The Gambia Only 2012

7/31/2019 The Gambia Only 2012

1/68

The Gambia& Senegal - West Africa

November 2011 - October 2012


2/68

UNIQUE

Contents

The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are trade names o Serenity

Holidays Limited. The air holidays and ights in this brochure are ATOL protected

by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1866. Please see our Fair

Trading Charter or more inormation. We are also members o ABTA and AITO,

the AITO quality charter is on page 81.

5113

Welcome to The Gambia Experience 4-5

Which to choose, The Gambia or Senegal? 6-7

Multi-centre holidays 8-9All-inclusive and pampering spas 10

The luxury experience 11

THE GAMBIA

What to expect 12-14

Eating out 15

Gambia resort areas 16-17

Out & about 18-19

Our hotel collections 20-21

The Luxury Collection 22-27

The Unique Collection 28-37

Other hotels in The Gambia 38-53

Birdwatching & fshing 54-55

SENEGAL

What to expect 56-57

Senegal resort areas 58

Hotels in Senegal 59-68

Senegal tours 69

Rivers o West Arica cruise 70

Summer holidays 71

Weddings, honeymoons & special occasions 72

Group travel 73

Sustainable tourism 74

School development und 75

Flight inormation 76-77

Things to know & insurance 78-80

FAQs and AITO charter 81

How to book 82

Fair trading charter 83


3/68

UNIQUE

24YEARWES AFRIExpERIEN


4/68

UNIQUE

4 For more advice or to boo call te eerts on 0845 330 4567

INRODUCION

Welcometo Te Gambia EerienceNobody knows West Arica like we do. We have been arranging holidays toThe Gambia or almost 25 years, earning a reputation as the specialist to thedestination and more recently have introduced Senegal and the islands o

Cape Verde.

We oer the widest range o holidays to The Gambia

and Senegal, giving the best choice o accommodation

and ights, and with our experience we can help you

select your perect trip. 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, 91%* o our customers would

recommend us to their riends.

Sta with frst-hand experienceAll our reservations sta have visited The Gambia at

least once and the vast majority have been to Senegal,

so when booking your holiday you can speak with

someone who has been to the region and knows thehotels well. Each year sta return to ensure they have

up-to-date knowledge o the countries and hotels and

theyll be happy to share this with you to ensure you

book the perect location or your holiday. In act, in

the last year our sta spent almost 150 nights in West

Arica, ensuring that we are the experts. We also have a

dedicated groups department and wedding organisers.

Biggest and best resort teamIn 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 - or us since 1997. Our sta are mostly Gambian,

and can share their love o 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, but we will

do our utmost to ensure everything runs smoothly and

assist with any queries you have. In Senegal we work

with a local handling agent who arranges our transersto / rom Dakar Airport; a representative will also visit

your hotel i you are staying in Sa ly, La Somone or at Le

Royal Lodge. I you choose to stay in one o the smaller

hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta, or in one o our Unique

Collection properties in The Gambia, the hotel sta

will look ater you and you will have our contact details

should you need any urther assistance.

*Figure rom winter 2010/11 holiday questionnaires.


5/68Contact your Local ravel Agent or boo at Gambia.co.u

INRODUCION

On one o my recent trips to The Gambia I decided

to ollow the growing trend or multi-centre holidays (its so

easy to do in a small country) and stayed in our dierent

hotels. This has encouraged me to nd some more quality

lodges and individual properties to twin with a beach hotel

although they can also be enjoyed or a longer stay which

youll nd in our exciting, new Unique Collection. I also talked

to as many customers as possible. It was antastic to hearcomments such as our rule is we never go back to the same

destination twice but this is our third visit and we were

looking at the Caribbean, but are so glad we came here and

we had no idea that The Gambia had so much to oer.

Flying continues to be a challenge. Unortunately we have

not yet been able to nd an aircrat to operate our Bristol

fights and the ever-increasing cost o uel and government

taxes means that all fights are costing more, however we are

still able to oer our popular Premium Class service or the

same supplement, and twice weekly or much o the winter.

Whilst some tour operators try to disguise price increases by

removing meals and baggage allowance, I believe these should

be included. Similarly, the Airport Development Fee o20 is

now included in our holiday price so that unnecessary queues

at the airport on departure are avoided.

Whether you are returning with us again and requesting the

same room in the same hotel, seeking a new experience in

a dierent property, or considering The Gambia and Senegal

or the rst time, we hope that you will enjoy reading our

brochure and please visit our website or more photos, video

clips and reviews. Even better, talk to our sta, all o whom

know The Gambia and Senegal inside out.

ChRIS ROWLES

Managing Director, Te Gambia Eerience

A message rom teManaging Director

Unbeatable choice to The GambiaThe luxury experience - exclusive boutique hotels and unique lodges,

upgraded ights and private transers

Widest choice o ying 5 direct weekly ights rom 3 airports including a

Premium Class service rom Gatwick

Range o durations including short breaks, traditional 7 or 14 night holidays,popular 10 & 11 night breaks, long-stays rom 3 weeks to 3 months

Tailor-made and multi-centre holidays - within The Gambia or with Senegal

All-inclusive and dining packages something or every budget

Specialist tours new river cruise, birdwatching, fshing, and bush excursions

Group discounts rom 1 ree place or every 6 paying

Unbeatable choice to SenegalTwice weekly scheduled ights to Dakar rom 8 UK airports

5, 7, 9, 12, 14 nights or longer the choice is yours

Careully selected hotels in beach and river locations

Tailor-made and multi-centre holidays within Senegal or with The Gambia

Private tours and river cruise

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 o our careully selected accommodation including maps, hints and tips,

sta and press reviews, online chat acility, plus extensive photo galleries and

videos. See also our latest destination news and stay in touch or share your

experiences with our various online communities.

The Serenity serviceBoth The Gambia Experience and The Senegal

Experience are part o Serenity Holidays, an independent,ully bonded tour operator which prides itsel on the quality

o its holidays and the personal service provided

to customers.

24 years experience o organising holidays to West Arica

In-depth knowledge o the destinations

FREE Gambia / Senegal Guide with money o vouchers or customers

staying in The Gambia

Loyalty discounts or repeat customers

5* AITO sustainable tourism status

Brochure priced holidays include in-ight meals and transers plus

20kg luggage allowance (46kg with Brussels Airlines to Senegal)

24YEARSWES AFRICAExpERIENCE


6/686 For more advice or to boo call te eerts on 0845 330 4567

INRODUCION

Wic to coose...Te Gambia or Senegal, or eras bot?The 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; Senegal requires a little more eort

but or more adventurous travellers this will be well rewarded.

Both countries beneft rom:

Fantastic winter sun, rom November until June

Uncrowded sandy beaches

Same time zone, so no jet lag

Varied birdlie, wildlie and fshing

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.



INRODUCION

The Gambia The smiling coast o AricaI youre a frst time traveller to Arica or The Gambia 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 fnd 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 beaches o golden sand

Direct ights 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

Senegal The French coast o AricaSince we began arranging holidays to Senegal in 2003 its popularity has

grown but it remains a relatively undiscovered destination or British

holidaymakers, although it has long been a avourite destination or theFrench and Belgians. There are many reasons why our customers choose

to venture to Senegal, 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 fshing

Exotic, riendly people and excellent cuisine

*Figure rom winter 2010/11 holiday questionnaires

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 BRIGGSAutor o Insigt Guide to Gambia & Senegal



MULI-CENRE

Multi-centre olidaysEerience te diversity o West Arica

Whilst many o our customers are looking or an

escape rom the British winter and choose not to

stray too ar rom the beach and their hotel, this

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?

