Senegal - West Africa

Transcription

The Gambia
& Senegal - West Africa
November 2013 - October 2014
UNIQUE
Contents
WELCOME to The Gambia Experience
WHY CHOOSE The Gambia or Senegal, or both?
4-5
6-7
THE GAMBIA
What to expect
Eating out
Gambia resort areas
Out & about - 10 memorable days
Our hotel collections
All-inclusive & dining packages
Pure Indulgence
The Luxury Collection
The Unique Collection
Other hotels in The Gambia
More online
Rivers of West Africa cruise & stay
8-10
11
12-13
14-15
16
17
18-19
20-29
30-37
38-53
54
55
SENEGAL
Discover Senegal
Senegal tours
Senegal resort areas
Hotels in Senegal
More online
56-57
58
59
60-66
67
FURTHER INFORMATION
Multi-centre holidays
Birdwatching & fishing
Weddings, honeymoons & special occasions
Group travel
Sustainability
A-Z Things to know before you go
Summer holidays
FAQs and AITO charter
Flight information
Premium class and travel insurance
How to book
Fair trading charter
68-69
70-71
72
73
74-75
76-78
78
79
80
81
82
83
GAMBIA HOTELS A-Z
African Village Hotel
Bakotu Hotel
Bijilo Beach Hotel
Bungalow Beach Aparthotel
Cape Point Hotel
Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
Fajara Hotel
Hibiscus House
Kombo Beach Hotel
Laico Atlantic Beach Hotel
Leo’s Beach Hotel
Mandina Lodges
Ngala Lodge
Ocean Bay Hotel
Palma Rima Hotel
Sandele Eco-Retreat
Sarge’s Hotel
Senegambia Hotel
Sheraton Gambia Hotel
Sunset Beach Hotel
The Kairaba Beach Hotel
Cover: Coco Ocean Resort & Spa | Bijilo Beach
This page: Ngala Lodge beach
2
For more advice or to book call the experts on 0845 330 4567
52
50
48
49
54
34-35
22-23
54
54
40-41
46-47
28-29
32-33
24-25
42-43
53
36-37
51
44-45
38-39
54
26-27
I’ve spent longer in The Gambia than ever before over
the last year, this being our 25th anniversary. To commemorate
this, we provided funds for over 25 innovative projects which are
dramatically improving conditions for the Gambian people. Many
projects are run by individuals introduced to The Gambia as
customers of ours, who fell in love with the country, returned year
after year on holiday, then also wanted to ensure that tourism
benefited the country – something we wholeheartedly agree with.
New, quality accommodation is hard to come by but this year
I discovered Leo’s - a lovely new boutique hotel which is a great
addition to our programme. There should be other possibilities later
in the year to help accommodate the growing number of tourists:
British visitor numbers remain strong, and Dutch and Scandinavians
are discovering in greater numbers what the British have known for
years - that there is nowhere closer offering reliable winter sun, an
excellent range of hotels and restaurants, no time difference, and
genuinely friendly, English-speaking people. Established, good quality
hotels are now virtually full during winter, therefore we strongly
suggest that you secure the holiday of your choice early – most of
our brochure prices remain the same as last year and we still only
ask for a £95 deposit.
Whether it is your first or 25th visit, travelling alone or with a
group, we look forward to welcoming you to The Gambia.
CHRIS ROWLES
Managing Director
Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially
protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday
and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection
may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the
booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all
the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected.
Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information
about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/
ATOLCertificate. Our ATOL number is 1866. We are also members of ABTA and
AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page 79.
5113
3
INTRODUCTION
Welcome
to The Gambia Experience
Nobody knows West Africa like we do. We have been arranging holidays to
The Gambia for over 25 years, earning a reputation as the specialist to the
destination and we have more recently extended our experience within the
region to Senegal and the islands of Cape Verde.
The range of holidays we offer gives you the best choice
of accommodation and flights to suit all budgets and we
realise the importance of matching each individual to the
right hotel – it can make the difference between a good
holiday and an unforgettable experience! But you don’t
need to take our word for it, 90%* of our customers
would recommend us to their friends.
Staff with first-hand experience
All our reservations staff have visited The Gambia at
least once and each year return to ensure they have
up-to-date information on the country and hotels.
The vast majority have also been to Senegal, so when
booking your holiday you can speak with someone who
has been to the region and knows the properties well.
They’ll be happy to share this knowledge with you to
ensure you book the perfect location for your holiday.
In fact, in the last year our staff spent well over 200
nights in West Africa, ensuring that we are the experts.
Honeymoon and wedding planners
Looking for something different to the large all-inclusive
resorts of the Caribbean? The Gambia offers an unspoilt
and exotic alternative, and is an increasingly popular
wedding and honeymoon destination. For some
suggestions on our favourite locations in both The
Gambia and Senegal please go to page 72.
Dedicated groups department
We have an experienced groups team in the UK and
in resort who can help with arrangements as well as
negotiate the best possible price for your requirements.
For more information on free places and the service we
provide, please see page 73.
*Figure from winter 2012/13 holiday questionnaires.
4
Biggest and best resort team
We realise our service to you does not stop the
moment you step on the plane. In The Gambia we
have a team based permanently in the country, which
is headed up by our British resort manager, Joyce,
who has worked in The Gambia since 1985, and for
us for the last 16 years. We actively recruit Gambian
representatives, many of whom have been with us for
10 years or longer. They are keen to share their love for
their country, providing useful local information to help
you make the most of 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 for a
perfect holiday. How much you decide to use our service
is up to you. In Senegal we work closely with a local
handling agent to look after our customers in resort.
Unbeatable holiday choice to The Gambia
We offer the widest range of holidays, from boutique
hotels to value for money properties, along with
direct, daytime flights and upgraded flying options.
We also specialise in multi-centre and tailor-made
holidays and with our experience we can help you select
your perfect trip.
Unbeatable holiday choice to Senegal
The Senegal Experience offers a wide range of quality
accommodation in carefully selected river and beach
locations – or why not choose one of our private tours?
You can enjoy this beautiful, French-speaking country
either by scheduled flights into Dakar or via Banjul in
The Gambia.
INTRODUCTION
Here is a sample of the holiday options we can offer
for your next winter sun holiday, but don’t forget that
we fly to both destinations throughout the year.
See page 78 for information on summer holidays in West Africa.
What’s new?
• Leo’s Beach Hotel is a fantastic addition to our Luxury Collection – this
intimate, boutique hotel offers high quality accommodation and fabulous
sea views
• ‘Bon Appetit’ half board dining package at The Kairaba offering 4 buffet
meals in the hotel with 3 nights at your leisure
• New, impressive Mangrove Lodge at Makasutu to cater for increasing
demand for this unique and special place
• Bird viewing deck at family-run Bakotu Hotel, favourite of Chris Packham
who describes it as a ‘home from home’
The luxury experience
The best boutique properties, spa hotels and unique lodges in The Gambia
and Senegal are exclusively available through us. Premium Class flights from
Gatwick to Banjul and private transfers are also available to enhance your
holiday experience.
All-inclusive holidays
This year we feature 4 hotels on all-inclusive, with alternative dining packages
available at a wide range of hotels (see page 17).
It is always a pleasure dealing with such a
professional team who are always willing to help
and who have gone the extra mile to ensure all
our demands were met.
KENNY ALvAREZ
Royal Gibraltar Regiment
Multi-centre holidays
Your holiday in The Gambia and beyond can be as relaxing or as
adventurous as you wish. If you want to split your holiday between a luxury
lodge and beach hotel, an eco-property and a spa hotel, or venture further
afield to Senegal then we can help you choose and make it all happen as
smoothly as possible. Some ideas of our favourite combinations can be found
on pages 68-69.
Birdwatching
You don’t have to be an avid twitcher to enjoy the variety of birdlife on offer in
this region, whether it be wandering around the grounds of your hotel or on
an organised birdwatching tour. We are delighted to be working once again
with Chris Packham – see pages 70 & 71 for information on his 2014 tours.
More online – Gambia.co.uk & Senegal.co.uk
Visit our comprehensive websites where you can book securely online
24 hours a day and view more in-depth information about the countries and
all our carefully selected accommodation – including maps, hints and tips,
customer, staff and press reviews, online chat facility, plus extensive photo
galleries and videos.
The Serenity service
Both The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are part of Serenity
Holidays Ltd, an independent, fully bonded tour operator which prides itself on
the quality of its holidays and the personal service provided to customers.
• Over 25 years’ experience of organising holidays to West Africa
• In-depth knowledge of the destinations
• FREE Gambia/Senegal Guide with money off vouchers for holidaymakers
staying in The Gambia
• Loyalty discounts for repeat customers
• 5★ AITO sustainable tourism status
• Brochure priced holidays include in-flight meals and transfers plus 20kg
luggage allowance (46kg for Dakar flights)
• Low deposit
• Fully bonded to ensure customers have complete financial security
Contact your Local Travel Agent or book at Gambia.co.uk
5
INTRODUCTION
Why Choose...
The Gambia or Senegal, or perhaps both
The neighbouring West African countries of
The Gambia and Senegal share a lot of similarities
in their traditions, landscapes, climate and culture
but there are also many differences.
Primarily, The Gambia is an easier option both in terms of travel and
communication as it is English speaking and serviced with direct flights from
the UK, with resort areas being easily accessible. Senegal requires a little
more effort but for more adventurous travellers this will be well rewarded.
6
Both countries benefit from:
• Fantastic winter sun, from November to June
• Uncrowded sandy beaches
• Same time zone, so no jet lag
• Varied birdlife, wildlife and fishing
• Exotic, vibrant cultures
Here we try to highlight the main differences to help you make your decision
but, if you need any more help, do not hesitate to call us or visit our very
detailed websites, incorporating an online chat facility.
INTRODUCTION
The Gambia – The smiling coast of Africa
Senegal – The French coast of Africa
The Gambia is the perfect, safe introduction to Africa. If you’re a first time
traveller to this area or to The Gambia itself you need to be prepared for
visiting a developing country but also to fall in love with the place; we have
and so too have many of our customers, in fact last winter over 50%* of
those travelling with us had been to The Gambia before. As well as the many
attractions of the country and its people, it’s hard to find another winter
sun destination that enables you to leave the cold of England on a winter’s
morning and be at your hotel in 30°C sunshine by the afternoon. But there
are many more reasons to visit The Gambia including:
Senegal remains a relatively undiscovered destination for British
holidaymakers, although it has long been a favourite destination for the
French and Belgians. There are many reasons why a number of our
customers are choosing to venture to Senegal, many opting to combine
it with a visit to The Gambia, here are just a few:
• Excellent, uncrowded beaches of golden sand
• Direct flights – approximately 6 hours and transfers are short
• English speaking and locals are very friendly
• Outside the Euro zone, offering good value for money
• Wide range of quality accommodation and restaurants
• Unspoilt and uncommercialised
• River, bush and beach excursions to experience the wildlife and people
• Permanent team of European and Gambian staff offering expert support
*Figure from winter 2012/13 holiday questionnaires.
• Clear blue water and fabulous beaches
• Interesting tourist sites: île de Gorée, Le Lac Rose
• Extensive birdlife, wildlife and animal reserves
• Activities including watersports, sailing, horse-riding and golf
• World class ocean and river fishing
• Exotic, friendly people and excellent cuisine
The Gambia and Senegal share many
attractions: a sun-bathed tropical coastline, lush
riverine landscapes teeming with birds and monkeys,
the infectious exuberance of the people – but they
also offer a very different type of experience.
PHILIP BRIGGS
Author of Insight Guide to Gambia & Senegal
7
THE GAMBIA
What to expect...
The smiling coast of Africa
For winter sun and an introduction to Africa,
The Gambia is hard to beat – the climate, friendly
English-speaking people and short flight and transfer
times all add to its appeal; summer offers a quiet
alternative to the busier resorts of Europe.
Our experienced UK staff will be happy to share their first-hand knowledge
with you so you are well-prepared for what to expect.
Some background information
The Gambia is a former 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 of the smallest countries in Africa, situated
on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is
dominated by the impressive River Gambia from which it takes its name.
Value for money
Experience something different
The Gambia is outside the Euro zone and offers better value for money
than many other popular tourist destinations, both when in resort and in
the cost of your holiday, particularly The Luxury and Unique Collections and
summer holidays. The Gambia’s currency is the Dalasi and in the last year
the exchange rate was between 49 and 53 Dalasi to the pound.
Although 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 feel
as though you’ve truly arrived in Africa. Travel to rural villages to watch palm
wine tappers, drive through the African bush to hear the monkeys chattering
and watch flocks of colourful birds fly overhead; even from the comfort
of your hotel you can listen to the drums of local entertainers and watch
incredible energetic dancing.
However, The Gambia isn’t right for everyone and it is important to know
what to expect and to choose the right location – that’s where we can help.
People travelling to a developing country for the first time can find it a culture
shock – there is poverty and begging but there is also genuine hospitality and
you will meet some of the friendliest people on Earth. Outside the hotels
and on the beaches there are Gambians selling fruit, nuts and handicrafts
but it is the ones trying to work as unofficial guides or “bumsters” that can
become a nuisance, although numbers are decreasing. Again, we try to
prepare everyone with advice in our guide book and welcome meetings on
the best way to deal with them – you will soon realise that there’s no need
to worry.
