Upload
soparlaverde
View
221
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
1/30
The Gambia& Senegal - West Africa
November 2012 - October 2013
1987~2012
YEARS25
SERVING THE GAMBIA
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
2/30
INRODUCION
4 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
Welcometo Te Gambia ExperienceNobody knows West Arica like we do. We have been arranging holidaysto The Gambia or 25 years, earning a reputation as the specialist to the
destination and we have more recently extended our experience within the
region to Senegal and the islands o Cape Verde.
The range o holidays we oer gives you the best choice
o accommodation and fights to suit all budgets and we
realise the importance o matching each individual to the
right hotel it can make the dierence between a good
holiday and an unorgettable experience! But you dont
need to take our word or it, 89%* o our customers
would recommend us to their riends.
Sta with rst-hand experienceAll our reservations sta have visited The Gambia at
least once and each year return to ensure they have
up-to-date inormation on the country and hotels.
The vast majority have also been to Senegal, so when
booking your holiday you can speak with someone who
has been to the region and knows the properties well.
Theyll be happy to share this knowledge with you to
ensure you book the perect location or your holiday.
In act, in the last year our sta spent over 200 nights in
West Arica, ensuring that we are the experts.
Honeymoon and wedding plannersLooking or something dierent to the large all-inclusive
resorts o the Caribbean? The Gambia is something
dierent and exotic, and an increasingly popular wedding
and honeymoon destination. For some suggestions on
our avourite locations in both The Gambia and Senegal
please go to page 72.
Dedicated groups departmentWe have an experienced groups team in the UK who
can help with arrangements to take the stress away
as well as negotiate the best possible price or your
requirements. For more inormation on ree places
and the service we provide, please see page 73.
Biggest and best resort team
We realise our service to you does not stop themoment you step on the plane. In The Gambia we
have a team based permanently in the country, which
is headed up by our British resort manager, Joyce,
who has worked in The Gambia since 1985, and or
us or the last 15 years. We actively recruit Gambian
representatives, many o whom have been with us or
10 years or longer. They are keen to share their love or
their country, providing useul local inormation to help
you make the most o your stay. They will meet you at
the airport and make regular visits to your hotel, inviting
you to a welcome meeting to pass on their top tips or a
perect holiday. How much you decide to use our service
is up to you. In Senegal we work closely with a local
handling agent to look ater our customers in resort.
Unbeatable holiday choice to The GambiaWe oer the widest range o holidays, rom boutique
hotels to value or money properties, along with direct,
daytime fights and upgraded fying options; with our
experience we can help you select your perect trip.
Unbeatable holiday choice to SenegalThe Senegal Experience oers a wide range o quality
accommodation in careully selected river and beachlocations or why not choose one o our private tours?
You can enjoy this beautiul, French-speaking country
either by scheduled fights into Dakar rom a choice o 5
dierent UK airports, or via Banjul in The Gambia.
*Figure rom winter 2011/12 holiday questionnaires.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
3/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
INRODUCION
Here is a sample o the holiday options we can oer
or your next winter sun holiday, but dont orget thatwe fy to both destinations throughout the year.
See page 78 or inormation on summer holidays in West Arica.
Whats new?Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp is back in our programme with the
opportunity to visit the chimps in their natural habitat and other amazing
wildlie including hippos in the River Gambia National Park
Game shing and other organised shing trips based at Sitanunku Lodge,
or as day trips rom other Gambia hotels
Private 3 to 7 night tours into Senegal departing rom The Gambia
Lamantin Beach Hotel in Saly has reopened with its very own beach club
The luxury experienceThe best boutique properties, spa hotels and unique lodges in The Gambia
and Senegal are exclusively available through us. Premium Class fights rom
Gatwick to Banjul and private transers are also available to enhance your
holiday experience.
All-inclusive holidaysThis year we eature 4 hotels on all-inclusive, with alternative dining packages
available at a wide range o hotels (see page 17).
Multi-centre holidays
Your holiday in The Gambia and beyond can be as relaxing or as adventuroas you wish. I you want to split your holiday between a luxury lodge and
beach hotel, an eco-property and a spa hotel, or venture urther aeld to
Senegal then we can help you choose and make it all happen as smoothly a
possible. Some ideas o our avourite combinations can be ound on pages
68-69.
BirdwatchingYou dont have to be an avid twitcher to enjoy the variety o birdlie on oe
this region, whether it be wandering around the grounds o your hotel or o
an organised birdwatching tour. We are delighted to be working once again
with Chris Packham see pages 70 & 71 or inormation on his 2013 tours
More online Gambia.co.uk & Senegal.co.ukVisit our comprehensive websites where you can book securely online 24
hours a day and view more in-depth inormation about the countries and
all our careully selected accommodation including maps, hints and tips,
customer, sta and press reviews, online chat acility, plus extensive photo
galleries and videos.
The Serenity serviceBoth The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are part o Sere
Holidays Ltd, an independent, ully bonded tour operator which prides itsel
the quality o its holidays and the personal service provided to customers.
25 years experience o organising holidays to West Arica
In-depth knowledge o the destinations
FREE Gambia/Senegal Guide with money o vouchers or holidaymake
staying in The Gambia
Loyalty discounts or repeat customers
5* AITO sustainable tourism status
Brochure priced holidays include in-fight meals and transers plus 20kg
luggage allowance
Fully bonded to ensure customers have complete nancial security
The Gambia Experience as a
company provided everything I needed.
Sta in the UK were able to answer
questions helpully and with real
knowledge.
MR WESLAND
London
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
4/306 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
INRODUCION
Why Choose...Te Gambia or Senegal, or perhaps bothThe neighbouring West Arican countries o
The Gambia and Senegal share a lot o similarities
in their traditions, landscapes, climate and culture
but there are also many dierences.
Primarily, The Gambia is an easier option both in terms o travel and
communication as it is English speaking and serviced with direct fights rom
the UK, with resort areas being easily accessible. Senegal requires a little
more eort but or more adventurous travellers this will be well rewarded.
Both countries benet rom:
Fantastic winter sun, rom November until June
Uncrowded sandy beaches
Same time zone, so no jet lag
Varied birdlie, wildlie and shing
Exotic, vibrant cultures
Here we try to highlight the main dierences to help you make your decision
but i you need any more help do not hesitate to call us or visit our very
detailed websites, incorporating an online chat acility.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
5/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
INRODUCION
The Gambia The smiling coast o AricaThe Gambia is the perect, sae introduction to Arica. I youre a rst time
traveller to this area or to The Gambia itsel you need to be prepared or
visiting a developing country but also to all in love with the place; we have
and so too have many o our customers, in act last winter 53%* o those
travelling with us had been to The Gambia beore. As well as the many
attractions o the country and its people, its hard to nd another winter
sun destination that enables you to leave the cold o England on a winters
morning and be at your hotel in 30C sunshine by the aternoon. But there
are many more reasons to visit The Gambia including:
Excellent, uncrowded beaches o golden sand
Direct fights approximately 6 hours and transers are short
English speaking and locals are very riendly
Outside the Euro zone, oering good value or money
Wide range o quality accommodation and restaurants
Unspoilt and uncommercialised
River, bush and beach excursions to experience the wildlie and people
Permanent team o European and Gambian sta oering expert support
* Figure rom winter 2011/12 holiday questionnaires
Senegal The French coast o AricaSenegal remains a relatively undiscovered destination or British
holidaymakers, although it has long been a avourite destination or the
French and Belgians. There are many reasons why a growing number o o
customers are choosing to venture to Senegal, many opting to combine it
with a visit to The Gambia, here are just a ew:
Clear blue water and abulous beaches
Interesting tourist sites: le de Gore, Le Lac Rose
Extensive birdlie, wildlie and animal reserves
Activities including watersports, sailing, horse-riding and gol
World class ocean and river shing
Exotic, riendly people and excellent cuisine
The Gambia and Senegal share many
attractions: a sun-bathed tropical coastline, lush
riverine landscapes teeming with birds and monkeys,
the inectious exuberance o the people but they
also oer a very dierent type o experience.
PHILIP BRIGGS
Author of Insight Guide to Gambia & Senegal
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
6/308 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
HE GAMBIA
What to expect...Te smiling coast of AfricaFor a winter sun holiday and an introduction to
Arica, The Gambia is hard to beat the climate,
riendly people and short fight times all add to its
appeal; summer oers a quiet alternative to the
busier resorts o Europe.
Previous visitors agree with us: over 50%* o people who travelled in winter
2011/12 with The Gambia Experience have been beore and many return
time and time again. (*Figure rom winter 2011/12 holiday questionnaires)
Some background inormationThe Gambia is a ormer British colony; Gambians within the resort areas all
speak English so communication within your hotel, in restaurants and whilst
out and about is very easy. It is one o the smallest countries in Arica, situated
on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly fat, the country is
dominated by the impressive River Gambia rom which it takes its name.