2 luxury hotels to experience the 2 countries in sumptuous

surroundings, or or a special occasion

e.g. Coco Ocean Resort and Spa, The Gambia & Le Royal Lodge, Senegal

Properties oering 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 kilometres 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 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.

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, Sitanunku Lodge & Omakan Hotel

A coastal hotel with a more remote, peaceul add-on, either on thebeach or in the Arican bush

e.g. The Kairaba & Sandele Eco-Retreat or Mandina Lodges

2 small, intimate properties in dierent areas to give an opportunity

to sample some o the interesting excursions on oer

e.g. Ngala Lodge or Bijilo Beach & Sitanunku Lodge



MULI-CENRE

NEW Gambia cruise and hotel twin centreFollowing on rom the success o the Rivers o West Arica cruise, which we

started oering rom Dakar in Senegal last winter with very positive eedback,

we have now also arranged a 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

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

area. For urther inormation on the boat, acilities on board and the itinerary

please see page 70 or visit Gambia.co.uk/Cruise

Tours o SenegalWe also arrange tours o Senegal with a private driver / guide. For more

details see page 69. In addition this year we can oer customers ying

into Banjul the opportunity to experience more o Senegal on one o our

customised tour itineraries.

For more inormation about multi-centre holidays and to discuss your ideas

call 0845 330 4567 or0845 338 8700, email [email protected]

[email protected] visit Gambia.co.uk/Multicentre

Despite numerous trips to The Gambia Id never

actually made the short journey to Senegal something I

nally managed in February 2010. The whole experience

was antastic: the legendary Banjul / Barra erry, the absolute

tranquillity o the hotel at Keur Saloum, the subtle shit in

culture (not to mention the recourse to my stammering

schoolboy French!), the wide, wide skies o the Sine Saloum

Delta, and on my last day, the dead o night drive into thebush at Baria to witness the amazing coming-to-lie o the

dawn bird chorus. The Gambia and Senegal are so close, and

in many ways the countries share so much, in terms o the

riendliness o the people, the superb ood, and the similarities

in the landscapes, and yet just a ew short miles and you can

eel the dierence. Somehow, away rom the tourist zones o

The Gambia, all that hustle and bustle drops away. Its quite

something. Ultimately though, the magic is in the way the two

destinations complement one another, and now Ive been, a

twin centre holiday suddenly seems so obvious

MA SMIh

Mareting Eecutive, Te Gambia Eerience

A ersonal

eerience



ALL-INCLUSIVE

All-inclusive& amering sas

All-inclusive

All-inclusive holidays are becoming increasingly popular in The Gambia as

well as Senegal, and are available this year in a wider range o properties

to suit all budgets. Although the Gambian hotels dont oer a 24 hour

all-inclusive service, with the majority o your ood, drink and activities

included in the price, these holidays still oer you an excellent value ormoney option. Please note, all-inclusive packages do not include excursions.

Alternatively, the Kombo Beach oers a dine-around package allowing

the exibility o dining both in the hotel and sampling restaurants in the

surrounding area, whilst The Kairaba oers a dining option which includes

meals in its various restaurants and wine. For details o whats included see

the individual hotel pages:

5 The Kairaba, The Gambia pages 24-25

4 Sheraton Gambia Hotel, The Gambia pages 38-39

4 Ocean Bay Hotel, The Gambia pages 42-43

4 Laico Atlantic Beach Hotel, The Gambia page 46

2 Palma Rima Hotel, The Gambia page 51

4 Royal Decameron Baobab Resort, Senegal pages 66-67

For more inormation visit Gambia.co.uk/Allinclusive

orSenegal.co.uk/Allinclusive

Pampering spasWhether you want to spend a whole week pampering yoursel, or are

looking or just one or two treatments during your stay, there are someantastic spa hotels in The Gambia and Senegal; imagine enjoying a relaxing

massage whilst listening to the sound o the waves in one o the treatment

rooms overlooking the ocean. Also i there are members o your group that

are not interested in the spa, the hotels are located beside sandy beaches

with excellent cuisine and a range o other acilities so there should be

something to please all. For more details see:

Boutique Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, The Gambia pages 22-23

The Gambias premier hotel with an 1800m2 spa acility oering massages,

Hammam, acials and beauty treatments. All o our customers receive a

complimentary oot massage.

4 Sheraton Gambia Hotel, The Gambia pages 38-39

A popular hotel which oers all-inclusive guests 10% o all spa treatments

and ree use o the gym, steam room and sauna.

5 Lamantin Beach Hotel, Senegal page 63

The most luxurious hotel in the resort o Saly with a tha lassotherapy spa

using techniques based on the principles o Chinese energy medicine.

Although they do not have spa acilities, guests staying at Ngala Lodge and

Hotel Omakan in The Gambia can enjoy a massage, manicure or other

treatment in the comort o their own room.

For more inormation visit Gambia.co.uk/Spa

The Moroccan Hammam at Coco Ocean

involved steam bathing, deep exoliation,detoxication and moisturising; it let me

eeling incredibly rereshed and invigorated.

LOUISE hOMAS

pR Eecutive, Te Gambia Eerience



LUxURY

Fly in style

Premium Class is available on all our Friday Gatwick ights throughout

winter, plus most Tuesday ights. On our other ights legroom seats

are usually available, here are details o the benefts they oer:

Premium Legroom

Seat pitch 33 33

Wider seats than economy 3 X

Pre-bookable seats 3 3

Dedicated check-ins in UK & Banjul 3 5

Executive lounge at Gatwick 3 X

Priority boarding at Gatwick 3 X

Baggage allowance 30kg 20kg

Separate cabin 3 X

Individual entertainment system 3 X

Enhanced meal service 3 X

Complimentary bar service 3 XComort kit 3 X

Priority baggage 3 X

First Class lounge in Banjul Airport 3 X

Priority boarding at Banjul Airport 3 3

Number o seats 50 Variable

Supplements Premium Legroom

Return 295 100

One way rom UK 180 50

One way rom Banjul 125 50

Premium Class ying includes increased Airpor t Passenger Duty

(Government tax) charges o 120 per person.

Christmas and New Year additional Premium Class supplements

apply to each sector as ollows:

From UK: 20 Dec 80, 23 Dec 80, 27 Dec 50, 30 Dec 50

From Banjul: 27 Dec 20, 30 Dec 50, 03 & 06 Jan 80, 10 Jan 20

Travelling is all part o the holiday experience and

although there are no non-stop business class ights

to The Gambia, we appreciate that many o our

customers preer to travel in greater comort.

We are pleased to oer the only upgraded ights direct to Banjul, and can

arrange additional extras to ensure you are relaxed at every stage o your

holiday. Availability on these exclusive services is airly limited so we would

recommend booking early.