No language barrier
The official language in The Gambia is English and this is widely spoken;
newspapers and road signs are also printed in English so you’ll immediately
feel at ease. Gambians are educated in English but there are several tribal
languages including Mandinka, Wolof and Jola so most Gambians are at
least bilingual.
8
THE GAMBIA
Properties within our Unique Collection do not have a grading attributed to
them. We consider these to have unique features and so are hard to classify
despite offering quality accommodation.
Activities and excursions
For many guests, relaxing in the sunshine followed by a refreshing swim is as
much activity as they’re looking for on their holiday, but if you want a little
more to do, there is plenty to choose from. There are excellent spa facilities
at Coco Ocean and The Sheraton hotels, good fishing and birdwatching
opportunities, an 18-hole sand golf course at Fajara, as well as sports
facilities within some hotels. We also offer a range of organised excursions
which include travelling through the African bush in a 4-wheel drive truck
and cruising the waterways by boat or African pirogue, or we can suggest
a host of things to do for the more independent holidaymaker. For more
suggestions on memorable days out see pages 14-15 and 70-71 or visit
Gambia.co.uk/Excursions
Get out and see the real Gambia
Laid back nightlife
The appeal of The Gambia is how quickly you unwind and leave behind
the stress of the UK. For most of our guests evening entertainment usually
involves a nice meal, a few drinks and perhaps watching a local band.
There is a good selection of bars and restaurants, particularly in Kololi and
Kotu, either within walking distance or a short taxi ride from your hotel.
There are also a few nightclubs, two small casinos and most hotels offer
some entertainment – from a single kora player to an African dance troupe.
If you want to travel independently in The Gambia most hotels have a taxi
rank nearby. However, although they are regulated, most wouldn’t 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 of getting
around and absorbing the local flavour. There is a fully lit tarmac road from
the airport to the hotel areas but off the main highways road surfaces can be
a little bumpy, to say the least!
Hotel standards
As a developing country, hotel service levels and gradings in The Gambia
cannot be compared to those in European destinations, although there
is some excellent quality accommodation on offer. As a destination it is
not over-developed with no high-rise hotels, and there are a number of
internationally recognised sustainable tourism projects – if this is something
that interests you, consider staying at Mandina Lodges, Leo’s Beach Hotel or
Sandele Eco-Retreat or read more online at Gambia.co.uk/ST
The official hotel ratings, awarded by the Gambia Tourist Board in February
2010, are currently under review. We prefer to use our own rating system,
which is represented with a hibiscus flower and based on the views of our
customers and our own 26 years of experience.
5
/ Boutique hotels – Coco Ocean, Ngala Lodge, The Kairaba, Leo’s
4
hotels – Sheraton, Ocean Bay, Laico Atlantic
3.5 / 3 hotels – Kombo Beach, Senegambia, Bijilo Beach, Bungalow
Beach, Sunset Beach, Bakotu
2.5
/2
hotels – Palma Rima, Cape Point, Sarge’s Hotel, African Village
9
THE GAMBIA
Religion
A fantastic climate
The population of The Gambia is mostly Muslim, although there is a small
number of Christians who live alongside them in peace – even intermarrying.
Other cultures are accepted and alcohol is served in the hotels, restaurants
and shops – the country even has its own brewery. Although tolerant, we do
ask customers to adopt a modest standard of dress when outside the hotels,
particularly in more rural areas. The festival of Ramadan lasts for one month
from 27th June 2014.
An ideal winter sun destination, The Gambia enjoys almost
uninterrupted sunshine and high daytime temperatures from November
to June, and rainfall is virtually unheard of. It is less known as a summer
destination but many customers prefer this quieter time when the
landscape is transformed into lush green with colourful flowering trees.
Families
Adventurous children will find 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
for the first time is an experience at any age. And then there are the
uncrowded, sandy beaches to explore and enjoy. The majority of hotels
offer child discounts and, although there are no organised kids’ clubs,
several have ad hoc activities and facilities for children and separate children’s
pools – our staff would be happy to offer specific advice.
Sunshine hours (Average)
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
8
9
9
10
10
10
10
9
6
6
6
8
2
1
1
2
4
5
6
7
6
6
5
3
Temperature C (Average maximum)
O
Medication
We strongly suggest you consult your doctor before booking. Although
no inoculations are compulsory for entry from the EU, certain medication,
including anti-malarial tablets, will be recommended. Up-to-date advice is
available from the World Health Organisation at www.who.int/ith and
the Department of Health leaflet (Ref T7.1) “Health Advice for Travellers”
is available from your GP, travel agent or online.
The Gambia is one of many countries where the risk of contracting malaria
is very real but this is an avoidable illness provided precautions are taken.
We suggest using an effective insect repellent to avoid being bitten and
ensuring you complete the full course of anti-malarial medication prescribed.
Visiting Gambia was an inspiring,
beautiful, thought-provoking experience. Every
moment was special as the country and people
were always giving and giving yet needing. The
Gambia Experience provides a great platform
to taste a progressing country and subtly leaves
you wanting more. The Gambia is more than a
destination, it is a developing journey.
MR HANSON, Surrey
10
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
32
31
31
32
34
33
32
32
30
29
31
32
10
7
6
7
10
13
17
20
22
21
19
14
London Averages =
EATING OUT
The Gambia has a good choice of restaurants serving
a range of cuisine both within the hotels and resorts,
which have attracted a number of international chefs
who now live and work in the country.
You can choose between Chinese, Indian, Thai, Lebanese, Italian, English
and of course Gambian cuisine, to name just a few. The standard is generally
good and prices are a little lower than in the UK – a 3 course meal in one of
the country’s top restaurants costs around £30 per person excluding drinks
whilst a simple meal and a beer can cost around £10.
Of particular note is the abundance of freshly caught seafood including
ladyfish, barracuda, captain fish, snapper, butterfish, lobster and huge
Atlantic prawns. Vegetarians are increasingly well catered for and many
hotels will offer a vegetarian dish or cook something to order.
Eating out
A wide range of cuisine to choose from
Restaurant guide and discount vouchers
All of our package holidaymakers receive a complimentary Gambia Guide
with their tickets, which includes a restaurant guide with descriptions of the
restaurants, the type of cuisine they serve and their locations. Better still,
there are discount vouchers of up to 10%, valid in the featured restaurants
to save you money whilst on holiday. To get a flavour of the excellent
cuisine you can expect before you book, visit our online restaurant guide
Gambia.co.uk/Restaurants. For those who prefer to budget for their holiday
in advance, all-inclusive holidays and dining packages are now available at a
selection of hotels, please see page 17 for further details.
Whilst most of our hotels are based on bed and breakfast or all-inclusive,
it is possible to book half board if you prefer. Mandina Lodges and Sandele
Eco-Retreat are based on half board due to their locations and provide an
opportunity to sample fresh local produce, often cooked to order. A stay at
Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp will be on a full board basis.
Here are some examples of restaurants and cuisine
to be found close to resort areas:
• Ngala Lodge
• Calypso at the Cape
Fine dining in a cliff top setting
Beachside dining and crocodile watching
• Clay Oven
Popular Indian cuisine
• Captain’s Table
• Boss Lady
International cuisine with shrimp
specials in Kotu
Gambian open-air restaurant/café
• Scala
Family-run restaurant with an extensive
international menu and good steaks
• Seashells
Friendly atmosphere with lobster thermidor as a favourite special
• Al Basha
Lebanese cuisine
• Tao Restaurant
Asian restaurant in Kololi
• El Sol
Mexican cuisine and cocktails
A personal experience
’Whenever I visit The Gambia, I always look forward to dining out and discovering any new restaurants
that have appeared – the small, friendly Seashells Restaurant in Kololi is a notable addition this year and
proving very popular with tourists and locals alike. There is such a wide variety of sumptuous cuisine on offer,
whether it be for a light bite of Mexican tapas or Lebanese delicacies, or for a fine dining experience in one
of our boutique hotels. But I never miss the opportunity to sample some of the freshly caught fish and tiger
prawns that The Gambia has to offer – I can’t wait to get back!
KAREN DURHAM, Product Manager, The Gambia Experience
11
RESORT AREAS
The Gambia offers a good choice of resort areas of different sizes and atmospheres, however it is easy to visit
other resorts if you wish to explore further afield.
Some assume that on holiday in The Gambia people are confined to their hotels but this really isn’t the case at all. Whilst some customers do choose a hotelbased holiday, the coastal area is only small so it is fairly quick to travel from one resort to another, and to/from the airport; it is possible to stay in a quiet area
but still enjoy the attractions of a busier resort – for example it takes 20-30 minutes in a taxi from Banjul to Kololi, depending on traffic. Alternatively, why not
choose a twin centre with one of our more remote lodges to enjoy the best of both worlds?
Although not overdeveloped like some tourist destinations, most resorts have a taxi rank, bank, telephone centre, supermarket, craft market, bars and
restaurants. All areas are busier during winter and some of the bars and restaurants will close in summer so it’s best to check with us for the most up-to-date
information. Here are brief details to help you select the ideal location for your holiday but call us if you would like more advice as all of our staff have visited
each of the resorts. All transfer times are approximate from Banjul airport.
Gambia resort areas
Which resort to choose?
ATLANTIC OCEAN
African Village
Ngala Lodge
5
SCALE
0
0
Fajara
Bungalow Beach
Bakotu
Kombo Beach
Sunset Beach
Km
Golf
Course
3
Senegambia
The Kairaba
KEY
Villages
Properties
Coco Ocean
Bijilo Beach
Bijilo
National
Park
ESSAU
BUNIADU
Laico
Atlantic
Beach
Oyster
Creek
OLD
JESWANG
Ferry to
North Bank
& Senegal
SERREKUNDA
Sarge’s Hotel
KOLOLI
BIJILO
Cape Point
Ocean Bay
FAJARA
KOTU
MAYAMBA
BARRA
BAKAU
Palma Rima
Miles
CAPE POINT
BANJUL
BAKOTEH
SUKUTA
Leo’s Beach
The Sheraton
ATLANTIC OCEAN
GHANA
TOWN
Abuko
Nature
Reserve
Hibiscus House
BRUFUT
THE RIVER GAMBIA
LAMIN
OLD
YUNDUM
MANDINARI
JEREH
KUNGOTO
DOG ISLAND
TANJI
YUNDUM
TUJURING
Chimpanzee
Rehabilitation
Project Camp
THE GAMBIA
Sandele
SOUTH SENEGAL
Sandele
12
Sitanunku Lodge
Mandina Lodges
JAMBUR
NORTH SENEGAL
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
BANJUL
Banjul
International
Airport
BRIKAMA
RESORT AREAS
Bijilo beach
Kololi – The Gambia’s liveliest resort
Cape Point – Quieter area with fantastic beach
Stay here if you want the convenience of everything on your doorstep.
This is by far the most established resort in The Gambia; known locally
as ‘The Strip’ it consists of three streets of bars, restaurants and nightclubs
which cater for tourists, locals and the ex-pat community. In total there are
over 30 restaurants, 2 casinos, a craft market, banks, internet cafés and
shops. The sandy beach is suffering from erosion so the size does vary.
The highlight of Cape Point is the beach which is one of the best in the
country. There are also a few restaurants as well as a small craft market,
mini-market and exchange bureau plus bustling Bakau is only a 10-minute
walk away. Crocodiles can be spotted near Calypso bar/restaurant.
Hotels in Kololi: The Kairaba, Senegambia and Sarge’s Hotel.
Transfer time: 25 minutes
Kotu – A beachside cluster of hotels, small bars and restaurants
This area provides a quieter, more low-key alternative to Kololi and there is a
small selection of beach bars and restaurants, most within hotels. It is a good
choice for families as the beach is flat and sandy, and the area is also popular
with birdwatchers. Other facilities include a taxi rank, exchange bureau, small
mini-market, telephone centre and a craft market.
Hotels in Kotu: Kombo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Bakotu and Sunset Beach.
Bakau – A working African town
Bakau is a bustling little town with a maze of small dirt roads and is an ideal
area to experience the real Africa – watch boats bringing in their catches at
the fishing port or wander around the market where Gambians shop every
day for their essentials. You will find a few restaurants serving traditional
Gambian dishes, as well as banks, a small supermarket, post office and the
popular Kachikally crocodile pool. The area of Fajara is close by.
Hotels in Bakau: African Village. Ngala Lodge is just outside Bakau.
Hotels in Cape Point: Ocean Bay and Cape Point.
Brufut – Cliff top residential area
A popular residential area approximately 8 kilometres south of Kololi.
There is a long stretch of unspoilt beach.
Hotels in Brufut: Sheraton, Leo’s and Hibiscus House (inland).
Banjul – The Gambia’s capital
The capital is mainly an administrative centre with little aimed at tourists
although there is one museum, the Arch 22 and a few restaurants serving
lunch. There is also a large market where Gambians barter for their
everyday needs. The beach is one of the largest in The Gambia.
Hotels in Banjul: Laico Atlantic Beach.
