| |
Kotu Point as it is sometimes
known lies next to
Kololi and together both resorts form the
epicentre of the tourism scene in The
Gambia. On the beach away from the coastal highway are the hotels of
Kombo Beach and Bungalow beach which are situated in
Kotu Strand and Palm Beach by the
Stream (Creek) where you have to cross over the small Lower Bridge. Just before
you get to the bridge is the Tourist Guide's shed which is painted
green. There is another little known short cut by
foot from Fajara's Atlantic Boulevard which goes by the Golf Course
and down onto the sand. This location is very popular with young
Gambians who come on mass in the early evenings or at weekends for
picnics & football matches.
The area is part of the
Kanifing Municipality in the
Kombo which in Mandingo is pronounced
"Kom bo" (meaning "the hatred has lifted") harking to the safe
haven that they found after their 14th - 15th century trek west into
The Gambia.
Much of the area around the stream
(catchment area 65 km²) is
yet to be developed and is an ideal opportunity to do a spot of birdwatching
or nature gazing. It is sometimes prone to flooding particularly
during the rainy season because the alteration of the hydrographic
network and local topography, in particular, were reported back in
1996 as the main causes of flooding. It is used occasionally by the local cattle herders
for grazing & by local farmers who regularly plough their
rice fields. However, there are not many good trails and
it is perhaps better just to stay with the main access roads though
there is a dirt trail that leads toward Kololi that is free from traffic.
Beach Area: The Kotu beach area is of a good size fringed by palm
trees and the sand is of good quality however, the water is not crystal
clear but a little sandy as you might find in other tropical resort destinations
however, the area around Palm Beach does have small lagoons.
Previously the beach had been retreating at a rate of 1 meter to 2
meters annually for the past twenty years as observed from the aerial
photos taken between 1964-1982. In the early part of this century a
scheme was executed which replaced much of the sand previously lost
over the decades. Water
ranges from flat calm to choppy with some delightful little waves
lapping towards the shore. It's shallow enough to get a reasonable
distance out from the beach (about 30 metres), but then shelves
steeply so do be careful. There are waves breaking 200-300m off shore.
You will find a lot chaotic waves sometimes building
fast and a nice flat shore break to surf.
There are
fruit vendors spread out along the beach front who are closely
regulated by the local tourism authority and are under strict
instructions not to hassle tourists though this doesn't stop them
beckoning tourists for their custom.
Eating Out: Immediately by the local hotel resorts are several
bars, night clubs and restaurants
such as the Boss Lady (serving Chicken Domodah, Wollof Rice - open
3pm to 11pm), Domino's (open 24 hours during the on-season), Blue Parrot, Paradise Beach Bar and Tiger Tiger on
the main access road and a little further up towards Fajara is
Destiny's (tel: 4464605 destinys@gamtel.gm - a luxury restaurant and night club located right on the
sands).
Kotu Bendula Craft
Market: (BB market) The market is set in a circular shape and lies on the
entrance to the Kotu Strand beach and next to Kombo Beach Hotel. It
was created in 1975 and you will find all manner of tourist trinkets
and souvenirs being sold such as local African drums, ladies tie-dye
dresses, locally made jewellery, kaftans and more. On the left
hand-side of the market you will find a number of Bars & Restaurant
such as the Jewel of India. On the side facing the Atlantic Ocean
there are women at various fruit stalls selling mangos, bananas and
other tropical fruits. This is an opportunity for you to act like a responsible tourist and buy some of the above goods locally as the market helps
to put your tourist money back into the local economy as opposed to
tourist hotels and supermarkets where the most items are imported and
profits leave the country. Tel: 9915538
Other Activities: The locality is an ideal birdwatching spot
with a varied ecology attracting many resident and migratory bird
species particularly around the mangroves, Rhun palms & creeks. A few
examples of local species are the Long-tailed Cormorant,
Double-spurred Francolins & the Whimbrel.
Bicycles can be rented just outside most of the hotels in the Strand
offering you the opportunity to discover the back-country within the
vicinity of your place of stay.
Other Travel Information: If while
on vacation you need to find cheaper
accommodation you may need to go a little further inland (about a 150m
or further
) from the eastern side of the main coastal road. Kotu taxis run from
Badala Park or Palma Rima Junction to London Corner in Serrekunda.
Useful Contacts:
| Description |
Telephone numbers |
| Fire Station |
4463470 |
| Police Station |
4463351 |

|
Attractions / Excursions
Nature Reserves
Resorts

|
|
|