Gambia’s Sacred Nile Crocodiles – A Site of Supernatural Power

Fortunately, the crocodiles are well-fed. Image Copyright Janet Cameron

The Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool and Museum is just ten miles from the capital of The Gambia, Banjul. The pool is used as a site for fertility rituals and believed to have supernatural powers. Infertile Gambian women travel from far distances to wash in its holy waters. Some women take away a bottle of the water to bathe their bodies every night and morning. There are many other sacred pools in the country but not all are crocodile breeding areas.

Ancient Connections with the Sacred Pool

The pool is said to have been discovered by a Bojang wine palm tapper about one hundred years ago. Another claim is that the Bojang have had connections with the pool for about 500 years. Because the pool is sacred, Bonjang people are not permitted to exploit the site or make any financial profit, otherwise it might lose its sacred status. Visitors are expected to make a cash donation, while some Gambians offer a gift, from which elderly Gambians benefit.

Petting the Crocodiles

The crocodiles mostly prefer to eat fish to meat and are amazingly tame. The guide said they had no need to attack, as they were so well-fed and lazy, and many visitors were brave enough to pet the animals, although most jumped back in alarm if an animal moved even a little. One guide, in a mischievous mood, crept up behind a young woman and pinched the back of her leg. She spun around in alarm, but he just laughed at her. No doubt scaring the female visitors was his special party trick.

Tourism and Conservation

At the time of visiting, it was September, just before the start of the rainy season the following month. The crocodiles had been breeding and it was wonderful to see many tiny baby crocodiles at various stages of their development at the side of the pool. The pool is set in around six acres of a forested nature trail and is claimed to be the nearest jungle-type environment to the Atlantic. Sites like this are important, not just for the animals, the reptiles, tropical birds and mammals, but also for the future of the Gambian people. Tourism is a major contributor to the Gambian economy and environmental conservation and development is now a key issue in the country.

Gambian Beliefs and Fertility Rituals

The site's museum is fairly small but contains some fascinating window displays and information about The Gambia and its traditions.. The guides love to talk to visitors about this very special project, and, of course, it's customary to give them an additional small fee for this service. You can also buy a little paper book about the crocodiles from the souvenir shop. Visit the Kachikally website if you would like to see more images.