Experience something dierentAlthough when lying on the beach or relaxing by the pool you could be in
any tropical destination, it is also easy to experience the local culture and eel
as though youve truly arrived in Arica. Travel to rural villages to watch palm
wine tappers, drive through the Arican bush to hear the monkeys chattering
and watch focks o colourul birds fy overhead; even rom the comort
o your hotel you can listen to the drums o local entertainers and watch
incredible energetic dancing. For rst time visitors to Arica, The Gambia
is a good introduction as it is English speaking, fights are around six hours
and the hotels are all airly close to the airport so transers are also short
compared to some destinations.
However, The Gambia isnt right or everyone and it is important to know
what to expect and to choose the right location thats where we can help.
People travelling to a developing country or the rst time can nd it a
culture shock there is poverty and begging but there is also genuine
hospitality and you will meet some o the riendliest people on Earth.
Outside the hotels and on the beaches there are Gambians selling ruit,
nuts and handicrats but it is the ones trying to work as unocial guides or
bumsters that can become a nuisance, although numbers are decreasing.
Again, we try to prepare everyone with advice in our guide book and
welcome meetings on the best way to deal with them you will soon realise
that theres no need to worry.
The population o The Gambia is mostly Muslim, although there is a small
number o Christians who live alongside them in peace even intermarrying.
Other cultures are accepted and alcohol is served in the hotels, restaurants
and shops the country even has its own brewery. Although tolerant, we do
ask customers to adopt a modest standard o dress when outside the hotels,
particularly in more rural areas. The estival o Ramadan lasts or one month
rom 9th July 2013.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
7/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
Value or moneyThe Gambia is outside the Euro zone and oers better value or money
than many other popular tourist destinations, both when in resort and in
the cost o your holiday, particularly The Luxury Collection and Unique
Collection hotels. The Gambias currency is the dalasi and in the last year
the exchange rate was between 45 and 47 dalasi to the pound.
No language barrierThe ocial language in The Gambia is English and this is widely spoken;
newspapers and road signs are also printed in English so youll immediately
eel at ease. Gambians are educated in English but there are several tribal
languages including Mandinka, Wolo and Jola so most Gambians are at
least bilingual.
Hotel standardsAs a developing country, hotel service levels and gradings in The Gambia
cannot be compared to those in European destinations, although there
is some excellent quality accommodation on oer. As a destination it is
not over-developed with no high-rise hotels, and there are a number o
internationally recognised sustainable tourism projects i this is something
that interests you, consider staying at Mandina Lodges, Sitanunku Lodge or
Sandele Eco-Retreat or read more online at Gambia.co.uk/ST
In February 2010 hotels in The Gambia received ocial ratings or the rs
time, awarded by the Gambia Tourism Board. The ratings were awarded
largely due to acilities provided rather than service levels so we continue
use our own rating system, which is represented with a hibiscus fower an
based on the views o our customers and our own 25 years o experiencThe GTBs ocial ratings are in brackets where dierent to our own:
5 / Boutique hotels Coco Ocean, The Kairaba, Ngala Lodge
4 hotels Sheraton (5), Ocean Bay (5), Laico Atlantic
3.5 / 3 hotels Kombo Beach (4), Senegambia (3), Sunbeach (4),
Bijilo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Sunset Beach, Bakotu (1)
2.5 / 2 hotels Palma Rima, Arican Village, Cape Point (3), Sarges Hot
Bakotu, by some quirk o the system, received only a single star, however
we are condent that it deserves its 3 rating and customer eedback tell
us this is accurate. Some properties, such as Mandina Lodges and Sitanun
Lodge, have not been assessed under the system o classication; we too
consider these to be unique properties which oer quality accommodatioand personal service but do not sit perectly within The Luxury Collection
HE GAMBIA
Activities and excursionsFor many guests, relaxing in the sunshine ollowed by a rereshing swim is
as much activity as they re looking or on their holiday, but i you want a lit
more to do, there is plenty to choose rom. There are excellent spa acilit
at Coco Ocean and The Sheraton hotels, good shing and birdwatching
opportunities, an 18-hole sand gol course at Fajara, as well as sports acili
within some hotels. We also oer a range o organised excursions which
include travelling through the Arican bush in a 4-wheel drive truck and
cruising the waterways by catamaran or Arican pirogue, or we can sugge
a host o things to do or the more independent holidaymaker. For more
suggestions on memorable days out see pages 14-15 and 70-71 or visit
Gambia.co.uk/Excursions
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
8/3010 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
There are magnifcent beaches, bustling markets and a magical
atmosphere that will entice you to return again and again. But travel with
someone who knows what they are doing and is as sympathetic to the country
as it is to the needs o the visitor. That is where The Gambia Experience wins
over any other tour operator.DIARMUID MACDONAGH
Dorset Society
A antastic climate
An ideal winter sun destination, The Gambia enjoys almost
uninterrupted sunshine and high daytime temperatures rom November
to June, and rainall is virtually unheard o. It is less known as a summer
destination but many customers preer this quieter time when the
landscape is transormed into lush green with colourul fowering trees.
= London Averages
HE GAMBIA
MedicationWe strongly suggest you consult your doctor beore booking. Although
no inoculations are compulsory or entry rom the EU, certain medication,
including anti-malarial tablets, will be recommended. Up-to-date advice is
available rom the World Health Organisation atwww.who.int/ith and
the Department o Health leafet (Re T7.1) Health Advice or Travellers
is available rom your GP, travel agent or can be downloaded at Dh.gov.uk
The Gambia is one o many countries where the risk o contracting malaria
is very real but this is an avoidable illness provided precautions are taken.
We suggest using an eective insect repellent to avoid being bitten and
ensuring you complete the ull course o anti-malarial medication prescribed.
Get out and see the real Gambia
I you want to travel independently in The Gambia most hotels have a taxi
rank nearby. However, although they are regulated, most wouldnt pass a
UK MOT test. Bush taxis and local buses cover the main routes and are
overcrowded with people and animals, but are a cheap way o getting
around and absorbing the local favour. There is a ully lit tarmac road romthe airport to the hotel areas but o the main highways road suraces can be
a little bumpy, to say the least! The Banjul to Barra erry is another way to see
the everyday lives o locals it is a hectic, colourul, noisy experience taking
you across the river to the north bank and this is also the route to Senegal.
Laid back nightlieThe appeal o The Gambia is how quickly you unwind and leave behind
the stress o the UK. For most o our guests evening entertainment usually
involves a nice meal, a ew drinks and perhaps watching a local band.
There is a good selection o bars and restaurants, particularly in Kololi and
Kotu, either within walking distance or a short taxi ride rom your hotel.
There are also a ew nightclubs, two small casinos and most hotels oersome entertainment rom a single kora player to an Arican dance troupe.
FamiliesAdventurous children will nd a holiday in The Gambia a memorable
experience; visiting a school and meeting Gambian children is very
educational and seeing a monkey or monitor lizard in its natural habitat
or the rst time is an experience at any age. And then there are the
uncrowded, sandy beaches to explore and enjoy. The majority o hotels
oer child discounts and, although there are no organised kids clubs,
several have ad hoc activities and acilities or children and separate childrens
pools our sta would be happy to oer specic advice.
Sunshine hours (Average)
2 1 1 6 5 3672 4 5 6
10 7 6 21 19 1422207 10 1 3 17
8 9 9 6 6 86910 10 10 10
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar MayApr Jun July Aug Sep Oct
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar MayApr Jun July Aug Sep Oct
32 31 31 29 31 32303232 34 33 32
Temperature
O
C(Average maximum)
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
9/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
EAING OU
Eating outA wide range of cuisine to choose from
I never get bored o eating out in The Gambia every year there are new restaurants to try out or
our Gambia Guide. It is hard to single one out but why not try a hotel restaurant or that special occasion?
Amongst my avourites are the Thai menu at Coco Ocean in Bijilo with its extensive, reshly prepared dishes,
along with Ngala Restaurant in Bakau, oering an equally delicious international menu. But or a more relaxed
alternative, head or Gayas Art Ca or great tapas and baked cheesecake with a choice o toppings including
my avourite, butterscotch and walnut!
A personal experience
JOYCE SAVROULAKIS, Resort Manager, Te Gambia Experience
Ngala LodgeFine dining in a cli top setting
Clay OvenPopular Indian cuisine
ShirazHome-cooked Lebanese ood
Boss LadyGambian open-air restaurant/ca
ScalaFamily-run restaurant with an extensive
international menu and good steaks
Jo Jos Bistro & Wine BarSmall but tasteul menu with
daily specials
Captains TableInternational cuisine in Kotu
Al BashaLebanese cuisine
Tao RestaurantAsian restaurant in Kololi
El SolMexican tapas, specialities and
cocktails
Here are some examples o restaurants and cuisineto be ound close to resort areas:
The Gambia has a good choice o restaurants serving
a range o cuisine both within the hotels and resorts,
which have attracted a number o international ches
who now live and work in the country.
