Kartong: Folongko, Art and Beach Access

The specific places and activities serve different purposes: alongside cultural sites, there is a gallery, conservation work and a visitor centre that can arrange certain tours.

Folongko: Sacred Site and Landscape

Folongko in Kartong is one of The Gambia’s three sacred crocodile pools. The Jaiteh family is responsible for the pool. The Folonko site, also known as the Mama Folonko Sacred Shrine and Museum, lies southwest of the village of Kartong. It covers about 1.12 hectares; the central pond has a radius of 10 metres and is surrounded by gallery forest. The area figure refers to the entire site, while the radius describes the pond at its centre. The two measurements therefore refer to different parts of the site. The radius is the distance from the centre of the pond to its edge, not its total width.

Art and Culture in Kartong

The Lemonfish Art Gallery brings together exhibitions of contemporary African paintings, sculptures and other works by Gambian and other West African artists. African films and pottery and batik classes are also part of this cultural offering. If you are planning to visit an exhibition or take a class, check in advance whether it is currently accessible. The cultural attractions have two distinct focuses: Folongko is a sacred crocodile pool, while the gallery brings together visual art, film and classes.

Conservation and Activities That Can Be Arranged

The Kartong Bird Observatory works with non-governmental organisations, bird ringers, naturalists and birdwatchers to protect the Kartong Wetlands. This is conservation work; the KART Visitor Centre has a different role and can arrange local birdwatching tours, dugout canoe trips through the mangroves and guided bush walks. Ask the centre whether arrangements can be made for your trip.

Beach Access

An access route leads directly to the beach from the northern end of Kartong village. Beach access and a mangrove trip are different ways to plan your visit: the route leads from the village to the beach, while a dugout canoe trip can be arranged through the KART Visitor Centre.

West Coast Region: More to Explore

The wider West Coast Region also includes distinct attractions such as the Tanji River Bird Reserve and Tanji Fishing Village. The Tanji River Bird Reserve lists 259 bird species from 61 families. At Tanji Fishing Village, visitors can watch fish being processed and visit the lively fresh fish market, which takes place daily from early morning. Check current conditions before visiting the market. The reserve is known for its bird diversity, while the fishing village is known for fish processing and its early-morning market.

Discover more destinations: Kembujae, Tanji, Brefet Bolon, Bintang

Go to the wider travel overview: West Coast Region.