Berending Crocodile Pool
A sacred crocodile pool on the north bank, less visited than the coastal ones.
Updated 2 October 2026
Berending on the north bank holds one of the Gambia's sacred crocodile pools, a small body of water in a village where the animals are treated as protectors and where people come to bathe and make offerings for fertility, healing and success. It is far quieter than Kachikally on the coast strip and functions as a working shrine rather than an attraction, with an attendant who explains the observances.
Highlights
- The pool - the small sacred water the crocodiles live in.
- The observances - the bathing and offerings people come to make.
- The village setting - a shrine in an ordinary north bank village.
- The quiet - far fewer visitors than the coastal pools.
When to go
November to February is the cool dry season. The pool shrinks as the dry season advances. Visits should be made in daylight with the attendant.
Before you go
This is an active shrine, not a wildlife attraction, and behaviour and photography rules must be followed. Facilities are none. The crocodiles are wild animals despite the setting.
Nearby
Barra is west, and Niumi National Park is north.
What to pack for Berending Crocodile Pool
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A zoom camera or long lens - Animals rarely come close; reach beats megapixels. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
