Where to Stay
The Gambia offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resort hotels, self-catering apartments and guesthouses, to sophisticated spa and eco-lodges and upcountry mud-hut-style housing and bush camping.
The main tourist strip, which has most of the accommodations, covers more than 10km of the Atlantic coast, and is located about a 20min drive southwest of Banjul and about a 15min drive from the airport. Listed below are a few of the many accommodations available:
Note: The stars given to each accommodation are based on the star ratings of The Gambia so they may differ from other countries' standards.
Resorts and Hotels (alphabetical order)
**Badala Park Hotel, Kotu
Basic accommodations, pool and restaurant, about a 5 minute walk to the beach, AC's for rent.
*****Coconut Residence, Kololi
Luxurious accommodations with a great eclectically designed lounge and a wonderful restaurant. All the 22 suites have AC, fans, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, hairdryer, down pillows and duvet, and either a king or queen size bed. Four private villas with private pools are also available as are personal butlers. Facilities include several swimming pools, Internet cafe, currency exchange, and laundry.
*****Coco Ocean Resort and Spa, Kololi
Same owners as Coconut Residence, this recently developed resort is one of Gambia's loveliest accommodations with superior luxury suites, various swimming pools, nice beach location, and a fabulous Moroccan inspired spa. All amenities and facilities available including two on-site restaurants and a bar.
****Laico Atlantic Beach Hotel, Banjul
This hotel is situated away from the majority of tourist hotels and as it is in the centre of Banjul it would be a good choice if your holiday is hotel based. Laico is a popular place for those on business to The Gambia. Banjul has little to offer tourists by way of nightlife and many of the restaurants in the city close early. Good beach, Internet cafe, various sport activities, and all the rooms have AC, mini-bars, phone, TV, and hairdryers.
*Eddy's hotel & Bar, Farafenni
Really the only reliable place to stay in Farafenni, Eddy's is well known and with its basic rooms and cheap food, it's not a bad choice. A/C is available and be aware of the bar noise well into the night.
**Holiday Beach Club Hotel, Senegambia
Basic accommodations, pool and restaurant, on the beach, great location, if you get a cheap price it may be worth it for the flight itself.
*****The Kairaba Hotel, Senegambia
Large hotel with 156 rooms, one of the better hotels in The Gambia. All the rooms have AC, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, and hairdryers. Good facilities, including four restaurants and several shops, nicely kept grounds, a good beach, and right in the centre of the main tourist area. It also has the only observatory in The Gambia and a giant outdoor chess board.
****Kombo Beach Hotel, Kotu
Good value, popular with younger couples, good beach and nice breakfast buffet. All the 258 rooms have AC, TV, mini-bars, hairdryers, and a balcony/terrace. Kombo Beach now also offers a nice poker room called Spades with nightly games of Texas Hold'em and others.
*****Ngala Lodge, Fajara
Perched on a cliff, this former colonial mansion has an amazing view of the ocean, and private, eclectic surroundings. Some of the suites have their own private outdoor Jacuzzi. There are 18 suites in total and all come with AC, fans, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bar, hairdryers, and mosquito nets.
*****Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, Cape Point
Nice large hotel with 195 rooms. All the rooms have AC, phone, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, balcony/terrace, and hairdryers. Popular with couples, large pool, great beach, and the Ocean Clipper restaurant next door serves excellent food.
**Safari Garden Hotel, Fajara
Small and basic but a popular choice for volunteers and independent travellers, has a small clean pool and the beach is a 10 minute walk away. The restaurant on site serves good fresh food. AC's and fans are available for rent.
****Sandele Bay Eco-Retreat, Kartong
Run by the same couple as the Safari Garden Hotel, this newer hotel tries its best to keep things running responsibly and sustainably. Unique heat-reducing architecture, composting toilets that work, and giving back to the local community of Kartong is what Sandele is becoming known for. There are just over 20 suites, some with plunge pools. Restaurant on-site, beach just a few minutes walk away.