You can choose between Chinese, Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Italian, English
and o course Gambian cuisine, to name just a ew. The standard is generally
good and prices are a little lower than in the UK a 3 course meal in one o
the countrys top restaurants costs around 30 per person excluding drinks
whilst a simple meal and a beer can cost around 10.
O particular note is the abundance o reshly caught seaood including
ladysh, barracuda, captain sh, snapper, buttersh, lobster and huge
Atlantic prawns. Vegetarians are increasingly well catered or and many
hotels will oer a vegetarian dish or cook something to order.
Restaurant guide and discount vouchersAll o our package holidaymakers receive a complimentary Gambia Guide
with their tickets, which includes a restaurant guide with descriptions o the
restaurants, the type o cuisine they serve and their locations. Better still,
there are discount vouchers o up to 10%, valid in the eatured restaurants
to save you money whilst on holiday. To get a favour o the excellentcuisine you can expect beore you book visit our online restaurant guide
Gambia.co.uk/Restaurants. For those who preer to budget or their holiday
in advance, all-inclusive holidays and dining packages are now available at a
selection o hotels, please see page 17 or urther details.
Whilst most o our hotels are based on bed and breakast or all-inclusive it is
possible to book hal board i you preer. Mandina Lodges, Sitanunku Lodge
and Sandele Eco-Retreat are based on hal board due to their locations
and provide an opportunity to sample resh local produce, oten cooked to
order. A stay at Chimp Rehabilitation Camp will be on a ull board basis.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
10/30
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
11/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
RESOR AREAS
Kololi The Gambias liveliest resort
Stay here i you want the convenience o everything on your doorstep.
This is by ar the most established resort in The Gambia; known locally
as The Strip it consists o three streets o bars, restaurants and nightclubs
which cater or tourists, locals and the ex-pat community. In total there are
over 30 restaurants, 2 casinos, a crat market, banks, internet cas and
shops. The sandy beach here does suer rom erosion so the size does vary
but it is still possible to lie on a sun lounger on the beach outside your hotel.
Hotels in Kololi: The Kairaba, Senegambia and Sarges Hotel.
Transfer time:25 minutes
Kotu A beachside cluster of hotels, small bars and restaurants
This area provides a quieter, more low-key alternative to Kololi and there is a
small selection o beach bars and restaurants, most within hotels. It is a good
choice or amilies as the beach is fat and sandy, and the area is also popular
with birdwatchers. Other acilities include a taxi rank, exchange bureau, small
mini-market, telephone centre and a crat market.
Hotels in Kotu: Kombo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Bakotu and Sunset Beach.
Transfer time: 30 minutes
Bakau A working African town
Bakau is a bustling little town with a maze o small dirt roads and is an ideal
area to experience the real Arica watch boats bringing in their catches at
the shing port or wander around the market where Gambians shop every
day or their essentials. You will nd a ew restaurants serving traditional
Gambian dishes, as well as banks, a small supermarket, post oce and the
popular Kachikally crocodile pool.
Hotels in Bakau:Arican Village. Ngala Lodge is just outside Bakau.
Transfer time: 40 minutes
Bijilo For peaceful relaxing holidays
The beauty o Bijilo is that there is very little here although it is only a
5-minute drive to the lively resort o Kololi. It is slowly developing but there
are no nightclubs to disturb the peace, just a ew hotels and beach bars on a
long stretch o beach with very ew people on it.
Hotels in Bijilo: Coco Ocean and Bijilo Beach.
Transfer time:25 minutes
Cape Point Quieter area with fantastic beach
The number o tourists in this area has increased in recent years and ther
are now a ew restaurants as well as a small crat market, mini-market and
exchange bureau plus bustling Bakau is only a 10-minute walk away.
The highlight is the beach which is one o the best in the country.
Hotels in Cape Point: Ocean Bay, Sunbeach and Cape Point.
Transfer time: 45 minutes
Brufut Cliff top residential area
A popular residential area approximately 8 kilometres south o Kololi.
There is a long stretch o unspoilt beach.
Hotels in Brufut: Sheraton and Hibiscus House (inland).
Transfer time: 25 minutes
Banjul The Gambias capital
The capital is mainly an administrative centre with little a imed at tourists
although there is one museum, the Arch 22 and a ew restaurants servinglunch. There is also a large market where Gambians barter or their
everyday needs. The beach is one o the largest in The Gambia.
Hotels in Banjul: Laico Atlantic Beach.
Transfer time:55 minutes
South Kotu For a more informal atmosphere
There are a number o small restaurants and bars on the road leading dow
to the beach which is sandy with only a couple o buildings beside it.
Hotels in South Kotu: Palma Rima.
Transfer time: 30 minutes
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
12/30
UNIQUEOU & ABOU
10 memorable daysOut & about in Te GambiaThe Gambia oers an easy and sae opportunity to experience the
untamed, raw culture o West Arica.
The Gambia may not have the big game saaris or large attractions o some other Arican countries, but
what it does have are genuine cultural experiences, not articial purpose-built tourist attractions.
It is a small country, the coastline is a mere 80 kilometres long, so it is easy to get out and explore the
region. Here are our top 10 experiences which can either be part o an organised excursion or,
or the more independent, can be explored alone.
The highlight o my break to The Gambia has
to be watching the locals land their aternoon catchat Bakau fsh market. The colours, smells and hive
o activity gave me an appreciation o everyday lie.
Certainly an experience that my wie and I will
never orget.
PAUL KENNY
Commercial Manager
Spot some o the 540 species o birdYou dont have to be a serious birdwatcher to enjoy the colour and sheer
number o birds in The Gambia - even in the hotel gardens youll spot many
dierent species. However i you are one o the many who want to take
things a little more seriously, we recommend one o the birdwatching tours
led by TV presenter Chris Packham or his guide in The Gambia, Malick Suso
(see pages 70-71 or more inormation).
Cruise on a catamaran to Sitanunku LodgeSpend a leisurely couple o hours on board a catamaran travelling across
the impressive River Gambia and through its tributaries to Sitanunku Lodge
on the north bank. En route theres the chance to spot dolphins who oten
play in the wash o the boat or just lay back and enjoy the sunshine. And on
arrival at Sitanunku theres the opportunity to venture out in a kayak, cool o
in the plunge pool and enjoy lunch al resco beside the river.
14 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
Visit a local schoolThe teachers and children o schools welcome visitors, oten with
demonstrations o their singing and methods o teaching. This is an excellent
way to learn about everyday lie in The Gambia but be warned, it can be a
very emotional and humbling experience. We recommend taking donations
o pens, exercise books or ootballs with you which you can buy at markets
in The Gambia.
Spend a day on an unspoilt secluded beachMany o the beaches directly outside the hotels are sandy and uncrowded
but travel just a short distance and you can nd some virtually empty, unspoilt
beaches. I you preer some acilities we suggest a visit to Sanyang in the south
where youll nd a beach bar, a ew sunbeds and hammocks but little else! You
may even be lucky enough to catch some local wrestling matches on Sundays.
1 3
2 4
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
13/30
OU & ABOU
Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
Support the local industryHead to any o the local crat markets or the chance to try your hand at
bartering and pick up some souvenirs. Bakau crat market is one o the best
places or woodcarvings and the tie-dye actory in Serrekunda is also worth
visiting to see how the abrics are made.
Home cooking course with IdaExperience a day in the lie o a Gambian on this ascinating home cookery
course. Ida will escort you to the local market to take in the hustle and bustleo shopping or ingredients beore returning to her home to prepare and eat
a traditional Gambian dish.
Watch local shermen bring in their catchThe shing markets at Tanji and Bakau are ull o colour, sounds and smells
as the men bring in the catch and the women and children help to unload
and prepare the sh. A great way to experience local favour and get some
colourul photographs (just dont orget to ask permission rst).
Get up close with a crocodileKachikally crocodile pool in Bakau is one o the most amous tourist spots in
The Gambia and has been attracting visitors or years. The pool has around
100 crocodiles including the most well-known, Charlie who is an impressive
two-metres long. You can get some great photographs o the crocs basking
in the sun, and learn more about traditional belies that the pool has special
ertility and healing powers. I you preer to keep your distance, enjoy lunch
or a drink at Calypso bar in Cape Point which overlooks a natural sea lake
where you might also spot a crocodile.
Watch a local ootball matchGambians love ootball and youll see international ootball shirts and local
asking you which team you support. I you get the chance to attend a loca
match its a great way o experiencing the passion or the sport it can be
very noisy though with cheering, singing and drumming.
Pamper yoursel at Coco Oceans world-class spaThe boutique hotel has a 1800m2 spa acility with thalasso pool, small gym
Finnish sauna, Moroccan Hammam and ull range o beauty treatments.
For more ideas o places to see enabling you to experience more o this
wonderul country, its wildlie and its people, and or a ull list o organisedexcursions, visit Gambia.co.uk/Excursions or speak to our representative.
It was time or the part I had been looking
orward to the most the school visit. Everyone was
so welcoming and excited and within minutes
I ound mysel sat behind a little desk surrounded by
smiling aces exactly how a school should be
ull o lie and un.
LAURA CARLEDGE
etc magazine
5
9
6
10
7
8
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
14/3070 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
BirdwatchingFishing
OHER HOLIDAYS
BirdwatchingThe Gambia packs a great deal into a compact space not least the sheer number and variety o birds (some 540 species!). I youll allow us to get technical
or a moment, The Gambia sits right at the centre o something called a transition zone, which means or a relatively small country it supports a huge variety
o habitats, including orest-savannah environments and drier woodland ones, marine systems and, o course, the lie-giving River Gambia with its estuary
mudats and the intricate mangrove tributaries o the interior. In short, with
all these habitats in a relatively small area, The Gambia is a antastic destination
or birdlie!
The Gambia thereore, provides an amazing opportunity or birdwatching
and, with everything being in relatively close proximity, you dont have to
travel ar to see some amazing things youll even fnd a whole host o
exotic species in your hotel gardens. So whether youre a frst timer, a
keen amateur or an enthusiast looking or particular species, we guarantee
youll fnd something to amaze and inspire you.
FishingThe Gambia and Senegal are well-known destinations or both salt and
reshwater fshing, oering world-class angling opportunities; the waters
close to Sitanunku Lodge are particularly renowned. These 2 countries
harbour Marlin, Sailfsh and Dorado as well as Tigerfsh and a number o
other noted hard-fghting reshwater fsh plus a host o localised species. The
Gambia River is a totally unspoilt, huge stretch o resh water, untouched by
commercialism whilst the o-shore waters o the Senegal coast oer some
antastic opportunities or big game fshing.
For those with a casual interest, a day s fshing can be booked through yourrepresentative or hotel reception on arrival in The Gambia or Senegal. We
also work with World Sport Fishing to oer proessional o-shore trips on
new sport fshing boats, available rom Sitanunku Lodge or other selected
Gambian resort hotels.
For more details please visit Gambia.co.uk/Fishing or contact World Sport
Fishing on 01480 403 293 or at Worldsportfshing.com
Malicks knowledge o birds is nothing short
o breathtaking... Whats more, he can pick up
the slightest tweet, warble or whistle and instantly
identiy the bird making the sound. Within just a ew
hours, I was in awe o the man.
RON OF
TeravelEditor.com - talking about the Malick Suso our
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
15/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
OHER HOLIDAY
The ultimate birdwatching trip to The Gambia: spend 3 days accompanying
BBC presenter Chris Packham in The Gambia searching or a wide variety
o species, both on land and water. With a maximum o 17 people on the
trip there will be plenty o opportunity to learn
rom Chriss extensive knowledge o wildlie as
well as photography.
The supplement or this 3 day trip is 425*.
Chris then moves on to Mandina Lodges at
Makasutu Forest to explore the orest and
river and help you discover the abundance o
wildlie that they harbour.
A 3 night stay at Mandina Lodges rom 19th
February 2013 can be booked alone or addedto the above tour, costing 649 or 3 nights
including accommodation or twin occupancy
on a hal board basis (excluding ights). For
more details visit Gambia.co.uk/ChrisPackham
Ive kind o lost count o how many
times Ive been to The Gambia, but its more
than 15 and I still think o it as one o the
best birding destinations in the world. Maybe its the place
where all good birders go when they lay down their binocularsand complete their lie-lists! I led two very successul tours in
2012 and am delighted to repeat them in February 2013.
When Im asked why I love The Gambia so much, as a
country and a birding destination, I say its a mix o things: the
wonderul locals, the excellent hotels and ood, the eeling o
saety when out and about and o course the accessibility and
abundance o incredible birdlie, which never ceases to amaze
me. I am also excited that visits to the chimp sanctuary
upriver will again be available, where the wildlie and birdingopportunities during my visit in 2008 so impressed me.
Theres also much to be said or the extraordinary knowledge
o the local bird guides, especially my good riend Malick Suso,
and I love the eeling o never truly knowing what I might see
when out in the feld. Bring on 2013 come and join us!
CHRIS PACKHAM, BBC Presenter
Birdwatching with Chris Packham15th & 22nd February 2013
More birdwatching toursMalick Suso... the next best thing
When Chris Packham is in The Gambia he uses a local guide, Malick Suso
a man he has described as one o the very best bird guides in the whole
o The Gambia - to help him fnd the best locations or spotting particular
species and he admits this local knowledge is invaluable.
This year we are once again oering 3 day birdwatching tours led by Mali
himsel; he will take groups (maximum o 10 people) to a variety o habita
including the ollowing: Kotu stream where youll see all kinds o waders a
kingfshers and, i youre lucky, the elusive bittern; Abuko Nature Reserve
with its amazing pool where all sorts o species congregate, rom Arican
darters to hammerkops; Tanji shore and fshing village which is home to a
mix o shore and sea birds as well as the rare golden-tailed woodpecker;
and also the community project at Bruut woods, where the local experts
will lead you to the white-aced scops owl and the impossibly camouage
long-tailed nightjar.
For uther inormation and departure dates please check with our
reservations team or online at Gambia.co.uk/Birdwatching
The supplement or this tour is 195*. Alternatively, Malick may be availab
or private day trips on request, please contact our reservations departme
or uther inormation.
* in addition to the cost o the hotel and flight
Fully escorted birdwatching holidays are also available with:
Birdfnders.co.uk Limosaholidays.co.uk
Naturetrek.co.uk Ornitholidays.co.uk
3nights from
425per person
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
16/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
CRUISE HOLIDAY
Rivers of West AfricaCruise and stay holidayEnjoy a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private
yachting, along with an exciting voyage o discovery, unravelling the wonders
o West Arica. Ater spending 2 nights in a Dakar hotel and enjoying the
sights o the city, this amazing cruise will set sail rom Dakar stopping at
Djiere in Senegal beore entering the Saloum River and sailing upstream
250 nautical miles into the Gambia River. Throughout the cruise there is a
varied, optional excursion programme enabling you to explore this ascinating
region. As a shorter option, you can also y to The Gambia and join the boat
in Banjul or 5 nights o cruising combined with 2 nights in a coastal hotel.
The combined 9-night cruise and Dakar stay will
depart on Wednesdays from 19th December
10th April 2013, whilst the combined 7-night cruise
and Banjul stay will depart on Fridays from
21st December 12th April 2013.
Whats included
In Senegal:
Flights to Dakar with transers to/rom the airport, hotel and the port
2 nights accommodation in a 4 hotel in Dakar on Bed & Breakast
Fully guided day tour o Gore Island and Dakar
In The Gambia:
Flights to Banjul with transers to/rom the airport, hotel and the port
2 nights accommodation in a 4 coastal hotel on Bed & Breakast
On board the MY Pegasus:
7 or 5 nights accommodation in double or twin cabins with private
shower, WC and air-conditioning
Full board: American buet breakast and two main meals daily
Complimentary regular (flter) coee, tea and water throughout the day
Use o fshing equipment
English speaking Cruise Escort
Port charges
The Mega Yacht PegasusThe twin-hulled Pegasus, built in 1990 and completely reftted in the
winter o 2009/10, accommodates up to 46 guests in a relaxed, congenia
atmosphere. On board, you will enjoy magnifcent sea/river views as you
stroll the 240m2 o open deck urnished with comortable deck chairs or
enjoy a delightul meal al resco. You can relax with riends in the handsom
appointed lounge, browse in the well-stocked library or enjoy ocean/rive
view dining in the convivial and spacious restaurant area. A platorm on th
Pegasus stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditio
permit. The spacious sundeck is the ideal place to bask under the sun, rea
a good book or just gaze at the scenery. Service on board is provided by
your captain and his experienced marine and hotel crew members. It will
be attentive or unobtrusive according to your requirements and priorityis always given to the saety and comort o passengers. The 23 cabins o
the Pegasus are available in 3 categories over 4 decks. They are large and
comortable, decorated with sot, coloured abrics and equipped with twin
queen size beds. They all have large windows (except or the 2 cabins on
lower deck which have portholes) and all cabins oer en-suite bathrooms
with shower, TV/VCR units, music channels, hairdryers, individually
controlled A/C and saety deposit boxes.
For more inormation, a detailed itinerary and optional excursion
programme, please see our website Senegal.co.uk/Cruise or
Gambia.co.uk/Cruise
For the third winter running we are pleased to
introduce, in collaboration with Variety Cruises, our
Rivers o West Arica cruise aboard the MY Pegasus.
