Hotel Association

TheGambiaGuide

1

General

3 Foreword

4 Introduction Smilingcoast

5 GHA Membershipmatters

6 Destination Heart-warminghospitality

8 Conferencing Convivialconferences

9 Development Purposefuldestiny

10 History Turbulenthistory

12 Activities Abundantattractions

14 Culture Culturalcrossroads

15 Africell Gambianconnections

17 Shopping Happyshopping

18 Fashion Flamboyantfashions

19 Cuisine Flavoursgalore

Information

48 LocationMap

50 Hotellistings

61 UsefulInformation

64 Directory

HotelFeatures

21 KololiBeachClub Idyllicretreat

23 KomboBeach Perfectcombination

24 OceanBayHotel&Resort Elegantoasis

25 KairabaBeachHotel Luxuryunlimited

27 WestAfricanTours Gowest

29 DiscoveryTours Culturaldiscoveries

31 TAFHolding Buildingsuccess

33 GambiaTours Qualityhandling

35 SunsetBeachHotel Perfectsundowner

37 Senegambia Famousbeauty

39 ParadiseSuites Paradisefound

41 Luigi’sComplex Independenttreasure

41 Sheraton Beachsideluxury

43 BungalowBeach/ Sarge’sHotel Intimatehideaways

45 AfricanVillageHotel Authenticexperience

45 DunesResort Goldenprospects

47 CocoOcean Newestopulence

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TheGambiaHotelAssociationGuide

Contents

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For many years The Gambia has been known around the world for its tourism and warmth. Over the past few years we have been blessed with receiving some million tourists who have come to relax away from their routine lives of hustle and bustle to enjoy unending sunshine and genuine friendship. In addition, the sumptuous menus in our hotels have become synony-mous with seafood freshly netted from the Atlantic Ocean. Healthy local fruit juices, addictive to many taste buds, are also common in many hotel bars. Today, more and more people return for the same great delights, whilst many more have discovered that this small African country, rich in culture, has even more charm.

Thefactthatwehaveasmanyas30percentofourguestsreturningtoTheGambia,manyseveraltimesperyearorannually,givesusmuchsatis-faction;butwealsostrivetoensurethatwedonotdisappoint.Wethere-foreseektocontinuallysurpasstheexpectationsofouresteemedvisitors,andourmanyresortswillstopatnothing.Shouldyoustilldesiremore,

justinformyourhotelmanagerandwewilltryevenharder!

Ourhotelscanboastofallclassesaswellasthefineststandardoffacilitiesinresorts.Therearemanycomfort-ablepropertiesthathavewoncount-lessheartstothebudgethotelsfortheirsimplicityandconcernfortheenvironment.Whethertheguestyearnsforpeaceandtranquillity,ornear-24/7activities,thereareresortsthatwillmeetyourquest.

BreathtakingSoothingwavesandviewsdirectlyfromroombalconies,hotelrestaurants,poolsandgardenlawnscanbebreathtakingandofferagreatmysticandspectacu-larmementooftheAtlanticandTheGambia’sgoldenbeaches.

TheGHAalsolooksforwardtowel-comingourtraditionalsourcemarket,theworld,andtheAfricaTravelAsso-ciationtothe35thannualcongressoftheATAinMay2010.

Itwillbeourpleasuretowelcomeyoutoourever-growingfamilyofrepeathotelguests.

AlieuSeckaChairmanGambiaHotelAssociation

Foreword

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The Gambia is fast becoming one of the most sought-after winter sun destinations for European tourists.

Itsgrowingpopularitycanbeattrib-utedtoacombinationofendlesssunshine,fabulousbeaches,auniquecultureandwonderfulhospitality.

AlthoughTheGambiaisthesmall-estcountryinmainlandAfrica,ithasadynamictourismindustrythatisasurpriseformanyvisitors,butapleas-antsurprise.For,beyondthesuper-ficialimageofa‘sun,seaandsand’destination,thereisahiddenworldwaitingtobeexplored–onethatislargelyuntouchedbydevelopment.

SuccessThesuccessofTheGambia’stourismindustryisarelativelyrecentdevel-

Introduction

Smilingcoast

opment.Infact,thefirsttouristscameonlyafterthepotentialoftheregionwasdiscoveredbytheSwedishinvestorandadventurerBertilHardingin1964.

Withinmonthsofhisvisit,thefirstpackageholidayswerebeingofferedasanalternativetothetriedandtestedoptionsinsouthernSpainandtheBalearicIslands–anditwasanimmediatesuccess.

Today,thissmallnationdrawsmorethan160,000touristseachyearanditsrangeofhotelandresortaccom-modationisexpandingallthetime.Tourismdevelopmentisakeypolicyofthenationalgovernment,whichhasputinplaceacarefullydefinedstrategytomoveuptothenextlevelintermsofaccommodationaswellasservices.

Oneofthedestination’smainadvan-tagesiseaseofaccessfromEurope.TheGambiaisjustsixhours’flyingtimefrommajorEuropeancitiesandhasasimilartimezone,sothereisnojetlag.Itisalsooneofthesafestandfriendliestplacesontheconti-nent.ForatasteofAfricawithoutthelonghaul,TheGambiaistheperfectchoice.

LocationTheGambia’smainassetisitsriver,fromwhichthecountryderivesitsname.Thecountryisshapedlikeasnakeasitfollowsthecourseoftheriversome300milesinland.TheGambiaisgenerallylessthan40kmwideatanypointandissurroundedonthreesidesbyitsmuchlarger

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neighbourSenegal.Thisbizarreset-upisalegacyofthemanyyearsofcolonialsquabblingfortherichassetsoftheregion.TheGambiaisasmallEnglish-speakingenclaveinatypicallyFrench-speakingregion.

Thenaturaldiversityofthecountryisimmense.Thereisanabundanceofcrocodiles,dolphinsandhipposintheGambiaRiver.Thecountryishometosome560speciesofcolour-fulbirdlifeandthereisaproliferationofmonkeysinmostofthehotelgardensandforests.

Apartfromitscapital,Banjul,andtheareasdevelopedfortourism,muchofTheGambiaisuntouched.Thisprovidesafascinatinglocationforecoadventures,wildlifetoursandculturalexcursions.Manylocalcompaniesofferarangeoftourstoecoparks,fishingcommunities,localmarkets,traditionalvillagesandwide-openbeaches.

HospitalityThehospitalityofthelocalpeopleislegendary.Mostseemgenuinelypleasedtowelcomevisitors.Thishos-pitalityisacrucialpartofthehotelsthatbelongtotheGambiaHotelAssociation.

The32membersfeaturedinthisguideoffernotonlyahighlevelofserviceandfacilitiesbutalsoadegreeofstylethatensuresvisitorswillwanttocomeback,timeaftertime.

Eachproperty–coveringtheentirelengthofthetourismareafromBanjulontheGambiaRivertoBrufutonthecoasttothesouth–offersafabulousbasefromwhichtoexplorethecountryorjusttorelaxonthebeachesandsoakupthetropicalsunshine.

TheGambiaisauniquedestination,withauniquepeopleandauniquewayoflife.Itisauniqueexperience.

GHA

MembershipmattersTheGHAwasestablishedmorethan25yearsago.Overtheyearsitsmem-bershiphasgrowntothecurrentlevelof32hotels.MemberhotelsarelocatedinallthemaintouristareasincludingBakau,Banjul,Bijilo,KotuandSenegambia.

FinancialsupportTheGHAalsogivesfinancialsupporttotheGambiaHotelSchool,locatedatKanifing,theonlyinstitutionthatoffersspecialtrainingintourism.Thiscomesundertheumbrellaofthegovernment.

TheexcellentfacilitiesprovidedbymembersoftheGHA,situatedmainlyalongthecoast,offertheperfectbaseforagoodholiday.EachGHAhoteloffersaconsistentlevelofqualityofaccommodation,cuisineandservice,allwithadistinctivenationalandinternationaltouch.

So,forguestswhowanttobesureofanenjoyableholiday,withmemoriesthatwilllastalifetime,thebestwaytostartisbylookingattheGHAprop-ertiesdescribedinthisguide.

Representing all the major hotels in The Gambia, the Gambia Hotel Asso-ciation (GHA) is a driving force within the country’s tourism industry.

ItsprincipalaimistodevelopthetourismpotentialofTheGambia,mainlyincollaborationwithgovern-mentagenciessuchastheGambiaTourismAuthority(GTA)andtheDepartmentofStateforTourism&Culture,butalsomanywithotherstakeholders.

Asamajorplayerinthetourismsector,theGHAtakespartintravelfairsandpromotionsaswellasco-ordinationofstafftraining.Inrecentyears,theGHAhasbeenworkingtogetherwithPUM,aNetherlands-basedorganisation,totrainstaffofmemberhotelsinsuchareasascus-tomercare,foodpreparation,market-ingandinformationtechnology.

Theassociationhasapermanentsec-retariatlocatedattheGoldenBeachHotelandprovidesadministrativeandinstitutionalsupportforallitsmembers.

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As a tourist destination, The Gambia ticks all the right boxes. As well as generally cloudless skies and temperatures of over 30 degrees, it off ers beautiful sandy beaches and heart-warming tropical hospital-ity. All this is available just an easy journey from Europe with no jet lag.

TheGambiahasbuiltareputationasaneconomicalandculturallydiversealternativetoCaribbeanandMediter-raneanbeach-styleholidays.Beyondthis,however,thecountryhasagreatdealmoretooffer.Inmanywaysitisanidealtouristdestinationbecauseithassomethingforeveryone.

Fromluxuryhotelstorustichuts,fromrelaxingonthebeachtoexploringtropicaljunglesandfromtop-qualitydiningtotraditionalartsandcrafts,TheGambiaoffersawealthofoppor-tunitiesandpossibilities.

SeasonsThemaintouristseasonisinthewintermonths–generallythedriest

Destination

Heart-warminghospitality

timeofyear,withdayafterdayofuninterruptedsunshine.

However,TheGambiaisalsoagreatplacetovisitinthesummer.Althoughshortandheavyshowersoccurregularly,thebenefitsofthegreenseasonfaroutweighanyminorinconvenienceastheforestsaretransformedintoagreenoasiswithanabundanceoftropicalflowers.

PlacestostayThemainconcentrationofhotelsisonornearthemainKomboCoastalRoadthatlinksBakauinthenorthwithBijilointhesouth.Atthesouth-ernendofthisareaistherecentlycompletedSheratonGambiaResortatBrufut,oppositetheupmarkethousingestateofBrufutGardens.

Furthernorth,Bijiloisthenextvillage,aquietareawithafewbarsandres-taurantsandanuncrowdedbeach.

OneofthemostdevelopedtouristcentresisKololi,whichhasagoodchoiceofbars,restaurantsandshopsaswellasabusycraftmarket.Itcanbequitelivelyintheevenings.SeveralofthelargerresorthotelscanbefoundinthisareaincludingtheCocoOcean,theKaraibaandtheSen-egambia,whiletheDunes,ParadiseSuitesandSarge’sHotelarediscreetlylocatedbackfromthebeach.

KotuStreamTheKotuareaisthemostdenselypackedareaforhotels.Itisafastdevelopingareawithseveralnewrestaurantsandbars.ItsurroundstheKotuStream,famousforbirdwatchingandfineviewsoverthemangroves.KotuincludesSunsetBeach,locatedbesidetheKotuStream,Luigi’sComplex,BungalowBeachandtheKomboBeach.

Therearefewerhotelstothenorth,althoughthevillagesaregener-allymoredeveloped.InBakau,theAfricanVillageHotelstandsonahillwithimpressiveoceanviews.Bakauisabustlingtownsetinanetworkofroadswithshopsandroadsidestalls.

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CapePoint,atthemouthoftheGambiaRiver,isanotherfast-devel-opingarea.TheOceanBayResort&Hotelislocatedhere.Becausethiscoastlinefacestherivermouth,thesehotelshavefineviewsacrosstonorthernGambiaandSenegalaswellasaprimelocationbesideoneofthe

bestandsafestbeachesinTheGambia.CapePointisgenerallyabusinessdistrict.Itcontainsgovernmentandotherbuild-ingsaswellasbars,restaurantsandnightclubs.FurthertotheeastisthecapitalBanjul,withlittletointerestthetouristapart

fromthebusymarket,theNationalMuseumandafewres-taurants.

TheriverAwayfromthecoast,theGambiaRiveriscentraltomostactivities.Runningrightthroughtheheartofthecountry,theriverisafocusforcommerceandtransport.

AlthoughthevastmajorityofGambianhotelsarelocatedonornearoneofthecountry’sfinebeaches,thereisagrowingnumberoflodgesand“eco

retreats”furtherinland,oftensituatedonthebanksoftheriveroritstribu-taries.

ReputationTheGambiaisoftenseenaspurelyabeachresortandwintersundestina-tion.Butthisfascinatingcountry,withitsculture,itspeopleanditsnaturaldiversity,canoffermuchmoretothetravellerwhowantstoexplore.

Whateverthechoiceofactivity,however,theGHAhotelsfeaturedinthisguideareaperfectbasefromwhichtostart.

fromthebusymarket,theNationalMuseumandafewres-taurants.

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Conferencing

Convivialconferences

TravelAssociation(ATA)inMay2010.