South Kotu – For a more informal atmosphere
There are a number of small restaurants and bars on the road leading down
to the beach which is sandy with only a couple of buildings beside it.
Hotels in South Kotu: Palma Rima.
Bijilo – For peaceful relaxing holidays
The beauty of Bijilo is that there is very little here although it is only a
5-minute drive to the lively resort of Kololi. It is slowly developing but as yet
there are no nightclubs to disturb the peace, just a few hotels and beach bars
on a long stretch of beach with very few people on it.
Hotels in Bijilo: Coco Ocean and Bijilo Beach.
13
OUT & ABOUT
10 memorable days
Out & about in The Gambia
The Gambia offers an easy and safe opportunity to experience the
untamed, raw culture of West Africa.
The Gambia may not have the big game safaris or large attractions of some other African countries, but
what it does have are genuine cultural experiences, not artificial purpose-built tourist attractions.
It is a small country, the coastline is a mere 80 kilometres long, so it is easy to get out and explore the
region. Here are our top 10 experiences which can either be part of an organised excursion or,
for the more independent, can be explored alone.
1
Visit a local school
The teachers and children of schools welcome visitors, often with
demonstrations of their singing and methods of teaching. This is an excellent
way to learn about everyday life in The Gambia but be warned, it can be a
very emotional and humbling experience. We recommend taking donations
of pens, exercise books or footballs with you which you can buy at markets
in The Gambia.
2
3
You don’t have to be a serious birdwatcher to enjoy the colour and sheer
number of birds in The Gambia - even in the hotel gardens you’ll spot many
different species. However if you are one of the many who want to take
things a little more seriously, we recommend one of the birdwatching tours
led by TV presenter Chris Packham or his guide in The Gambia, Malick Suso
(see pages 70-71 for more information).
Spend a day on an unspoilt secluded beach
Many of the beaches directly outside the hotels are sandy and uncrowded
but travel just a short distance and you can find some virtually empty, unspoilt
beaches. If you prefer some facilities we suggest a visit to Sanyang in the south
where you’ll find a beach bar, a few sunbeds and hammocks but little else! You
may even be lucky enough to catch some local wrestling matches on Sundays.
Spot some of the 540 species of bird
4
Visit a Gambian family compound
Whether this is as part of an organised excursion or privately arranged,
Gambians will be happy to welcome you into their homes, especially the
children who are very inquisitive and endearing. The sense of community
will hit you as everyone works together to provide for the extended family
(including multiple wives!), often in very primitive and basic conditions.
Why not consider donating a low-energy stove, please see page 75 for
further details.
At Tanji the vibrant colours of the boats and
the women’s dresses, the sound of seagulls and
raised voices and the strong odour of fish create an
unforgettable feast for the senses.
Nick Elvin – Locate Magazine
14
OUT & ABOUT
9
Our school visit has left a permanent mark
on my mind. As with everywhere in The Gambia, we
were welcomed with open arms. The children’s smiles
were so bright, their faces so eager and excited and
their complete attention and enthusiasm for learning
was an eye-opener.
TESSA WEBBER
Hampshire Society Magazine, February 2013
5
Watch a local football match
Gambians love football and you’ll see international football shirts and find
locals asking you which team you support. If you get the chance to attend a
local match it’s a great way of experiencing the passion for the sport – it can
be very noisy though with cheering, singing and drumming.
10 Pamper yourself at Coco Ocean’s world-class spa
The boutique hotel has a 1800m2 spa facility with thalasso pool, Finnish
sauna, Moroccan Hammam and full range of beauty treatments.
For more ideas of places to see enabling you to experience more of this
wonderful country, its wildlife and its people, and for a full list of organised
excursions, visit Gambia.co.uk/Excursions or speak to your representative.
Support the local industry
Head to any of the local craft markets for the chance to try your hand at
bartering and pick up some souvenirs. Bakau craft market is one of the best
places for woodcarvings and the tie-dye factory in Serrekunda is also worth
visiting to see how the fabrics are made.
6
Home cooking course with Ida
Experience a day in the life of a Gambian on this fascinating home cookery
course. Ida will escort you to the local market to take in the hustle and bustle
of shopping for ingredients before returning to her home to prepare and eat
a traditional Gambian dish.
7
Watch local fishermen bring in their catch
The fishing markets at Tanji and Bakau are full of colour, sounds and smells
as the men bring in the catch and the women and children help to unload
and prepare the fish. A great way to experience local flavour and get some
colourful photographs (just don’t forget to ask permission first).
8
Get up close with a crocodile
Kachikally crocodile pool in Bakau is one of the most famous tourist spots in
The Gambia and has been attracting visitors for years. The pool has around
100 crocodiles including the most well-known, Charlie, who is an impressive
two-metres long. You can get some great photographs of the crocs basking
in the sun, and learn more about traditional beliefs that the pool has special
fertility and healing powers. If you prefer to keep your distance, enjoy lunch
or a drink at Calypso bar in Cape Point which overlooks a natural sea lake
where you might also spot a crocodile.
15
HOTEL OPTIONS
Since we began travelling to The Gambia in 1987
the standard and choice of accommodation in the
country has improved dramatically.
We believe we work with the best properties The Gambia has to offer
and our brochure and website feature a wide range of properties to suit all
travellers, from luxurious boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, relaxing spas
right through to simple, African-style hotels and unique river lodges.
Over the past 26 years we’ve learnt just how important it is to match the
right hotel to each individual – it can make the difference between a good
holiday and an unforgettable experience; to help you, the hotel descriptions
on the following pages have been written by members of our team who
have visited the hotels and know them well. They accurately list the facilities
of the properties, their locations and the ambience you can expect to help
you narrow down your choice of holiday; if you are finding it difficult to
choose, why not give our knowledgeable staff a call or even visit two or
more properties!
Something special
We are delighted to be offering the opportunity to view the chimpanzees in
the River Gambia National Park once again, for short stays in tented lodges
upriver including boat trips to visit the chimps in their natural habitat. Or
why not consider a relaxing cruise up the majestic River Gambia on the
mega yacht Harmony V, with optional excursions along the way? Further
information can be found on pages 34-35 and 55.
Our hotel collections
Choosing the right hotel for your holiday
The Luxury Collection
All-inclusive & lively hotels
The best beachfront hotels The Gambia has to offer. Each property has its
own individual appeal so it’s important to read the property descriptions
or speak to one of our experienced staff if you are looking for a particular
style, location or specific facilities. Coco Ocean is visually stunning with
accommodation and cuisine levels to match, Ngala Lodge is a small
boutique-style hotel with very personal service and excellent customer
reviews. Newly opened Leo’s Beach Hotel is a smaller contemporary
alternative, whilst the larger but tranquil Kairaba Hotel is a well-established
favourite right in the heart of Kololi.
Some of The Gambia’s larger hotels are ideal if you’re looking for a
more active or hotel-based holiday, a lively atmosphere and evening
entertainment. The popular Kombo Beach and Ocean Bay hotels are both
situated directly on a sandy beach and have a good choice of activities for
couples, groups and families. Several hotels now have all-inclusive options,
such as the 4 Sheraton Gambia, 4 Laico Atlantic Beach and
2.5 Palma Rima hotels.
The Unique Collection
An exciting collection of lodges which offer an excellent introduction to
the ‘real Africa’. Whilst sharing many of the characteristics of the ‘Luxury
Collection’, they offer a more informal, laid-back atmosphere. Individually
styled with many artistic flourishes, each property manages to convey a
sense of relaxed indulgence with friendly service and freshly prepared
cuisine. Located away from the main tourist
areas, memorable settings, such as Makasutu
Forest surrounding Mandina Lodges, provide
a stunning African backdrop for a truly unique
holiday experience.
16
Small & full of character
Some of our hotels offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere and the
chance to immerse yourself in the local community or wildlife. The stunning
Mandina Lodges in the Makasutu Forest contrast perfectly with the coastal
hotels on a twin centre holiday; Hibiscus House is a welcoming hotel within
a thriving local community, and Cape Point and African Village are Gambianrun hotels with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Exclusive
Hotels or room types identified as ‘Exclusive’ indicate that, at the time of
going to press, they are not on sale through any other UK tour operator.
You will also find many photographs, video clips and more information and
reviews online to help you select your ideal holiday at Gambia.co.uk/Hotels
ALL-INCLUSIvE
All-inclusive & dining packages
All-inclusive holidays
All-inclusive holidays are becoming increasingly popular in The Gambia as well as Senegal, and are available in a range of properties to suit all budgets.
Although the Gambian hotels, unlike in Senegal, don’t offer a 24 hour all-inclusive service, with the majority of your food, drink and activities included in the
price, these holidays still offer you an excellent value for money option. Please note, all-inclusive packages do not include excursions but for details of what is
included see the individual hotel pages.
Royal Decameron Baobab
See Gambia pages 38-39
See Senegal page 60
This property offers quality
accommodation with stunning
views on an unspoilt stretch of
beach in Brufut.
An elegant property nestled
between a white sandy beach and
the lagoon of La Somone just 20
minutes from the resort of Saly.
Palma Rima Hotel
See Gambia page 53
Ideal for a hotel based holiday, this
hotel is set directly on a wide stretch
of sandy beach and offers extensive
facilities.
An excellent value, lively option with
spacious, bungalow accommodation
ideal for families.
For more information visit Gambia.co.uk/Allinclusive or Senegal.co.uk/Allinclusive
Dining packages
Ocean Bay Hotel
Several Gambian properties now offer dining packages to appeal to those
looking to budget for their holidays. However, all the hotels featured can
also be booked on either a more traditional half board basis, or on bed and
breakfast for those wanting to sample some of the excellent restaurants
available in The Gambia. Credits are sometimes available if you wish to eat
in the hotels’ à la carte restaurants for those booked on half board, allowing
additional dining flexibility.
An all-inclusive light option offers full
board plus unlimited soft and hot
drinks during the day and a limited
number of alcoholic drinks.
Kombo Beach Hotel
A lively hotel offering a dinearound package, allowing the
flexibility of dining both in the hotel
and sampling restaurants in the
surrounding area and beyond.
Multiple dining options are
available including Full Board Plus,
the popular Wine & Dine package
and a new ‘Bon Appetit’ 4 night half
board package.
17
Brufut
Beachfront – Spa – All-inclusive
T
his beachfront property is now extremely popular as an
all-inclusive hotel. Its fantastic location beside the ocean
ensures stunning views from both the rooms and public areas.
The atmosphere is lively in winter, although quiet corners
can be found, and the small spa with its separate pool offers a
tranquil alternative.
A very relaxing holiday in this attractive hotel
with extensive grounds fronting the beach. Bedrooms
are superb with panoramic views across the grounds
to the beach and ocean, and what friendly staff.
We would return again!
The hotel is built into the hillside, nestled between giant baobab trees, and the
rooms are of a contemporary style, most enjoying sea views from their oceanfacing balcony or terrace. Standard baobab rooms are located in the Baobab
wing closest to reception on the cliff top; there is also a variety of upgrade
options such as the superbly located Beach rooms.
Irene & Jeff Knott, Hampshire
Dining is buffet style, usually served around the pool in winter but may be in
the elevated Crematata buffet restaurant (not air-conditioned) where breakfast
is also served. A new pizza oven and barbecue station provide live cooking
and excellent burgers during the afternoon. An à la carte menu is available with
a discount for all-inclusive guests.
Located near the village of Brufut on a stunning stretch of beach, the setting
of the hotel is more secluded than some other properties, making it ideal
for a hotel-based holiday. But with a number of activities on offer including
table tennis, beach volleyball and billiards, there is plenty to do along with
simply relaxing. The lively resort of Kololi is just 8 kilometres away and the
hotel works with tourist taxis to transport you there twice daily. The spa
offers a good choice of treatments and we particularly recommend a massage
overlooking the beach in an outdoor treatment cabana.
Since the introduction of the popular all-inclusive option the hotel caters largely
for tourists. Whilst improvements are constantly being made, this property
cannot be compared to some Sheraton hotels in other destinations.
Customer feedback has been very positive this year, however we still believe
our 4 grade rating to be accurate.