Sailing rom Dakar or rom Banjul, this cruise will
give you a real opportunity to experience what this
area o Arica has to oer.
9 nights from
2499per person
7nights from
1619per person
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
17/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Senegal.co.uk
OURS
For a antastic holiday away rom the beach why not
get up close and personal in this incredible country
and experience the true sights and sounds o Senegal.
Our choice o 3 & 7 night private
tours give you a real insight into
Senegal and Arica by venturing
into the heart o traditional villages,
colonial towns, countryside and
through stunning natural parks. As a
private tour, you can choose when to
stop to take photos or explore areas
that interest you, unlike on mass
organised tours.
With our proessional English
speaking guides you will travel along
diverse routes by boat, 4x4 and even
on oot. Stay in charming hotels,
enchanting village camps, or sleep
under canvas beneath starry skies,
sampling traditional, local cuisine.From the busy capital, Dakar, and the
poignant history o Gore Island, to
the natural beauty o the Pink Lake
and the Sine Saloum Delta, to the
splendour o the old, colonial town
o Saint-Louis, to the magnifcent
scenery across the ochre dunes
o the Lompoul Desert, there is
Grand Coast Adventure*
- Saharan Camp in the Lompoul desert
- Djoudj Park or the Langue de Barbarie National Park
- Fishermen at Kayar
- Saint-Louis
- Pink Lake
3 nt
per 5
Sahel Adventure
- Domaine de Bango
- Djoudj Park or the Langue de Barbarie National Park
- Saint-Louis
- Journey through the bush and Lake Guiers
- Visit to This and Richard Toll
3 nt
per 6
Senegal Panorama*
- Saint-Louis and Sine Saloum Delta
- Missirah, deserted beaches o Djinack
- Djoudj Park or Langue de Barbarie National Park
- Grand Mosque o Touba
- Shell Island and Bandia Nature Reserve
7 nt
per 1
Eastern Senegal & The Gambia*
- Saari in Niokolo Koba National Park
- Bedik & Malink villages
- Dindlo waterall
- Kedougou market
- Colonial Janjangbureh
7 nt
per 1
Nuances o Senegal*
- Dakar city tour & Gore Island
- Pink Lake
- Saint-Louis and Langue de Barbarie National Park
- Saharan Camp in the Lompoul desert
- Joal/Fadiouth & Mar Lodj Island
7 nt
per 5
Senegal toursGet up close in this amazing country
Prices based on 2 sharing, excluding flights. *Tours also available rom The
so much to take in. You can also
combine a tour with an extended
stay at the hotel o your choice in
Senegal or even The Gambia.
New or this winter, we can nowoer a variety o Senegal tours rom
The Gambia. Flying in and out o
Banjul and combined with a stay in
one o our Gambian hotels, choose
rom the ollowing:
Senegal Panorama
Grand Coast Adventure
Nuances o Senegal
Eastern Senegal & The Gambia
Also shorter tours to Saint-Louis;
the Sine Saloum Delta & the Island
o Dionewar; the resort o Saly.
For urther details on all our tours
rom Dakar or Banjul, please visit
Senegal.co.uk/Toursor call our
reservations team and we will
help choose the perect tour or
you tour prices include transers,
accommodation, all meals and
excursions as detailed in the itinerary,
local guides and an English-speaking
guide/driver who will accompany
you throughout the whole o your
tour. Get ready or an unorgettable
adventure...
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
18/3068 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
MULI-CENRE
Multi-centre holidaysExperience the diversity of West Africa
You do not have to be an adventurous traveller
to combine stays in two or more dierent hotels
or locations. This extremely sae region o West
Arica has a lot to oer and those that venture a
little urther afeld experience more o the true
personality o the countries and their people.
Twin and multi-centre holidays are becoming increasingly popular within
The Gambia and the small distances involved add to the appeal; alternatively
why not consider travelling into Senegal or a chance to discover a dierent
culture and landscapes? We arrange transers or all tailor-made holidays.
2 luxury hotels to experience the 2 countries in sumptuous
surroundings, or or a special occasion
e.g. Coco Ocean Resort & Spa in The Gambia & Lamantin Beach Hotel
in Senegal
Properties offering unique experiences o the surrounding area,
the people and wildlie
e.g. Sitanunku Lodge, The Gambia & Keur Saloum, Senegal
2 all-inclusive properties, both in excellent beachront locations
e.g. Royal Decameron Baobab Resort, Senegal & Sheraton Gambia Hotel,
The Gambia
Twin centres between The Gambia and SenegalYou can choose to y in and out o Banjul or start your holiday with
a ight to Dakar and travel through Senegal to end in The Gambia.
Transers are generally via the Barra erry which is a way to experience
the real Arica in its own right, however i you choose Sitanunku Lodge
as one o your properties, which is situated on the north bank o the
River Gambia and reached by ast boat rom Mandina Lodges, it is only
a 35 kilometre road transer rom the lodge to the Senegalese border.
Here are some suggestions but we are happy to tailor-make holidays
between the 2 countries and can advise you on distances and travel
times involved.
Holidays within The Gambia and SenegalIt is possible to combine virtually any combination o hotels in
The Gambia or Senegal usually with a minimum o 3 nights in any one
place, however our Unique Collection properties and boutique hotels
lend themselves particularly well to a multi-centre holiday.
To the right are some o our avourite combinations. Call us i you
would like to discuss your ideas at most properties room upgrades
and dierent board bases will be available so the trips can be tailored
to suit your taste and budget.
A coastal hotelwith a more remote, peaceul add-on, either on the
beach or in the Arican bush
e.g. The Kairaba & Sandele Eco-Retreat or Mandina Lodges
2 boutique hotels or an opportunity to sample the best o
The Gambia
e.g. Ngala Lodge & Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
2 or 3 Unique Collection properties to experience more o the
real Gambia
e.g. Mandina Lodges, Chimp Rehabilitation Project and Sitanunku Lodge
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
19/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
MULI-CENRE
Cruise and hotel twin centreOur Rivers o West Arica cruise proved to be very popular last winter, with
very positive eedback once again, especially the shorter 5 night option starting
in The Gambia which can be coupled with a stay in a hotel o your choice.
This cruise operated by Variety Cruises, will allow you to join the boat in
either Dakar or Banjul and cruise up the majestic River Gambia on board the
riendly and comortable MY Pegasus with a maximum o 46 guests.
Optional excursions available along the way enable you to explore the
natural beauty o this region o West Arica. For urther inormation on the
boat, acilities on board and the itinerary please see page 53 or visit
Gambia.co.uk/Cruise orSenegal.co.uk/Cruise
Tours o Senegal - now also rom The GambiaWe also arrange tours o Senegal with a private driver/guide. In addition this
year we can oer customers ying into Banjul the opportunity to experience
more o Senegal on one o our customised 3 to 7 night tour itineraries.
For more inormation on all options see page 67.
For more inormation about multi-centre holidays and to discuss your ideas
call 0845 330 4567 or 0845 338 8700, email [email protected] or
[email protected] or visit Gambia.co.uk/Multicentre
The scope o places to stay in The Gambia illustrates
how this country oers so much more than just traditional
winter sun. Varying your hotel base introduces you to more o
the locals who are among the most riendly and welcoming
people in the world. I have enjoyed multi-centre stays in
The Gambia most recently combining Ngala and Sitanunku
Lodges. Ngala Lodge is a colonial mansion which has been
turned into a wonderul place to stay. There is nowhere else
quite like it. It is discreet, intimate with a warm and welcoming
atmosphere, in a perect position overlooking the mighty
Atlantic Ocean. Sitanunku Lodge is a joy to retreat to and you
have the river on your doorstep. You can canoe or fsh, go bird-
watching or explore the local village. And there is a plunge pool
with abulous views as well as reshly cooked ood. For a holiday
like no other head or Sitanunku. A unique river experience.
Combining these two delightul properties really opened my
eyes to how easy it is to travel around The Gambia and
enhance your experience by choosing contrasting hotels
and locations.DEREK JAMES
Norwich Evening News
A personal
experience
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
20/3072 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
A special holidayWeddings, honeymoons & special occasions
OCCASIONS
Weddings
The Gambia is a antastic choice or a wedding and oers excellent value
or money, enabling you and your guests to enjoy an unorgettable day
without the expense o a wedding in the UK or other destinations abroad.
We have arranged over 100 weddings in The Gambia, everything rom a
simple service just or the couple, to large unctions or parties o over50 people. Whatever your budget and party size we can fnd a location
that will make your occasion truly special. You could take your vows
overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the stunning Coco Ocean Resort &
Spa, hire Ngala Lodge exclusively or your wedding party or have a simple
ceremony in the exotic gardens o the Senegambia Hotel. Our wedding
planners have visited all the hotels and know them well; they will be
happy to assist you in choosing the right location or you. For more
inormation and to download a brochure visit Gambia.co.uk/Weddingsor
email our wedding co-ordinators [email protected]
Atlantic Suite at Ngala Lodge The Gambia, pages 22-23
Relax and unwind with your own private hot tub on the terrace overlooking
the gardens and ocean.
Floating Lodge at Mandina Lodges The Gambia, pages 28-29
Stay in a our-poster bed in a unique lodge oating on the river in the hearto the Arican bush.
Beach House at Coco Ocean The Gambia, pages 20-21
Celebrate in style with relaxing spa treatments, la carte cuisine and
luxurious surroundings beside the beach.
Sitanunku Lodge The Gambia, pages 30-31
Enjoy relaxation and privacy in this romantic, waterront hideaway and dine
under the breathtaking, uninterrupted night sky.
Ocean Front Room at Royal Decameron Baobab Resort
Senegal, pages 64-65
Step directly out o your room onto the white sandy beach at this
all-inclusive hotel in a breathtaking location at La Somone.
Royale Suite at Le Royal Lodge Senegal, page 58
Enjoy your own private plunge pool and luxurious suite overlooking the sea
at this stunning hotel on the outskirts o the Saloum Delta National Park.
For more ideas and help with planning your honeymoon call our
reservations team on 0845 330 4567 or 0845 338 8700.
HoneymoonsBoth The Gambia and Senegal are exotic honeymoon destinations with
accommodation to suit all tastes whether youre looking or complete
luxury and relaxation, or a unique cultural experience you wont orget.
More adventurous newly-weds may wish to see the contrasts between
these two neighbouring countries on a twin or multi-centre honeymoon,
see pages 68-69 or ideas. Listed below are some o our avourite
honeymoon locations.
Special occasionsAre you looking to book a special holiday or yoursel or a loved
one to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion?
Whatever the celebration, we have selected the best hotels in the
best locations and have many upgraded rooms that are not available
through other operators. We can also arrange private transers,
upgraded ights, owers, champagne, cakes and other extra touches
to make the event truly special.
eymoon cal
338 8700.
330 4567 or 084
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
21/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
GROUP RAVEL
Group travelSchools, sport teams, musicians, conferences...We have assisted many groups over the years
travelling to West Arica including educational
groups, sports teams, extended amilies, musicians
and conerences, with and without accommodation
in act, in the last year alone, we have organised
trips or over 60 groups.
I you are considering taking a group to The Gambia or Senegal, our
dedicated group co-ordinators can advise and assist you. With 25 yearso experience we have the knowledge and expertise to tailor-make your
perect itinerary and our ofce sta in resort can also oer help and
support during your stay. Our service to group leaders includes:
Free places year-round rom 1 ree or every 6 paying passengers
Dedicated group co-ordinators in the UK to make arrangements
Subsidised leader amiliarisation trips
Group leader pack contains useul inormation and tips
Free private in-resort transers or groups o 15+ passengers
Free places on excursions (i confrmed beore departure)
Free Gambia/Senegal guides including money o vouchers or
restaurants (Gambia restaurants only).
We can also suggest suitable conerence acilities, book meeting rooms,
arrange transport, reserve restaurants and much more. For more details
o what we can oer and to receive an indication o ree places available
or your preerred travel dates visit Gambia.co.uk/Groups or
Senegal.co.uk/Groups or call our groups team on 0845 330 2116.
Let me start by extending my deepest
gratitude to you and all the sta at The Gambia
Experience or your hard work, on many
occasions at such short notice, in providingThe Royal Gibraltar Regiment with such
an outstanding service, time and time again.
Your hard work is much appreciated.
From all ranks o the Regiment, thank you.
HE ROYAL GIBRALAR REGIMEN
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
22/3076 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
INFORMAION
A-ZWhat is includedThere are no hidden extras to add to ourbrochure prices, which include a luggageallowance, all taxes, transers and meals onoutbound and inbound fights. The brochured
holiday price includes:
Return fight between the UK and Banjul/
Dakar with in-fight catering o a hot meal
Luggage allowance of: economy flights
to Banjul 20kgs (30kg i you purchase our
Gold Package), Premium Class 30kgs.
The luggage allowance on fights into Dakar
with Brussels Airlines is a very generous
46kgs (2 pieces o 23kg), Business Class
64kgs (2 pieces o 32kg)
Transportation between the airport and your
accommodation
Accommodation based on 2 sharing and
meal basis is as detailed on your booking
conrmation invoice
The services of our resort staff and localoce please note that our representatives
do not visit any o our Unique Collection
properties or Hibiscus House in The
Gambia or hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta,
Senegal (except Royal Lodge) where
a 24 hour contact number is provided
Welcome meeting (excluding above hotels)
Airport departure taxes from both the UK
and The Gambia/Senegal
CAA ATOL protection contribution
UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) 65
(Premium Class/Business Class 130)
5 Gambian Government tourism tax
(or Banjul fights)
Banjul Airport Development Fee (ADF) of20
Welcome drink on arrival in Banjul/Dakar
A Gambia Guide and/or Senegal Guide for
package holidays
Resort map for Gambia holidays
Christmas and New Year Gala dinners
In order to help you plan your visit we have compiled a short A-Z o
useul inormation about our holidays to The Gambia and Senegal.
You will find a wealth of further information relating to these and other
subjects on our websites or alternatively call one o our reservations
team and use their rst-hand knowledge.
Airport hotels,car parking
and loungesWe can oer a range o hotels with or without
parking to suit all budgets located at or near
the airport o your choice. For your convenience
we can also arrange business lounges at all o
our UK airports and the air-conditioned First
Class Lounge in Banjul Airport on certain days.
Conveniently located car parks are available at
all airports, which oer a ree 24 hour transer
service to and rom the airport terminal. To make
a booking please visit Gambia.co.uk/Holidayextras
orSenegal.co.uk/Holidayextras or call Holiday
Extras on 0871 360 1367.
Book with condenceThe Gambia Experience and The Senegal
Experience are trade names o Serenity Holidays
Limited. Most o the holidays and fights in this
brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil
Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1866.
Please see page 3 or our Fair Trading Charter or
more inormation.
We are also members o ABTA and AITO. AITO
is the Association or independent and specialistholiday companies. Member companies, usually
owner-managed, strive to create overseas
holidays with high levels o proessionalism and a
shared concern or quality and personal service
as well as sustainable tourism. The Association
encourages the highest standards in all aspects o
tour operating. See page 79 or the AITO charter.
Child and inant discountsTo qualiy or a child discount, children must be
between 2 and 15 years old on return to the UKi travelling to The Gambia (2 and 11 years old to
Senegal). They must share a room with 2 adults
paying brochure price. Inants under 2 years on
return to the UK are charged a ee o 45 to
cover administration costs but are not allocated
a luggage allowance (except Monarch Airlines at
10kgs) or a seat on the aircrat.
Tings to know
before you go
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
23/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
INFORMAION
Check-in
For all fights to Dakar and Banjul rom Gatwick
please ensure that you check in at least 2 hours
prior to the departure time shown on your t ickets
(3 hours rom Banjul) except when travelling in
Premium Class, which is 90 minutes. For regional
fights to Banjul check-in is also 90 minutes prior
to departure time. Our airport representative will
be at the check-in desk to assist with any queries
that may arise. I you are collecting a ticket on
departure, please ensure you allocate sucient
time to pick up your documents.
Currency
The Gambias currency is the Dalasi (45 Dalasi
to 1 in April 2012). Credit cards may also be
accepted, although conversion to US dollars is
now used; please check with individual hotels
(surcharges will apply). Use o debit cards is
restricted. The currency in Senegal is the West
Arican CFA Franc but Euros are also accepted in
hotels (xed rate o1 = 656 CFA Franc).
Excess luggageAirlines are very strict about luggage allowance
and only consider limited requests or an
increased allowance rom registered charities.
I you are carrying more than your allocated
amount you will have to pay an excess luggage
charge at check-in (approximately 15/kg) and
we cannot guarantee that the airline will accept
all your luggage. I you do have a large amount o
luggage, we can advise on sending it by reight.
Flight delays
Occasionally, despite the best eorts o all
concerned, fights are delayed or reasons
beyond our control. In the event that such a
delay occurs, we will always do our best to
provide a snack or meal when appropriate
and in the case o an overnight delay, provide
accommodation, although this may not be your
holiday accommodation. Should there be an
extended delay to your homeward fight we will
endeavour to delay your departure rom your
holiday accommodation.
Foreign Oce travel advice
We are working with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Oce to do all that we
can to help British travellers stay sae overseas.
Their website at Fco.gov.uk/KnowBeforeYouGo
is packed with essential tips, travel advice and
up-to-date country specic inormation.