ThisfollowsitssuccessfulhostingoftheAfricanUnionSummitin2006,whilethecountry’slong-standingtieswiththeATAgobackto1984whentheninthATAcongresswasalsoheldinTheGambia.

Thefour-dayeventwillfocusonarangeofindustrytopics,includingpublic-privatesectorpartnerships,marketingandpromotion,devel-opmentoftourisminfrastructure,tourismindustrytrendsandsocialmedia.

ThishallmarkinternationaleventwillbeattendedbyAfricantourismmin-istersandindustryexpertsrepresent-ingtourismboards,travelagencies,groundoperators,airlinesandhotelsaswellasthetraveltrademedia.

Thecongresswillbehostedbythecountry’stwoleadingconference

hotels,TheSheratonHotelResort&SpaandtheKairabaBeachHotel.

Therearevariousmediumtolargefacilities,whichofferinspirationalvenuesforbanquets,conferences,exhibitionsandmeetings.Theseincludepurpose-builtinternationalconferencecentresdesignedtoaccommodatecloseto800people,whilethereareseveralotherhotelboardroomswithcapacitiesofbetween25and150people.

Almostallhotelshaveawidechoiceofbanqueting,conference,congressandmeetingroomsofvarioussizesandshapes.

The Gambia’s famous hospitality makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a conference and meeting location with a fl air for the exotic. Many of the hotels off er meeting facilities, all with the bonus of a tropical beach location for after-business relaxation.

Severalnewhotelswithpurpose-builtmeetingfacilitieshaveopenedinrecentyears,helpingtoboostTheGambia’spotentialinthislucrativemarket.Mostoftheseairconditionedvenuesareequippedwiththelatesttechnology.

Facilitiesrangefromexclusiveandintimateroomsforsmallgroupsof10to20people,throughtomedium-sizedroomsfor60to70.Severalofthelargerhotelscanaccommodatemeetingsof200andmore.

CongressTheGambiahasbeenchosentohostthe35thannualcongressoftheAfrica

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The destiny of The Gambia’s tourism industry is not being left to chance. Through a carefully defi ned and executed master plan, The Gambia is being transformed into a world-class tourist destination and busi-ness centre, all held together with a commitment to the ideals of responsible tourism practice.

TheprincipaldriverofthisistheGambiaTourismAuthority(GTA),setupin2001todevelop,promoteandregulatetourisminTheGambiainlinewiththeNationalVision2020.

TheaimistowidenTheGambia’sappealasadestination.Upto35percentoftouristsarerepeatvisitors,sothechallengeistooffermoreoptions,andagreaterdiversityofoptions,towinthemback.

ObjectivesThisobjectiveplaysakeyroleintheGTA’smasterplanfortourism.By2012itisexpectedthatanumberofnewfour-starandfive-starhotelswillhaveopenedintheTourismDevelopmentArea,providingabout3,000addi-tionalbedsandtakingthetotaltosome10,000beds.

Oneofthekeymarketingobjectivesistoimprovethequalityofservicesandfacilities.Thiswillbeachievedby:

Development

Purposefuldestiny

• AdheringtotheResponsible TourismPolicy

• Competingontherichnessand qualityoftheproductratherthan justonprice

• Encouragingthedevelopmentand marketingofaddedvalueproducts

• Targetingnewandoldmarkets

• Promotingyear-roundtourism, especiallyinthe‘greenseason’

• Encouraginginvestorstofundupcountryanduprivertourismventures

• Reinforcingsafety andsecurity.

TheGTArecognisesthattheproductisthewholecountryanditspeopleinthis‘smilingcoast’ofAfrica.Apartfromresortsoffering‘sea,sandandsun’,

theprimaryattractionistheRiverGambia.Easilynavigableandgener-allysafe,theriveroffersamultitudeofattractionsandexcursions–bird-watching,dolphinobserving,sportfishingandmangroveexploring–whichcanbeexploited.

ThistinyAfricannationisfullyableandpreparedtocompetewithmoreestablisheddestinations.Thecountry’skeyassets–itsconvenientlocation,friendlypeople,naturalbeautyandwonderfulclimate–willcontinuetoattracttourists,whetherforsunandbeachholidaysorfortheadventureofalifetime.

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One of the earliest visitors to what is now The Gambia was Hanno the Carthaginian as long ago as 470 BC.

Inmorerecenthistory,intheninthand10thcenturies,therearewrittenaccountsoftheregionbyArabtraderswhohadfoundtheirwaytoWestAfricatoexploittheenormouswealthoftheMaliEmpire.Inthecourseofthistrade,ivory,goldandeventuallyslaveswereshippedbacktotheMiddleEast.

TheMaliEmpirehadastronginflu-enceovermanycountriesinWestAfrica.Thiswasaneducatedandculturedsocietyaswellasapowerfulempirewithenormousriches.Never-theless,traderouteswerelaiddownandtheareabegantoreceiveforeignsettlersinapatternofinfluencethatisstillevidenttoday.

TheSonghaiEmpireassumedcontrolinthe16thcenturybutlaterfacedinvasionandcontinuallootingfromtheforcesofPortugalandMorocco.Bytheendofthe16thcentury,theregionwasunderPortuguesecontrol.

IntheyearsthatfollowedtherewasacolonialscramblefortherichesoftheAfricancontinent.

StAndrewsIsland,ontheGambiaRiver,wascolonisedbytheLatvianDukeofCourland.TheBritishgainedafootholdin1661whentheycapturedtheislandandrenameditJamesIsland.Meanwhile,theFrenchhadcolonisedSenegal.Uptothe18thcenturytheregionwasplaguedbywarsbetweenthetwonationsandlocaltribes.In1738TheGambiawascededtoGreatBritainundertheTreatyofParisandinsubsequentyearswasadministeredfromseveralplaces

History

Turbulenthistory

includingSenegalandSierraLeone.

TheadministrativecentreofthenewcountrywasBathurst–laterrenamedBanjul–whichwasbuiltin1816onanislandatthemouthoftheGambiaRiverasamilitaryposttocombattheslavetrade.ItisthoughttheslavetradetotheAmericasmayhavedeprivedtheregionofover3millionpeopleinadditiontotheuntoldnumberstakenbyArabtraders.

Theadministrativecentre,Banjul,becamethenation’scapitalin1892.

AlthoughslaveryhadbeenabolishedthroughouttheBritishEmpirein1807,itcontinuedinTheGambiaformanyyears.FortJamesplayedakeyroleincombatingthisillicittradebycheckingtherivertraffic.Thepresentborderswerelaiddownin1889andTheGambiabecameaBritishCrownColony.Fullindependencewasachievedin1965andTheGambiabecamearepublicin1970.

GroundnutsGroundnuts,introducedbythePortugueseinthe16thcentury,arenowTheGambia’smainexportcom-modityaswellasbeingusedinmany

popularGambiandishes.Thelandandclimateareideallysuitedtothiscrop.Thecountryside,whichismostlyflat,isdryandaridinwinterandgreenandlushinsummer.

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EarlyvisitorstoTheGambiaventuredfaruptheGambiaRiverinsearchoflegendarygoldminesandivory.Later,explorerssuchasMungoParktraversedtheriverlookingforTimbuktuandthesourcesoftheNigerandtheNile.

ChangesTravellerstodayhaveamucheasierjourney,althoughagreatdealhaschangedinTheGambiasincetheearlypre-colonialdays.Bytheend

ofthe19thcentury,overzeal-ousgamehuntingandivorytradinghadrobbeditsforestsandsavannahsofmuchofthebiggamefoundinotherpartsofAfrica.

However,thecountry’softenturbulenthistoryhasbynomeansdiminishedthecheer-fulnessofitspeople,whodressasbrightlyastropicalbirdsandsingtheirwelcometoall.

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While relaxing in tropical sunshine by the pool or on the beach is often the main attraction for many visitors to The Gambia, for those looking to enhance their visit, there is a wide choice of activities.

Mosthotelshavesportsfacilitiessuchastabletennis,volleyball,tenniscourts,croquetandwatersports.Itisalsoquiteeasytohireabicycleandgoexploring,playaroundofgolfortherearemanyplacestovisitinthehoteldistrictssuchasbars,restau-rants,casinosandcraftmarkets.

Toursandexcursions–forafewhours,adayorevenseveraldays–canbeorgan-isedbythehotelsorthroughpackage

Activities

Abundantattractions

operators.Thereisanalmostunlimitedchoice,from4x4adventuresondustyroadstorelaxingrivertripsinatraditionalpiroguetoculturalexcursionstoseerelicsoftheslavetradeandofcolonialtimes.MostofthesesitesareupriveratJamesIsland,JuffurehandAlbreda.

PopularPopularchoicesincludetheKatchi-kallyCrocodilePoolinBakau,thebus-tlingBanjulMarket,MakasutuCulturalForest,theBanjulArch,FortBullenatBarra,AbukoNatureReserve,BrikamaCraftMarketandLaminLodge.

InthesouthliesTheGambia’slargestfishingcommunityatTanjeh,wherevisitorscanwatchtheday’scatchbeingunloadedfromthecolourfulfishingfleetandsortedforprocessingorsmokinginoneoftheenormous

curingsheds.AfewmilesfurthersoutharethebeautifuldesertedbeachesatSanyang–someofthefinestinthecountry.

AvisittotheNationalMuseumisamust.Throughtheirfascinatingcollec-tionofmodernandancientartefacts,thehallsshowtheemergenceofthemodern-dayGambia.ExhibitsrangefromStoneAgepotterytomusicalinstruments,garmentsandrelicsofthecountry’scolonialpastand,ofcourse,theslavetrade.ThemuseumisrunbytheNationalCouncilforArts&Culture,whichalsoorganisesTheGambia’smanyfestivals,includingtheRootsInternationalFestival.

Theriveriscentraltoanyinlandexcursion.Evenifnotactuallytravel-lingontheriver,itwillprobablyhavetobecrossedatsomepoint.Formanyyears,theroadsystemonthesouthernshorewassuperior,butfol-lowingrecentroadimprovementsonthenorthbank,mostjourneystotheinteriornowstartwithaferrycrossingtoBarraandthenonwardbyroad.

AbundanceWithitsabundanceofbirdlife,TheGambiaisabirdwatcher’sparadise.Todate,560speciesofbirdshavebeenidentifiedinTheGambia,whichhassixareas–totallingaround40,000acresandprotectedbytheDepart-mentofParks&Wildlife–wheremostofthebirdwatchingexcursionsgo.

Manytouroperatorsandpackageholidaycompaniesofferspecialbirdwatchingexcursions,oftenatoptimumtimesofdayforobservingthefeatheredresidents.Dedicatedbirdwatchingholidaysareavailable,too,althoughnumbersonthesecanbelimited.

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Aswellasthemorecommonsand-pipers,oystercatchers,redshanksandploversalongthebeaches,theexten-sivemangroveswampsattractking-fishers,eagles,parrotsandherons.

MorecolourfulandinterestingspeciestolookoutforincludeAfricanfisheagles,redbishops,Senegalparrotsandredcheckedcordonbleus.

Protectionofwildlifehasbeenapri-orityinTheGambiasince1977whentheWildlifeActcameintoforce.Thisunderlinesthecountry’scommitmenttoitsbirdlifeandtheenvironmentandensuresitwillbethereforfuturegenerationsofvisitorstoenjoy.

Eco-tourismThecountry’sfirstforayintowildlifeconservationandprotectionwastheAbukoNatureReserve,establishedin1968.Afavouritedestinationfortour-ists,itincludesa3kmwalkfeaturing

avastarrayofbirdsandwildlife,includingcrocodiles.

OthersitesofinterestareLaminLodge,ahugetreehousewithfineviewsovertheGambiaRiver,BijiloForestParkandtheKotuStreaminthehoteldistrict,TanjehBirdReserveonthesouthcoast,andnumer-ousnaturereservesalongtheriverincludingNiumiNationalParkoppositeBanjul,KiangWestNationalParkandBao-bolongNationalPark,100kmupriver,andtheRiverGambiaNationalPark,250kmupriver.

ManyconsiderMakasutuCultureForesttobeWestAfrica’spremierdes-tinationforecotourism.LocatednexttotheMandinaBolong,this1,000acrereserveincludesforests,savan-nah,mangrovesandwetlands/saltflats.Itsdiverseecosystemsupportsawidevarietyofanimal,plantand

birdlifeincludingmonitorlizardsandbaboons.

Bringingtogetheramixofecotourism,luxuryandexclusiveaccom-modationbesidetheriverandcon-servation,thecultureforestbenefitsthelocalcommunityandtheenviron-mentaswellprovidingvisitorswithagreatdayout.

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A melting pot of various cultures, The Gambia is steeped in both colonial and African history and is a legacy of the struggle between European nations for power in West Africa.

Thecountry’spopulationofjust1.5millionismadeupofeightethnicgroupsalongwithsomefairlylargecommunitiesfromneighbouringcountriesinWestAfrica.TheresultisamixoftheFrancophoneandEnglish-speakingpeoplesinTheGambiaandSenegal,withSenegambianintegra-tionblurringthebordersbetweennationsandfamilies.

Muchoftheregion’sheritagecanbetracedtointer-tribalconflictandcoalition.Intothismixcanbethrownancienttribalceremonies,musical

instrumentsandtraditionaldances.