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (not 24 hours)
Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner – Local spirits, local beer and house wine, water,
soft and hot drinks (excludes premium brands, fruit juices, full bottles and minibar)
9am-11pm – Ice-cream and cakes 3pm-5pm – 20% discount on spa treatments –
Use of fitness room and steam room/sauna 9am-9pm
NB Excursions are not included and timings are subject to change
ACTIVITIES
CUISINE
Table tennis, badminton, pétanque
Volleyball, water polo
Billiards, darts, mini-football
Step and water aerobics
Evening entertainment
(at least 3 times a week, winter only)
Balafon – al fresco lunch and dinner buffets plus
pizza oven and barbecues with live cooking
Crematata - buffet breakfast restaurant with
outdoor terrace and fantastic view
Buffet meals and à la carte menu may be served
in either restaurant
HOTEL FACILITIES
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS
Large swimming pool
Separate children’s pool, play area
Unspoilt sandy beach
Fitness/spa facilities with small pool
Link@Sheraton internet café
Barracuda pool bar
Taxi shuttle twice daily (one way)
World class conference facilities
186 rooms
Twins and doubles
Air-conditioning
Safety deposit boxes
Satellite television
Internet (payable locally)
Hairdryer
Telephone
Beach baobab – close to the beach, either
ground or upper floor rooms, terrace or
balcony £14
Half board/Bed & breakfast
-£11/-£26
Air-conditioning
included
Single room
from £25
3rd person sharing
-£10
Child sharing on all-inclusive (2-15 years)
-£25
38
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Sheraton
Sunset palm – larger rooms with lounge area,
can be either ground or upper floor £18
Beach palm – larger rooms with lounge area
directly facing the beach, either ground or
upper floor £23
All supplements and room upgrades shown are
per person per night based on twin occupancy
for November to April. Please visit Gambia.co.uk
for May to October supplements
NOVEMBER 2013 - JUNE 2014 PRICES on All-inclusive
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
14-Nov 24-Nov 10-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
1143
1115
1094
1079
1520
1562
1159
1145
1161
1230
1148
1119
1248
1248
1094
1073
1088
1064
10 & 11
1414
1398
1372
1534
1928
1790
1447
1428
1515
1515
1420
1393
1551
1551
1366
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
1672
1647
1628
1956
2251
2016
1695
1664
1697
1713
1675
1656
1799
1724
1618
1512
1512
1499
Prices are in £s per person on All-inclusive in a Standard baobab room from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
For all flight supplements, see page 80. Extra nights (per person per night) 1 Nov – 10 Dec £79, 11 Dec – 31 Dec £98, 1 Jan – 30 Apr £81, 1 May – 30 June £64
For July to October prices visit Gambia.co.uk
Twice weekly flights from Gatwick and
Manchester. Weekly flight from Birmingham.
Weekly Gatwick flight from May to October
All flights are direct to The Gambia
In-flight meals, 20kgs luggage allowance and
transfers are included in brochure priced holidays
Upgrade to Premium Class or legroom seats
See pages 80 & 81 for further flight information
39
Kombo Beach Hotel
Kotu
Beachfront – Lively – Families – Groups
S
ituated on a great sandy beach, this is a well-established,
lively hotel with a full time entertainment team and plenty
of activities throughout the day and evening to keep you
occupied. However, with the beach just a few steps away and
spacious gardens, there is plenty of space to lay back and relax.
For a great family holiday Kombo is hard to
beat, with its superb beachfront setting, relaxed and
informal style, variety of kids’ entertainment, wide
selection of food including pizzas and ice-cream, and
friendly, smiling staff.
Whatever your interest you should find something to suit at the Kombo
Beach – during the day you can join in with pool games or aerobics,
take tennis lessons or wander around the tropical gardens doing a little
birdwatching. If all that sounds too much like hard work, why not pamper
yourself with a massage or treatment at the beauty salon? And, after a
busy day, why not unwind and watch the sun set with a drink at the hotel’s
beachside wine bar?
Louise Thomas & family, Hampshire
The spacious standard rooms are fairly basic and set within 3-storey buildings
amongst the gardens with private terraces or balconies, where you can sit
and listen to the ocean. There are plenty of room upgrade options with
superior quality furnishings, a free safe as well as tea and coffee-making
facilities. Ground floor studios face the tennis courts, are open-plan with
kitchen facilities and are ideal for families.
The hotel boasts 2 bars and 3 restaurants offering buffet and à la carte dining
as well as Gecko’s all-day snack bar serving a wide range of dishes.
An improved dine-around package is also available for those who prefer a
little more variety. In the evening there is usually entertainment beside the
pool with live local bands, themed dinners or dancing.
The popular resort of Kotu offers a couple of other hotels, a few restaurants,
a craft market, beach bars and a taxi rank just outside the hotel, so it’s easy
to get out and about. This is a good fun hotel, popular with families, couples
and groups and has a high number of repeat guests. Its focus on water and
energy conservation is also commendable.
NEW DINE-AROUND PACKAGE
ACTIVITIES
CUISINE
Daytime activities and evening entertainment
Table tennis
Tennis courts and coach (payable locally)
Pétanque/boules
Volleyball
Small outdoor gym
Bird guide and golf coach (payable locally)
Kudula – themed buffets every evening
The Brasserie – great food and ocean views with
daily specials and à la carte menu
Gecko’s – snack bar/restaurant
Barracuda Bar – beachside drinks and sandwiches
Dine-around package – a mixture of hotel dining
and outside restaurant dinners with transport
Half board guests receive a credit at The Brasserie
HOTEL FACILITIES
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
Long sandy beach
Pool and sun terraces
Hotel shops and clinic
TV area in reception
Wi-Fi and internet access (payable locally)
Massage and beauty salon (payable locally)
2 bars, children’s play area
258 rooms
Majority double beds, limited twin beds
available on request (cannot be guaranteed)
Air-conditioning
Safe facilities (payable locally, free in upgraded rooms)
Television
Mini fridge
Hairdryers on request (included in upgraded rooms)
2 and/or UK 3 pin sockets
Superior rooms are on the 1st & 2nd floors £6
Half board
Dine-around package
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
Child sharing (2-15 years)
40
Following customer feedback, we have introduced a new-feel, flexible dining
package for you to experience. For £125 per person the programme includes
4 meals in the 3 hotel restaurants plus an evening at a popular restaurant in
Kotu. You will also be transported outside of the resort for 2 dinners at other
selected restaurants on evenings of your choice (drinks excluded).
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Kombo
Premium rooms are larger ground floor rooms
with a spacious patio £9
Studios are open plan and ground floor with
kitchen area, double bed and 2 sofa beds £11
Suites on the 1st & 2nd floors all have double
beds with a separate lounge area £12
All upgraded rooms are furnished to a higher
standard with tea/coffee-making facilities,
hairdryers and free safes
£13
£125 per week
included
£16
-£5
-£20
NOVEMBER 2013 - JUNE 2014 PRICES on Bed & Breakfast
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
FLIGHT CHOICE
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
718
699
688
675
1098
1130
765
754
775
840
758
729
844
844
693
688
711
682
10 & 11
850
822
797
958
1339
1228
890
882
947
947
881
852
991
991
804
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
884
868
839
1183
1444
1256
945
933
954
962
930
898
1035
997
830
824
824
815
Prices are in £s per person on Bed & Breakfast in a Standard room from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
41
Ocean Bay Hotel
Cape Point
Beachfront – Couples – Families
T
he Ocean Bay sits within beautiful gardens in a beachfront
setting. This popular hotel offers a good range of facilities,
as well as a successful all-inclusive light option, and is a great
choice for families or couples looking to simply relax and enjoy
the Gambian sunshine.
The staff were amazing and nothing was too
much trouble. There was always a good selection
of food for breakfast, and the homemade pizzas,
direct from the poolside oven, were delicious – not to
mention the lemongrass tea.
The large swimming pool is the focal point of the hotel and for families there
is a shallow area of the pool plus a playground. The hotel is located next to
the beautiful Cape Point beach and maintains an area which is well serviced
from the beach bar. The rooms are furnished in dark wood with new
soft furnishings and duvets, a good range of amenities and are arranged in
2-storey buildings throughout the gardens. We choose to base our prices on
the larger, deluxe rooms with private terrace or balcony, however standard
rooms are available at a reduction.
Karen Linton & Nicki Hill, Hampshire
Within the hotel there is a choice of 2 restaurants, one serving buffet-style
breakfast and dinner including Gambian delicacies and the Ocean Clipper à
la carte, which is in an unrivalled position next to the ocean. Drinks, including
the hotel’s refreshing speciality, lemongrass tea, are available from the elegant
lounge, beach bar or pool bar which also boasts its own pizza oven. The
Ocean Bay continues to offer a package to appeal to the growing interest in
all-inclusive holidays, all-inclusive light. Please note that a cash-free system
operates for any purchases within the hotel.
After dinner you can enjoy a full programme of evening entertainment with
live music, shows and African dance troupes during winter with occasional
entertainment in summer. In the vicinity, there are a few local bars, small
restaurants, shops and a craft market all within easy reach and the popular
resort of Kololi is only 10 kilometres away. The hotel’s official rating has
been changed to 4+, however we believe our 4 rating based on customer
feedback and our own observations better reflects the facilities and service
levels offered.
ALL-INCLUSIVE LIGHT UPGRADE (not 24 hours)
• Buffet breakfast, table d’hôte/buffet lunch and dinner
• Farewell upgraded dinner
• Unlimited soft drinks, water, fruit juice, tea and coffee 10am-11pm
• 4 alcoholic drinks daily (house wine by the glass or local beer)
• Tea-time including sandwiches and pastries
• Complimentary 15 minute massage during stay
ACTIVITIES
CUISINE
Table tennis, pool table, daytime activities
Evening entertainment with live music by the
pool and shows (daily in winter)
Management cocktail party (winter only)
Children’s activity programme
(subject to minimum numbers)
Buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ocean Clipper à la carte serving Mediterranean
and Asian cuisine (winter only)
Snacks available from pool bar/pizza oven
Beach bar
All-inclusive light package available as an upgrade
HOTEL FACILITIES
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
Large sandy beach
Pool with children’s area
Children’s playground
3 bars, medical clinic, hairdresser
Laundry service/valet service
Wi-Fi in lobby
Conference centre
195 rooms
Deluxe room
Twin beds
Air-conditioning
Minibar
Telephone, television
Hairdryer
Safety deposit box
2 pin sockets
Standard rooms are smaller with a shared
balcony or terrace and are available at a
reduction -£3
Half board
All-inclusive light
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
42
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/OceanBay
Suites have a double bedroom and separate living
room with a sofa bed and dining table.
The bathroom is off the living room £14
£16
£30
included
£16
-£5
-£10
Deluxe room
Ocean Clipper
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
760
745
734
718
1189
1240
805
794
817
878
806
783
891
891
748
745
772
739
10 & 11
888
864
852
1046
1430
1314
956
943
1010
1010
952
926
1054
1054
882
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
943
928
909
1320
1623
1382
1013
992
1039
1061
1034
998
1115
1063
927
918
918
910
Prices are in £s per person on Bed & Breakfast in a Deluxe room from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
43
Senegambia Hotel
Kololi
Beachfront – Groups – Lively
T
he Senegambia Hotel is the largest and one of the bestknown hotels in The Gambia. It is situated beside the
beach in the lively resort of Kololi, making it a great choice for
anyone wanting to get out and sample the many different bars
and restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.
We had our wedding at the Senegambia and
couldn’t have had a more memorable, special day
anywhere. Many thanks to all concerned – hotel,
staff and Gambia Experience.
This is a lively hotel with a wide range of activities aimed at adults, teenagers
and children. However, guests looking for a little peace and quiet will easily
find a secluded spot within the twenty acres of grounds and, whilst the
impressive beachside pool and bar is the focus of many of the daytime
activities, there is a second swimming pool available in winter which is usually
much quieter. Evening entertainment is equally varied with live music, African
folklore nights and discos. The beautiful gardens are also used as a venue for
weddings, large private functions and occasional live concerts.
Mr & Mrs White, Bristol
All the rooms are in 2-storey buildings, the majority being dotted amongst
the gardens, so you won’t need to go further than your balcony to
witness the varied birdlife that calls the Senegambia home. The new Kololi
apartments are finished to a high standard with separate bedroom and living
area, available at a supplement. The Gambia Experience resort office is also
located by the entrance to the hotel and our representative, Jatta, will ensure
your stay is a memorable one.
The extensive half board buffet is served in the attractive restaurant (closed
in summer), with the Portofino pizzeria in the hotel providing an excellent
value, alternative dining option. However, if you want to sample The
Gambia’s nightlife, bed and breakfast would be a good choice as there are so
many excellent restaurants just a short stroll away.
The Senegambia will appeal to couples, families and groups – it really does
offer something for everyone. Although the beach is suffering from erosion,
the hotel’s wonderful gardens and excellent location in Kololi ensure guests
return to this hotel year after year.
WILDLIFE IN THE GARDENS
The Senegambia provides a haven for exotic birdlife. Every morning you
will witness the impressive vultures flying overhead and perching in the
palm trees waiting for the offering from the hotel at 11.30am. Many other
species of bird, as well as monkeys and monitor lizards also often come to
take advantage of the free lunch. The hotel’s resident bird guides are always
on hand to share their knowledge and give tours of the grounds.
ACTIVITIES
CUISINE
Tennis (payable locally)
Volleyball
Varied evening entertainment
Vulture feeding daily
Children’s playground
Buffet breakfast
Buffet dinner service (closed in summer)
Portofino pizzeria
Beach bar – drinks and snacks
HOTEL FACILITIES
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
Beach with snack bar
Large, tropical gardens
2 swimming pools (1 in summer)
Safari bar, pool terrace bar
Wi-Fi in lobby
Bank in reception
Boutique and hotel shops
Nurse (limited hours)
Hairdresser, mini-market
351 rooms
Twins and doubles
Air-conditioning
Ceiling fan
Safe facilities (payable locally)
Television
Mini fridge
2 pin sockets
Studios have a lounge, kitchenette with 2 electric
hot plates and separate double bedroom £11
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
44
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Senegambia
Kololi apartments are very spacious with a
separate bedroom and living area, and tea/coffeemaking facilities £29
£13.50
included
from £13
-£9
-£12
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
753
738
725
699
1141
1163
804
785
814
860
786
764
880
880
749
738
766
734
10 & 11
892
876
859
1078
1410
1255
955
929
978
978
923
898
1047
1047
858
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
940
923
906
1293
1556
1324
1003
982
1011
1027
980
965
1109
1062
905
895
895
883
45
Banjul
Beachfront – All-inclusive – Families
I
f it’s a hotel-based holiday you prefer, the Laico Atlantic
Beach could be for you. With its enviable beach location,
lively activity programme and friendly atmosphere, it is ideally
suited for a half board or all-inclusive holiday.
