Focus on Kachikally Crocodile Pool

These pictures depict crocodiles lying on the edge of the Kachikali Pool.

The real story of the famous Kachikali, situated in Bakau, has been passed from generation to generation through oral history for its founders were reported to be unschooled. Founded in the 16th century by the Bojang clan of Bakau, the site has a pool and a shrine which has carved a niche for itself in the traditional history of The Gambia and many people who have certain needs visit the place, which is be useful in finding a remedy for infertility.

Of recent, it has become an attraction to tourist and visitors to The Gambia who are eager to get a glimpse of the sacred crocodiles that live inside the pool. Strange things do happen at this sacred site .

According to historians, before the shrine was established, it was a meeting ground for the elders of the Bojang clan who were then fisherman. One day, a mysterious woman suddenly surfaced on the edge of the pool in tears asking for help to rescue her child, who had fallen into the pool. The eldest member of the Bojang clan present at the time decided to risk his life by going into the pool and successfully rescuing the child.

Impressed by the attitude of the clan, the woman informed them that she was a supernatural being and that they should rear two crocodiles - a male and a female - at the pool and the place would become a holy site. This forecast seems to be true as attested to by the fact that most people who visit the place to pray, usually get remedies to their problems. Barren women do conceive after going through the rituals at the shrine.

Those who seek political office also seek prayers there. For example, in  2001, before the  presidential election, a certain political party reportedly visited the site for that purpose.
Don’t be scared if you are a first time vistor to the pool due to   presence of the crocodiles who lie at the edge of the pool to soak in the sun. They are basically harmless.