Inaddition,theregionhasbeenshapedandinfluencedbytheslavetrade.Today,thememoryofthosetimeshasbeenrevivedthroughtheAlexHaleynovel‘Roots’,whichtellsthestoryofKuntaKinteh,takenasaslavefromthevillageofJuffureh,ontheGambiaRiver.

RootsTripstothisvillage,thetradingstationofAlbredaandtheformerslavefortressofJamesIslandarepopularexcursionsfortourists.

Inaddition,theRootsInternationalFestival,whichcommemoratestheforcedenslavementofAfricans,isamagnetfordescendantsofslaveswhocomefromacrosstheworldtoshareintheirancestralroots.Theeventisalsoashowcaseforthecul-turalheritageofTheGambia.

Music

TheGambia’sbestknownmusicalinstrumentsareundoubtedlythedrums,thebalafon(anAfricanxylo-phone),thekora(a21-stringedharp)andthexalam(afour-stringedinstru-ment).

Amongthesetraditionalinstruments,themostdistinctiveisthedrum,whichhasplayedamajorroleinthecultureoftheregion.Thereisasur-prisinglywiderangeoftypes,withdifferentdrumsoundsbeingusedfordifferentevents.TheincessantbeatingofthedrumscanbeheardthroughoutTheGambia,andmosthotelshaveatleastoneculturalnighteachweekwhenlocalmusiciansentertainguestswithdancingandmusic.

Culture

Culturalcrossroads

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It is no exaggeration to say that Africell is a household name in The Gambia. It is the country’s largest mobile telecommunication pro-vider. Most people who own mobile phones will come into contact with the company each day and many others will benefit from its wide-spread social development pro-grammes.

‘Bringingpeoplecloser’hasbeenAfricell’sslogansinceitwasfounded.Thispolicyhasbeenfulfilledthroughacontinuousprogrammeofcapitaldevelopmentandaggressivenetworkexpansion.

Africell

Gambianconnections

Since2007thecompanyhasseenexceptionalgrowth.Itnowhasover650,000subscribers,accountingfor69percentofmarketshareinTheGambia.Inaddition,throughitsparentholdingcompany,LintelHolding,theAfricellbrandhasover750,000subscribersinneighbouringSierraLeone.ThecompanyplanstoexpandintoothercountriesintheWestAfricanregion.

AgendaAfricelltakesitscorporatesocialresponsibilityveryseriouslyandisinvolvedinawidesocialagenda.Itis

amaindriverofsocialdevelopmentinTheGambiathroughsports,edu-cationandhealthprogrammes.Partofthisinvolvesfootballsponsorship.AfricellsponsorstheGFALeagueFirstDivisionSaitMattyfootballteam.ItalsosponsorsTheGambia’snationalsideanditsunder-17footballteam,whichwontheAfricanCupinApril2009.

Africell’sproductsincludemonthlypackages,idealforlong-stayorregularvisitors,aswellaspre-paidpackages,moresuitedtotheocca-sionalorbusinessvisitor.

With state of the art facilities, The Gambia is well established in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, and have hosted top events including AU, Africa Travel Association, HP Nigeria and many regular events from African Commission,

ECOWAS and many others.

‘THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA’

MICE

www.visitthegambia.gm

welcome to

17

Souvenir hunters and shopaholics are spoilt for choice in The Gambia, which o� ers a plethora of handicraft stalls and markets throughout the tourism areas.

Bargaining is a way of life for local people, who bring enthusiasm and good humour to every transaction. A typical sale will often involve an engaging conversation in which the goods appear to change hands as an afterthought. The biggest problem is choosing which of the many and varied souvenirs to take home.

Most hotels will have their own outlets, with good-value � xed prices, while others will feature a travelling craft market once or twice a week.

Shopping

Happy shopping

In the villages and towns around the hotels visitors will � nd a host of stalls and larger markets o� ering every imaginable craft item and souvenir.

HandicraftsOf course, for a people used to making their own things, handicraft has become a major industry for Gambians. Skills have been handed down through the generations, with particular crafts

often originating from speci� c tribes. Most items for sale have their ancient counterparts in the nation’s lifestyle and culture, but today they are pro-duced mainly for tourists.

Wood carvings are especially popular. These items are often made from mahogany and stained with shoe polish. Other craft items include batik, drums, fabrics, jewellery, leatherwork, masks, pottery, woven goods and local paintings.

CraftsmenMarkets can be found close to the hotels in Bakau, Kololi and Kotu, but to appreciate the true nature of Gambian craftsmen, visitors should head to the Brikama market, one of the largest in the country, where arti-sans can be seen making as well as selling a multitude of items.

Wood carvings dominate the market stalls. They include animal � gures, bowls, combs and drums. While the sales pitch can seem pushy, it is all done with a big Gambian smile.

18

Colourful and stylish fashions are everywhere in The Gambia. From small villages to the streets of Banjul, Gambians love to wear bright and � amboyant clothes.

Most of the clothes seen in The Gambia are made from tie-dyed or ‘cuub’ cloth, a process of dyeing knitted or woven fabric, usually cotton, with bright colours to make patterns. ‘Cuub’ means tie-dye in Wolof, one of the country’s main tribal languages. The fabric is folded or tied before being dyed and this can result in some wonderful pat-terns and designs. In contrast, batik fabrics use a wax-resisting technique to create the patterns.

Fashion

Flamboyant fashions

Printed cotton fabrics can be found all over The Gambia, with the largest assortment to be found in the markets of Banjul and Serrekunda. Batik designs can also be designed and made to order, although one should expect to pay a premium price for the best quality fabrics.

A key aspect of the clothing is the pattern, with imaginative new designs appearing every year. Pat-terns come and go like fashions and all the best dressed ladies want to be seen in the design of the day.

Today, most of the colours are syn-thetic and there are many patterns to

choose from. However, the traditional method uses plant colouring and a few examples of this are still being produced.

TraditionFor big family events, Gambian women often wear the same pat-terns. These ‘asobi’ garments are made of the same fabric, although the design can vary slightly. Occa-sionally, men will also wear clothes of the same material.

19

One of the joys of travelling to any African nation is the range of culinary delights on o� er – and The Gambia is no di� erent. Today’s cuisine is a mix of the many cultural in� uences over centuries of colo-nialism, with the added allure of local � avours.

Arabian, British, French and Portu-guese in� uences are everywhere. The result is a fusion of ingredients and spices prepared in a unique way to produce a complex range of � avours.

The secret of Gambian cooking is attention. Using the right amount of spices is essential for both colouring and taste. One of the main ingredi-ents is meat, especially a range of cured and smoked hams.

The Gambia also has a wide diversity of cereals and vegetables, especially the staple groundnut and cassava, which are used in many dishes.

Freshly caught seafood is also readily available, including barracuda, lady-� sh, lobster, prawns and snapper. And, of course, fruit is another key ingredient. An abundance of fresh and delicious fruit is available throughout the Gambia.

Cuisine

Flavours galore

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of restaurants in The Gambia, from beach bars to gourmet dining. They o� er cooking styles from across the world as well as many local dishes.

TastesFor a true Gambian experience, try some of the following dishes:

• Benachin – a one-pot dish where anything goes – � sh or meat and vegetables

• Caldo – rice with steamed � sh and delicious tangy lemon � avouring

• Domoda – a stew made from peanut paste and either meat, beef or � sh with lots of vegetables

• Fish balls – a Gambian favourite to be found everywhere. Excellent when prepared with proper ingredients

• Fufu – usually made from starchy root vegetables such as cassava. Often served as an accompaniment to stews or soups

• Mbahal – prepared with groundnuts and smoked � sh. Similar to risotto

• Nyombeh nyebbeh – a very rich dish made with cassava and beans

• Oyster stew – a ‘must try’ for any visitor to The Gambia

• Pepeh soup – thick, spicy soup made from � sh or meat on the bone

• Yassa – made with chicken of � sh with a tangy � avour of fresh lemons or limes. A big favourite.

Fufu – usually made from starchy

21

Located on an unspoilt beach, the award-winning is an idyllic retreat for relaxing and soaking up the tropical sunshine at any time of the year. Located within 24 acres of landscaped gardens, it o� ers one and two-bedroom villas, all built to the highest speci� cations.

The accommodation is luxurious and beautifully furnished with � ttings of the highest calibre. Each room is fully air conditioned and self-contained. The rooms are located in some of

Kololi Beach Club

Idyllic retreat

the most spectacular gardens in the country, with a vast array of plants, shrubs and trees as well as many examples of The Gambia’s colourful birdlife.

FacilitiesThe Kololi Beach Club boasts one of only two 18-hole golf courses in the country. There is also a large swim-ming pool, a dip pool and patio and facilities for croquet, water polo, vol-leyball and horse riding.

While all villas have self-cater-ing facilities, the club also has one of the best restaurants in the region, The

Clubhouse, with a full programme of entertainment. Guests can choose between soaking up the sun on the swimming pool terraces or using the ultra-modern plunge pool. They can party with friends in the comfort of the sunken aquatic seating areas or just relax in the sun, occasionally plunging into the sparkling water to cool down.

Guests can also escape to the beach and gardens. Kololi has two private beach areas for members next to the restaurant and the new Beach Bar. The unspoilt and uncrowded sandy beach stretches southwards for miles to the � shing village of Tanjeh and on to South Senegal.

a vast array of plants, shrubs and Clubhouse,

While all villas have self-cater-ing facilities, the club also has one of the best

23

The Kombo Beach Hotel is one of the country’s most popular hotels, bene� ting from a superb beach-front location. Situated in the Kotu area of The Gambia, the Kombo is renowned for its impressive range of activities and restaurants.

The Kombo Beach is the only resort hotel in The Gambia – and one of the few in Africa – to receive the Trav-elife Gold Award. Guests can choose

Kombo Beach

Perfect combination

between a relaxing or active beach holiday. There is a full-time entertainment team, enabling guests to partici-pate in a wide range of  activities. Alternatively, the guests can simply relax and unwind in the lush tropical gardens.

With a choice of three restaurants and four bars, cuisine at the Kombo is renowned across The Gambia for its excellence. Guests are provided with a choice of eateries, each with a dif-ferent atmosphere.

Lush gardensAll the rooms are set among the lush gardens in four buildings no taller than three storeys. There are 177 stan-dard rooms, 36 superior rooms, 29 premium rooms and 16 suites.

Guest rooms are light and spacious, featuring either a patio or a large picture window. Room amenities have been upgraded to include air

conditioning as standard as well as a TV set, mini fridge and hair dryer.

For those who want that little bit extra, superior rooms, suites and premium rooms are available. These are larger and furnished to a higher standard with more amenities.

The Kombo is the ideal venue for special occasions, meetings and events. Facilities for all kinds of events, both relaxed and formal, are available in the Bellengo lounge bar or in one of the other restaurants and bars.

There is a diverse range of nightly entertainment, from live local music to themed evenings and dancing. Alternatively, guests can relax at the beachside bar or on the poolside terrace and absorb the sights and sounds of the ocean.

24

Inaugurated and o¡ cially opened in July 2004, the Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort is a luxurious garden resort in one of the region’s prime residential areas.

The award-winning resort combines a tropical oasis with modern African opulence and an elegant contem-porary style. As one of The Gambia’s premier resorts and a member of ‘One of the Great Hotels of the World’, the resort often receives national and international VIP guests.

The Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort has an excellent location beside one of The Gambia’s � nest beaches at Cape Point in the heart of Bakau.

In all there are 195 units consisting of deluxe rooms, premium suites, family apartments and executive maisonette suites.

GardensThe large swimming pool is sur-rounded by gardens and terraces, providing the perfect atmosphere for relaxing in the sun. The perfectly kept gardens lead down to an exception-ally � ne beach.

Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort

Elegant oasis

stocked wine cellar and a smokers’ club serving premium hand-rolled cigars.

Fine cuisine is also served at The Piazza and at the Hacienda all-day eatery. During the day, snacks and drinks are served at the Beach Club and the Pool Bar. The resort is just a short walk from the lively centre of Bakau. Here, visitors will � nd other restaurants, small food stalls, cafés, pubs, arts and craft shops and a colourful scene of African market life.

There are breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the magni� cent River Gambia.

A wide range of sports and recre-ational activities is available next to the hotel to suit all tastes including water sports from the relatively sheltered and safe beach. In addition, the popular on-site Fitness, Health & Beauty Centre o� ers a wealth of relaxation therapies

and beauty treatments.

CuisineThe Ocean Clipper Restau-rant is one of the resort’s runaway successes, bring-ing together a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. This ocean-front hideaway is the perfect venue for a superb eating experi-ence. There is also a well

25

The Kairaba Beach Hotel o� ers a taste of paradise within The Gambia. Located on the golden beach of Kololi and set among 40 acres of mature gardens, with � sh ponds and over 100 varieties of plants and trees, this beautiful hideaway is a memorable experience.

There is a total of 156 rooms and suites including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, superior deluxe rooms, premium suites, executive suites, garden suites and the Kairaba Suite.

Accommodation is in a horseshoe of two-storey houses in a Portuguese style featuring spacious rooms. There are shaded balconies or terraces with views of the ocean or of the beautiful landscaped gardens and central pool.

Kairaba Beach Hotel

Luxury unlimited

A full breakfast is served at the King-� sher terrace restaurant, including an omelette, pancake and wa© e station, while themed bu� et evenings are held at the poolside Malimbe, which also o� ers an extensive lunch menu. Also available are the Casa Fernando, serving Mediterranean inspired food, the Shikra, for an eclectic blend of Asian cuisine, and the Ice Cream Shop, where sandwiches and cakes can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace.

