Bakau City Guide

Local dishes like Benachin and Domoda are easy to find. International food is served in tourist spots. Many places can make dishes vegan or vegetarian.

Nightlife is quiet. It mostly happens in hotel bars or small local venues. Options are simple, not flashy.

Few local coffee shops; third-wave cafes are rare. Instant coffee or tea is common. Specialty coffee is hard to find.

Tipping isn't required but is appreciated. In restaurants, 10% is fine if no service charge is included. Round up fares for taxis.

SIM cards from Africell, QCell, and Comium are sold at the airport and in town. eSIMs are rare. You'll need ID to register.

Some streets are tidy, others have litter. Trash collection is being improved but can be inconsistent.

24/7 services are scarce outside tourist hotels. Most stores and pharmacies keep regular hours.

Supermarkets like Stop Shop carry imported goods, but options may be limited. Bakau Market and other stalls sell local produce and fish. Bargaining at markets is the norm.

Most shops, markets, and transport take cash only. Cards are usually accepted in large hotels and supermarkets.

ATMs are in Bakau at banks and bigger hotels. Withdraw cash during banking hours to avoid empty machines or technical issues. Expect standard fees for international cards.

Local schools are available. Most international schools are found closer to Banjul. English is common in international schools.

There are not many digital nomads in Bakau and no regular meetups. Most connections happen through expat groups or word of mouth.

Beaches and small parks are the main green spaces. Shady areas are common along the coast. Good for walks and running.

Beach and quiet road running is common; safety is good in daytime but stay alert at night.

Some hotels let outsiders use their gyms for a fee. Local gyms exist but are basic.

Some hotels have tennis courts. Booking is informal, usually through the hotel.

No public padel courts in Bakau.

Yoga classes can sometimes be found at hotels, but there are no dedicated studios.

Martial arts options are sparse. Some gyms offer boxing or basic classes, but dojos are limited.

No skiing due to flat terrain and tropical weather.

Kayak or paddleboard rentals may be found with larger hotels, but choices are few.

Surfing is not common. Waves are small and surf schools are not available.

Dive sites exist but aren't popular. Visibility can be poor and dive services are few.

Local clinics handle small issues; bigger hospitals are nearby in Banjul. Public healthcare is basic, but private options serve expats. English is spoken in most private clinics. Pharmacies provide common meds.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Stick to bottled water or boil tap water first.

Kids can enjoy the beach and the crocodile pool. Playground facilities exist, but dedicated kids’ activities are limited.

LGBTQ+ travelers face social and legal risks here. Open expression is not safe and acceptance is low.

Some hotels accept pets, but always check in advance. Vets are available in the wider Banjul area. Pet parks are rare.