This hotel really does cater for everyone, with
its comfortable rooms, consistently good food and
a beach to die for. The staff were always helpful,
serving drinks with a smile and keeping the hotel
spotless…with a smile!
Set directly on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, one of the biggest in The
Gambia, this hotel is located close to the administrative capital, Banjul, away
from the majority of tourist hotels. Public areas are spacious and comfortable
and both garden and sea view rooms are of a good standard; with the option
of interconnecting rooms, it’s an ideal choice for families too.
Nina Barlow, Administrator
Away from the beach, guests can choose to simply relax by the large pool
or take advantage of the wide range of daytime activities during winter.
Squash and tennis courts are available for the more active, and there is a
small beauty salon offering treatments. 2 Jacuzzis provide the perfect place to
unwind after a day in the sun and the bird garden, home to many different
species, is popular with all guests.
Due to the growing popularity of the all-inclusive package, our prices are
based on all-inclusive during winter. However, bed and breakfast or half
board options are still available for a reduction as there is plenty of choice for
dining, with 3 hotel restaurants offering traditional buffet dishes, poolside hot
and cold snacks and à la carte dining (there are very few restaurants in Banjul
itself). Evening entertainment is provided daily in winter so you’ll probably be
happy to relax at the hotel, however if you feel like exploring further afield,
a good choice of bars and restaurants can be found in Kololi, approximately
20 kilometres away; the resort of Cape Point offers a closer alternative.
This well-established hotel will appeal to couples and families and is also
well set up for groups with meeting rooms available. It attracts many repeat
customers but the all-inclusive package is proving popular with new guests too.
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (not 24 hours, winter only)
ACTIVITIES
CUISINE
Varied entertainment programme (winter only)
Table tennis, crazy golf, croquet
Squash and tennis court
(local charge for BB & HB guests)
Basketball and volleyball
Pool and snooker (local charge)
Children’s activity programme
(winter only, subject to minimum numbers)
Bantaba restaurant serving buffet breakfast and
dinner (may be table d’hôte in summer)
Dunda à la carte restaurant (small half board/
all-inclusive credit provided)
Riverside restaurant serving poolside snacks and
a table d’hote menu. Buffet lunch for all-inclusive
guests may be served here.
HOTEL FACILITIES
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
Large sandy beach
Pool and 2 Jacuzzis, children’s pool
2 bars, hotel shop, hairdresser
Massage centre
Hotel gym, disco
Wi-Fi in reception (payable locally)
Internet café
204 rooms
Twin or double beds
Air-conditioning
Minibar, safe
Direct dial telephone
Television, hairdryer
Complimentary toiletries
Interconnecting rooms
UK 3 pin sockets
Pool/sea view rooms £5
Suites have a separate living room and
double bedroom £19
Half board
-£15
Bed & breakfast
-£25
Air-conditioning
included
Single room
from £11
3rd person sharing
-£4
Child sharing on all-inclusive (2-15 years)
-£20
46
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Local spirits and beer, house wines and soft drinks 11am-11pm
(excludes premium brands and minibar/room service)
• Complimentary ice-cream selection
• Games and sports facilities e.g. tennis, squash
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Atlantic
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr *1-May *19-May
30-Apr 18-May 31-May
*1-Jun
30-Jun
7
953
934
919
907
1294
1327
984
972
995
1066
980
956
1057
1057
930
n/a
n/a
n/a
10 & 11
1164
1143
1125
1291
1578
1470
1191
1184
1267
1267
1188
1163
1286
1286
1143
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
1328
1309
1290
1572
1785
1614
1376
1362
1378
1392
1360
1348
1469
1425
1297
n/a
n/a
n/a
Prices are in £s per person on All-inclusive in a Standard room from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
For all flight supplements, see page 80. Extra nights (per person per night) 1 Nov – 10 Dec £57, 11 Dec – 31 Dec £68, 1 Jan – 30 Apr £60
* For May to October prices on bed & breakfast visit Gambia.co.uk
47
Bijilo Beach Hotel
Bijilo
Exclusive
Beachfront – Long stays – Relaxing
A
popular hideaway to the south of the main resort areas,
Bijilo Beach is a small and quiet hotel with breathtaking
views. Situated on an unspoilt expanse of beach, the hotel
attracts many repeat guests year after year, tempted by the
tranquil, spacious gardens, welcoming atmosphere and of
course the enviable beach location.
The airy rooms are situated in two-storey buildings within the well-kept
grounds and all have air-conditioning, however their elevated positions
mean you will also get a pleasant sea breeze as well as stunning views
overlooking the gardens, pool and ocean beyond.
This is a popular choice for guests looking for a long stay during winter and
apartments are also available with a separate living/dining area and basic
cooking as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel restaurant
looks out towards the sea, offering both table d’hôte and à la carte menus.
There is occasional evening entertainment, a selection of beach bars close
by and the lively resort of Kololi is only 2½ kilometres away.
This attractive, family-run hotel will suit couples wishing to relax in
peaceful surroundings yet be within easy reach of a livelier resort.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Main pool and separate children’s pool
Internet access in reception (payable locally)
Wi-Fi (payable locally)
Mini-market
55 rooms
Buffet breakfast
Lunchtime snacks and full menu at the
restaurant overlooking the beach (winter only)
Evening set menus and à la carte options
(winter only)
ROOM FACILITIES
ROOM CHOICE
Twin beds
Air-conditioning
Fan, mini fridge
Direct dial telephone
Television, hairdryer
2 pin sockets
One-bedroom apartments have a separate living/
dining area with basic cooking facilities £6
LONG STAY HOLIDAYS
Bijilo Beach is a good choice for long stay holidays and the apartments
provide greater space and tea/coffee-making facilities. Long stay holidays
are available for any duration from three weeks to three months and, as an
example, a three week holiday in an apartment costs from £1155 on bed
and breakfast.
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
£11
included
£25
-£5
-£12
All supplements and room upgrades are per
person per night based on twin occupancy
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Bijilo
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
FLIGHT CHOICE
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
735
714
702
695
1027
1055
762
749
770
835
754
733
835
835
708
n/a
n/a
n/a
10 & 11
870
851
839
946
1178
1127
896
873
942
942
889
864
980
980
815
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
899
886
874
1077
1279
1130
943
928
947
964
935
918
1021
964
842
n/a
n/a
n/a
48
Manchester. Weekly flight from Birmingham
Bungalow Beach Aparthotel
Kotu
Exclusive
Relaxing – Beachfront – Singles
T
he “BB” is an old favourite with many holidaymakers,
enjoying an enviable position on Kotu Beach. It is one of
only a few hotels in The Gambia offering self-catering facilities.
The main appeal for guests is not just the great beachside location but also
the tranquil atmosphere around the pool and throughout the well-manicured
gardens – it’s certainly not hard to find a peaceful spot in which to relax.
The apartments are arranged in two-storey buildings in and around the
gardens, with either a terrace or balcony to enjoy the beauty of the grounds.
A few have sea views so if you prefer to wake up to the ocean, you may
choose to upgrade. For single travellers, some smaller studios are available
with no supplement, however air-conditioning is not an option in these.
Each apartment has a small, equipped kitchenette, lounge/dining area and
separate bedroom, except singles which comprise one open-plan area.
On arrival you will receive a complimentary welcome pack supplemented
by a daily delivery of fresh bread. Although you have the facilities to eat
in your apartment (there is a mini-market on site), the beauty of a selfcatering holiday is that you also get to sample the local specialities. There is
a choice of restaurants close by, plus the hotel has its own restaurant serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner with an à la carte menu.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Pool with separate children’s pool
2 bars, mini-market, boutique
Internet café, massage parlour (privately owned)
Small children’s playground
Safety deposit boxes in reception (payable locally)
114 apartments
Breakfast pack plus daily fresh bread
Restaurant, mixture of table d’hôte and buffets
A la carte restaurant
Beach bar
ACTIVITIES
Some evening entertainment during winter
APARTMENT FACILITIES
Separate bedroom with twin beds
Kitchenette with 2 electric rings and fridge
Fans and air-conditioning on request
(payable locally)
Studios for single occupancy are open plan with a
single bed and no air-conditioning
APARTMENT CHOICE
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
Smaller single studio
3rd person sharing
£10
payable locally
£15
nil
-£7
-£16
COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME PACK
This aparthotel offers bed and breakfast with a difference. On arrival all
our customers receive a complimentary welcome pack which includes
provisions such as milk, fruit juice, tea, coffee, cheese and jam. You will also
receive fresh bread daily.
Sea view apartment £5
Deluxe apartment including air-conditioning
and television £16
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/BungalowBeach
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
733
716
705
697
998
1026
745
739
755
826
739
724
797
797
690
n/a
n/a
n/a
10 & 11
840
823
814
928
1130
1077
863
859
924
924
855
837
932
932
789
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
884
869
857
1062
1215
1086
908
892
910
933
894
875
965
913
798
n/a
n/a
n/a
Prices are in £s per person on Bed & Breakfast in a Standard apartment from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
49
Bakotu Hotel
Kotu
Birdwatching – Small & Friendly
T
he Bakotu Hotel has been a firm favourite of our guests
(and BBC presenter Chris Packham) for many years,
mainly thanks to the warm welcome the staff provide and
the fantastic birdwatching available within the gardens. It is
also in a good location with a couple of other hotels, small
restaurants, beach bars and a craft market nearby.
The hotel provides a peaceful sanctuary for those looking for a relaxing
holiday; there’s no loud music or organised pool games, with perhaps only the
occasional visit by local cultural entertainers. The simple yet comfortable rooms
are dotted throughout the tranquil gardens, where monkeys can often be
spotted along with the abundant birdlife and resident tortoises. Some rooms
have air-conditioning for a supplement, which can only be pre-booked by our
guests, and families can also be catered for.
Once again, we have arranged for our guests to receive their choice of hot
dish from the à la carte breakfast menu, in addition to the basic continental
breakfast provided. For dinner, Captain’s Table, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant,
is very popular and enjoys a good reputation for evening food. There is also
a pool bar and second restaurant adding to the increased choice of places to
eat and drink in the area, and the hotel has its own mini-market. Although not
directly on the beach, sandy Kotu beach is less than 100 metres away and can
be reached by strolling through the craft market. Alternatively you can relax by
the pool within the hotel itself, or spend some time on the new birdwatching
deck overlooking Kotu stream.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Small pool with sun terrace and pool bar
Attractive tropical gardens with nature walk
Mini-market
Dongle hire from reception
Laundry service (payable locally)
Resident bird guide and birdwatching deck
In-house massage service (payable locally)
Limited safety deposit boxes (payable locally)
80 rooms
Baobab Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and
dinner including table d’hôte
Cooked breakfast now included
Snacks, brunch and lunch at pool bar
Captain’s Table – à la carte restaurant
Boss Lady restaurant
Half board guests dine in the Boabab Restaurant
with the exception of one meal per week (main dish
only) at the Captain’s Table restaurant
BIRDWATCHING WITH CHRIS PACKHAM
Once again, BBC’s Chris Packham will be using Bakotu Hotel as his base for
two, 3-day birdwatching holidays in February 2014. Benefit from his wealth
of knowledge about Gambian birdlife and visit a variety of habitats for the
best chance of spotting the widest range of birds.
For more details see pages 70-71 or visit Gambia.co.uk/Birdwatching
ROOM CHOICE
ROOM FACILITIES
Family rooms with double bed, bunk beds
and a sofa bed
Twin or double beds
2 and/or UK 3 pin sockets
Fridge and fans (both payable locally)
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Bakotu
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
704
690
678
669
967
992
726
714
722
798
719
694
797
797
678
n/a
n/a
10 & 11
792
775
760
878
1115
1051
823
819
887
887
823
799
918
918
786
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
832
813
800
1006
1177
1038
849
843
865
898
861
827
964
901
795
n/a
n/a
n/a
50
n/a
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
£10
£8
from £18
-£5
-£6
Sarge’s Hotel
Kololi
Central Location – Groups
U
nder the same management team as Bungalow Beach
in Kotu, Sarge’s Hotel offers simple but comfortable
accommodation with a friendly atmosphere and is centrally
located in the popular resort of Kololi.
The standard rooms were refurbished during summer 2012 and offer a
good level of accommodation for this grade of hotel. Rooms are arranged on
three floors surrounding the central courtyard housing the swimming pool
and sun terraces. The standard rooms are fairly small but well furnished with
duvets and television. Air-conditioning is available locally for a supplement,
or is included in upgraded deluxe rooms which are much larger with lounge
area, tea and coffee-making facilities and mini-fridge.