RefreshingThere are several bars. They include the Havana Club, o� ering a taste of Cuba, the Monsoon Bar, provid-ing quiet relaxation overlooking the

gardens, and the poolside Bolong Bar. There is also the Beach House, serving refreshing drinks or snacks on a terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel has an independent health studio on site along with a clinic. Rec-reational activities include pool, lawn croquet, outdoor chess and tennis courts shared with the neighbouring hotel. Those looking for something less strenuous can always borrow a book from the in-house library. The Kairaba also has The Gambia’s only functional observatory.

The Kairaba Hotel has a choice of con-ference and meeting rooms including the 600 square metre multipurpose Jaama hall and six smaller rooms of between 30 and 150 square metres.

Truly, the Kairaba Hotel is the place to go for � ve-star luxury in The Gambia.

27

West African Tours was established in 1987 by Patrick Sothern and Angela Andrews as a full-service destination management company. With over 40 years’ experience in tourism, they are supported by a team of over 30 trained sta� dedi-cated to quality travel management.

For tour operators and travel agents with small programmes, the company o� ers a full resort service including meet-and-greet, transfers, hotel reser-vations, hotel hospitality desks, excur-sions, � ight recon� rmation and a full resort information service.

Services include:

• Destination management services

• Fully accompanied local sightseeing and day trips overland or by river

• Accompanied two-day to four- day exploration trips upriver

• Inclusive tour packages

West African Tours

Go west

• Tailor-made itineraries for groups and individuals

• Wedding packages

• Special interest group tours: birds, butter� ies, � ora; beach, creek an sport � shing; trekking; educational, exchange and sports packages

• Incentive packages

• Conferences.

Based in Fajara, in the heart of the country’s coastal resort strip, West African Tours is well placed to serve hotel-based clients in The Gambia; and, with a network of agents

throughout the region, it can advise, organise and assist anywhere in West Africa.

ExcursionsThe Gambia o� ers a range of tried and tested excursions of varying duration and West African Tours is highly experienced in running these. Alternatively, tours can be tailored to speci� c interests.

Short excursions: a range of full-day and half-day excursions, accompa-nied by a guide and driver, providing a unique insight into The Gambia. Tours include land-based orienta-tion tours; sunset cruises with dining and entertainment; four-wheel-drive

bush safaris with beach barbe-cues; village visits with cultural entertainment; arts, crafts and shopping; historical sites; jungle walks, swamp exploration by pirogue; and camel safaris.

Longer excursions: travelling up-country by vehicle and to see The Gambia and meet its people, o� ering the chance to experi-ence the real life of West Africa. These excursions are accompa-nied by trained and reliable sta� and include overnight stays.

and entertainment; four-wheel-drive

These excursions are accompa-nied by trained and reliable sta� and include overnight stays.

29

Discovery Tours is an award-winning ground handling company set up in 1993 by Farma Njie, a Gambian woman with over 30 years’ experi-ence in the tourism sector.

The company operates a � eet of luxu-rious coaches and mini coaches, air conditioned for year-round comfort, as well as Swiss Army safari trucks. Over the years, the company has recruited and developed a team of highly experienced, multilingual sta� to look after its customers and take care of their requirements. It now employs a team of 35 people.

Various cultural, gastronomic and tailor made tours can be organised by Discovery Tours in The Gambia, Senegal and other neighbouring countries.

With its wide experience, the company is able to provide unique

Discovery Tours

Cultural discoveries

programmes for a wide range of customers. For instance, it is agent for various highly reputable tour opera-tors in many parts of the world and it also o� ers services to individuals, incentive groups and to the non-tourist sector.

Back to basicsPopular tours include a ‘Back to Basics’ day trip to Makasutu, an eco area located on a tributary of the Gambia River; bird-watching excur-sions; a ‘Bush and Beach Safari’ to untouched villages and beautiful beaches; and sport � shing both at sea and from the beach.

Two-day excursions are available to the old capital, Georgetown, travel-ling both by road and by river. Shorter river trips are available, too, while one of Gambia’s biggest attractions is the ‘Roots’ programme, which includes a

visit to a former slave station on James Island in the Gambia River.

A ‘Lazy Day’ is also o� ered. Guests can enjoy being pampered on a cruise of Oyster Creek and the Gambia River in a locally built vessel.

In addition to scheduled tours and excursions, Discovery Tours provides services for several cruise lines calling at Banjul Port.

31

One of The Gambia’s most success-ful indigenous construction compa-nies is TAF Construction Ltd, which was incorporated in January 1990.

The company is owned and managed by Mustapha Njie (commonly known as TAF ), who was born in The Gambia.

After more than a decade of active and rewarding performance in the construction industry, all of the com-pany’s operations were consolidated by Mr Njie into TAF Holding Company Ltd.

Mr Njie has introduced a uni� ed system of management control to TAF Holding Co Ltd, which has a com-posite sta� of 500.

ShowpieceA showpiece project for the company is Brufut Gardens, one of the most modern housing estates in The Gambia, which has been devel-oped to international standards.

TAF Holding

Building success

Brufut Gardens is located on a 36 hectare site opposite the newly built � ve-star Shera-ton Hotel. The new housing estate consists of more than 500 apartments, bungalows, houses and villas overlooking the Atlan-tic Ocean. It is located only about 10 minutes from the airport and a � ve-minute drive from Senegambia/Kairaba, the main tourism cluster of The Gambia.

The estate is attractive and modern in character, with bitumen surfaced roads, landscaped terraces and side-walks, street lighting, 24-hour electric-ity and water supply with a back-up generator, garbage collection, street cleaning services and 24-hour security. All streets around the estate are lined with over 1,800 tropical fruit trees.

This development, which started in 2003, has seen an average

capital appreciation of over 40 per cent per annum.

DynamicBrufut Gardens has been developed under the dynamic leadership of Mr Njie, whose hard work has been recog-nised with the following accolades:

• Gambian Business Man of the Year – 1993

• European Council Global Business Award – 1998

• Gambian Business Man of the Year – 2004

• Best Small, Medium, Micro Enterprise in Africa – 2004

• Gambian Business Man of the Year – 2006.

33

Gambia Tours is a family-run ground handling company established in 1983 and serving both the local community and the country’s many visitors from around the world.

The company gives assistance to tour operators and helps provide a solid structure for the tourist industry nationwide.

Today it has a professional team of 75 people all focused on helping its guests to enjoy The Gambia, its culture and its natural wonders. Most of the sta� can speak English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and some Scandinavian languages.

Services include:

• Hotel reservations

• Airport transfers

Gambia Tours

Quality handling

• Flight bookings to Europe

• Wide selection of excursions in The Gambia and Senegal high- lighting the culture, food and ambience of the region

• Cruise ship handling

• Long-term and short-term rental of vehicles.

Excursions range from one-day expe-riences and city tours to overnight excursions to three-day safaris using both road and river transport. Many of the excursions are focused on the Gambia River, while tours are also available to neighbouring Senegal.

Gambia Tours also participates in social and cultural events throughout

The Gambia, including the ‘Clean the Nation’ programme, the Roots Fes-tival and the Banjul Demba Cultural Festival. In addition, as a member of the Tourism and Travel Association of The Gambia (TTAG), the company is involved in sustainable and respon-sible tourism and the sponsoring of schools.

The company has a versatile � eet of 70 vehicles to cater for its ever-expanding choice of excursions. These include buses, coaches, 4x4 vehicles and ex-army safari trucks.

Gambia Tours also represents tour operators from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the UK and most of the Scandinavian countries.

35

A beachfront location next to the Kotu Stream and a close-knit collec-tion of neatly arranged rooms and apartments make the Sunset Beach Hotel one of the most characterful properties in The Gambia.

The hotel is just a few steps from the excellent Kotu Beach. Its magni� cent gardens are set around a grid of named avenues with various types of bungalow-style accommodation.

All paths lead eventually to the pool area, which contains the Sunset Café, the hotel’s air conditioned restaurant, and the Sunset Bar & Grill, an attrac-tive timber building overlooking the beach and pool with a spacious terrace for sunloungers and seating.

Sunset Beach Hotel

Perfect sundowner

Each of the bungalow-style apart-ments has air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and a small patio plus in-room safes at extra charge. There is also a two-storey block of rooms facing the pool area.

The hotel’s compact design means that nothing is far away, yet it conveys a feeling of privacy and seclusion.

Activities The pool area is a focus of activities and leads directly on to the beach. In the evening, guests turn their atten-tion to the restaurant and bar, with regular local entertainment provided on the large terrace.

With several other major hotels and a wide range of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance, guests have plenty to occupy themselves. There is also an 18-hole golf course nearby as well as craft stalls and a craft market.

The lavish gardens are a haven for birdlife. In addition, the hotel backs on to the Kotu Stream and a large tract of wetlands and mangrove swamp – home to an abundant bird-life that will delight the most avid enthusiast.

Bu� et An extensive bu� et breakfast can be enjoyed either in the Sunset Café or on the terrace with views over the Kotu Stream and its early morning bird activity. The hotel also has a well stocked mini market and souvenir shop, beauty salon and massage parlour.

Each of the bungalow-style apart-

37

The Senegambia Beach Hotel lies in the Kololi area, famous for its many bars, restaurants and a busy craft market. This excellent location pro-vides a good choice of facilities and leisure activities within easy walking distance.

With 328 rooms, including 10 suites and two executive suites, the Sen-egambia Beach Hotel is the largest in the country. It is also one of the most popular, ideal for families seeking a beach-based holiday. The rooms have

Senegambia Beach Hotel

Famous beauty

all been refurbished to bring them up to modern standards.

The hotel entrance is reached by way of a small wooden bridge over a variety of tropical plants. A few steps further on and the spacious lobby opens out into the hotel’s impressive landscaped gardens, winding their way down past two swimming pools to the excellent wide sandy beach.

The upper pool is close to the hotel lobby creating an oasis of relaxation and tranquility. The larger, more bois-terous pool, located next to the beach, is a focus of daytime activities. There is also a charming thatched swim-up bar and a beach bar for snacks and cool drinks.

GardensAn attractive feature is the hotel’s tropical gardens, containing a wide

variety of birds as well as monkeys from the nearby forests. There is also a daily vulture-feeding display.

The hotel has a squash court, two tennis courts, a beach volleyball area, daily animations, table tennis and sport activities.

African culture is celebrated both in the décor of the lobby and in regular evening entertainment, with folklore nights and themed bu� ets. The main restaurant combines a high standard of design with � rst-class food and features a large outside terrace where meals can be enjoyed in a tropical atmosphere.

For guests who enjoy international cuisine, the à la carte Flamingo res-taurant invites diners for delicacies and a selection of wines.

all been refurbished to bring them

39

Ideally located in the Kololi Beach resort area, the Paradise Suites Hotel o� ers a range of the highest quality accommodation in villas, maisonette villas and suites.

With a reputation for quality accom-modation and quality services, this

Paradise Suites

Paradise found

idyllic home-from-home also provides a range of res-taurants and bars, a delightful swim-ming pool and all the amenities that guests have come to expect from a leading establishment.

Taste of paradiseThe hotel’s restaurants o� er a mouth-watering selection of local and inter-national meals as well as wide range of beers and wines.

The Teranga bar and restaurant is open from morning until late, serving both local and international cuisine, while the Exotic is an open-garden and terrace bar ideal for banqueting and cocktail receptions. In addition, there is a poolside bar for thirst-quenching drinks and tempting snacks during the day.

Other facilities include a conference hall, a hair salon, a massage parlour, a souvenir shop, a mini-market and an internet café.

The fully appointed vacation homes have air conditioned rooms with colour TV, telephone, fully equipped kitchens, microwave, laundry service and plenty of extra linen including towels.

Located just 20 minutes from Banjul International Airport, the hotel is surrounded by other restaurants and attractions while remaining a secluded and intimate retreat.

Whether on holiday or on business, guests will discover a unique taste of paradise at the Paradise Suites Hotel.

41

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, Luigi’s Complex is an ideal location for those who value their indepen-dence without wishing to sacri� ce their comforts.

Famous for its � ne cuisine and excel-lent accommodation, the complex is located in the Kotu area, just 50 metres from the beach, with shops, casinos and nightlife all within easy reach.

Family-runLuigi’s is a small family-run hotel with just 17 self-catering apartments of one and two bedrooms and 12 bed-and-breakfast rooms. All rooms

Luigi’s Complex

Independent treasure

have either a veranda or a balcony overlooking the pool or the gardens.

Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta House o� ers an extensive menu in a cosy atmo-sphere, complete with ocean views, while Barna-cles Bar has a full poolside service. The complex also includes a holistic centre and a tailor’s shop.

Ideally located for both business and pleasure, all the apart-ments at Luigi’s Complex are spacious in every way. They are equipped to a high standard, o� ering a furnished

lounge/dining area with a fully � tted kitchen, satellite TV and air condition-ing. Secure wireless internet is avail-able throughout the complex.

The Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise of sand, sea and spa facilities located on a blissful stretch of pristine beachfront far away from the busy beaches to the north.

Lying to the south of The Gambia’s main hotel stretch, the Sheraton o� ers easy access to all of the coun-

Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa

Beachside luxurytry’s main commercial and tourist attractions.

