Fajara

Right Now

With year-round sunshine and the Atlantic Ocean just paces away, Fajara is an idyllic vacation spot on Gambia's western coast. You can spend the morning on the beach, go shopping for souvenirs, enjoy a local restaurant, and then have a good night’s rest at one of the twenty or so hotels along the water. Why not take a stroll through the botanical gardens or, for a little more excitement, visit the nearby crocodile pool? Located only a few miles from Banjul and Serekunda—Gambia's capital and largest city, respectively—Fajara is a beautifu and intimate spot on the Atlantic coast of Africa and a great place for you to kick back and relax during your vacation.

The Top 5: What to Do in Fajara

1. Kachikaly Crocodile Pool: Located in nearby Bakau, the Kachikaly Crocodile Pool represents the power of fertility for many local people. Do not be surprised if you see people coming to pray and bathe in the water during your visit. There are about 100 crocodiles residing in the pool and having grown accustomed to the presence of people, they allow some of the more brave visitors to pet them. Approach the seemingly docile crocodiles at your own risk!

2. Bijilo Forest Park: This small rainforest nature reserve is just south of Fajara along the coast. You can see over 100 species of birds, as well as four different types of primate species as you walk through the park. Be wary of the monkeys though, as they are prone to stealing your food! We recommend hiring one of the park guides to show you around the park.

3. Botanical Gardens: Also located in Bakau, the cliff-top botanical gardens are a great place to visit early in the morning when it is shady and cool. Nearby you can watch fishing boats returning with their day’s catch, or you can walk through the foliage and admire the many colorful birds residing in the treetops.

4. Serekunda: Touted as the “unofficial capital of Gambia,” Serekunda is about four kilometers inland from Fajara and is worth a day’s visit. This city is the country’s largest and provides the best glimpse into the daily life of a Gambian. Visit the market on the city’s main street and enjoy some of the local bars. For a really memorable event, we recommend watching the traditional wrestling matches, called boreh, which occur frequently in Serekunda. Ask a local resident for their advice on when and where to watch the next match!

5. Beaches: There is a reason why Fajara is popular with tourists, as it is located on some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. You deserve a chance to relax and now is your chance! Spend the day on the beach and go swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. At night, go to one of the local restaurants and have a good night’s sleep at one of the cozy hotels. Everything is within walking distance, so it is easy to enjoy the beaches of Fajara and not stress about having to trudge back to your hotel at the end of the day.

When to Go

Since you will be spending most of your time in Fajara basking in the coastal sunshine, we recommend visiting any time of the year, aside from the rainy season. You will enjoy high temperatures and consistent sunshine between late October and early July.