If the pool is not for you, the hotel has access to a sandy beach no more
than 400 metres away. Evening entertainment takes the form of local shows,
although you may find the hotel can be less busy in the evenings due to the
convenient location in the centre of Kololi. There is an excellent variety of
restaurants, plus a number of bars, nightclubs and casinos all just outside the
hotel, therefore we do not offer this hotel on a half board basis, although this
is available by special arrangement for groups.
Close to the hotel entrance you will find an exchange bureau, mini-market
and massage parlour plus the craft market is just a short stroll away. This is a
good value choice for both groups and those wanting a simple hotel in the
heart of a lively resort.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Small pool with children’s pool
Pool bar with snack service
Massage studio and hairdresser (privately owned)
Wi-Fi
Snooker table
Occasional evening entertainment
82 rooms
Basic hot and cold breakfast
ROOM FACILITIES
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
3rd person sharing
Child sharing
Twin or double beds
Television
Fridge/fan (payable locally)
UK 3 pin sockets
ROOM CHOICE
Deluxe rooms are larger with air-conditioning,
fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities £14
With its excellent location in the centre of
Kololi, which offers numerous restaurants, the newly
refurbished rooms facing the pool and the friendly,
helpful staff, Sarge’s Hotel offers good value for a
relaxing holiday in the sun!
n/a
payable locally
£7
-£4
-£4
Josh Adams, IT Support Assistant
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Sarges
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
694
675
659
637
928
944
708
699
718
783
697
689
798
798
665
657
681
649
10 & 11
795
778
766
863
1062
1019
824
812
861
861
804
790
921
921
759
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
808
787
774
995
1129
1012
834
818
837
855
828
807
943
899
778
765
765
754
51
African Village Hotel
Bakau
Singles – Small & Friendly – Groups
T
he friendly African Village Hotel continues to attract a high
number of individual guests and groups each year with its
relaxed atmosphere and welcoming staff, small intimate layout
and the chance to interact with the local community in the
bustling coastal town of Bakau.
The rooms are fairly small and simply furnished with many situated in
thatched round bungalows surrounded by colourful plants, creating a
traditional Gambian village ambience. The sea view rooms are larger with
fantastic views of the ocean from their cliff top setting. This property is also a
good choice for single travellers as there are a limited number of rooms for
single occupancy with no supplement during winter.
The restaurant has stunning views from its elevated position overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean and the outside terrace is a wonderful place to enjoy an early
evening drink whilst watching the sun set. If you wish to experience more of
the local area, there are a number of local bars and restaurants close by as
well as a busy market.
There is no natural beach at the hotel but a sand-covered, man-made
sunbathing area has been created beside the ocean which is reached via
steep steps. There is access to the beach from here at low tide if you fancy
a stroll. The extended pool area boasts a circular bar right in the centre so
there’s no need to go too far for a refreshing drink.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Pool with circular feature bar
Man-made sunbathing area
Massage room on beach
Safe facilities in reception (payable locally)
Wi-Fi in public areas
Small shop
73 rooms
Restaurant overlooking the ocean
Continental breakfast
Snack service at beach and pool area
Half board
Air-conditioning
Single room
Smaller single room
3rd person sharing
ROOM FACILITIES
Twin beds
Fans
Fridge on request in advance (payable locally)
2 pin and UK 3 pin sockets
£8.50
payable locally
£8
nil
-£4
-£5
A little gem which sparkles on the smiling coast.
If you want a taste of real Africa, without frills and
fuss, then head for African Village where the welcome
is as warm as the weather.
ROOM CHOICE
Derek James, Head of Features - Norwich Evening News
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/AfricanVillage
Sea view rooms are slightly larger £5
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
FLIGHT CHOICE
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
644
625
619
549
858
887
671
660
679
746
662
641
736
736
635
629
656
625
10 & 11
728
706
697
794
969
930
748
739
788
788
751
728
854
854
726
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
729
715
706
898
1076
922
760
747
771
782
754
733
857
808
729
718
718
709
52
Palma Rima Hotel
South Kotu
Families – All-inclusive – Lively
A
lively and colourful hotel offering spacious accommodation,
Palma Rima is a good value option for a fun holiday. With
entertainment and activities on offer throughout the day and
evening, it is ideally suited to a budget all-inclusive holiday.
The focal point of the hotel is undoubtedly the huge swimming pool and
sun terrace, in between refreshing dips in the pool, guests are never short
of things to do with many daytime activities. If you want to feel the sand
between your toes, the beach is a short walk away, past a few bars and
restaurants including Luigi’s ice-cream parlour, where there are loungers
and sun shades for use with a small charge. A sociable, informal atmosphere
continues into the evenings, and guests are regularly entertained by local
bands, plus the hotel has its own nightclub and bar. Located midway
between the tourist areas of Kotu and Kololi, you are only a short taxi ride
away from other restaurants and bars if you fancy a change of scene.
We offer bed and breakfast or all-inclusive holidays in spacious, simple rooms
located in bungalows. These are dotted throughout the gardens, rather than
in the main building where rooms are smaller and available at a reduction.
Each bungalow room has patio windows opening out onto a small terrace.
These rooms sleep up to 4 people and, together with the children’s pool
and lively atmosphere, provide an ideal option for families.
HOTEL FACILITIES
CUISINE
Large pool with children’s pool
Pool bar and separate all-inclusive bar
Giant chess, Wi-Fi in reception
Local entertainment, nightclub, shop
Safety deposit box in reception (payable locally)
Table tennis, tennis
(payable locally, free for all-inclusive guests)
161 rooms
Basic buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
Table d’hôte dinners with a mixture of
buffet and waiter service
Sunshine poolside snack bar
ROOM FACILITIES
Twin beds, UK 3 pin sockets
Air-conditioning, fans, fridges
(payable locally, on request)
Half board
Bed & breakfast
Air-conditioning in bungalows
Single room
Smaller single pool room
3rd/4th person sharing
-£7
-£13
payable locally
£9
nil
-£3
-£4
ROOM CHOICE
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (not 24 hours, winter only)
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Snacks and hot drinks from restaurant (limited hours)
• Local spirits (gin, vodka, rum and tequila), local beer and house wine,
mineral water and soft drinks 11am-11pm
• Free activities: tennis, table tennis, giant chess, water polo/aerobics
Pool rooms in the main building are smaller
with a balcony. There is no air-conditioning but
fans are available (payable locally). -£1
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/PalmaRima
No. of
Nights
1-Nov 15-Nov 25-Nov
11-Dec
17-Dec
18-Dec
24-Dec
FLIGHT CHOICE
25-Dec
31-Dec
1-Jan
9-Jan
10-Jan
26-Jan
27-Jan
13-Feb
14-Feb
22-Feb
23-Feb
6-Mar
7-Mar
31-Mar
1-Apr
10-Apr
11-Apr
19-Apr
20-Apr
30-Apr
1-May 19-May
18-May 31-May
1-Jun
30-Jun
7
774
755
748
699
968
997
781
770
792
856
772
751
856
856
745
n/a
n/a
n/a
10 & 11
898
876
867
972
1159
1110
898
889
938
938
891
868
1024
1024
858
n/a
n/a
n/a
14
959
945
936
1130
1306
1152
970
957
979
995
964
943
1087
1049
934
n/a
n/a
n/a
Prices are in £s per person on All-inclusive in a Bungalow room from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include £67 APD, €20 ADF and £35 of other known taxes and charges.
53
MORE ONLINE
Please see our website for more
information and photographs of
the properties featured below.
FAJARA
Fajara Hotel
For more hotels
visit Gambia.co.uk/Hotels
ANTICIPATED
Located on one of the best stretches of beach in The Gambia, the Fajara
Hotel is undergoing a full renovation and is due to reopen as a 4 grade hotel
later this year. This large property, a previous favourite with British guests,
will offer 3 room types including apartments and is set in extensive gardens
gently sloping towards the sea. Please check our website for updates.
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/Fajara
BRUFUT
Hibiscus House
This charming property provides an ideal opportunity to relax as well as
to explore the real Gambia, due to its village location and unique ties with
the local community. Hibiscus House has a very intimate feel with only 8
individually designed rooms, located around the small swimming pool and
Jacuzzi. A selection of treatments such as massages can be arranged on
request.
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/HibiscusHouse
KOTU
Sunset Beach
A small hotel overlooking the beach and stream in Kotu, the Sunset Beach
offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. With its well-equipped rooms and
apartments set in well-tended, tropical gardens, it is very popular and attracts
a large number of repeat guests, including families and birdwatchers.
The facilities of Kotu with its craft market, supermarket and small
selection of bars and restaurants are just a short walk away.
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/SunsetBeach
CAPE POINT
Cape Point Hotel
This popular family run, well-maintained hotel offers spacious rooms and is
located close to the lovely Cape Point beach. The focal point of the hotel is
the small swimming pool while the poolside bar serves good, simple food.
The high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere is very much in
evidence which ensures a large number of repeat guests.
More Online – Gambia.co.uk/CapePoint
54
OCCASIONS
Weddings
The Gambia is a fantastic choice for a wedding and offers excellent value
for money, enabling you and your guests to enjoy an unforgettable day
without the expense of a wedding in the UK or other destinations abroad.
We have arranged over 100 weddings in The Gambia, everything from a
simple service just for the couple, to large functions for parties of over
50 people. Whatever your budget and party size we can find a location
that will make your occasion truly special. Popular choices include taking
your vows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the stunning Coco Ocean
Resort & Spa, hiring Ngala Lodge exclusively for your wedding party or
a simple ceremony in the exotic gardens of the Senegambia Hotel. Our
wedding planners have visited all the hotels and they will be happy to assist
you in choosing the perfect location for you. For more information and to
download a brochure visit Gambia.co.uk/Weddings or email our wedding
co-ordinators at [email protected]
Honeymoons
Both The Gambia and Senegal are exotic honeymoon destinations with
accommodation to suit all tastes – whether you’re looking for complete
luxury and relaxation, or a unique cultural experience you won’t forget.
More adventurous newly-weds may wish to see the contrasts between
these two neighbouring countries on a twin or multi-centre honeymoon,
see pages 68-69 for ideas. Listed below are some of our favourite
honeymoon locations.
A special holiday
Weddings, honeymoons & special occasions
Special occasions
Are you looking to book a special holiday for yourself or a loved
one to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion?
Whatever the celebration, we have selected the best hotels in the
best locations and have many upgraded rooms that are not available
through other operators. We can also arrange private transfers,
upgraded flights, flowers, champagne, cakes and other extra touches
to make the event truly special.
Atlantic Suite at Ngala Lodge – The Gambia, pages 24-25
Relax and unwind with your own private hot tub on the terrace overlooking
the gardens and ocean.
Floating Lodge at Mandina Lodges – The Gambia, pages 32-33
Stay in a four-poster bed in a unique lodge floating on the river in the heart
of the African bush.
Beach House at Coco Ocean – The Gambia, pages 22-23
Celebrate in style with relaxing spa treatments, à la carte cuisine and
luxurious surroundings beside the beach.
Ocean Front Room at Royal Decameron Baobab Resort –
Senegal, page 60
Step directly out of your room onto the white sandy beach at this
all-inclusive hotel in a breathtaking location in La Somone.
Sea View Suite at Lamantin Beach – Senegal page 61
Enjoy beautiful sea and marina views from your luxurious, spacious suite in
one of Senegal’s best hotels.
For more ideas and help with planning your honeymoon call our
reservations team on 0845 330 4567 or 0845 338 8700.
72
GROUP TRAvEL
Group travel
Competitive prices and expert advice...
We have assisted many groups over the years
travelling to The Gambia including educationalists,
sports teams, extended families, musicians and
conferences, with and without accommodation –
in fact, in the last year alone, we have organised
trips for more than 60 groups.
With over 25 years of experience we have the knowledge and expertise to
tailor-make your perfect itinerary and whether you are interested in African
life, education, music or medical care, we are sure to find someone to assist
with your specialisation through our excellent network of contacts.
Our dedicated group co-ordinators can advise and assist you before your
trip whilst our resort staff can offer help and support during your stay.
Our complimentary group service includes:
•Competitive prices
•Free places year round – from 1 free for every 6 paying passengers
•Subsidised leader familiarisation trips*
•Group leader pack – containing useful information and tips
•Free Gambia ‘Know before you go’ guide
•Pre-booked seats together on London Gatwick flights, dedicated check-in,
excess baggage assistance*
•Private airport coach transfers*
•Dedicated local representative*
•Pre-bookable excursions including free places – from 1 free for every 10
paying passengers
•Pre-bookable transport, conference and meeting room hire and restaurant
reservations
* Based on 15 passengers travelling
For more details of what we can offer and the free places available for your travel
dates visit Gambia.co.uk/Groups or call our groups team on 0845 330 2116.
Camp Africa
Established in 2011, we are pleased to welcome Camp Africa into our
groups programme. This innovative event brings together college and
university students from both the UK and West Africa to experience cultural
diversity through sports and education. Participants have the opportunity
to take part in community and environmental activities, local sightseeing
excursions and to support healthcare, education and developmental
projects within The Gambia. If you would like to learn more about
Camp Africa and be part of these exciting events, please see our website
Gambia.co.uk/CampAfrica or call our groups team on 0845 330 2116.