The resort has 194 guest rooms perched on two cli� s over- looking an unspoiled Atlantic coastline. The unique and spectacular architecture of the Sheraton spoils the senses with luxurious appointments guaranteed

to spoil the mind and spirit.

Spectacular The immaculate landscape is dotted with tropical palm and baobab trees through which the Atlantic sea breezes gently � ow. The Sheraton proudly provides an inspirational venue for meetings, conferences, banquets and exhibi-

tions, o� ering a purpose- built inter-national conference centre.

The grand Kuntah Kinteh hall accom-modates up to 780 people while six other boardrooms o� er a capacity of 25 to 60 people.

The picturesque beachfront is an ideal setting for weddings, with a stunning backdrop that is both grace-ful and sophisticated.

For unforgettable memories, the Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa has it all.

luxurious appointments guaranteed

43

Bungalow Beach in Kotu and Sarge’s Hotel in Kololi o� er an attractive and intimate hideaway vacation in the heart of two of The Gambia’s most popular tourist centres.

A wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops and craft markets can be found near both hotels. There is a contrast in style between Bungalow Beach, with its luxurious beach location, and Sarge’s Hotel, which o� ers great value for money in a secluded poolside setting in a thriving tourist centre. Both hotels are under the same management.

Sarge’s Hotel Sarge’s Hotel has a central location close to the bars, restaurants and

Bungalow Beach/Sarge’s Hotel

Intimate hideaways

busy craft market of Kololi and o� ers fun, relaxation and a welcome change of pace.

There is a central courtyard with a pool surrounded by three-storey blocks, each with a balcony overlooking either the pool or the terrace. A range of daytime activities and evening entertainment is o� ered.

The hotel has a total of 98 rooms and suites catering for all tastes. For those who wish to dine in the hotel, there is a restaurant and bar overlooking the terrace. Access to the beach is through the nearby Senegambia Hotel and a shuttle bus goes to and from Bungalow Beach Hotel.

Bungalow Beach Hotel

The perfect place for a beachside holiday, Bungalow Beach Hotel is an apartment hotel with a beautiful setting amid landscaped gardens bordering the excellent Kotu Beach.

In addition to the busy and popular beach, the poolside and bar provide a focus for daytime activities. The hotel has its own beach bar serving refresh-ing drinks under sun loungers and on the terrace.

The ‘BB’ is a favourite with visitors to The Gambia because of its � ne loca-tion and its quiet and relaxed atmo-sphere. Guests will have no trouble � nding a peaceful place within its well-kept gardens to soak up the sun-shine in solitude.

The hotel has a main restaurant and a smaller à la carte restaurant, while self-catering options are also avail-able. Breakfast is generally taken in the rooms. On arrival, guests are pro-vided with a welcome pack of provi-sions.

45

An authentic African experience comes to life at the African Village Hotel, which is set back from the Kombo Coastal Road at a tranquil location in the lively centre of Bakau.

African Village Hotel

Authentic experience

With stunning hilltop views over the ocean, the hotel o� ers a choice of 73 rooms including standard rooms, sea-view apartments and attractive adobe-style huts in the form of an African village.

AtmosphereTropical gardens enhance this delightful Gambian village atmo-sphere and attract a great many exotic birds.

Focal point of the hotel is the central pool area with its unique island bar

and sun terraces. Overlooking the sea is the hotel’s fabulous elevated res-taurant, with a further terrace located just outside. This terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy spectacular views, sensational sunsets and sump-tuous cuisine. There is nightly enter-tainment in the holiday season.

On the beach there is a private, sand-covered sunbathing area that can be reached by a series of steep steps down to the sea.

The Dunes Resort is one of The Gambia’s premier resort locations. Although it is only 10 km from the international airport, the hotel lies in the heart of Serekunda, just a few steps from the golden sandy Kotu beach.

With views of the Atlantic Ocean and the magni� cent sand dunes in front of the hotel, this � rst-class interna-tional resort has 22 units consisting

Dunes Resort

Golden prospects

of premium rooms, deluxe rooms and family rooms. All rooms have a king-size or double bed, air conditioning, spacious balcony, safety deposit, tele-phone, satellite TV and minibar.

Fine diningThe rooms are situated around tropical gardens and across a pleasant court-yard from the restaurant. The � ne dining restaurant has two seating areas and o� ers a range of mouth-watering international cuisine. Guests can also sit outside on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the ocean.

The true culture and � avours of Africa can be found just a short walk from

the resort gate in the form of restau-rants, nightclubs, craft stalls and bars.

With its excellent setting in one of The Gambia’s premier resort districts, the Dunes Resort is the place to go for � rst-class accommodation and � ne dining.

47

Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is the newest and most opulent � ve star boutique resort and spa in The Gambia. The soft opening was in December 2008 and con-tinues to build on the reputation of its renowned sister hotel – The Coconut Residence.

Set next to the beautiful Bijilo Beach the 60 suites o� er a variety of accom-modation from Junior Suites up to Royal Villas with their own spa and indoor heated swimming pool. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with a simple and tranquil décor.

The Moorish architecture with impressive Domes is unique and breathtaking and yet harmonises perfectly with the simple and elegant furnishings of the hotel.

Coco Ocean Resort & Spa

Newest opulence

The delightful restaurants o� er a variety of International, Thai, Moroccan and Fusion in� uences. Safran Restaurant o� ers à la carte ocean-view � ne dining. Coco Beach Restaurant o� ers lunch in the most glorious location imaginable with an open kitchen to allow guests to watch the chef at work. Finally, Safran Restaurant o� ers à la carte � ne dining with ocean views.

The courtyard area with three tum-bling show pools also has an open kitchen and outdoor restaurant area, and encompasses the breakfast room and the lounge area.

SuccessThe Spa – the � rst of its kind in West Africa – has already proved to be an enormous success. With specialist sta� and therapists it has a holistic approach to treatments, relaxation and de-stressing.

Covering over 1,800 square metres, with luxurious ocean view treat-

ment rooms, it includes a Moroccan Hamam, sauna, ice plunge pool, Tha-lasso pool, wet and dry body treat-ment areas, beauty services including facials, manicure and pedicure. Spa Boutiques o� er a large variety of beauty products and hair care. There is also a resident hairdresser and a well equipped gym.

Specialist sta� are on hand to arrange weddings, conferences, special anniversaries or to tailor make a trip outside the hotel to enjoy all that The Gambia has to o� er.

For those who feel it is time to indulge – Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is the perfect place to be pampered in paradise.

Brikama

Kotu

BANJUL

Brufut

Sukuta

Gunjar

Bakau

Manjul Kd

Bijilo

Bakoteh

Mandinari

Tanjeh

Tujereng

Makumbaya

Banjul Airport

Sanyang

Kartong

Siffoe

Kassa Kd

Marakissa

Mandina-Ba

Kembujeh

Bassori

Jiboro

Faraba Banta

Faraba Sutu

Kafuta

Bullock

Banjana Bessi

Somita

Sibanor

Chilla

Sika

Albreda

Jufureh

Fort James

Tubab Kolong

Lameng

Bakindick

Barra

Fort Bullen Berending

Ndugu Kebbeh Kuntaya

Bintang

Fass Njaja Choi

Mbankam

Missiranding

Fass Omar Saho

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MB

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S O U T H

K O M B O N O R T H

K M C

K O M B O C E N T R A L K O M B O E A S T

F O N I B R E F E T

F O N I B I N T A NG

K A R A N A I

K I A N G W E S T

U P P E R N I U M I I

L O W E R N I U M I

J O K A D U

Medina Serringe Mass

Niumi National

Park

Tanjeh Bird Santuary

Makasutu Culture Forest

Finto Forest

Bamakuno Forest

Dasilameh

N O R T H A T L A N T I C

O C E A N

Location Map

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0 50km25

BANJUL

NORTH BANK

CENTRAL RIVER

UPPER RIVERWESTERN

Kombo North

KomboSouth

KomboNorth Kombo East Foni Brefet

Foni B. Karenai

Foni Kansala

Foni Bondali

Foni Jarrol

Kiang West

Lower Niumi

Upper Niumi

Jokadou

LowerBaddibou

G a m b i a R i v e r

CentralBaddibou

Upper Baddibou

Kiang Central

KiangEast

LOWER RIVERJarra West

Jarra Central JarraEast

NiaminaWest

Niamina East

Fulladou West

Lower Saloum

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Nianija

Niani

Janjanbureh

Sandou

Fulladou East

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Land

Forests & National Parks

Urbanized Areas

Water

Minor Roads

Marinas

Hospital

Major Roads

Town

City

Hotel

Airport

Land

Forests & National Parks

Urbanized Areas

Water

Minor Roads

Marinas

Hospital

Major Roads

Town

City

Hotel

Airport

Land

Forests & National Parks

Urbanized Areas

Water

Minor Roads

Marinas

Hospital

Major Roads

Town

City

Hotel

Airport

A F R I CA

The Gambia

The River Mouth

• Gambia

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Bijilo

Kololi Beach

Kotu Beach

Bakau

Bakoteh

Old Jeshwang

Tujereng

Tanjeh

Brufut

Sukuta

BANJUL

Banjul Airport

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Tubab Kolong

Barra

Fort Bullen

Hotels:

1. African Village Hotel

2. Badala Park Hotel

3. Baobab Hotel

4. Bijilo Beach

5. Bungalow Beach Hotel

6. Cape Point Hotel

7. Coco Ocean

8. Coconut Residence

9. Laico Atlantic Hotel

10. Dalaba Residence

11. Dunes Resort

12. Golden Beach Hotel

13. Holiday Beach Club

14. Jerma Beach Hotel

15. Kairaba Beach Hotel

16. Kololi Beach Club

17. Kombo Beach Hotel

18. Luigi’s Complex

19. Mansea Beach Hotel

20. Ngala Lodge

21. Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort

22. The Omakan Lounge Hotel

23. Palm Beach Hotel

24. Palma Rima Hotel

25. Paradise Suites

26. roc Heights Hotel

27. Sarge’s Hotel

28. Seaview Garden Hotel

29. Senegambia Beach Hotel

30. Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa

31. Sunbeach Hotel

32. Sunset Beach Hotel

Hotel Locations

0 50km25

BANJUL

NORTH BANK

CENTRAL RIVER

UPPER RIVERWESTERN

Kombo North

KomboSouth

KomboNorth Kombo East Foni Brefet

Foni B. Karenai

Foni Kansala

Foni Bondali

Foni Jarrol

Kiang West

Lower Niumi

Upper Niumi

Jokadou

LowerBaddibou

G a m b i a R i v e r

CentralBaddibou

Upper Baddibou

Kiang Central

KiangEast

LOWER RIVERJarra West

Jarra Central JarraEast

NiaminaWest

Niamina East

Fulladou West

Lower Saloum

Upper Saloum

Nianija

Niani

Janjanbureh

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African Village Hotel in the heart of Bakau offers a warm and colourful Gambian welcome to Africa’s ‘Smiling Coast’. Only 15 km from the airport, this small hotel lies directly on the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel offers 73 rooms, many arranged as small traditional huts in an exotic tropi-cal garden. The ever popular Atlantic Res-taurant offers impressive ocean views as well as an excellent range of International and African cuisine.

The true Africa is right on the doorstep as the hotel is at the centre of bustling Bakau with fine restaurants, craft markets, fish market, supermarkets, churches, mosques, banks and telephone exchange all within easy walking distance. There is also the famous

Kachikally Pool with over 100 crocodiles close by.

Hotel life revolves around the unique pool area with its island bar and nightly enter-tainment shows. Other facilities including fans, safety deposit boxes, refrigerators

and private laundry services are available for a small fee.

The hotel also boasts a pool bar, main bar and the Sand Bar at the beach area. In addition the Sea View Terrace offering stunning views from its elevated position overlooking the ocean.

African Village Hotel98 Atlantic Road, PO Box 4227, Bakau I Tel: +220 449 5384 I Fax: +220 449 5307 Email: africanvillagehotel@yahoo.com or europrop@qanet.gm I www.africanvillagehotel.gm

The Badala Park Hotel is located near to its sister hotel, The Palm Beach Hotel in the fast developing Kotu area.

The well appointed rooms are in two-storey units which spread out from the main swimming pool area and each has en-suite bathrooms and individual private balconies.

Beyond the pool area is a hotel exit that leads onto ‘bird watchers walk’. Opposite is the main drive that leads to The Palm Beach Hotel, its sister hotel. Located

on either side of the drive is a famous wetland bird paradise, where over 100 different species can be seen.

The beautiful sandy beach is just a min-ute’s walk from the hotel entrance where The Eldorado Beach bar offers cold drinks and snacks served in the shade of the raised bar or to beach sun loungers under the green palms.

There are also various bars and restaurants where both the local and international cuisine can be enjoyed. Other facilities on

offer include small mini-market near the main hotel reception selling local crafts and essential items.

Breakfast is served in the Sunbird Restau-rant while dinner is served as a buffet or from the à la carte menu.

Badala Park HotelPMB 467, Kotu Stream, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 0400 I Fax: +220 446 0402 Email: badalaparkhotel@hotmail.com I www.badalaparkhotel.gm

The Baobab Holiday Resort get its name from the Giant Baobab Trees which are seen all over The Gambia. Situated on the Kombo Coastal Road it is located just 10 minutes drive from the airport, three minutes to Senegambia and 30 minutes to Banjul. The resort also lies close to the ITC Animal Park at Bijilo.