****Senegambia Beach Hotel, Senegambia
The first established tourist hotel in The Gambia, next to the Kairaba Hotel, youthful atmosphere and great bird viewing on-site. There are a total of 328 rooms, making it the largest hotel in The Gambia, with accommodations ranging from basic to fully furnished. There are two nice pools, lots of beach activities, and even a daily vulture feeding display.
*****Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa, Brufut
It is a bit out of the main tourist area, with a beautiful mix of African and modern architectural design, an infinity pool overlooking the calm Atlantic ocean, and a nice brunch on Sundays even for non-guests. There are 195 rooms, all with AC, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, phone, Internet, balcony/terrace with ocean views, tea & coffee making facilities, and hairdryers.
****Sunbeach Hotel & Resort, Cape Point
Popular with families, large pool, great beach, situated right next to Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort. It has 184 rooms that all come with AC, safe-deposits, mini-bars, TV, phone, terrace, and hairdryers.
***Sunset Beach Hotel, Kotu
Nice wide stretch of beach and standard accommodations. Some rooms have AC.
Guest Houses and Camps
*Alaka-bung Lodge, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
Cheap, some electricity, basic round cement huts and nightly entertainment. Restaurant on-site makes nice Benechin.
*Baobolong Camp, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
Probably the best option for accommodation in Janjanbureh, this basic camp on the river has comfortable round cement huts with fans, flushing toilets, showers and electricity for part of the day. If there are enough guests, the camp will put on a dance show and buffet dinner consisting of a local dish and a few other items.
*Bird Safari Camp, Janjanbureh (Georgetown)
More expensive then the Baobolong Camp but offers similar accommodations plus safari-style tents on the river and a swimming pool. It is located on a quiet, far end of the island and is currently converting to solar power.
***Guesthouse Gambia, Sanyang
Beautiful B&B in the laid-back fishing village of Sanyang. Offering 3 double rooms in a large villa, private balconies, lush garden, swimming pool, tennis court, and only a 10min walk to the beach. Electricity, maid services, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
***Hibiscus House, Brufut
This bed and breakfast is in the residential area of Brufut. It has beautifully manicured gardens with a clean pool and comfortable rooms - a true oasis surrounded by lively local compounds. Spa treatments are available on-site.
**Leybato Guest House, Fajara
On the beach with nice lazy hammocks, basic rooms, and a simple restaurant. Go for the location rather than the accommodations.
Lodges
*****Mandina Lodge, Makasutu Cultural Forest, Brikama
A true eco-lodge situated on a river with luxurious floating accommodations, lodge rooms and stilted suites amidst a dense jungle forest full of life.
****Sitanunku Lodge, Dog Island
Located on the North Bank of the River Gambia, this new, secluded little lodge in amongst a grove of baobabs along a peninsula is really the only "luxury" accommodation choice in the area, though it has no air-conditioning to keep the environmental impact minimal. The private rooms are lovely as will the new infinity pool be once it's completed. The on-site restaurant has good food and the fishing here is great.
Camping
Practically anywhere you would like, though make sure to ask for permission at the nearest village (you may be asked to pay a small fee) and be aware of the wildlife, bush fires, and flooding during the rainy season.
Camping equipment will be very hard to find in The Gambia so be prepared with your own tent, mosquito net, sleeping mat, travel sheet/sleeping bag liner, a stove, and cooking and eating utensils.
Other
*****The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust's Camp, Baboon Islands, River Gambia National Park
Established in 1969 by Stella Marsden who sadly passed away in 2008, the Trust is Africa's longest running chimpanzee rehabilitation project and is now home to more than 80 chimps which can be viewed on organized trips with the Trust. Four private, all-inclusive, safari-like accommodations in sophisticated en-suite tents are available here. Note: The Trust is currently undergoing some changes, although accommodations are still available, please contact them for further information.
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