Our Luxury and Unique CollectionsI you are looking or luxurious accommodation we have grouped the best

The Gambia has to oer within our Luxury Collection, as well as eaturing

a unique and exciting collection o quality lodges and boutique hotels,

all exclusive to us. There are small boutique hotels, larger properties set

within spacious grounds, pampering spa hotels and unique river lodges there should be something or everyone. See pages 22-37

Airport GoldHolidaymakers can relax at the airport beore departure with our

Airport Gold Package, possible when travelling rom Gatwick on Tuesdays

i Premium Class is not available. It entitles you to the use o a business

lounge in the UK, an extra 10kg luggage allowance, a complimentary drink

in each direction on board the aircrat and entry to the First Class lounge

at Banjul Airport on your return.

Prices rom 75

Private transersOn arrival at Banjul Airport, avoid the crowds and get whisked away to

your hotel in a private, air-conditioned car. One way costs rom 35

per car. For more details visit Gambia.co.uk/Luxury

Scheduled serviceWe can oer scheduled ights to Banjul with Brussels Airlines in both

economy and business class, however this is not a non-stop service.

Please speak to a member o our reservations team i you are interested.

Te luuryeeriencein Te Gambia



hE GAMBIA

Wat to eect...Te smiling coast o AricaFor a winter sun holiday, The Gambia is hard to

beat the climate, riendly people and short ight

times all add to its appeal; in summer it oers a

quiet alternative to the busier resorts o Europe.

Previous visitors agree with us: 53%* o people who travelled in winter

2010/11 with The Gambia Experience have been beore and many return

time and time again. (*Figure rom winter 2010/11 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 at, 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 ocks o colourul birds y overhead; even rom the comorto your hotel you can listen to the drums o local entertainers and watch

incredible energetic dancing. For frst time visitors to Arica, The Gambia

is a good introduction as it is English speaking, ights 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 frst time can fnd 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 unofcial guides or

bumsters that can become a nuisance, although numbers are decreasing.

Again, we try to prepare everyone with advice in our guides 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 customerss 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 20th July 2012.



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 has uctuated between 40 and 44 dalasi to the pound.

No language barrier

The ofcial 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, hotels and service levels 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 ofcial ratings or the frs

time, awarded by the Gambia Tourism Authority. The ratings were award

largely due to acilities provided rather than service levels so we continue

use our own rating system, which is represented with a hibiscus ower an

based on the views o our customers and our own 24 years o experienc

The GTAs ofcial 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

2.5 / 2 Hotels Palma Rima, Arican Village, Cape Point (3) , Sarges Ho

Bakotu, by some quirk o the system, received only a single star, however

we are confdent that it deserves its 3 rating and customer eedback tell

us this is accurate. Some properties, such as Mandina Lodges, Hotel

Omakan and Sitanunku Lodge, have not been assessed under the system

o classifcation; we too consider these to be unique properties which oe

quality accommodation and personal service but do not sit perectly withi

The Luxury Collection.

Activities and excursions

For many guests, relaxing in the sunshine ollowed by a rereshing swim isas 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 is an 18-hole sand gol

course at Fajara, excellent spa acilities at Coco Ocean and The Sheraton

hotels, good fshing and birdwatching opportunities as well as sports acilit

within some hotels. We also oer a range o excursions which include

travelling through the Arican bush in a 4-wheel drive truck and cruising

the waterways, either by boat on the river or Arican pirogue through the

mangroves you can be as active or idle as you wish. For more details se

pages 18-19 or visit Gambia.co.uk/Excursions

hE GAMBIA



To say I love The Gambia would be an understatement, the climate is

perect all year round, the country is stable, and I think its air to say that,

whilst it remains unspoilt, it is moving orward with lots o new hotels.

MARk BRIGh

BBC broadcaster and ormer premier League ootballer

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 owering 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 leaet (Re T7.1) Health Advice to Travellers

is available rom your GP, travel agent or can be downloaded atwww.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 avour. There is a ully lit tarmac road rom the airport to the hotelareas 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 fnd 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 frst 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 activities and acilities or children and separate childrens

pools our sta would be happy to oer specifc 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

TemperatureO

C (Average maximum)



EAING OU

The Gambia has a good choice o restaurants serving

a range o cuisine both within the hotels and in the

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

ladyfsh, barracuda, captain fsh, snapper, butterfsh, 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 avour 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 10 or urther details.

Whilst most o our hotels are based on bed and breakast, 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 away rom the

tourist resorts and provide an opportunity to sample resh local produce,

oten cooked to order.

Eating outA wide range o cuisine to coose rom

I have worked in The Gambia or over 25 years now and have seen the variety and quality o

restaurants during that time grow every year. Many, including several hotel restaurants, can now compete

with eateries across Europe, and a growing number also have international ches. Our Gambia Guide, which

is updated each year, shows the most popular restaurants in the dierent resorts to help you choose with

condence rom the wide range available, Alternatively why not ask our reps or their recommendations?

The ood on oer in The Gambia really is an excellent reason to visit us.

A ersonal eerience

JOYCE SAVROULAkIS, Resort Manager, Te Gambia Eerience

Ngala Lodge

Fine dining in a cli top setting

Clay Oven

Popular Indian cuisine

Shiraz

Home-cooked Lebanese ood

Boss Lady

Gambian open-air restaurant/ca

Scala

Family-run restaurant with an

extensive international menu

and good steaks

Jo Jos Bistro & Wine Bar

Small but tasteul menu with

daily specials

Captains Table

International cuisine in Kotu

Al Basha

Lebanese cuisine

Tao Restaurant

Asian restaurant in Kololi

El Sol

Mexican tapas, specialities

and cocktails

Here are some examples o restaurants and cuisineto be ound close to resort areas:



RESOR AREAS

Gambia resort areasWic resort to coose?

Some assume that on holiday in The Gambia people are confned to their

hotels but this really isnt the case at all.

Whilst some customers do choose a hotel-based holiday, it is easy to get out and about and, as the coastal area is

only small, it is airly quick to travel rom one resort to another; it is possible to stay in a quiet area but still enjoy the

attractions o a busier resort or example it takes 20-30 minutes in a taxi rom Banjul to Kololi, depending on trafc.Alternatively, why not choose a twin centre with one o our more remote lodges to enjoy the best o both worlds.

Although not overdeveloped like some tourist destinations, most resorts have a taxi rank, bank, telephone centre,

supermarket, crat market, bars and restaurants. All areas are busier during winter and some o the bars and

restaurants will close in summer so its best to check with us i you want a particular acility. All o our sta have visited

each o the resorts so we can help you select the ideal location or your holiday. Here are brie details to help you but

call us i you would like more advice.

The Kairaba

Senegambia

Bungalow BeachBakotuKombo BeachSunset Beach

Palma Rima

Ngala Lodge

African Village

Sunbeach

Cape Point

Ocean Bay

Coco Ocean

LaicoAtlanticBeach

Mandina Lodges

Ferry toNorth Bank& Senegal

Kololi Springs

Bijilo Beach

The Sheraton

Sandele

Sitanunku Lodge

Sarges Hotel

Omakan

Hibiscus House

KEY

Villages

Properties

BIJILO

0

0

5

3Miles

Km

SCALE

THE RIVER GAMBIAATLANTIC OCEAN

ATLANTIC OCEAN

MANDINARI

BARRA MAYAMBA

SERREKUNDA

LAMIN

BANJUL

SUKUTA

OLDJESWANG

BAKAU

CAPE POINT

TANJI

BRUFUT

OLD

YUNDUM

GHANA

TOWN

BAKOTEH

TUJURING JAMBUR

YUNDUM

KOLOLI

KOTU

FAJARA

AbukoNature

Reserve

Banjul

InternationalAirport

BijiloNational

Park

Oyster

Creek

GolfCourse

BUNIADU

JEREH

KUNGOTO

ESSAU

DOG ISLAND

BANJUL

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

SOUTH SENEGAL

BRIKAMA

NORTH SENEGAL

THE GAMBIA

Sandele



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 varybut it is still possible to lie on a sun lounger on the beach outside your hotel.

Hotels in Kololi: The Kairaba, Senegambia, Kololi Springs and Sarges Hotel.

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 at 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.

Bakau A working African townBakau 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 fshing port or wander around the market where Gambians shop every

day or their essentials. You will fnd a ew restaurants serving traditional

Gambian dishes, as well as banks, a small supermarket, post ofce and the

popular Kachikally crocodile pool.

Hotels in Bakau: Arican Village. Ngala Lodge is just outside Bakau.

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. There are no nightclubs to

disturb the peace, just a couple o hotels and beach bars on a long stretch

o beach with very ew people on it.

Hotels in Bijilo: Coco Ocean and Bijilo Beach. Omakan is in Sukuta,4 kilometres inland rom Bijilo.

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 local restaurants as well as a small crat market, mini-marke

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.

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 serving

lunch. 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.

Brufut Cliff top residential area

An up and coming residential area approximately 8 kilometres south o

Kololi. There is a long stretch o unspoilt beach.

Hotels in Brufut: Sheraton and Hibiscus House.

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 itsel is sandy with only a couple o buildings beside it.

Hotels in South Kotu: Palma Rima.


18/68



OU & ABOU

We set o bright and early, climbing up a ladder into

the back o a huge 4wheel drive lorry. We trundled down the

dusty tracks that pass or roads to catch some snapshots o

town and country lie in the company o our most charming

and chatty tour guide, ootball anatic Mucki.

Nothing could have prepared us or the enthusiastic

reception waiting at one o the local schools where tourists

regularly call in to look around and give donations o greatly

appreciated pens, pencils and books. Back on the lorry anddeeper into the unknown, loty vegetation sweeping past

our ears, Mucki pointed out the plethora o colourul birds,

naming each one careully and accurately, throwing in a

smattering o ootball-themed humour. Red-beaked hornbill:

Gambia 2, England, nil.

Eventually we emerged onto a deserted searont

where a lone ca overlooked an idyllic beach. We quenched

our thirst with zzy pop and selected a light lunch rom a

laden hot and cold buet beore hopping across the bakingsand and plunging neck-deep into the balmy waves or a

leisurely swim. I dried o dozing and swinging gently in a string

hammock. Total bliss.

JACkIE BULER

Deuty Features Editor, Western Morning News

A ersonaleerience

Roots A moving experience

A historic journey 200 years back in time to Alex Haleys Roots. Ater a

long lazy cruise you will arrive at the ancient trading station o Albreda beore

walking to the village o Juure, which houses the Museum o Slavery and the

original home o Alex Haleys great great grandather. The day fnishes with a

visit to the ortress ruins on Kunte Kinteh island, steeped in slave trade history.

Circle o lie Arican saari dayTravel to Fathala Nature Reserve in Senegal or the chance to see girae,

rhinoceros, antelope, zebra and bualo.

Home cooking course Shop and cook like a GambianYou will go into the home o your host, Ida, and spend a day in the lie o

a Gambian dressed in traditional clothes youll visit the local market to

shop or ingredients, prepare a dish and then dine with Ida in her home. An

evening alternative Come Dine with Ida is also available. A antastic glimpse

into Gambian culture.

Other excursions are available oering an insight into sustainable tourismmeasures in The Gambia such as arming techniques, or learn about

BAFROW, a community project inspired and managed by women.


20/68

hOELS

Since we began travelling to The Gambia in 1987

the standard and choice o accommodation in the

country has improved dramatically with a ew new

exciting properties in our programme this year.

There is now every type o property to suit all

travellers rom luxurious boutique hotels, all-inclusive

resorts, relaxing spas right through to simple,

Arican-style hotels.

Over the past 24 years weve learnt just how important it is to match the

right hotel to each individual it can make the dierence between a good

holiday and an unorgettable experience; to help you, the hotel descriptions

on the ollowing pages have been written by members o our team who

have visited the hotels and know them well. They accurately list the acilities

o the properties, their locations and the ambience you can expect to helpyou narrow down your choice o holiday.

Our otel collectionsCoosing te rigt otel or your olidayExclusiveHotels or room types identifed as Exclusive indicate that, at the time o

going to press, these hotels or room types are not on sale through any

other UK tour operator.

The Luxury CollectionThe best The Gambia has to oer in the main resort areas. Each property

has its own individual appeal so its important to read the property

descriptions or speak to one o our knowledgeable sta i you are looking

or a particular style, location or specifc acilities. Coco Ocean is visually

stunning with service and cuisine levels to match, Ngala Lodge is a small

boutique-style hotel with very personal service and excellent customer

reviews, whilst the larger Hotel Kairaba is a well-established avourite with

a wider range o acilities on oer.

The Unique CollectionA new collection o lodges and boutique hotels which, whilst sharing many

o the characteristics o the Luxury Collection oer a more inormal,

laid-back atmosphere. Individually styled with many artistic ourishes, each

property manages to convey a sense o relaxed indulgence with riendly

service and reshly prepared cuisine. Located away rom the main tourist

areas, memorable settings such as the Makasutu Forest or the banks o

the River Gambia provide a stunning Arican backdrop or a truly unique

holiday experience.

Lively hotelsSome o The Gambias larger hotels are great i youre looking or a

more active holiday, a lively atmosphere and entertainment at your hotel.

From the Sheraton Gambia and Palma Rima hotels, oering all-inclusive

holidays to the popular Kombo Beach and Ocean Bay hotels which are

directly on a sandy beach and have a good choice o activities or couples,groups and amilies.

Family-riendly hotelsAlthough The Gambia is not traditionally a amily destination, we have

an increasing number o amilies who travel with us looking or a more

adventurous holiday and the chance to introduce their children to a dierent

culture. Most hotels oer discounts or children - we would particularly

recommend Kombo Beach, Senegambia, Sunbeach and Laico Atlantic hotels

which are all directly on or close to a sandy beach and have a good choice

o activities and entertainment.

Small & ull o characterSome o our hotels oer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere and the

chance to immerse yoursel in the local community or wildlie. The stunning

Mandina Lodges in the Makasutu Forest contrast perectly with the coastal

hotels on a twin centre holiday; the popular Arican Village is a simple hotel

within a thriving local community with Hotel Omakan as a more luxurious

alternative; and Cape Point is a Gambian-owned hotel with a relaxed and

riendly atmosphere.

I you need any advice please call our team to speak to an expert.

You can call them on 0845 330 4567 or email [email protected]

You will also fnd many photographs, video clips and more inormation and

reviews online to help you select your ideal holiday at Gambia.co.uk/Hotels

20 For more advice or to boo call te eerts on 0845 330 4567



UNIQUE

ON hIS pAGECoco Ocean is quite

simply the most

luxurious hotel in

The Gambia

Te Luury CollectionTe best Te Gambia as to ofer:

ersonal service, equisite cuisine,tranquil surroundings,

individual style, attentive staf.


22/6822 For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567

Coco Ocean Resort & SpaBijilo

Boutique Hotel Exclusive

Beachront Spa

HE LUXURY COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/CocoOcean

Complimentary spa treatmentEach o our guests receives a complimentary oot massage within theCoco Oceans 1800m2 spa acility, which eatures a Talasso pool, ice-coldplunge pool, Hammam, Finnish sauna, small gym and relaxation area.

Te ull range o treatments available is listed on our website but includesmassages, body wraps, acials, waxing and manicures. Tere is also aboutique selling hair and beauty products, as well as a Juice Bar.

As the most luxurious hotel in The Gambia, Coco Oceanhas established itsel as the place to stay or celebritiesand discerning holidaymakers looking or elegance and

exquisite surroundings. It is perect or any special occasion,

but oers excellent value or money compared with spa hotels

internationally and the beachront location is hard to beat.

Whilst or many guests the main attraction is the antastic spa acility, its

stunning location on an unspoilt stretch o beach just 2 kilometres rom the

lively resort o Kololi, and the excellent levels o service and cuisine make

this much more than simply a spa hotel. The Moroccan-inspired architectureand dcor, eaturing high ceilings and domes, keep the buildings cool and

maximise the use o natural light.

You will nd sunbeds in tranquil spots around the gardens and private seating

areas close to the hotels main tiered swimming pool; down on the beach

there are individual cabanas providing welcome shade. The grounds slope

towards the sea, enhancing the views, although gol buggies are available

to help avoid the many steps. Visiting dignitaries and businesses oten hold

unctions in the stunning gardens.

Set within lush tropical gardens, all o the open-plan suites and villas are

light and airy, but or added comort we recommend one o the sumptuous

room upgrades. The ourteen Club villas have impressive private outside

relaxation areas and share a swimming pool beside the ocean, but or the

best location in the hotel try one o the three Beach houses, which areextremely spacious and sit directly on the beachront.

Within the hotel there is a choice o restaurants and menus, with international

ches producing dishes rom Morocco and Thailand, as well as European

cuisine. In addition there are specialities o the day eaturing cuisine rom

around the world. The main restaurant oers al resco or more ormal

dining and is the perect place to start the day with a relaxing champagne

breakast, whilst the Coco Beach, serving lunchtime grills, has possibly the

best views o any restaurant in The Gambia.

ROOM FACILITIES

King size beds (twin mattresses)

Air-conditioning

Satellite television

Minibar

Saety deposit box, telephone, hairdryer

Bathrobe, slippers, toiletries

Unpacking service (on request)

HOTEL FACILITIES

Tiered swimming pool, plus private

Club villa / Beach house pool

Sugar Cane Bar

Individual beach cabanas

Small gym, git shops, hairdresser

Chaueured car or hire

Internet / business acilities, Wi-Fi in lobby

Creek trips by Arican pirogue (payable locally)

85 rooms

ROOM CHOICE

Deluxe suites are larger with a private

balcony or terrace 18

Superior suites have a bedroom with

lounge area and a private terrace 24

Club villas have a large terrace and

share a private pool, rom 34

Details o other suites are available on request

Penthouses, Royal suites and Beach houses

PRIVATE TRANSFERS

We are unable to include these as standard due

to limited availability o vehicles. However, private

transers are available at 35 per car each way

(maximum 4 persons)

SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS

Hal board 30

Air-conditioning included

Single room 32

3rd person sharing -25

Child sharing (2-15 years) -25

All supplements and room upgrades are per

person per night based on twin occupancy

CUISINE

The Courtyard / Saran restaurant breakast and

evening dinners

Coco Beach restaurant lunchtime grills and

salads overlooking the beach, evening Thai menu

With its acres o exquisite gardens, striking Moorishdomes and arches, and spacious, cool and contemporaryrooms, the Coco Ocean is the only place to stay onThe Gambias Atlantic coast.

Oliver Smith, Daily Telegraph

For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567


23/68Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk

FLIGHT CHOICE

Twice weekly fights rom Gatwick and

Manchester. Weekly fight rom Birmingham

All fights are direct to The Gambia

In-fight meals, 20kgs luggage allowance and

transers are included in brochure priced hol

Upgrade to Premium Class or legroom seats

See page 76 or urther fight inormation

WINTER 2011-12 PRICES on Bed & Breakast

Club villa and beach house private pool

No. o

Nights

1-Nov

16-Nov

18-Dec

24-Dec

4-Mar

26-Mar

28-Nov

10-Dec

10-Feb

16-Feb

1-Jan

11-Jan

6-Apr

12-Apr

17-Nov

27-Nov

27-Jan

9-Feb

25-Dec

31-Dec

27-Mar

5-Apr

11-Dec

17-Dec

17-Feb

3-Mar

12-Jan

26-Jan

13-Apr

30-Apr

1142 1126 1035 1048 1533 1590 1177 1158 1175 1252 1165 1140 1246 1246 1097

1377 1363 1240 1488 1926 1792 1423 1412 1497 1497 1394 1373 1514 1514 1321

1648 1597 1471 1875 2287 1995 1689 1675 1688 1715 1667 1654 1762 1698 1554

7

10

14

Prices are in s per person on Bed & Breakast in a Junior suite rom Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 60 APD, 20 ADF and 35 o other known taxes and charges.For 11 night holidays, add the extra night cost to the 10 night price and add the relevant fight supplement.

Extra nights (per person per night) 1 Nov 10 Dec 77, 11 Dec 31 Dec 98, 1 Jan 30 Apr 79

Contact your Local ravel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk

Deluxe suite



Te Kairaba HotelKololi

Beachront Relaxing

HE LUXURY COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/Kairaba

Full Board PlusNEW or Winter 2011/12 is our Full Board Plus upgrade, includinglunch by the poolside, dinner in the main restaurant, 2 drinks witheach meal per person (beer, wine by the glass or so drinks) plus a

selection o so drinks and beer in your room daily. Alternatively,our Wine & Dine package is also available.

Along-established avourite, it is hard to choose oneparticular eature o The Kairaba to explain its appealas there are so many reasons why more o our guests

return to this hotel than any other. For some it is the

position beside Kololi beach, or others its the tranquillity

o the spacious grounds, or the close proximity to the many

restaurants and bars o Kololi, The Gambias l iveliest resort.

The Kairabas bedrooms are situated in two-storey buildings within the

extensive bougainvillea-lled gardens; rom your balcony or terrace you can

enjoy the gentle sea breeze and views across the attractive lawns. This hotelis all about peace and relaxation, which is only interrupted by the vervet

monkeys and birdlie visiting rom the neighbouring orest. There are no

pool games or loud music during the day, although there is the occasional

local band or entertainment in the evening. The hotels excellent conerence

acilities make it popular or government unctions and ideal or groups.

Unlike some holiday companies, we base our holidays on the Deluxe

rooms; these are situated in the gardens and are superior in size, quality and

location, although standard rooms are available at a discount.

When it comes to dining, you have everything rom la carte to a lively,

outside bistro. Breakast is served in the elevated Kingsher restaurant,

allowing you to start your day easting on views over the gardens as well as

reshly cooked delights. Why not try our popular Wine & Dine package,

available in winter, oering two dinners in the Shikra la carte restaurant(some exclusions apply), two dinners in Casa Fernandos Bistro, three buet

dinners, a ruit basket in your room*, a bottle o wine on arrival* and one

bottle o wine with each o the three buet meals*. For those preerring a

bed and breakast board basis, there is a wide variety o ne restaurants on

your doorstep in Kololi itsel to suit all budgets.

(*Per room)

ROOM FACILITIES

Deluxe room

Twin beds, bath with shower over

Air-conditioning

Hairdryer

Saety deposit box

Minibar, stocked on request

Direct dial telephone

Television

Tea and coee-making acilities

HOTEL FACILITIES

Feature pool with sun terraces

Landscaped gardens

2 bars

Massage / beauty salon (payable locally)

Small gym, nurse

Small shopping centre

Internet access

Conerence acilities

150 rooms

ROOM CHOICE

Superior deluxe rooms are twin rooms located

on the rst foor, corner position with large

picture windows on both sides 7

Premium suites situated on the ground foor

have a living room and separate double

bedroom 9

Standard rooms are twin, smaller, and not in the

gardens, but are available at a reduction -10

CUISINE

Kingsher restaurant (breakast buet)

Malimbe poolside snack bar or lunches

and hal board buet (in winter)

Shikra la carte restaurant

Casa Fernandos bistro

Hal board guests receive a credit at the

hotels restaurants

ACTIVITIES

Croquet lawn

Table tennis

Giant chess

Management cocktail party

Evening entertainment

Limited daytime activities

A delightul hotel, wonderul ambience,excellent restaurants and great sta.

Mr Wills, West Midlands


Hal board / Full Board Plus 16 / 45

Wine & Dine 165 per week


Single room 20

3rd person sharing in a Premium suite -15




Superior deluxe room




FLIGHT CHOICE









No. o

Nights

1-Nov

16-Nov

18-Dec

24-Dec

4-Mar

26-Mar

28-Nov

10-Dec

10-Feb

16-Feb

1-Jan

11-Jan

6-Apr

12-Apr

17-Nov

27-Nov

27-Jan

9-Feb

25-Dec

31-Dec

27-Mar

5-Apr

11-Dec

17-Dec

17-Feb

3-Mar

12-Jan

26-Jan

13-Apr

30-Apr

911 882 838 859 1337 1374 989 978 1025 1075 984 953 1048 1048 855

1078 1065 996 1298 1645 1542 1178 1169 1253 1253 1165 1139 1275 1275 998

1242 1227 1148 1627 1896 1675 1362 1340 1379 1397 1346 1331 1432 1364 1096

7

10

14

Prices are in s per person on Bed & Breakast in a Deluxe room rom Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 60 APD, 20 ADF and 35 o other known taxes and charges.For 11 night holidays, add the extra night cost to the 10 night price and add the relevant fight supplement.





Ngala LodgeBakau / Fajara


ranquil Couples Child ree

HE LUXURY COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/Ngala

Ngala Lodge is a small, intimate hotel which is very popularwith repeat guests so early booking is recommended.As a child-ree property, the tropical gardens remain peaceul

throughout the day with ample space to fnd your own

secluded spot. It is a antastic choice or a romantic break

and with one o the best restaurants in The Gambia, youll

fnd it hard to leave.

The atmosphere at Ngala Lodge is extremely relaxed with very individual

service; to help you unwind you can enjoy a massage or manicure in your

suite or choose to have breakast on your private balcony or terrace nothing is too much trouble. In addition to ten suites in the main lodge,

each dierent in its own unique way, there are upgraded Manor suites

enjoying sea views and set within their own private garden with a shared

Jacuzzi. For honeymooners or anyone looking or something truly special,

we recommend the Atlantic suites, which are very spacious and have their

own private Jacuzzi on the terrace or balcony.

Within the grounds there are a number o sunbathing or seating areas

and traditional Arican bantabas or meeting places, which provide private

hideaways or guests to enjoy a relaxing drink and a quiet book. There is

also a swimming pool and small beach which can be reached at low tide

via steep steps a great spot or shing.

In the evening, the cli top restaurant not only serves excellent ood with

daily specials inspired by its English che, Jonathan Groves, but has awonderul view o the ocean at sunset. A la carte dining is also available

(at a supplement or hal board guests) and the restaurants sumptuous

sample menus can be viewed online at Gambia.co.uk/Ngalarestaurant.

The low key entertainment, along with a weekly Arican night with dancers,

create an inviting atmosphere.

With just 18 suites, excellent customer questionnaire eedback and a high

percentage o returning guests, this unique property really is a little gem.

ROOM FACILITIES

Double beds (some with twin mattresses)

Air-conditioning, mosquito nets

Minibar, telephone, Wi-Fi

Hairdryer & bathrobes

Saety deposit box

Tea and coee-making acilities

Television (Manor Suites only)

2 and 3 pin (UK) sockets

HOTEL FACILITIES

Swimming pool

Large gardens with sunbathing areas

Shared Jacuzzi in private Manor garden

Main bar plus drinks / snack service around

the gardens

18 suites

ROOM CHOICE

Suite 10 larger in size with a private Jacuzzi on

the terrace 17

The Penthouse on two foors with steep spiral

staircase plus private rootop terrace. The double

bedroom has a skylight 17

Manor suites very spacious with television,

DVD player and stunning sea views 19

Atlantic suites the largest suites with picture

windows and private outdoor Jacuzzi 39

Ngala Lodge is simply one o the most charmingplaces Ive ever visited. Intimate and private, it eels likea secret only a handul o travellers have been luckyenough to discover.

James Robinson, The Guardian


Hal board 20


Single room 55

3rd person sharing n/a

Child sharing (2-15 years) n/a



Voted top by our guestsIn winter 2010/11 our customers once again gave Ngala Lodge thehighest scores o any o our Luxury Collection properties: 92% or location 91% or room standards 89% or maid service 92% or meals 95% or service provided by hotel sta

*Figures taken rom winter 2010/11 holiday questionnaires


Atlantic suite



FLIGHT CHOICE









No. o

Nights

1-Nov

16-Nov

18-Dec

24-Dec

4-Mar

26-Mar

28-Nov

10-Dec

10-Feb

16-Feb

1-Jan

11-Jan

6-Apr

12-Apr

17-Nov

27-Nov

27-Jan

9-Feb

25-Dec

31-Dec

27-Mar

5-Apr

11-Dec

17-Dec

17-Feb

3-Mar

12-Jan

26-Jan

13-Apr

30-Apr

1038 1019 998 982 1417 1445 1081 1068 1092 1148 1059 1028 1121 1121 978

1245 1220 1196 1349 1746 1633 1300 1281 1379 1378 1269 1239 1370 1370 1182

1455 1423 1399 1778 2027 1784 1497 1482 1511 1530 1476 1445 1577 1499 1375

7

10

14

Prices are in s per person on Bed & Breakast in a Suite rom Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 60 APD, 20 ADF and 35 o other known taxes and charges.For 11 night holidays, add the extra night cost to the 10 night price and add the relevant fight supplement.