The resort has 17 spacious and comfort-able rooms including 15 self catering bungalows, with views over the tropical gardens. The rooms all have verandas, ceiling fans, air conditioning and cable TV.

The roofs of the apartments are built from local grasses.

At the Baobab there is an à la carte inter-national restaurant and the African Grill Garden Restaurant, situated in the front of the resort and surrounded by a lush tropi-cal garden with many palm and banana trees. An open-air bar is next to restaurant.

There are two air conditioned conference halls called Sare Birom and Mansally which seat 90 to 120 people. Both are suitable for seminars and international conferences.

Baobab Holiday ResortCoastal Road, Bijilo I Tel/Fax: +220 446 5341 Email: taaraa1@hotmail.com I www.baobab.gm

Ideal for both business and leisure travel-lers, Bijilo Beach Hotel is located on the coast, just five minutes’ drive away from the resort centre of Kololi, 12 km from the airport and less than five minutes’ walk to the famous Bijilo Forest Park.

The hotel consists of 52 rooms and apartments, all with air conditioning, telephones, safes, refrigerators, TV, inter-net connections and either a balcony or terrace. All of the rooms and 10 of the apartments have stunning views over the ocean.

The breakfast room overlooks the gardens, while the main restaurant offers lunch and dinner from an à la carte menu, as well as providing the occasional evening entertainment. In addition is there is poolside bar and restaurant, mini-market and internet café.

The hotel has two separate swimming pools. The main large pool is located in the centre of the hotel whilst the chil-dren’s pool is on the lower deck of slope facing the beach.

Situated directly on an unspoilt stretch of beach, the Bijilo Beach Hotel is a great place to relax and unwind, while offering seclusion and breathtaking views. With large well kept gardens, its relatively small size adds to its charm.

Bijilo Beach Hotel Box 4061, Bakau I Tel: +220 446 2701, 860 0744, 666 2706/7 I Fax: +220 446 2703 Email: info@bijilobeachhotel.com I www.bijilobeachhotel.com

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Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the Bungalow Beach Hotel offers comfort-able apartments in two-storey buildings just steps away from the famous Kotu beach.

Offering a quiet location for peaceful relaxation, the Bungalow Beach Hotel has everything needed for a perfect vacation.

The hotel consists of 110 apartments with kitchenettes and separate bedrooms and 12 de-luxe apartments with TV and air conditioning. Breakfast is taken in the

rooms, with a welcome pack provided on arrival which includes all the provisions needed.

The hotel also includes a swimming pool with sun terrace, children’s pool and playground, and air conditioned à la carte restaurant, beach bar, internet café, sou-venir shop and a mini market. In addition there is an air conditioned conference hall with a capacity for up to 60 people.

For those looking to venture outside the hotel in the evening, there are a number

of restaurants nearby as well as a craft market and golf course.

Bungalow Beach Hotel Kololi, PO Box 2637, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 5288 I Fax: +220 446 6180 Email: info@bbhotel.gm I www.bbhotel.com

Cape Point Hotel is a quiet and popular family hotel located right on the beach at the mouth of the Gambia River. The 74 rooms and apartments are arranged in bungalow style in two-storey buildings.

The hotel generates a social and relaxing environment and was once acknowledged as the best hotel in The Gambia. Since then, Cape Point Hotel has continued to set new stan-dards of service within hotels in the country.

The double rooms are spacious and simple. Some have sea view, whilst others have a

pool and garden view. All the double rooms are en-suite and equipped with telephone, air conditioning, fan and televisions.

In addition, there are classic and spacious self catering apartments, each equipped with a refrigerator, telephones, air condi-tioning. All have balconies with some over-looking the beach and garden whilst some are overlooking the pool area and garden.

The Cape Point Hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the region, with fishing close at hand, watersports on the beach

and is only 10 minutes’ walk from the famous crocodile pool in Bakau. The hotel also has its own souvenir shop selling a wide range of African arts and African dresses, a mini-market and conference facilities for up to 50 people.

Cape Point Hotel Cape St Mary, Bakau I Tel: +220 449 5005 Email: info@capepointhotel.net I www.capepointhotel.net

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Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is the newest and most opulent five star boutique resort and spa in The Gambia. Set next to the beautiful Bijilo Beach the 60 suites offer a variety of accommodation with terraces, balconies, garden or sea view.

All have air conditioning, ceiling fans, writing desks, direct dial telephones, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, mini bar, safe, bathrobes, slip-pers, hairdryer and bathroom amenities.

Accommodation ranges from Junior Suites up to Royal Villas with their own

spa and indoor heated swimming pool. All rooms are luxuriously appointed with a simple and tranquil décor.

Delightful restaurants offer a variety of International, Thai, Moroccan and Fusion influences throughout the day.

The first Spa of its kind in West Africa with specialist staff and therapists has a holistic approach to treatments, relaxation and de-stressing.

Situated on the beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and individual beach cabanas as well as a choice of solar heated swim-ming pools – Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is truly an all year round choice.

Coco Ocean Resort & Spa One Bamboo Drive, Kombo Coastal Highway, Bijilo I Tel: +220 446 6500 Fax: +220 446 6900 I Email: info@cocoocean.com I www.cocoocean.com

Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the Coconut Residence captures the beauty and peace of The Gambia, making it the perfect hideaway. It remains one of the most exclusive hotels in The Gambia and has brought new levels of service and luxury to West Africa.

The hotel is a paradise of palm, bananas, mangoes, papayas and exotic plants. Built in a colonial style, the reception and main restaurant area overlook the large tropical gardens on one side and one of the pools on the other.

There are a total of 34 suites of varying styles, which benefit from private terraces or balconies. All have air conditioning, ceiling fans, writing desks, direct dial telephone, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, bath-robes and slippers.

Guests can relax in the Sugar Cane bar for a pre-dinner cocktail, before dining in the Avocado restaurant where exotic dishes from the best local produce are prepared.

The Moroccan Tent has a selection of reading material, satellite TV as well as a

quiet, relaxing atmosphere in which to take things easy.

Located in the Kololi area, the hotel is situated slightly inland from the beach, although the hotel can arrange transport to and from the beach.

Coconut Residence Kerr Serign I Tel: +220 446 3377 I Fax: +220 446 1835 Email: info@coconutresidence.com I www.coconutresidence.com

The Dalaba Residence is a recently built high standard bed and breakfast facility located in the Kotu West area. It is just 10 minutes’ walk from the Kotu Beach area.

Located 20 minutes from the international airport, the Dalaba Residence is situated in a quiet and exclusive area to the east of the main tourism centre on the coast.

There are a total of eight rooms with en-suite facilities. All rooms have TV with satellite channels, Video/DVD, water heater, air conditioning, telephone and a

refrigerator. The family rooms consist of two double beds and a connecting room for a group staying together. There are also spacious and comfortable single and double rooms.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the rooftop restaurant, on the deck overlooking the Kololi area. Self-catering accommodation is also available on request. Guests dining at the restaurant enjoy contemporary cuisine, comple-mented by fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes in an intimate setting.

The Dalaba Residence strives to provide a comfortable and luxurious base for visitors to The Gambia. It is open all year round and is ideal for weekend breaks or extended stays in the country. Airport pickups can be arranged in advance.

Dalaba Residence PO Box 3343, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 5448/9 I Fax: +220 446 5450 Cell: +221 776 1135/970 0700 I Email: dalaba@gamtel.gm or info@dalaba.gm

53

The Dunes Resort is the Gambia’s premier resort location, set in the heart of the Kotu tourism district. Located adjacent to one of the region’s most popular beaches, The Dunes offers a range of accommodation options, and a fine dining restaurant.

The resort has 22 rooms consisting of premium suites, deluxe and family rooms. All rooms have a king or double beds, air conditioning, balconies, safety deposit boxes, hair dryers, telephone and satellite television.

Overlooking the swimming pool and the ocean is a fine dining restaurant with both interior and exterior dining areas, and with mouth watering international cuisines on offer.

The resort also offers free sun beds and pool towels, 24-hour doctor on call, daily valet and laundry service and currency exchange. Airport shuttle upon request.

Dunes ResortKotu Beach Point I Tel: +220 446 5660 I Fax: +220 446 5663 Email: info@dunes.gm

The Golden Beach Hotel was opened in 2006 and offers a range of standard and junior suites, all generously spacious and equipped by modern furnishings and facilities.

All rooms have satellite television, air conditioning and telephone and overlook the ocean with private balconies. Outside the rooms, the hotel boasts wide gardens directly on an un-spoilt golden beach.

Other hotel facilities include two restau-rants and bars, wireless internet connec-

tion, swimming pool with children’s area, table tennis, darts, and beach volleyball. Car and bicycle hire are available. There is also a meeting room for up to 150 people with a range of audio visual equipment.

Sumptuous meals, uniquely presented by one of The Gambia’s top chefs, are served at the hotel’s table d’hôte restaurant.

The hotel’s extensive gardens are also the perfect place to spend tranquil evenings in a cool setting or to host outdoor functions, banquets or a private wedding by the pool.

Golden Beach Hotel Kombo Coastal Road, Bijilo, PO Box 2345, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 5111/ 776 3856Email: info@goldenbeachhotel.gm I www.goldenbeachhotel.gm

Holiday Beach Club Hotel is located on the beautiful Kololi Beach, among breath-taking gardens. Each room and suite is carefully decorated to fit Gambian culture while providing comfort and luxury. Stan-dard rooms have two queen beds which are complemented by night stands and wall paintings.

Suites also have sitting areas with an arm chair, sofa, and a centre table. Refrig-erators are available upon request. Each room has a private veranda overlooking a garden. Four excellent restaurants are

conveniently located in the Holiday Beach Club Hotel complex, offering a variety of cuisines.

A large fresh water swimming pool is located in the centre of the hotel complex surrounded by the tropical garden. For relaxation sun beds, parasols, and mat-tresses are provided.

Guests can also enjoy water games played in the pool such as volleyball and bas-ketball. Each Saturday there is a Gambian Feast, with excellent food served while

Gambian performers dance and play instruments. Fridays are Karaoke Night.

Holiday Beach Club Hotel PO Box 312, Banjul I Tel: +220 446 0418/9 I Fax: +220 446 1751 Email: amatgaye@holidaybeachclubgambia.com I www.holidaybeachclubgambia.com

54

This stylish and newly built hotel is located directly on a three hectare site by the beach at Kololi, only a short walk from the bars and restaurants in the resort centre. The hotel has excellent facilities for families, with a separate swimming pool and a daily program of entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Accommodation consists of modern and well appointed hotel rooms and villas spread around the pool area. This is an ideal choice for those who want an elegant beach holiday in The Gambia.

In all there are 60 rooms and two suites with en-suite bathrooms, 19 one or two bedroom villas with private bathrooms, entrance, garden, kitchenette and dining room.

All rooms are air-conditioned with satel-lite TV, IDD telephone, safety deposit boxes, mini-fridge

In addition there are laundry and room cleaning service, four restaurants and a snack bar, two bars in the restaurants, swimming pool with children’s separate

pool, sunbeds and parasols and travel agency desk

The hotel also has a conference room for weddings receptions and meetings with a capacity of up to 400 people. It includes the latest audio visual equipment.

Jerma Beach Hotel & ResortJerma Lane, Kololi I Tel: +220 446 6700 I Fax: +220 446 6701 Email: reservations@jermahotel.gm I www.jermabeach-hotelresort.com I www.jermahotel.gm

The Kairaba Beach Hotel is a place of peace and beauty. Located in the middle of lush tropical gardens and along miles of sandy beaches the hotel is surrounded by an atmosphere of complete luxury and relaxation.

Put the hectic pace of everyday life to one side and enjoy walking along endless beaches, watching the numerous colour-ful birds in the gardens, or having a smiling waiter serve a first class meal in one of the hotel’s numerous restaurants.

The Kairaba Beach Hotel has seven room categories. All rooms have private bath-rooms, air conditioning, international dial-ling telephone, safes, hair dryer, minibar and satellite TV.

Dining options include four restaurants, three bars, one beach bar and an ice cream shop. There are many possibilities for sports and recreation including darts, croquet and pool. There are also shared tennis courts with the neighbouring hotel.

The Kairaba Beach Hotel offers an inde-pendent health and beauty studio, an on-site clinic, a fully air conditioned mul-tipurpose conference and convention centre and also has the only observatory in The Gambia.

The Kairaba Beach HotelP O Box 390, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 2940/1/2 I Fax: +220 446 2947 Email: kairaba@gamtel.gm I www.kairabahotel.com

The award winning Kololi Beach Club is an idyllic retreat for relaxing and soaking up the tropical sunshine at any time of the year.

Located within 24 acres of landscaped gardens, the accommodation consists of 44 one and two bedroom air conditioned villas, all built to the highest possible specifications. All villas are self-contained with and beautifully furnished.

In the recently refurbished club house, a full entertainment programme is available

and includes quiz night, show night, and the members evening on a Saturday night.

Kololi Beach Club offers a wide range of sporting activities including fishing, table tennis, croquet, water polo, beach volley-ball and body surfing.

Kololi has two private beach areas for members, adjacent to the restaurant and the beach bar. The unspoilt, uncrowded sandy beach stretches for miles south to the fishing village of Tanji and beyond to South Senegal.