The Gambia is an ideal destination for group
study visits especially with the support of The Gambia
Experience. It is only 6 hours away with no time
difference, English is spoken widely and above all,
The Gambia is safe and friendly.
ALAN HUTCHISON AND TONY REA
Directors, Gambia-Extra Limited
73
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability
Working positively for The Gambia
Last year was our 25th in The Gambia and, while
over time we’ve seen so much change within the
country, one thing has remained constant - the
ongoing passion and love people feel for this
unique African nation.
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, in addition to our School Development
Fund and carbon offset programmes, we decided to give something back and
offered charitable organisations and projects £25,000 worth of direct funding
and £25,000 worth of flight seats for charitable trips to The Gambia. We were
inundated with applications and our panel of judges were overwhelmed by
the variety of excellent and innovative projects - from adult literacy courses,
to supporting the Gambian fire service, bee-keeping programmes to solar
lighting projects, the spectrum was vast. For more information on the
projects we supported, visit our website Gambia.co.uk/25years
Please rest assured that this is not a one-off donation and we are currently
looking into an ongoing legacy following this initiative.
Charity directory
We recognise that many individuals and organisations undertake excellent
work supporting The Gambia and its people. We believe that sharing
knowledge, experience and resources provides the best support for these
organisations, hence we have set up a charity directory to act as a hub. If you
are part of an organisation who would like to be added to the directory, or if
you are keen to learn more about projects operating in The Gambia, please
visit our website Gambia.co.uk/CharityDirectory
74
Volunteering
We have joined forces with the award-winning volunteer organisation,
people and places, to enable those who wish to give their time, expertise and
enthusiasm and travel to The Gambia as a volunteer. Regarded as the best
in their field and having won the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award
for Best Volunteering Organisation, people and places, like us, know and
love The Gambia. They work closely with the Gambian people to ensure
that volunteers have the best possible experience and are committed to
providing meaningful and rewarding placements. If you would like to learn
more about the volunteering options available, what they entail and the costs
involved, please visit our website Gambia.co.uk/Volunteering or contact our
volunteering team on 01489 866979.
Education in The Gambia
Schooling in The Gambia is fairly basic and under-resourced. We are
therefore proud to assist its development throughout the country and to
support others in similar endeavours.
The School Development Fund
Our School Development Fund was set up in 1989 with the aim of building,
renovating and equipping schools in The Gambia and, together with the help
of our customers, we have assisted
over 120 school projects. We are now
also looking at including communitybased projects which will provide
long-term sustainable improvements
to children’s education.
Development Fund
School
The Gambia Experience
SUSTAINABILITY
The Gambia Experience matches all monies donated by our customers and,
for every 100 completed holiday questionnaires received, we also donate £10.
For more information about the School Development Fund and to subscribe
to our newsletter, please visit Schooldevelopmentfund.org
Customer involvement
Although school education from the age of 7 is generally free, parents have
to provide pens, paper, books and even desks and chairs as well as paying
for exams. If you wish to help in a small way, pencils, paper, chalk and so on
are always welcomed and can be bought locally to support Gambian industry
or will not take up much room in a suitcase. We recommend that you see
our resort staff locally who can advise you on distribution, but please bear in
mind your luggage allowance.
Protecting The Gambia
Tourism brings many benefits but at the same time it can adversely affect
destinations, both environmentally and socially. We strive to work positively
towards protecting the natural beauty, wildlife and culture of our destinations
so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
We have been awarded 5 star sustainable tourism status, the highest level
possible, by the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) for our
policies and practices and continually encourage our clients to behave in a
sustainable manner.
Further details of our sustainable tourism policy and how customers can get
involved can be found on our website at Gambia.co.uk/ST
Opt in & offset – a carbon offset scheme
We work with Dick Sisman, founder of the Tourism Industry Climate
Change Service (TICOS) and former managing Director of Green Globe
and Green Flag International, offering you the chance to help offset some
of the environmental damage aircraft emissions cause. By opting in to our
Carbon Offset Scheme, a donation of £5 per person will be invested into
our new Gambian community tree planting programme which not only
offers carbon benefits but at the same time economically supports rural
villages. Visit our website Gambia.co.uk/Carbonoffset to see how your
contribution can make a difference.
I was lucky enough to witness the colourful
opening ceremony of one of The Gambia Experience’s
tree planting projects on a recent trip. It brought
four villages together in a huge celebration and the
excitement was palpable. This project will make a real
difference to people’s lives.
KATRINE CARSTENS, Travel Writer and Blogger
&
optin offset
Caring for the climate & local communities
Community stove initiative
Highly commended by AITO, the community stove initiative allows you
to donate an alternative fuel stove to a family in The Gambia which not
only saves time and money but reduces deforestation and provides health
benefits. Costing only £20, the stoves come with an initial supply of fuel
and personal training by one of the programme’s staff in use and
maintenance. To buy a stove or learn more about the project, visit our
website Gambia.co.uk/StoveInitiative
75
INFORMATION
A-Z
Things to know
before you go
What is included
There are no hidden extras to add to our
brochure prices, which include a luggage
allowance, all taxes, transfers and meals on
outbound and inbound flights. The brochured
holiday price includes:
• Return flight between the UK and Banjul/
Dakar with in-flight catering of a hot meal
• Luggage allowance of: economy flights
to Banjul 20kgs (30kg if you purchase our
Gold Package), Premium Class 30kgs.
The luggage allowance on flights into Dakar
with TAP Portugal is a very generous 46kgs,
Business Class 64kgs
• Transportation between the airport and your
accommodation
• Accommodation based on 2 sharing and
meal basis as detailed on your booking
confirmation invoice
• The services of our resort staff and local
office – please note that our representatives
do not visit any of our Unique Collection
properties, Leo’s Beach Hotel or Hibiscus
House in The Gambia or hotels in the Sine
Saloum Delta, Senegal where a 24 hour
contact number is provided
• Welcome meeting (excluding above hotels)
• Airport departure taxes from both the UK
and The Gambia/Senegal
• CAA ATOL protection contribution
• UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) £67
(Premium Class/Business Class £134)
• £5 Gambian Government tourism tax
(for Banjul flights)
• Banjul Airport Development Fee (ADF) of €20
• Welcome drink on arrival in Banjul/Dakar
• A Gambia Guide with discount vouchers
and/or Senegal Guide for package holidays
• Resort map for Gambia holidays
• Christmas and New Year Gala dinners
76
In order to help you plan your visit we have compiled a short A-Z of
useful information about our holidays to The Gambia and Senegal.
You will find a wealth of further information relating to these and other
subjects on our websites or alternatively call one of our reservations
team and use their first-hand knowledge.
Airport hotels,
car parking
and lounges
We can offer
a range of hotels with or without parking to
suit all budgets located at or near the airport of
your choice. For your convenience we can also
arrange business lounges at all of our UK airports
and the air-conditioned First Class Lounge in
Banjul Airport on certain days. Conveniently
located car parks are available at all airports,
which offer a free 24 hour transfer service to
and from the airport terminal. To make a booking
please visit Gambia.co.uk/Holidayextras or
Senegal.co.uk/Holidayextras or call Holiday Extras
on 0800 093 5478.
Book with confidence
The Gambia Experience and The Senegal
Experience are trade names of Serenity Holidays
Limited. Most of the holidays and flights in this
brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil
Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1866.
Please see page 3 or our Fair Trading Charter for
more information.
We are also members of ABTA, ABTOT and
AITO. AITO is the Association for independent
and specialist holiday companies. Member
companies, usually owner-managed, strive to
create overseas holidays with high levels of
professionalism and a shared concern for quality
and personal service as well as sustainable
tourism. The Association encourages the highest
standards in all aspects of tour operating. See
page 79 for the AITO charter.
Child and infant discounts
To qualify for a child discount, children must be
between 2 and 15 years old on return to the UK
if travelling to The Gambia (2 and 11 years old to
Senegal). They must share a room with 2 adults
paying brochure price. Infants under 2 years on
return to the UK are charged a fee of £45 to
cover administration costs but are not allocated
a luggage allowance (except Monarch Airlines at
10kgs) or a seat on the aircraft.
INFORMATION
Medication
No inoculations are compulsory if travelling from
the EU although you may be required to show
a yellow fever certificate when passing between
The Gambia and Senegal. You should consult your
doctor before booking, who will recommend
certain medication especially for malaria prevention.
All medicines should be carried in hand luggage.
Passports and visas
A full, valid British passport is required for entry
into The Gambia and Senegal; for Senegal this
should be valid for at least 3 months on return to
the UK. If you need to apply for a passport, do
so at least 12 weeks before departure. For other
nationalities, call our office for details. For long
stay holidays in The Gambia, travellers must have
their passport stamped by the Immigration Office
every 28 days. There has been talk of introducing
a tourist visa for entry to Senegal but this has not
been confirmed at the time of publication.
Check-in
Flight delays
For all flights to Dakar and Banjul from Gatwick
please check in at least 2 hours prior to the
departure time shown on your tickets (3 hours
from Banjul) except when travelling in Premium
Class or extra legroom during winter, which is
90 minutes. For regional flights to Banjul check-in
is also 90 minutes prior to departure time. Our
airport representative will be at the check-in desk
to assist with any queries that may arise. If you
are collecting a ticket on departure, please allow
sufficient time to pick up your documents.
Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all
concerned, flights are delayed for reasons
beyond our control. In the event that such a
delay occurs, we will always do our best to
provide a snack or meal when appropriate
and in the case of an overnight delay, provide
accommodation, although this may not be your
holiday accommodation. Should there be an
extended delay to your homeward flight we will
endeavour to delay your departure from your
holiday accommodation.
Currency
Foreign Office travel advice
The Gambia’s currency is the Dalasi (50 Dalasi
to £1 in April 2013). Credit cards may also be
accepted, although conversion to US dollars is
now used; please check with individual hotels
(surcharges will apply). Visa debit cards may be
accepted at ATMs. The currency in Senegal is the
West African CFA Franc but Euros are also accepted
in hotels (fixed rate of €1 = 656 CFA Franc).
We are working with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office to do all that we
can to help British travellers stay safe overseas.
Their website at Gov.uk/Foreign-travel-advice
is packed with essential tips, travel advice and
up-to-date country specific information.
Excess luggage
Telephone: 0207 229 9633
Our prices are based on the cost of fuel as of
17th April 2013. If the cost of fuel does rise, we
may be forced to introduce a fuel surcharge to
cover the increased costs to us. In the event of
any other security costs or taxes being levied,
there may also be an increase in prices printed in
this brochure, please see section 11 of our Fair
Trading Charter on page 83 for more details.
The publication date of this brochure is
15th May 2013; prices will be superseded by
any subsequent editions of this brochure.
Airlines are very strict about luggage allowance
and only consider limited requests for an
increased allowance from registered charities.
If you are carrying more than your allocated
amount you will have to pay an excess luggage
charge at check-in (approximately £15/kg) and
we cannot guarantee that the airline will accept
all your luggage. If you do have a large amount of
luggage, we can advise on sending it by freight.
Holiday questionnaire
Private transfers
To help us improve our service and ensure
standards are maintained, we should be
most grateful if you would take the time to
complete our questionnaire in resort and
return it to our resort staff prior to your
departure. Your feedback will now influence the
ratings displayed online for each property, as will
FEEFO (an independent review body) survey
results. We will also donate £10 to The Gambia
Experience School Development Fund for every
100 completed questionnaires received.
Unfortunately we are unable to include private
transfers as standard within any of our holiday
packages due to a shortage of suitable vehicles
in The Gambia. However, on request we can
organise private transfers to your accommodation
in either air-conditioned cars or minibuses for £40
per car each way to/from the airport (maximum
4). There is a supplement for Unique Collection
private transfers, however standard transfers for
these hotels usually operate direct and with small
numbers. For prices in Senegal please contact us.
Language
Requests
The official language in The Gambia is English
and in Senegal it is French. In both countries
tribal languages are also spoken, these include
Mandinka and Wolof.
If you have any requests for your accommodation
or flights, please ensure they are requested at the
time of booking. We shall be pleased to pass your
request to the airline or hotel, however we cannot
guarantee that they will be met.
Gambia Tourism Board
92 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AH
Prices and surcharges
77
INFORMATION
Time difference
No difference in time except April – October
when the UK is one hour ahead, due to British
Summer Time.
Transfers
Room check-in and out times
Tickets
The standard international practice is to let
rooms from midday to midday, however times
do vary. Check-in times are usually between
2pm and 3pm, check-out times between 11am
and 12 noon on the day of departure.
These can be expected 2 weeks prior to your
date of travel together with your accommodation
voucher, luggage labels and our “Gambia
Guide” or “Senegal Guide” for clients taking
accommodation, which we hope you find
useful. Your actual flight timings will be those
shown on your tickets; please check them
carefully as soon as you receive them. In addition,
please check your return flight details with your
representative or our resort office.