Imagine waking up in a our-poster bed in a lodge foating on theriver with the sound o The Gambias incredible dawn chorus as

your alarm clock; or escaping to a secluded eco-retreat on a deserted

stretch o beach; perhaps dining under the stars at your riverside

lodge; or staying in a small boutique hotel and exploring the local

village with your hosts all this and more is possible with a stay at

one o our Unique Collection lodges or boutique hotels.

This exclusive collection o lodges and boutique hotels

combines unique properties we have previously

eatured, plus a couple new to our programme or

2011. Each oers you relaxed indulgence with very

individual service and style and, although our standard

excursion programme is not available, they all share one

thing the opportunity to venture beyond the usual

tourist resorts and experience more o this wonderul

country, its people and wildlie.

UNIQUE

Te Unique CollectionExperience more on your holiday

A stay in a Unique Collection property is the chance to truly unwind,

to escape rom your usual pressures and relax in peaceul surroundings

whilst immersing yoursel in the local culture. Expect low-key but

very personal, riendly service and simple, reshly prepared cuisine.

Whilst the acilities and standard o accommodation dont quite meet

the high standards o our Luxury Collection properties, the service and

surroundings are nonetheless o a very good quality just with a more

laid-back style.

It is possible to spend the whole duration o your holiday at one o

these unique properties, although it is perhaps as appealing to combine

a ew days in one o these lodges or boutique hotels with a stay at

one o the coastal hotels or even with a trip to neighbouring Senegal.

To help you select which o these unique properties will appeal to

you, read our brie descriptions below; ull details are on the ollowing

pages or on our website, or o course you can speak to a member

o our expert team, several o whom have already visited the new

properties eatured.

Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest

Impressive foating or jungle lodges in the orest with a large

swimming pool.

Sitanunku Lodge

New riverside lodges on the North Bank, perect or shing,

birdwatching or simply as a relaxing, romantic hideaway.

Omakan Hotel

A small, boutique hotel with excellent cuisine oering an oasis

o calm in the heart o Sukuta village.

Sandele Eco-Retreat

Stylish suites and spacious guest rooms beside a secluded

stretch o beach.



29/68

ON HIS PAGEThe foating

Mandina Lodges

are a perect place

to relax and unwind

Te Unique CollectionVenture away rom the resort areas:

peaceul surroundings, local culture,riendly service, resh cuisine,

bareooted luxury.



Mandina LodgesMakasutu Forest

Unique Lodges Exclusive

Relaxing Birdwatching Private guides

HE UNIQUE COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/Mandina

win centre stays at MandinaFor the perect blend o beach relaxation and Arican wilderness,guests can combine a weeks stay at a coastal hotel with a 3 or 4 nightadd-on stay at Mandina Lodges. Alternatively, why not combine with

Sitanunku Lodge on the North Bank, just a 45 minute speedboattranser across the river. Add-ons including transers rom just 349per person on a hal board basis.

For peace and tranquillity in the heart o the Arican bush, thestriking riverside Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest oer anunorgettable experience in the wilderness with the chance to

discover the people and wildlie o The Gambia that have made

the orest their home: the amazing birdlie, monkeys, monitor

lizards and ever-increasing troupes o baboons.

During the day you can choose to relax by the large pool, blissully soaking

up the atmosphere, disturbed only by birdsong and the hum o chattering

monkeys; or take advantage o the expert guides provided, to explore the

orest and mangroves on oot or by canoe. You will become well-acquaintedwith your own guide during your stay and this personal and riendly service,

something you will nd with all the sta and which really makes a stay at

Mandina a unique experience, gives you great fexibility to plan your days

exactly as you would like. Following a leisurely breakast, why not enjoy a

walk through the orest, learning about the local plant lie rom your guide

and maybe spotting the baboons that inhabit the area? In the evening,

dinner is served al resco in one o the wooden or tented dining areas, and

sometimes the re is lit with the dancing fames creating a magical mood.

There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive yet slightly rustic eel,

ensuring an authentic bush experience. There are two styles o very unique,

yet impressive lodge at Mandina spacious Jungle lodges with roo terrace

are set back rom the river, whilst the popular River lodges are either foating

or on stilts.

Situated just 30 kilometres rom the coastal resorts on a tributary o the

River Gambia, the 1000 acre Makasutu Cultural Forest is the result o almost

20 years hard work by two Englishmen who were inspired by the beauty

o the area and motivated to return and build unique accommodation.

The ocus has always been on ensuring the local population benets rom

the orest and emphasis has been placed on using local materials and

employing sta rom the surrounding village communities, ensuring that

service is very riendly and personal with a small number o guests.

We believe a stay at Mandina provides a unique chance to experience the

real Arica in comortable and striking surroundings and we are not alone

the Lodges have won a place in the book 1001 Escapes To Make Beore

You Die which is a guide or those in search o the worlds most unusual

and beautiul places.

Please note that the standard excursion programme is not possible rom Mandina.

FACILITIES

Large pool and sun terraces

Bar and al resco dining areas

Dug-out canoes

Forest guides

8 lodges

LODGE FACILITIES

Four-poster bed

Fan

Mosquito nets

3 pin UK sockets

Tea / coee delivered to your lodge each morning

No energy-sapping air-conditioning or

ridge / minibar

ROOM CHOICE

Floating Lodge on a single-storey platorm

jutting into the river with al resco bathroom

with shower 15

Stilted Lodge separate bedroom, unique

outside bathroom, open-air lounge area and

second-storey dayroom 35

The best wow actor we have experiencedin a long time.

Mrs Bateson, London


Hal board included

Air-conditioning n/a

Single room 75

3rd person sharing a Jungle lodge -40

Child sharing (2-15 years) a Jungle lodge -40




Floating lodge



Stilted lodge

FLIGHT CHOICE








WINTER 2011-12 PRICES on Hal Board

No. o

Nights

1-Nov

16-Nov

18-Dec

24-Dec

4-Mar

26-Mar

28-Nov

10-Dec

10-Feb

16-Feb

1-Jan

11-Jan

6-Apr

12-Apr

17-Nov

27-Nov

27-Jan

9-Feb

25-Dec

31-Dec

27-Mar

5-Apr

11-Dec

17-Dec

17-Feb

3-Mar

12-Jan

26-Jan

13-Apr

30-Apr

425 399 375 349 475 475 425 399 425 449 425 375 425 425 349

1299 1278 1266 1250 1645 1648 1335 1317 1334 1412 1318 1298 1375 1375 1255

1629 1608 1576 1724 2060 1937 1671 1655 1720 1720 1655 1630 1746 1746 1572

3*

7

10

Prices are in s per person on Hal Board in a Jungle lodge rom Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 60 APD, 20 ADF and 35 o other known taxes and charges.For 11 night holidays, add the extra night cost to the 10 night price and add the relevant fight supplement.

*3 night add-on prices do not include fights but do include a transer rom a coastal hotel.Extra nights (per person per night) 1 Nov 10 Dec 109, 11 Dec 31 Dec 125, 1 Jan 30 Apr 114




Sitanunku LodgeNorth Bank

Unique Lodge Exclusive

ranquil Fishing Intimate

HE UNIQUE COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/Sitanunku

This is the frst tourist lodge situated on the North Bank othe River Gambia, enjoying spacious accommodation ina tranquil waterront location and stunning views. A perect

romantic hideaway and an opportunity to experience riendly

service in an idyllic setting.