The Kololi Beach Club also includes the newest golf course in The Gambia. It is an 18-hole par three golf course with forgiv-ing fairways and browns. It is an ideal course for beginners and experts alike and visitors are made welcome.

Kololi Beach ClubPMB 241, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 4897 I Fax: +220 446 3257 Email: enquiries@kololi.com I www.kololi.com

55

Located on the magnificent Kotu Beach in the heart of the region’s tourist area, the Kombo Beach Hotel offers 258 rooms including 177 standard rooms, 36 superior rooms, 29 spacious premium rooms and 16 suites.

All suites, premium rooms and superior rooms have TV, hair dryer, refrigerators and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms are fitted with an electronic safe.

Hotel guests can chose from a range of restaurants including Kudula, with

themed buffets every evening, the relaxed and informal Brasserie, and Gecko’s which serves poolside snacks and ice cream. Other facilities at the hotel include a shop, massage centre, laundry service, internet café, outdoor swimming pool with a children’s section, daily and nightly sports and entertainment pro-grammes and two tennis courts.

In addition there is a golf course within walking distance.

This is a large resort offering a wide range

of sports and entertainment facilities, but it also has less busy areas for those seeking some quiet relaxation.

The Kombo Beach Hotel also offers air conditioned conference facilities for up to 60 people.

Kombo Beach Hotel PO Box 694, Banjul I Tel: +220 446 5466 I Fax: +220 446 5490 Email: info@kombobeachhotel.gm I www.kombobeachhotel.gm

Located 50 meters walk from the beach, Luigi’s is famous throughout the area for fine cuisine and excellent accommoda-tion. Set in a beautiful landscaped garden, Luigi’s is an ideal location for those who treasure independence without sacrific-ing comfort. Shops, casinos and nightlife are all with in easy reach.

This small family run hotel consists of 17 one or two bedroom self-catering apart-ments and 12 bed & breakfast rooms all overlooking the pool and gardens with either a veranda or balcony. Rooms are

all fully air conditioned and also include ceiling fans, room safe, cable/satellite TV, fridge and tea making facilities. Laundry services are available for a small fee. Wire-less internet access is available through-out the complex.

Facilities include: pool, Jacuzzi, Holistic Health Centre and a tailor’s shop. Res-taurants and bars include: Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta House offering an extensive menu with a great family atmosphere. This very spacious and airy restaurant is set on two floors with a great view

overlooking the sea. Open all day serving Full English Breakfast and lunch, main menu served from 6pm till 11.30pm. Barnacles Bar offers a full service poolside during the day including snacks and ice cream. Happy Hour is a great time to get together for a pre-dinner drink.

Luigi’s Complex Palma Rima Road, Kotu Beach I Tel: +220 446 0280 I Fax: +220 446 0282 Tel (UK): +44 (0)1183 767078 I Email: info@luigis.gm

Ideally located on a sandy beach, amidst lush tropical vegetation along the coast in Banjul, the Laico Atlantic Hotel offers all the luxury and facilities expected from an international chain of hotels.

In total there are 204 rooms including interconnecting rooms, 143 standard rooms, 57 deluxe rooms and four suites.

All rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom, balcony, minibar, satellite tele-vision, direct dial telephone and 24-hour room service. There is Wi-Fi internet con-

nection in public areas.

A wide range of dining options include Bantaba Restaurant, Fine Dining Restau-rant Dunda, Riverside Restaurant, Water-ing Hole Bar, Lobby Bar, Katchadula Bar and Bendula Bar.

Facilities include a business centre, confer-ence facilities, currency exchange, disco/night club, fishing, a leisure centre and an on-call doctor.

There is also a newly renovated gym

and massage centre, hair salon, shop, children’s playground, mini golf as well as tennis and squash courts, table tennis, basketball, volleyball and table football.

Laico Atlantic HotelPO Box 296, Banjul I Tel: +220 422 8601- 6 I Fax: + 220 422 7861Email: reservations@laico-atlantic.gm I www.laicohotels.com

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Mansea Beach Hotels provides all the comforts of a modern high standard hotel and is located on an idyllic beach location at Kololi. There is a total of 126 rooms and two suites, each equipped with individual air conditioning, shower, phone and tele-vision. They either have a view over the hotels’ tropical gardens or the ocean.

The hotel also features a swimming pool, sport facilities, children’s playroom, bou-tiques, massage parlour, internet café and evening entertainment.

The hotel is located near the Senegambia area, the main tourist centre in the Gambia with shopping facilities, bars, restaurants, night clubs and casinos. However, it retains a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Nearby is white sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming or just for a romantic stroll. The hotel is situ-ated about 30 minutes from the airport and about 30 minutes from Banjul.

Mansea Beach Hotel has two bars, a lobby bar and a pool bar. At the restaurant,

breakfast buffets are served in addition to barbecue nights with sumptuous buffets.

Mansea Beach HotelKololi, PO Box 4048, Bakau I Tel: +220 446 1177 I Fax: +220 446 5010 Email: mansea@manseabeachhotel.com I www.manseabeachhotel.com

Ngala Lodge is undoubtedly located at one of the most scenic spots along the West African Coast. Since 1995 this former ambassador’s residence has been transformed to its current state with lush gardens and the stunning backdrop of the beach and the ocean. Each suite was indi-vidually designed and is uniquely furnished with a combination of imported and local art to create a highly individual character.

The suites differ in size and style, but each is spacious and comfortable, with a luxuri-ous bathroom, living room and bedroom.

Many suites have an impressive ocean view and spacious balcony. Others have their own private garden from which it is just a few small steps to the wonderful ocean side garden. Here guests will find sun loungers, umbrellas and beach towels laid out, ready for a relaxing day.

At low tide guests can step down to the beach and stroll along the coast or take a relaxing dip in the excellent swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic.

Exotic drinks or snacks can be ordered from the lawn attendant and enjoyed at a favourite spot. Guests can also enjoy a great breakfast, lunch and dinner in the class restaurant with a magnificent view of the ocean.

Ngala LodgeFajara, Atlantic Boulevard 64, PO Box 4091, Bakau I Tel: +220 4494045 Fax: +220 4495645 I Email: info@ngalalodge.com I www.ngalalodge.com

Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, an international five-star hotel is located in the heart of Cape Point-Bakau, Gambia’s finest Beach District with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and magnificent Gambia River.

The resort has 195 rooms and suites consisting of standard, de-luxe rooms, premium suites, family apartments and executive maisonette suites. All rooms have king size or double/twin beds, private bathroom with shower or bath, air condi-tioning, balcony, direct-dial telephone with video channel, in-room electronic safe, 24-

hour room service, television, mini-bar and hair dryer. Suites have coffee/tea making facilities and trouser press.

There is spectacular variety of dining and entertainment at the resort. Hacienda is an all-day eatery, partly al fresco and partly air conditioned. Ocean Clipper offers the finest dining in a casual, but elegant atmosphere.

In addition there is the Beach Club serving tropical drinks, the Pool Bar for cool beverages and light meals and The

Piazza, a world of gracious elegance and style that reflects the resort’s sophistica-tion and cosmopolitan charm.

Other facilities and services include a large swimming pool, a children’s pool, laundry and valet service, wheelchair access and entertainment.

Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort PO Box 4065, Banjul I Tel: +220 449 4265 I Fax: +220 449 4268 Email: info@oceanbayhotel.com I www.oceanbayhotel.com

Peacefully tucked away between the vil-lages of Sukuta and Bakoteh, The Omakan Hotel offers a unique rural experience. With a combination of imagination and creativity, the hotel provides a luxurious, uncluttered and peaceful environment for the diplomat, business executive or discerning tourist seeking luxury, privacy and calm.

Opened in 2006 and renovated in 2009, there are 13 rooms and suites, ranging from Junior Executive Suites, Pool Suites and Presidential Suites to an amazing

Penthouse, all tastefully and individually decorated to create an informal, homely and happy ambience.

The hotel incorporates all the amenities expected as in a 5 star boutique hotel. The suites include IDD telephone, Wi-Fi inter-net access, satellite televisions, bathrooms with power showers, Jacuzzi in presiden-tial and penthouse bathrooms, air con-ditioning and ceiling fans, safes, minibar and complementary house gowns, slip-pers and hair dryers.

The Omakan Hotel benefits from a lovely king size outdoor swimming pool, an à la carte restaurant, lounge bar, conference room, massage parlour, garden, African salon and an art gallery.

The Omakan Lounge HotelSukuta I Tel: + 220 768 3672; 220 768 3658 Email: info@omakanhotel.com; frontdesk@omakanhotel.com I www.omakanhotel.com

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The Palm Beach Hotel is located on the sandy shores of the ocean surrounded by lush palm trees. Its 120 standard rooms, 41 executive rooms and three suites are all elegantly furnished and comfortable.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and televisions. Ground floor rooms have a private balcony, while upper floors boast private staircases ascending to individual balconies.

Just one step away is The Gambia’s famous long sandy Kotu beach with palm

trees surrounding the hotel’s Eldorado Beach Bar, where beach beds are available to guests at no charge.

Hotel facilities include swimming pool with children’s section, poolside bar, piano bar, pool table, internet café, mini market, evening entertainment, safety lockers and currency exchange. There is a fully equipped conference suite available for business meet-ings, parties and weddings up to 300 people.

Dinner is served poolside with a range of choices each week from international

buffet, barbecue, seafood or Italian buffet. For the late nights there is an air condi-tioned disco and bar.

The Elephant Terrace is a beautiful quiet area surrounded by palms and flowers next to the main hotel reception where guests can sip a drink, read a book or just relax.

Palm Beach HotelKotu Stream, PMB 467 Kotu I Tel: +220 446 2111 I Fax: +220 446 3836 Email: palmbeachhotel@hotmail.com I www.palmbeachhotel.gm

The Palma Rima Hotel is a bright and colourful hotel, nestling among the palms of The Gambia’s coastline. It is situated in spacious landscaped gardens and is ideal for business travellers and tourists alike.

The hotel features 92 bungalows with air conditioning and 60 standard rooms with ceiling fans. The bungalows are located in circular single storey thatched buildings throughout the gardens, each with patio windows opening onto a small terrace. The standard rooms are

located in a three-storey building next to the pool area.

The enormous swimming pool, sur-rounded by large sun terraces, is the centre point of the hotel. Daytime activi-ties include tennis, table tennis, squash, volleyball and skittles. Not only is this a lively daytime hotel, but in the evenings guests can enjoy the sociable atmosphere around the stage while being entertained by local acts. The hotel has its own night-club and bar.

Located midway between the tourist areas of Kotu and Kololi, the area outside the Palma Rima boasts a number of res-taurants, bars, discos, a jazz club and even a pool hall.

Palma Rima HotelPMB 350, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 3380 Fax: +220 446 3382 I Email: palmarimahotel@hotmail.com

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Located on Kololi’s sunny shore, Paradise Suite Hotel offers accommodation in a range of villas, maisonettes and suites. There are six spacious maisonettes, ideally suited for families with several children and situated in the main building; eight one bedroom air conditioned suites which are ideal for business travelers and four exclusive two-storey villas with two bedrooms.

All rooms have air conditioning, fully equipped kitchenette with refrigerator,

satellite TV and direct dial telephone. The suites also have a balcony with garden furniture. Each villa also has a small patio and private gardens.

Although the accommodation offers full self-catering facilities, there is also an on site the Teranga bar and restaurant and the Exotic open-garden and terrace bar.

Hotel facilities also include a swimming pool, poolside bar, conference hall, Bou-tique/souvenir shop, massage parlour,

mini-market, currency exchange and an internet café.

There are many activities in and around the Kotu and Kololi area including night-clubs, casinos, a gymnasium, a selection of restaurants and shops.

Paradise Suites HotelNo 3 Paradise Beach Place, Kololi, PO Box 802, Banjul I Tel: +220 446 3429 /4464540Fax: +220 446 3451 I Email: info@paradisesuites.gm; saphiesm@yahoo.co.ukwww.paradisesuites.gm

There is a special ambience at roc Heights, which offers beautiful surroundings for those who enjoy comfort when travelling.

Set in well landscaped gardens, this small boutique hotel offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere that will appeal especially to business people and visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Located in a quiet residential area of Cape Point, just five minutes’ walk from the beach and major hotels, the hotel

has 18 suites, all with fan, air condition-ing, satellite TV, free wireless internet access and a fridge.

roc HeightsSamba Breku Road, Cape Point I Tel: +220 449 5428/991 8727/993 7186 Email: enquiries@rocheightslodge.com I www.rocheightslodge.com

Sarge’s hotel is located in the heart of the popular tourist resort area of Kololi and less than five minutes’ walk from the sandy beaches and 20 minutes from the international Airport.

Sarge’s Hotel was built in 1994 and offers a combination of fully furnished studios, standard rooms and suites in six three-storey high accommodation blocks.

In all there are 98 air conditioned rooms, each one equipped with en-suite bath-rooms, television with satellite and movie

channels, direct dialling telephone, and electronic room safe. Many of the private furnished balconies overlook the swim-ming pool.

The number of rooms has been delib-erately kept small to ensure that guests have the best of service at all times. Sarge’s Hotel is one of the leading hotels in The Gambia and offers international cuisine and has an excellent restaurant service. The hotel’s bar and restaurant overlook the pool and terrace.

