Kartong

Kartong is the last village before the Senegalese border, a quiet coastal settlement with a long empty beach, a fishing landing at the Allahein river mouth and a sacred crocodile pool at Folonko that women visit for fertility. Several small community lodges operate here and a reptile farm on the edge of the village runs conservation work. It is the least developed part of the Gambian coast.

Background

Kartong is also spelled Kartung. The village belongs to Kombo South District in the West Coast Region and lies 9.5 kilometres from Gunjur and approximately 60 kilometres from Banjul. Its population was estimated at 5213 in 2009. It sits beside the Hallahin Bolong River, and canoes are used to reach it. The wet months run from June to October, with August averaging 390 mm of rain and July 240 mm, while January to April each record 0 mm. March has the highest average maximum, 33.8 °C, and January has the lowest average minimum, 15.5 °C.

Source: Wikipedia, "Kartung"

Highlights

• Folonko pool - the sacred crocodile pool visited for fertility.
• The Allahein river mouth - the fishing landing at the border river.
• The empty beach - a long undeveloped stretch of coast.
• The reptile farm - the conservation operation on the village edge.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. The Kartong Festival, when it runs, falls in the dry months. The rains from June make the tracks difficult.

Practical notes

Folonko is an active sacred site with rules on behaviour and offerings that should be asked about. Facilities are small lodges and little else. The border is close and identification should be carried.

Nearby

Gunjur is north, and the Senegalese border is south.

Key facts