Opened in January 2011, Sitanunku currently has 5 airy, comortable

en-suite lodges or an exclusive experience, each with an outdoor, grassed

seating area and terrace, complete with sunloungers. Lodges are spaced to

ensure a level o privacy and to maximise the river views rom their slightly

elevated position looking down to the water through impressive Baobab

trees, rom where the name sitanunku is derived.

Accommodation is provided on a hal board basis, with a small restaurant or

al resco dining close to the water s edge. The lodge has its own vegetable

garden and ood is reshly prepared; along with other tempting dishes, sh is

caught and served most days. Service is very riendly and personal, and most

sta come rom the nearby village thus ensuring close links with the local

community.

There is a plunge pool enjoying a abulous waterront location close to the

restaurant / bar, and private sunbathing areas are dotted throughout the

grounds. Guests can benet rom complimentary use o canoes to reach

nearby Dog Island, as well as shing rom the impressive jetty; novices and

experienced anglers can be catered or with some o the areas best shing

grounds close by. French boules and board games are available and eveningscan be spent sitting around the campre under the stars with your ellow

guests, or enjoying a drink whilst listening to the sound o the water lapping

gently against the shore. For an additional charge, guided birdwatching walks

and visits to the local village o S itanunku 5 kilometres away are possible, as

well as other excursions to explore the surrounding villages and countryside.

Just a 45-minute transer by ast boat rom Mandina Lodges, this delightul

property will appeal to those looking or a unique, tranquil holiday

experience, either as a stand-alone holiday, or a short stay combined with

Mandina or a resort hotel.

FACILITIES

Plunge pool

Restaurant / bar

Internet access in reception

Canoes, shing rom jetty

Visits to Sitanunku village & other excursions

(local charge)

Birdwatching walks, mountain bike hire

(local charge)

5 lodges (additional 5 planned)

LODGE FACILITIES

Kingsize beds

Mosquito nets, ans

Double shower

Wi-Fi (planned)

TRANSFERS

Sitanunku is a 45-minute transer by ast boat

rom Mandina Lodges, which are located

approximately 30 minutes rom the airport

and 45 minutes rom Kololi. Although transers

are not private, only small numbers are possible

so waiting times are minimal.

The location is superb, the ood excellentand all the sta were absolutely antastic, so riendlyand helpul. This is truly Gambias own littlebit o heaven.

We took the kayaks out on adventures every day,went fshing, identifed the amazing birds with a bookand went to the market with the sta. Just lovely amilytime together. And the ood was abulous too!

Mr Rushen, Hampshire

Marian, Mark, Kara (10) and Rhian (9)


Hal board included

Air-conditioning n/a

Single room 32

3rd person sharing -20







FLIGHT CHOICE








WINTER 2011-12 PRICES on Hal Board

No. o

Nights

1-Nov

16-Nov

18-Dec

24-Dec

4-Mar

26-Mar

28-Nov

10-Dec

10-Feb

16-Feb

1-Jan

11-Jan

6-Apr

12-Apr

17-Nov

27-Nov

27-Jan

9-Feb

25-Dec

31-Dec

27-Mar

5-Apr

11-Dec

17-Dec

17-Feb

3-Mar

12-Jan

26-Jan

13-Apr

30-Apr

375 349 325 295 495 495 395 349 375 425 375 349 395 395 325

1190 1178 1166 1150 1574 1586 1258 1247 1251 1326 1229 1184 1278 1278 1144

1452 1443 1429 1625 1895 1843 1541 1515 1572 1572 1519 1447 1558 1558 1395

3*

7

10

Prices are in s per person on Hal Board in a Standard room rom Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 60 APD, 20 ADF and 35 o other known taxes and charges.For 11 night holidays, add the extra night cost to the 10 night price and add the relevant fight supplement.

*3 night add-on prices do not include fights but do include a transer rom a coastal hotel.Extra nights (per person per night) 1 Nov 10 Dec 82, 11 Dec 31 Dec 96, 1 Jan 30 Apr 87




Omakan HotelSukuta


Intimate Relaxing Personal service

HE UNIQUE COLLECION

More Online Gambia.co.uk/Omakan

Te personal touchFollowing the hotels direct transer rom the airport, you will beintroduced to the sta who will be available to accompany you onwalking tours o the local area during your stay so you can really

experience how a small Arican community goes about its daily lie.In addition, Peter is happy to tailor-make day trips to allow you tosample Te Gambia during your stay in this home rom home.

New to our programme or Winter 2011/12, the boutiqueOmakan Hotel oers a unique opportunity to experiencequality accommodation and individual service, yet it is within

easy reach o a riendly Gambian village community.

Belgian owner, Peter, and his sta will greet you with a warm welcome

and be on hand to attend to your every need, starting with meeting you

at the airport to transer you directly by air-conditioned vehicle back to

the Omakan.

Located approximately 4 kilometres rom the coast, this small property o

only 15 comortable suites oers an oasis o calm, despite being surroundedby examples o traditional Gambian lie or you to discover; whether it

be a visit to a local school, or a compound to see skilled cratsmen and

learn more about their trades, or simply to wander the sae village streets

absorbing the colour and favour o Arica. Alternatively, head out and visit a

selection o unspoilt, sandy beaches the choice is yours. On your return,

why not relax by the pool or in a hammock in the gardens with a rereshing

drink within the tranquil haven o the hotel; or enjoy a relaxing massage or

manicure in the small massage parlour - you can do as much or as little as

you choose.

The spacious, open-plan pool suites, each with its own external seating area,

rame the small, inviting swimming pool, whilst 2-bedroomed Presidential

suites oer an alternative or two couples or amilies looking or a large living

space. All the suites highlight the owner Peters interest in collecting unusualitems and house examples o Arican artwork and wood carvings giving them

added appeal.

Dining at the Omakan is a real treat with daily changing menus served in an

elegant, intimate setting close to the pool. For a special occasion, why not

have breakast on your terrace or even dinner on the beach!

With only a small number o suites you are ensured o a warm welcome and

an exclusive experience at this delightul property, with the added appeal o a

chance to learn about the Gambian way o lie. The Omakan would be ideal

either as an add-on to a beach hotel or as a stand-alone holiday.

HOTEL FACILITIES

Swimming pool

Bar

Restaurant

Massage service (payable locally)

Local walking tours and excursions

(payable locally)

Wi-Fi

15 suites

SUITE FACILITIES

Double beds

Air-conditioning

Satellite TV

Hairdryer, bathrobes

Complimentary toiletries

Minibar

Tea / coee-making acilities

Unpacking service (on request)

ROOM CHOICE

Presidential suites - extremely spacious, with

2 en-suite double bedrooms and a separate

lounge / dining area. Based on 4 sharing

A little oasis on the outskirts o the bustlingvillage o Sukuta with excellent ood and service. For aunique experience visit the local area with one o theriendly sta.

Debbie Seierland, Sales Consultant


Hal board 20


Single room rom 22

3rd person sharing a pool suite -12







FLIGHT CHOICE

Tw

Documents

The Gambia Only 2012