A range of activities is on offer throughout the day, while entertainment is provided in the evenings.

Sarge’s Hotel PO Box 2679, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 0510 I Fax: +220 446 0515 Email: info@sargeshotel.gm I www.sargeshotel.gm

Seaview Gardens Hotel is located off Badala Highway in the tourist centre of Kololi, just five minutes walk from the Senegambia Beach.

The hotel is set in beautiful tropical gardens which include a large swimming pool with a poolside bar.

Accommodation consists of 24 luxury suites consisting of a lounge, separate bedroom and bathroom. There are also three executive villas consisting of a lounge, dining area, kitchen and two en-

suite bedrooms. All rooms have ceiling fans, air conditioning, satellite TV, direct dial telephones and safes.

The hotel’s air conditioned Jasmine res-taurant has an outside terrace overlook-ing the pool and serves snacks or a full international à la carte meals.

Other facilities include a fitness club, massage, beauty and hairdressing salon, business centre, gift shop, internet café, laundry service.

The hotel offers a free taxi service to the Cotton Club and the Seaview Restaurant.

Within walking distance there are many cafés, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shops and a craft market.

Seaview Gardens HotelOff Badala Highway, Kololi I Tel: +220 446 6660 I Fax: +220 446 6650Email: mail@seaviewgardens-hotel.co.uk I www.seaviewgardens-hotel.co.uk

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The Senegambia Beach Hotel is the largest and one of the most popular hotels in The Gambia. Its 328 rooms including 10 suites and two executive suites cater for every comfort while its large beach in the tourist resort of Kololi is a magnet for sun-seekers.

The Senegambia Beach Hotel has two swimming pools, one near the hotel reception and one just back from the beach, which is a focus of activity during the day. There is a wide choice of activities to choose from as well as many relaxing

corners in which to enjoy a cool drink. Meeting facilities at the hotel include the 15 person Salon Binta, commonly called the boardroom, the 50 seat projection room, Salon Awa, and the 200 seat Salon Amina.

Set in a landscaped garden winding its way down to the excellent beach, the gardens include a wide variety of plant and bird life and a daily vulture feeding display.

Restaurants include the Domodula for breakfast and dinner and the Flamingo for

à la carte. The Safari Bar is a lounge and evening entertainment area for the late hours while Barracuda serves drinks and snacks on the beach.

Senegambia Beach Hotel Kololi, PO Box 2373 I Tel: +220 446 2717 I Fax: +220 446 3811Email: info@senegambiahotel.com I www.senegambiahotel.com

The Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa elegantly towers directly above a secluded beach amongst a Baobab grove. Opened in 2007, the new Sheraton Resort contin-ues to set the gold standard of hospitality.

The resort boasts 195 guest rooms. The Palm wing consists of 74 deluxe guest rooms, six junior suites with separate living areas and a palatial two-bedroom Presidential suite with private swimming pool. The Baobab Wing consists of 85 deluxe guest rooms and 28 classic guest rooms. All rooms boast comfortable

appointments and sea views. The state of the art spa and children’s playground are great places for all the family to relax.

The Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa is an ideal place for meetings and confer-ences. A 600 square meter ballroom can accommodate 800 people. There are also six other break out rooms for convenience and business needs.

Experience the delicious cuisine at one of the restaurants. ‘Crème a Tata’, the all-day dining restaurant, features Asian touches,

Mediterranean cuisine, and fresh seafood accents in the buffet and à la carte menu.

The hotel also offers a specialty restaurant, ‘The Balafon’ featuring local and live-cooking shows. For simply lounging by the pool and enjoying a quick treat, stop by the Bar-a-Cuda snack and pool bar.

Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa Brufut Heights, AU Highway, Brufut I PO Box 3311, SerrekundaTel: +220 441 08 89 I www.sheraton.com/gambia

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The Sunbeach Hotel & Resort lies close to the small fi shing town of Bakau close to the mouth of the River Gambia, and has become a focal point for many visitors because of its superb setting, beautiful gardens and an idyllic beach.

The resort features 184 spacious de-luxe rooms in which there are four disabled rooms in addition to the eight elegant executive suites, all with shady patio terraces with views of the ocean or the well kept garden. The hotel recently underwent a full renova-tion with all rooms now featuring air condi-

tioning, state of the art designer furniture, a minibar, satellite TV, a direct dial telephone, an in-room safe and hair dryer.

The many facilities at the hotel include a conference centre for up to 75 people as well as a private boardroom for 15 people.

The wide range of dining options includes the Summertime buff et restaurant, La Cucina for pizza and pasta and Fisher-men’s, for the best fi sh and seafood in town. In addition there is the al fresco Le Bar and The Lobby for drinks and coff ee.

In addition, the Sunbeach Hotel runs its own water sports centre with an exten-sive amount of equipment for marine fun like jet-skiing and sailing as well as golf and tennis centres available nearby. There are also off -site facilities for biking, beach buggy rental and horse riding.

Sunbeach Hotel & Resort Kofi Annan Street, Cape Point, Bakau I Tel: +220 449 7190 Fax: +220 449 7193 I Email: sunbeach@qanet.gm I www.sunbeachhotel.com

The Sunset Beach Hotel is situated along the sandy Kotu Beach. This three-star hotel has recently undergone a complete renovation and refurbishment.

The hotel is composed of 81 standard rooms, and 16 junior suites or apart-ments. For the convenience of long staying guests, the junior suites and apartments are furnished with a small kitchenette. All rooms are fully air con-ditioned with IDD telephone, cable TV, electronics safe, refrigerator and wireless internet connection.

Surrounding the rooms is a colourful garden with an immense variety of tropi-cal plants and fl owers, while the east side of the hotel is adjacent to the wetlands with its large population of exotic birdlife.

The Sunset Beach Hotel is located near the Kotu Bengdula (gathering place in Mand-inka) Craft Market. It is also within walking distance of an 18 hole golf course, and other hotels, shops and restaurants.

As well as the restaurant serving à la carte and buff et meals, guests can enjoy the

Sunset Cafe and Sunset Bar & Grill. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool with a separate children’s pool, Souvenir Shop, Massage / beauty parlour and mini market. Currency exchange is also available.

Sunset Beach Hotel Kotu Steam Road, PMB 541, Serrekunda I Tel: +220 446 6397 I Fax: +220 446 3876 Email: info@sunsetbeachhotel.gm I www.sunsetbeachhotel.gm

Airport

Banjul International Airport is about 30 minutes’ drive from the main hotel areas and 30 minutes from Banjul. There are scheduled fl ights from Dakar (Senegal), Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and London (UK). Charter fl ights are available from Belgium, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the United States.

Climate Generally, the country has a pleas-ant subtropical climate with two distinct seasons. From November to June there are dry savannah winds, virtually uninterrupted sunshine and clear blue skies. From July to October

Useful information

there are heavy showers that turn the countryside a lush green. Average maximum daytime temperature is 27°C falling to between 10°C and 16°C at night.

BankingThere are 14 banks operating in The Gambia, of which 11 are running con-ventional, commercial operations and one is an Islamic institution. Two Nige-rian licensed banks opened in 2008 and another joined the sector in 2009.

Banks are open from 08:00 to 16:00 on Mondays to Thursdays, 08:00 to 13:30 and then 14:30 to 16:00 on Fridays and from 9:00 to 13:30 on Sat-urdays. However times vary between banks and all are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

ATMs are widely available, including in many hotels.

All banks are regulated by the Central Bank, which oversees the functions

of the commercial private institutions as well acting as a clearing house.

CurrencyThe currency of The Gambia is the Dalasi. It is subdivided into 100 Bututs. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 Bututs, and 1 Dalasi, while banknotes are available in 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 Dalasis.

Dress code Although dress on the beach and in hotels is informal, more modest attire should be worn at other times. In winter, an extra layer of clothing may be need in the colder evenings. In summer, it is worth carrying a light raincoat to cope with sudden showers.

Economy The country’s main industries are agriculture, agro-processing, fi sheries, livestock, manufacturing and tourism.

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ATMs are widely available, including

Geography

The Gambia has a total land area of 11,300 sq km (4,361 square miles). Its characteristic shape is defi ned by the Gambia River, from which the country gets its name. The river snakes east-wards for about 340 km before enter-ing Senegal. The Gambia’s borders with Senegal are never more than 50 km from the river.

Health requirements Anti-malaria medicine is recom-mended and yellow fever vaccina-tions are required if entering from an infected country. Visitors should take with them anti-fungal creams, disinfectant, insect repellents and sun block as these items may be expen-sive to buy locally.

Languages As a former British colony, the offi cial language of The Gambia is English. Most Gambians also speak one of many tribal languages including Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Manjango, Sarahule,

Srere and Wollof as well as Creole. French is taught in some secondary and high schools.

Location Located in West Africa, The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland. Its only land border is with Senegal to the north, east and south. The capital is Banjul.

Population About 1.5 million.

Public holidays New Year’s Day (1 January), Inde-pendence Day (18 February), Labour Day (1 May), July 22 Celebrations, Holy Maria Day (15 August), Eid al Fitr (at the end of the holy month of Ramadan), Eid al Adha (sacrifi ce of Abraham feast), Al Mouled al Nabawi (birth of the Prophet Mohammed), Ras as Sana al Hijriya (Islamic New Year) and Christmas Day (25 December). The dates of some holidays change according to the Muslim calendar.

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Religion

About 85 per cent of the population is Muslim. The remaining 15 per cent is made up of Christian and tradi-tional African religions.

Time Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Visas Citizens of the European Union, the UK, the British Commonwealth and Ecowas countries do not require a visa for visits up to 90 days. All other nationalities should possess a visa.

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RestaurantsBachus Beach Bar & Restaurant Wadner Beach Hotel Tel: +220 422 79 48 Email: azizkhan100@hotmail.com

Gaya Art Cafe Kombo Costal Highway Next to Senegambia craft market Tel: +220 446 4022 Email: gaya@qanet.gm www.gayaartcafe.com

Ground ToursGambia National Tours PO Box 101 Banjul Tel: +220 439 1479 Fax: +220 439 1013 Email: gamtours@qanet.gm www.gamtours.gm

Gambia Tours PO Box 217 Banjul Tel: +220 446 2601 or +220 446 2602 Fax: +220 446 2607 or +220 446 2603 Email: info@gambiatours.gm www.gambiatours.gm

Discovery Tours No. 2 Bamboo Drive Bijilo PO Box 2915, Serrekunda Tel: +220 4466950 Fax: +220 4466307 Email: info@discoverytours.gm  www.discoverytours.gm

West African Tours PMB 222 - Serrekunda Post Office Tel: 4495258/4495532 Fax: 4496118 Telex: 22354 WAT GV Email: watours@gamtel.gm / watours@qanet.gm www.westafricantours.com

DirectoryBanksAccess Bank 4 Kairaba Avenue PO Box 3177 Tel: +220 439 8226-7 Fax: +220 439 8372 Email: accessgambia@accessbankplc.com

Arab Gambia Islamic Bank 7 Ecowas Avenue Banjul Tel: +220 422 2222 Fax: +220 422 3770 Email: agib@qanet.gm

Bank PHB Gambia PO Box 211, 11a Liberation Ave., Banjul Tel: +220 422 8145, 220 422 9312 www.bankphb.com/gambia

Guaranty Trust Bank (G) Ltd 56 Kairaba Avenue Banjul Tel: +220 437 6371 Fax: +220 437 6380 Email: corpaff@gambia.gtplc.com

International Commercial Bank (Gambia) Ltd48 Kairaba Avenue Serrekunda Tel: +220 437 7878 Fax: +220 437 7880

International Bank for Commerce 11 Liberation Avenue Banjul Tel: +220 422 5457 Fax: +220 422 8352 Email: ibc@qanet.gm

Standard Chartered Bank (G) 8-10 Ecowas Avenue Banjul Tel: +220 422 8681

OthersThe Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (Asset)Off Garba Jahumpa Road, Bakau, PO Box 4587 Tel: +220 449 7675 Email: asset@qanet.gm www.asset_gambia.gm

Calabash Suites Kotu Beach Point Tel: +220 446 2176 Email: azizkhan100@hotmail.com

Kanyeleng Theatre Academy c/o Alliance Franco-Gambienne Tel: +220 439 6894 Email: kanyeleng@yahoo.com www.discoverytours.gm

Sahel Invest Management International CompanyGarba Jahumpa Road, Bakau Tel: +220 449 7950 / 449 7856 Fax: +220 449 7951 Email: sahel@qanet.gm

Tropical Souvenirs Ltd Kairaba Beach hotel Tel: +220 446 0536 Fax: +220 446 0546 Email: info@kairabahotel.com

The Gambia Hotel Association is very pleased to be again associated with Land & Marine Publications, which has produced this quality hotel guide. We appreciate the work done by all at Land & Marine.

Special mention must also be made of Buna Njie, Gerard Lombardo and Marion Nyan who all spent time reviewing the guide.

On behalf of GHA, I would further wish to thank all our partners and fellow stakeholders herein for their support of this publication.

Alieu Secka, Chairman, Gambia Hotel Association

Gambia Hotel Association c/o Golden Beach Hotel, PO Box 2345, Serrekunda

Tel: +220 772 5379

E-mail: info@gambiahotels.gm

Website: www.gambiahotels.gm

Second Edition