy, green
- AugustRainy, green
- SeptemberRainy, green
- OctoberRains ending
- NovemberDry, pleasant
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in Bakau
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 24 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 57%
Bakau
11:24 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°27°57%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Tue33°26°6%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Wed33°26°3%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Thu36°27°4%Thursday: Cloudy. High 36°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Fri37°27°0%Friday: Cloudy. High 37°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat37°26°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 37°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun33°27°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 08:29 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 74.64 GMD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- BanjulDrive time depends on trafficThe capital, with the port and the old town on the island.
- Abuko Nature ReserveShort drive inlandA small reserve with forest paths and wildlife, a short drive inland.
- Tanbi Wetland ComplexShort drive from BakauMangroves and wetlands for birdwatching and a quiet walk by the water.
Before you go to Bakau
Rules for Bakau, checked
- Visa rules depend on your passport. Check entry requirements with the official UK travel advice for The Gambia or your embassy before you book.Source
- Ask before you photograph people, especially at the fish market and at the crocodile pool.
- Cover shoulders and knees in town and near mosques. Swimwear is for the beach.
- Do not photograph police, military posts, government buildings or the port.
Plan around Bakau
Regions, entry rules and transport for a Gambia trip
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, minibuses and car hire for the coast and the centre
Read the guideMoney and costsDalasi, cards and typical prices for a day in Bakau
Read the guideVisas and entryWhich passports need a visa and where to check
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and hotels near the coast and the town centre
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData and offline maps for getting around the coast
Read the guideBakau FAQ
Is Bakau worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a working coastal town with a fish market, the Kachikally crocodile pool and a walk to the beach. It is quieter than the resort areas, so it suits a slower stay.
How do you get from the airport to Bakau?
Take a taxi or a hotel transfer from Banjul International Airport. Agree the fare before you leave, since taxis here do not run meters.
Is the Kachikally Crocodile Pool worth it?
Yes, for a short visit. The pool is sacred in local tradition and is linked to healing rites, so keep your voice low and ask before you take photos. Expect to pay a guide.
Is it safe to swim at Bakau beach?
Swim only where local people swim and where your lodging advises. Atlantic currents can be strong, and the water is not always calm.
When is the best time to visit Bakau?
November to February is the dry season, with cooler days and fewer rain showers. June to October is the rainy season, when the land is green and the heat is heavy.
How many days do you need in Bakau?
One day covers the crocodile pool, the fish market and a walk along the coast. Two or three nights let you add the mangroves and a slower beach stay.
Do you need a visa for The Gambia?
It depends on your passport. Check the official entry rules for your nationality before you book flights, since the requirements change.