Senegal Embassy
39 Marloes Road, London W8 6LA
Telephone: 0207 938 4048
Transfers will be in coaches, mini-buses or 4x4
vehicles and may not be direct to your hotel,
however please contact us if you would like
to arrange a private transfer for your party.
Transfer times from the airport to your hotel in
The Gambia vary from 25 to over 50 minutes
depending on the hotel and route taken. For
more details see pages 12-13. Transfer times in
Senegal can be anything from 2¼ hours to
4½ hours. The transfer to Senegal from Banjul
will also include a crossing on the Barra Ferry,
which may be on foot (escorted) to avoid
traffic queues. Some of the journey to hotels
in the Sine Saloum Delta will be along an unlit
bumpy track. For transfer times see hotel pages.
Summer holidays
In The Gambia & Senegal
Although The Gambia & Senegal are often thought of as purely winter sun destinations, some of our customers
prefer to travel in the ‘green season’ when the beaches are virtually empty and the resorts are quieter.
Throughout the summer the average temperature remains at 30°C; May and June are particularly good months to travel as the weather is much the same as
during winter. From July to October humidity is higher and there are short, spectacular tropical storms which normally occur at night, however July and August
holidays offer great value, especially in luxury hotels, when it is high season in the busier Mediterranean resorts.
We fly to The Gambia throughout the summer from Gatwick, and to Senegal from Gatwick and Heathrow via Lisbon, Portugal. Not all hotels, restaurants
and facilities will operate during summer so if you have any queries or to request a summer pricing supplement, please contact our reservations team on
0845 330 4567 or 0845 338 8700. For details of additional hotels open during summer and any special offers please visit our website.
78
Ngala Lodge
Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Sarge’s Hotel
Royal Decameron Baobab
See Gambia page 51
See Senegal page 60
INFORMATION
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
As a specialist tour operator, we
have compiled an extensive list of
regular questions to ensure you
make the most of your holiday
and know what to expect.
Please see online at Gambia.co.uk/FAQs but here
are answers to some of the most common.
Q. What are the beaches like?
The Gambia is renowned for its uncrowded,
sandy beaches and there are beautiful, wide
stretches of sand in most resorts. Kololi suffers
from ongoing erosion from the strong Atlantic
currents, however it remains a popular resort for
holidaymakers. In Senegal, Saly and La Somone
have glorious sandy beaches and calm waters,
ideal for swimming and water sports. The Sine
Saloum Delta’s riverine landscape is also dotted
with small, sandy beaches.
Q. Is it safe?
Crime in The Gambia and Senegal against tourists
is low so venturing outside the hotels is safe.
In The Gambia you will experience ‘bumsters’,
locals who try to make a living selling private
excursions, handicrafts and working as unofficial
guides. They can be persistent to the point of
nuisance and although the Gambia Tourism Board
has successfully reduced the number of bumsters,
there is still more work to do. You will experience
less hassle in Senegal. In both countries we would
advise you to exercise caution and not show off
valuables, as in any foreign country.
Q. Will I find Wi-Fi in my hotel?
A growing number of hotels do now have Wi-Fi
access either in public areas or rooms, and
some have internet cafés; we can advise on
which properties are best suited to your needs.
However, please note that the connection can be
very erratic.
Quality Charter
5113
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and
quality which must be satisfied before new companies
are admitted to membership. All members are
required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice
which encourages high operational standards and
conduct.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other
arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member
under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in
the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly
with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations.
Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO
on a regular basis
ACCURATE BROCHURES & WEB SITES
All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print
or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS
All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough
training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays.
They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.
MONITORING STANDARDS
AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a
post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.
Q. Will one of your representatives
visit our hotel?
In The Gambia we have a large, year-round
resort team and our representatives visit the
hotels every day except Sunday to help guests
make the most of their holiday. Our reps do
not currently visit any of our Unique Collection
properties, Leo’s Beach Hotel or Hibiscus House
as these all offer their own very personal service.
In Senegal a representative will visit the hotels in
Saly and La Somone; in other hotels the hotel
staff look after our guests and telephone numbers
will be provided in case we can assist in any way.
Q. Can I eat outside the hotel?
The Gambia is fortunate to have a wide selection
of excellent quality, good value restaurants,
including Lebanese, Thai, Indian and traditional
Gambian cuisine. Many are within walking
distance of the hotels but it is also possible
to book a taxi with waiting time for a special
evening out. Our Gambia guide includes money
off vouchers at many restaurants. Alternatively,
several hotels offer flexible dining packages.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines,
which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating.
Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are
recognised by the award of 2 to 5 star status.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise.
In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be
settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called
upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.
Serenity Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
To contact the Association, visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.
ABTOT Charter
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust
Limited (ABTOT), Serenity Holidays has provided a bond to meet
the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package
Tours Regulations 1992. In the event of Serenity Holidays insolvency,
protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and
returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding
pre-arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that
packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased
directly with Serenity Holidays.
In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have
already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.
79
FLIGHTS
Flights
The Gambia Experience offers the widest
choice of year-round flights to The Gambia.
The Gambia Winter 2013/14
Airport gold package
• Tuesday and Friday direct daytime flights from Gatwick (weekend breaks,
10 & 11 nights and longer duration holidays available)
• Wednesday and Saturday flights from Manchester (10 & 11 nights and
longer duration holidays available)
• Tuesday flights from Birmingham
• Premium Class upgrades and legroom or exit seats at a supplement
• 90 minute regional and Premium Class/legroom check-in in UK
• Airport Gold packages available including airport lounges
On departure dates when Premium Class is not available we are able to offer an
enhanced service from Gatwick Airport, exclusive to The Gambia Experience.
This package will include use of the business lounge in both the UK and in Banjul
on your return, an additional 10kg luggage allowance and a complimentary drink
on board the aircraft in each direction. When taken with extra legroom seats at
the front of the aircraft, this offers an alternative to Premium Class at a reduced
combined supplement. Airport Gold Package supplement from £95pp.
The Gambia Summer 2014
Transfers times from Banjul airport to our resort hotels range from 25-55
minutes. See page 13 for more details.
• Direct, daytime flights from Gatwick (long duration holidays available)
• Legroom and exit seats at a supplement
• Airport Gold packages available including airport lounges
Flight only tickets
For flight only prices, including one ways, flexible tickets and long duration
flights, please visit Gambiaflights.co.uk
Transfers
Senegal flights
All Senegal brochure prices are based on Tuesday and Friday scheduled
flights from Gatwick and/or Heathrow (with 46kgs luggage allowance) to
and from Dakar (via Lisbon), except hotels Keur Saloum and Domaine Les
Palétuviers, which are based on flights to Banjul.
Winter 2013/14 – Flight details to Banjul (The Gambia) International Airport
Programmed flights operate from November to April and are non-stop. Additional Christmas flights may be arranged, call for details.
From
Day
Depart
UK
Depart
UK
Arrive
Flight
Supplements
THE GAMBIA
to 10/12
11/12 to 31/12
Available
Upgrades
from 01/01
Gatwick
Tuesday
0900 +
2240
nil
nil
nil
Legroom
Gatwick
Friday
0900
2255
£10
£30
£20
Premium/Legroom
Manchester
Wednesday
0810
2220
£30
£70
£40
–
Manchester
Saturday
1410
0415*
£40
£90
£50
–
Birmingham
Tuesday
0800
2150
£30
£90
£40
–
Carriers are: Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines. Flight schedules are subject to change.
+ Flight operates year-round. Flight arrives the following day.
*
SENEGAL
Winter 2013/14 – Flight details to Léopold Sédar Senghor (Dakar) International Airport
From
Day
Depart
UK
Depart
Senegal
Arrive
Senegal
Depart
UK
Arrive
Approximate
Transit Times
Available
Upgrades
Gatwick
Tuesday
1630
0050*
0150*
0925*
1h 30m
Business Class
Gatwick
Friday
1630
0050*
n/a
n/a
1h 30m
Business Class
Heathrow
Friday
1325
0050*
0150*
1120*
3h 35m
Business Class
*Flight arrives/departs the following day. All flights operate via Lisbon with TAP Portugal (NB: transit time may be longer on return flights).
Flight schedules are subject to change. n/a - not available.
80
FLY IN STYLE
Fly in style
Premium Class is available on
Friday Gatwick flights between
Christmas and Easter. On other
Gatwick flights legroom seats are
usually available - to the right are
details of the benefits they offer:
Supplements
Premium
Legroom*
Seat pitch
33”
33”
Pre-bookable seats
✓
✓
Dedicated check-ins in UK & Banjul
✓
✓
Executive lounge at Gatwick
✓
X
Priority boarding at Gatwick
Premium
Legroom
Return
£299
£120
One way from UK
£190
£60
One way from Banjul
£130
£60
✓
X
30kg
20kg
Separate cabin
✓
X
Individual entertainment system
✓
X
Enhanced meal service
✓
X
Complimentary bar service
✓
X
Comfort kit
✓
X
First Class lounge in Banjul Airport
✓
X
Baggage allowance
Premium Class flying includes increased Airport Passenger Duty (Government tax)
charges of £134 per person.
Christmas and New Year additional Premium Class supplements apply to
each sector as follows:
From UK: 20 Dec £80, 24 Dec £80, 27 Dec £50
From Banjul: 27 Dec £50, 31 Dec £50, 03 Jan £80, 07 Jan £80
Priority boarding at Banjul Airport
✓
✓
Number of seats
50
30
* These can be combined with our Airport Gold package for additional benefits.
Travel Insurance
Our customers should be adequately insured ahead of their holiday, and we are pleased to offer our travel insurance policy
through tagis, still including ZERO EXCESS on claims made (excluding personal liability) where usually this would be £50 or
more. This policy is tailor-made to the specific needs of our customers travelling to The Gambia and Senegal and includes
additional areas of cover, such as delays or cancellation due to snow, sandstorms or volcanic ash.
Premiums per person (including 20% Insurance Premium Tax)
Single Trip
Up to 10 days
Up to 17 days
Up to 24 days
Adult 18-65
£36.50
£42.80
£47
Adult 66-79
£73.40
£87.50
£97
Child 2-17
£21.80
£24.90
£27
Longer durations, couples, family and worldwide annual policies (excluding US, and including 17 days winter sports cover)
are also available.
Annual multi-trip
1 year from date of purchase
Adult 18-65
£88
Couple
£153
Family
£169
Summary of Cover
• Cancellation or curtailment – £5,000
• Medical expenses including medical
emergency assistance – £5,000,000
• Missed departure – £1,000
• Missed connection – £1,000
• Personal accident – £25,000
• Personal effects – £2,500 (£400 single item limit)
• Personal liability – £2,000,000
• Legal expenses – £15,000
(All maximum limits per person)
Full details of the policy
will be sent with your
confirmation invoice.
There is a 14 day cooling
off period from the date
of sale wherein the policy
may be cancelled without
charge.
The policy does not
cover any pre-existing
health conditions of the
persons travelling and
others upon whose
health the trip may
depend unless a health
check has been carried
out by calling 0845
408 0585, and cover is
confirmed in writing.
81
Book
How to
Ring The Gambia Experience
on 0845 330 4567
or The Senegal Experience
on 0845 338 8700
Call our
Expert Team
Our reservations staff will be happy to share their knowledge of the
countries and help you plan your holiday. Our office opening hours are:
9am – 7pm Monday to Friday
9am – 5pm Saturday
10am – 4pm Sunday
The office may be closed during national and bank holidays.
Calls may be recorded for training purposes.
Loyalty discount
Valued clients who have previously travelled with The Gambia Experience
or The Senegal Experience in the last 3 years will qualify for a discount of
£35 per person, a reduced deposit of £50 and a 10% discount on insurance
premiums. The discount must be claimed at time of booking and is available
throughout the year on hotel-inclusive holidays only, booked at the full
brochure price and cannot be used in conjunction with a group discount.
Visit your local
Travel Agent
If you obtained this brochure through a travel
agent, you will be able to book with them.
Visit or chat online at
Gambia.co.uk
Booking Checklist
• Deposit - only £95 per person
Making your booking
• Seek travel health advice from GP
Once you or your travel agent have confirmed your holiday reservation,
we will issue our confirmation invoice by the following day. It is essential
you check that all the details are correct and advise us immediately if they
are not. Any changes at a later date may incur an amendment fee.
• Check your confirmation invoice
Payment
• Make sure you have adequate insurance
• Pay balance 8 weeks prior to departure
• Payment by cheque, bank transfer, online,
debit card or credit card (2% charge)
• Complete Additional Passenger
Information (API) online
82
You can check availability, prices and book your holiday
or flight 24 hours a day online at Gambia.co.uk,
Gambiaflights.co.uk or Senegal.co.uk
On confirming your holiday we require a deposit of £95 per person
(£50 for repeat customers), payable by debit or credit card (2% charge). In
addition, if our insurance is taken this must also be paid for at this time. The
balance must be paid at least 8 weeks prior to departure, either online or by
telephone, by cheque, bank transfer, debit or credit card. For bookings made
within 8 weeks of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
If we do not receive the appropriate payment, we reserve the right to cancel
your booking and you will be liable for cancellation charges in accordance
with our Fair Trading Charter. