Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Gambia beach accommodation, independent reviews
 Reviewed 6 Jan 2009 by Jane Freemantle |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The campfires on the beach which were lit when anyone was leaving after a week's stay. The fabulous staff played traditional drums and we watched shooting stars, under the stars, whilst dancing and singing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a torch!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. The helpful and friendly staff were indigenous and acted as guides when we visited the local village and Banjul and various other areas of interest.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The accommodation is very basic but very very cheap, but as you spend very little time in the huts it doesn’t matter. It was the most fantastic experience enhanced by the surroundings and welcoming locals.
| Reviewed 7 Dec 2005 by Hilary Rafipay | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of this holiday was the peace and tranquillity and the unspoilt beauty of a deserted clean beach. Accommodation was basic but adequate and fun. We shared our hut with a frog, a large spider and a gecko who seemed to think that as his head was out of sight he was invisible! Washing facilities were very basic i.e. a bucket of water and a large mug which could pose a problem.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The area is alive with things to do and see. We had a fascinating time at the reptile farm ...well worth a visit and enjoyed a super pizza at a restaurant by the river watching the boats crossing the border from Cassamance. Another day we enjoyed lunch at the Gunjur Beach Motel and walked back along the beach. The Lemon Fish is within walking distance for art and handicrafts and a refreshing drink. We would recommend using the local bush taxis and cycling.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We ate regularly at the bar overlooking the beach and the food was good. There was no entertainment at night but that suited us. After a little conversation at the bar it was early to bed and early to rise. The complex was run by a Gambian lady called Yama. She employed locals and it benefited the local community.
4. Any other comments?
It was exactly what we were searching for and we will definitely return.
| Reviewed 29 Dec 2006 by June Wright | |
A great holiday thanks very much.
This lodge is in the most beautiful location and run by such hospitable and friendly staff.
Take torch (no electricity) and alcohol hand scrub (scarce running water).
Kartong village businesses have responded to the need to deliver sustainable development such as at this lodge in order to avoid the overdevelopment seen in the main tourist areas.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This lodge is in the most beautiful location and run by such hospitable and friendly staff.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take torch (no electricity) and alcohol hand scrub (scarce running water).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Kartong village businesses have responded to the need to deliver sustainable development such as at this lodge in order to avoid the overdevelopment seen in the main tourist areas.
| Reviewed 18 Dec 2006 by marguerite wallis | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me it was getting a bonfire going on the beach and doing some drumming. Just give me the sea though and I'm happy. My daughter enjoyed an impromptu drumming with drummers in Brikama. They were so generous with their time and fun to be with.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take all the money you will need. ATM s were unreliable while we were there. Don't make promises you can't keep. people there are so desperate to get someone to sponsor them and their projects and just to get some money. There's a lot of mistrust between tourists and sellers/ bumsters - and guilt tripping - which is totally understandable- but an unfortunate side effect of tourism. Its such a fickle market I worry about them giving everything up to seek their fortunes by begging. We enjoyed travelling by bush taxi and they were very honest- it's the only time we didn't have to haggle and we got to know locals on more even terms.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Well washing out of a bucket meant a lot less water was used than in a hotel. I'm honestly not sure we benefited the local people- we did get a local tailor to make a shirt and gave money to various people who insisted on helping us out. Expectations are so high when a white person is spotted, as most people know of someone who's life was "turned around" by a Westerner and we met a few ourselves. I did a bit of litter picking- but tourists are messy and those plastic bottles of water!!- I asked for boiled water- but it was a hassle for the cook. I wanted to help in the garden- but it didn't seem to be a good time- Miriyamma mentioned digging sweet potatoes - but it didn't happen. I think they got too busy.
4. Any other comments?
I was born in Africa so I love it. We had a fantastic time and admired the tenacity of the local people once we got to know each other a bit better - but there are no easy answers.
| Reviewed 11 Feb 2006 by Claire Jenkins | |
We booked a weeks stay at this Beach Lodge through your site in February and were unfortunately very disappointed; we stayed one night, then moved on to this accommodation, where we very much enjoyed the next few days.
I had made the booking by email and have checked that I gave the right dates and asked for two huts - when we arrived, we had been expected the day before and only one hut had been prepared for us. Our greeting was not at all welcoming; the owner I had emailed with is currently working in Senegal and his wife did not arrive back till we were leaving in the morning, though she was expected 'in half an hour' all evening. Although their teenage son was friendly and helpful, the attention from anyone else was minimal and felt grudging. We were the only people staying in what seemed a very run down and uncared for development, with no sign of 'eco' credentials - the water was brought in big plastic containers from a tap in the local village; we couldn't see any vegetables being grown or any sign of the horse and cart, though several cars and trucks. We knew that the huts were basic, but had expected a little more in the way of sanitation than a bucket; the only running water was the flushing toilets.
The setting was lovely and the place could have been wonderful if it had been cared for and the staff had been welcoming; as it was, it was not a pleasant experience.
Our toilets are flushing but the water is pumped by a solar pump and goes into a deep hole. The rooms are spotless and all tiled and as the photo in the website shows. Our staff are noted for their friendly and personal attention and that is the main reason people stay. We have two vehicles, one for taking kids to school and the other as a workhorse and collecting water.
I had made the booking by email and have checked that I gave the right dates and asked for two huts - when we arrived, we had been expected the day before and only one hut had been prepared for us. Our greeting was not at all welcoming; the owner I had emailed with is currently working in Senegal and his wife did not arrive back till we were leaving in the morning, though she was expected 'in half an hour' all evening. Although their teenage son was friendly and helpful, the attention from anyone else was minimal and felt grudging. We were the only people staying in what seemed a very run down and uncared for development, with no sign of 'eco' credentials - the water was brought in big plastic containers from a tap in the local village; we couldn't see any vegetables being grown or any sign of the horse and cart, though several cars and trucks. We knew that the huts were basic, but had expected a little more in the way of sanitation than a bucket; the only running water was the flushing toilets.
The setting was lovely and the place could have been wonderful if it had been cared for and the staff had been welcoming; as it was, it was not a pleasant experience.
Read the operator's response here:
On the eco issue, our washing water comes sometimes from the village which has a solar pump, we pay our dues and have to bring it by landrover. All other water is pumped by our solar pump. All electricity and lighting is from solar. All vegetables are grown by local women and we buy them at normal price and give them seeds and money to fence and dig wells.Our toilets are flushing but the water is pumped by a solar pump and goes into a deep hole. The rooms are spotless and all tiled and as the photo in the website shows. Our staff are noted for their friendly and personal attention and that is the main reason people stay. We have two vehicles, one for taking kids to school and the other as a workhorse and collecting water.