Gambia Tourism Board57 Kensington Court, London W8 5DG
Telephone: 0207 376 0093
Holiday questionnaireTo help us improve our service and ensure
standards are maintained, we should be
most grateul i you would take the time to
complete our questionnaire in resort and
return it to our resort sta prior to your
departure. Your feedback will now influence the
ratings displayed online or each property.
We will also donate 10 to The GambiaExperience School Development Fund or every
100 completed questionnaires received.
LanguageThe ocial language in The Gambia is English
and in Senegal it is French. In both countries
tribal languages are also spoken, these include
Mandinka and Wolo.
MedicationNo inoculations are compulsory i travelling rom
EU although you may be required to show a yel
ever certicate when passing between The Gam
and Senegal. You should consult your doctor befo
booking, who will recommend certain medicatio
especially or malaria prevention. All medicines
should be carried in hand luggage.
Passports and visas
A ull British 10 year passport is required or en
into The Gambia or Senegal, valid or at least 3
months ater you get back to the UK. I you ne
to apply or a passport, do so at least 12 week
beore departure. For other nationalities please
call our oce or details. For long stay holidays
The Gambia, travellers must have their passpo
stamped by the Immigration Oce every 28 d
British passport holders on our transers do no
require a visa or entry to Senegal.
Prices and surchargesOur prices are based on the cost o uel as o
4th May 2012. I the cost o uel does rise, we
may be orced to introduce a uel surcharge to
cover the increased costs to us. In the event o
any other security costs or taxes being levied,
there may also be an increase in prices printed
in this brochure, please see section 11 o our
Fair Trading Charter on page 83 or more deta
The publication date o this brochure is 11th
May 2012; prices will be superseded by any
subsequent editions o this brochure.
Private transersUnortunately we are unable to include private
transers as standard within any o our holiday
packages due to a shortage o suitable vehicles
in The Gambia. However, on request we can
organise private transers to your accommodat
in either air-conditioned cars or minibuses or
per car each way to/rom the airport (maximum
4). There is a supplement or Unique Collectio
private transers, however standard transers othese hotels usually operate direct and with sm
numbers. For prices in Senegal please contact
Requests
I you have any requests or your holiday
accommodation or fights, please ensure that
they are requested at the time o booking.
We shall be pleased to pass on your request
to the airline or hotel, however we cannot
guarantee that they will be met.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
24/3078 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
INFORMAIONINFORMAION
Room check-in and out timesThe standard international practice is to let
rooms rom midday to midday, however times
do vary. Check-in times are usually between
2pm and 3pm, check-out times between 11am
and 12 noon on the day o departure.
Senegal Embassy39 Marloes Road, London W8 6LA
Telephone: 0207 938 4048
TicketsThese can be expected 2 weeks prior to your
date o travel together with your accommodation
voucher, luggage labels and our Gambia
Guide or Senegal Guide or clients taking
accommodation, which we hope you nd
useful. Your actual flight timings will be those
shown on your tickets; please check them
careully as soon as you receive them. In addition,
please check your return fight details with your
representative or our resort oce.
Time dierence
No dierence in time except April October
when the UK is one hour ahead, due to British
Summer Time.
TransersTransers will be in coaches, mini-buses or 4x4
vehicles and may not be direct to your hotel,
however please contact us i you would like
to arrange a private transer or your party.
Transer times rom the airport to your hotel in
The Gambia vary rom 25 to over 50 minutes
depending on the hotel and route taken. For
more details see pages 12-13. Transer times in
Senegal can be anything rom 2 hours to
4 hours. The transer to Senegal rom Banjul
will also include a crossing on the Barra Ferry,
which may be on oot (escorted) to avoidtrac queues. Some o the journey to hotels
in the Sine Saloum Delta will be along an unlit
bumpy track. For transer times see hotel pages.
Summer holidaysIn Te Gambia & SenegalAlthough The Gambia & Senegal are oten thought o as purely winter sun destinations, some o our customerspreer to travel in the green season when the beaches are virtually empty and the resorts are quieter.
July and August holidays oer great value, especially in luxury hotels, when it is high season in the busier Mediterranean resorts. Throughout the summer
the average temperature remains at 30C; May and June are particularly good months to travel as the weather is much the same as during winter. From July
to October humidity is higher and there are short spectacular tropical storms, however these normally occur at night. We fy to The Gambia throughout the
summer rom Gatwick, and to Senegal rom 5 UK airports. Not all hotels, restaurants and acilities will operate during summer so i you have any queries or
to request a summer pricing supplement, please contact our reservations team on 0845 330 4567 or 0845 338 8700. For details o additional hotels open
during summer and any special oers visit our website.
Ngala Lodge
Boutique Hotel
See Gambia pages 22-23
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
Boutique Hotel
See Gambia pages 20-21
Sunset Beach Hotel
See Gambia page 49
Sheraton Gambia Hotel
See Gambia pages 36-37
The Kairaba Beach Hotel
See Gambia pages 24-25
Royal Decameron Baobab
See Senegal pages 64-65
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
25/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
INFORMAION
FAQs
Q. What are the beaches like?The coastline o The Gambia can suer rom
erosion due to strong Atlantic currents. The
beaches were replenished at the end o 2003
and there are wide sandy beaches at Kotu, Bijilo,
Bruut, Cape Point and Banjul. Kololi has since
suered again but still has a sandy beach with
sunbathing areas. In Senegal, both Saly and La
Somone have glorious white sandy beaches. Set
in bays, the waters are calm and clear, ideal or
swimming and watersports. In the Sine Saloum
Delta most o the hotels are set on rivers,
although there are still small sandy beaches.
Q. Is it sae?
Crime in The Gambia and Senegal against tourists
is low. In The Gambia you will experience
bumsters, locals who try to make a living selling
private excursions, handicrats and working as
unocial guides. They can be persistent to the
point o nuisance; although the Gambia Tourism
Board has successully reduced the number
o bumsters, there is still more work to do.
You will experience less hassle in Senegal. In
both countries we would advise you to exercise
caution and not show o valuables, as in any
oreign country.
Q. Will one o your representatives
visit our hotel?
In The Gambia we have a large resort team and
our representatives visit the hotels every day
except Sunday to help guests make the most o
their holiday. Our reps do not currently visit any
o our Unique Collection properties or Hibiscus
House as these all oer their own very personal
service. In Senegal a representative will visit the
hotels in Saly, La Somone and Royal Lodge in the
Sine Saloum Delta. In other hotels the hotel sta
will look ater our guests and telephone numbers
will be provided in case we can assist in any way.
Q. Will I fnd Wi-Fi in my hotel?
A number o hotels do now have Wi-Fi access
either in public areas or rooms, and some have
internet cas; we can advise on which properties
are best suited to your needs. However, please
note that the connection may be erratic.
Q. How much are children
catered or?There are no kids clubs or waterparks but
The Gambia and Senegal oer exotic holiday
destinations or amilies and ascinating cultural
experiences. Some hotels have separate
childrens pools and play areas with activities
arranged depending on numbers. Please contact
our reservations team or hotels and rooms types
particularly suited to amilies: or 2 adults, plus a
child and/or a cot many standard rooms will be
cramped so we may recommend an upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
As a specialist tour operator, we know The Gambia and Senegal well and
would like to share that knowledge with our customers. More detailedinformation is provided in our Things To Know Before You Go section
on pages 76-78 and we produce our own guide books which will be
sent with your tickets. The ollowing are just a ew o the most common
questions we are asked, however there are more extensive lists online at
Gambia.co.uk/Faqs and Senegal.co.uk/Faqs
Quality CharterEXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIPAITO sets criteria regarding ownership, nance andquality which must be satised beore new companieadmitted to membership. All members are required adhere to a Code o Business Practice which encourahigh operational standards and conduct.
FINANCIAL SECURITYAn AITO member is required to arrange nancialprotection or all holidays and other arrangements(including accommodation only) booked by customewith the member under the AITO logo. This nanciaprotection applies to customers who are resident inthe UK at the time o booking and to most overseascustomers who have booked directly w ith the memb
In doing so, the member must comply with UKgovernment regulations. Members are required tosubmit details o their nancial protection arrangemento AITO on a regular basis.
As a member o the Association o Independent TourOperators Trust Limited (AITOT) Serenity Holidayshave provided a bond to meet the requirements o tPackage Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations 1992. In the evento Serenity Holidays insolvency,protection is provided or non-fpackages commencing in andreturning to the UK and other
non-fight packages excluding pre arranged travel to arom your destination. Please note that packages boooutside the UK are only protected when purchaseddirectly with Serenity Holidays.
In the above circumstances, i you have not yet traveyou may claim a reund, or i you have already travell
you may be able to continue your holiday or claimrepatriation to the starting point o your non-fightpackage.
