24 April 2008
There is perhaps nowhere else in the world where can people pet a crocodile like they do in the Gambia.
The 80 inhabitants of Kachikally Sacred Pool in Bakau, 14 kilometres away from capital Banjul, are friendly roaming crocodiles who have become so used to humans that it is unlikely they would try their chances with anyone for dinner.
Visitors to Gambia cannot forget their encounter with those giant 4.5-metre Nile crocodiles which can live up to a century.
Dodou Bojang, the pool attendant, told the BBC that when one of the crocodiles Charlie leaves the pool it is normally a sign that he has a message for the people.
The place is also frequented by locals who come here for the pool's healing powers. Women visit to cure their infertility, men to seek luck in business and good health for their children, in exchange of a few kola nut offerings.
Two other pools in the country are believed to enjoy the same healing powers: Folonko in Kartong and Berending.
The park, which also boasts a forest of tropical flowers and trees which are home to many different bird species, has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.