ACCURATE BROCHURES & WEB SITESAll members do their utmost to ensure that all theirbrochures and other publications, print or electronic,clearly and accurately describe the holidays and servicoered.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUALIMPROVEMENTSAll members are committed to high standards oservice and believe in regular and thorough training oemployees. Members continually seek to review andimprove their holidays. They listen to their customeand always welcome suggestions or improving stand
MONITORING STANDARDSAITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regulaAll customers should receive a post-holiday questionthe results o which are scrutinised by the Association
SUSTAINABLE TOURISMAll members acknowledge the importance o AITOsSustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise thesocial, economic and environmental responsibilities otour operating. Those demonstrating their achievembeyond the pure acceptance o this principle arerecognised by the award o 2 to 5 star status.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSAll members endeavour to deal switly and airly withany issues their customers may raise. In the unlikelyevent that a dispute between an AITO member and customer cannot be settled amicably, AITOs low-coIndependent Dispute Settlement Service may be calleupon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy aacceptable conclusion.
5113
1135
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
26/3080 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
FLIGHS
FlightsThe Gambia Winter 2012/13 Tuesday and Friday direct daytime fights rom Gatwick (weekend breaks,10 & 11 nights and longer duration holidays available)Wednesday and Saturday fights rom Manchester (10 & 11 nights andlonger duration holidays available)
Tuesday fights rom Birmingham
Premium upgrades and legroom seats at a supplement
90 minute regional and Premium Class check-in in UK
Airport Gold packages available including airport lounges
The Gambia Summer 2013 Direct, daytime fights rom Gatwick (long duration holidays available)
Legroom seats at a supplement
Airport Gold packages available
Flight only ticketsFor fight only prices, including one ways, fexible tickets and long duration
fights, please visit Gambiafights.co.uk
The Gambia Experience oers the widest
choice o year-round fights to The Gambia.
*Flight arrives the ollowing day. All fights operate via Brussels with Brussels Airlines (NB: transit time may be longer on return fights).
Flights also available rom Bristol and Newcastle. Flight schedules are subject to change. na - not available.
From Day UK UK Flight Available
Depart Depart Arrive Supplements Upgrades
Gatwick Tuesday 0900 2240 nil nil nil Legroom
Gatwick Friday 0915 2315 10 30 20 Premium/Exit
Manchester Wednesday 0810 2235 30 70 40
Manchester Saturday 0900 2305 40 90 50
Birmingham Tuesday 0900 2255 30 90 40
Winter 2012/13 Flight details to Lopold Sdar Senghor (Dakar) International Airport
Winter 2012/13 Flight details to Banjul (The Gambia) International Airport
to 10/12 11/12 to 31/12 rom 01/01
From Day UK Senegal Senegal UK Approximate Flight
Depart Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Transit Times Supplements
Heathrow Wed/Fri 1025 1945 2235 0925* 1h 55m nil/50
Manchester Wed/Fri 1025 1945 2235 1025* 1h 15m nil/50
Birmingham Wed/Fri 0935 1945 2235/na 0905*/na 2h 45m nil/50
THE
GAM
BIA
SENEGAL
Airport gold packageOn departure dates when Premium Class is not available we are able to oer an
enhanced service rom Gatwick Airport, exclusive to The Gambia Experience.
This package will include use o the business lounge in both the UK and in Banjul
on your return, an additional 10kg luggage allowance and a complimentary drink
on board the aircrat in each direction. Supplement rom 75pp.
TransersTransers times rom Banjul airport to our resort hotels range rom 25-55
minutes. See page 13 or more details.
Senegal fightsAll Senegal brochure prices are based on scheduled fights to and rom Dakar
(via Brussels), with the exception o the hotels Keur Saloum and Domaine
Les Paltuviers, which are based on fights to Banjul.
Wednesday and Friday fights rom Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham.
Bristol and Newcastle.
46kgs luggage allowance in economy class
Programmed fights operate rom November to April and are non-stop. Additional Christmas fights may be arranged, call or details.
Carriers are: Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines. Flight schedules are subject to change.
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
27/30Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
FLY IN SYLE
Fly in stylePremium Class is available on
all our Friday Gatwick fightsthroughout winter. On our other
Gatwick fights legroom seats are
usually available, to the right are
details o the benets they oer:
Supplements Premium Legroom
Return 299 120
One way rom UK 190 60
One way rom Banjul 130 60
Premium Class fying includes increased Airpor t Passenger Duty
(Government tax) charges o 130 per person.
Christmas and New Year additional Premium Class supplements apply to
each sector as ollows:
From UK: 21 Dec 80, 25 Dec 50, 28 Dec 50
From Banjul: 28 Dec 50, 01 Jan 80, 04 Jan 80, 08 Jan 50
Travel InsuranceOur travelling customers should be adequately insured or their own well being, thereore we are again pleased to oer our
insurance policy withtagis, with no price increases and still include ZERO EXCESS on all claims or all types o policy (excluding
personal liability which is 250). Our policy is tailor-made to the specic needs o our customers and includes additional areas ocover, such as delays or cancellation due to heavy snow, sandstorms or volcanic ash.
Single Trip Adult 18-65 Adult 66-79 Child 2-17
Up to 8 days 35.60 71.35 21.30
Up to 17 days 41.80 85.30 24.40
Up to 24 days 45.90 94.50 26.50
Annual multi-trip Adult 18-65 Couple Family
83.60 144.90 160.20
Premiums per person (including 20% Insurance Premium ax)
Summary of Cover
Longer durations, couples, amily and worldwide annual policies (excluding US, and including 17 days winter sports cover)
are also available.
Cancellation or curtailment 5,000
Medical expenses including medical
emergency assistance 5,000,000
Missed departure 1,000
Missed connection 1,000
Personal accident 25,000
Personal possessions 2,500 (400 single item limit)
Personal liability 2,000,000
Legal expenses 15,000
(All maximum limits per person)
Full details o the policy
will be sent with yourconrmation invoice an
there is a 14 day coolingo period rom date o
sale wherein the policymay be cancelled witho
charge.
The policy does not
cover any pre-existinghealth conditions o
the people travellingand other people uponwhose health the trip
may depend, unless aHealth Check has been
carried out by calling0845 408 0585 and
cover is conrmedin writing.
Premium Legroom
Seat pitch 33 33
Pre-bookable seats
Dedicated check-ins in UK & Banjul
Executive lounge at Gatwick X
Priority boarding at Gatwick X
Baggage allowance 30kg 20kg
Separate cabin X
Individual entertainment system X
Enhanced meal service X
Complimentary bar service X
Comort kit X
First Class lounge in Banjul Airport XPriority boarding at Banjul Airport
Number o seats 50 Variable
7/31/2019 Gambia & Senegal - Bird Watching
28/3082 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
Ring The Gambia Experienceon 0845 330 4567
or The Senegal Experienceon 0845 338 8700
How to
Book
Call ourExpert eamOur reservations sta will be happy to share their knowledge o the
countries and help you plan your holiday. Our oce opening hours are:
9am 7pm Monday to Friday
9am 5pm Saturday
10am 4pm Sunday
The oce may be closed during national and bank holidays.
Calls may be recorded or training purposes.
Loyalty discountValued clients who have previously travelled with The Gambia Experience
or The Senegal Experience in the last 3 years will qualiy or a discount o
35 per person, a reduced deposit o 50 and a 10% discount on insurance
premiums. The discount must be claimed at time o booking and is available
throughout the year on hotel-inclusive holidays only, booked at the ull
brochure price and cannot be used in conjunction with a group discount.
Visit your localravel AgentI you obtained this brochure through a travel
agent, you will be able to book with them.
Visit or chat online atGambia.co.uk
You can check availability, prices and book your holiday
or fight 24 hours a day online at Gambia.co.uk,
Gambiafights.co.ukorSenegal.co.uk
Making your bookingOnce you or your travel agent have conrmed your holiday reservation,
we will issue our conrmation invoice by the ollowing day. It is essential
you check that all the details are correct and advise us immediately i they
are not. Any changes at a later date may incur an amendment ee.
PaymentOn conrming your holiday we require a deposit o 95 per person
(50 or repeat customers), payable by debit or credit card. In addition,
i our insurance is taken this must also be paid or at this time. The balancemust be paid at least 8 weeks prior to departure, either online or by
telephone, by cheque, bank transer, debit or credit card. For bookings made
within 8 weeks o departure, ull payment is required at the time o booking.
I we do not receive the appropriate payment, we reserve the right to cancel
your booking and you will be liable or cancellation charges in accordance
with our Fair Trading Charter. Please make cheques payable to The Gambia
Experience/The Senegal Experience and send to Serenity Holidays,
Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire,
PO15 7AN. Any monies paid by credit card are currently subject to a 2%
charge to cover costs levied by the providers (no charge or debit cards).
Deposit - 95 per person
Mak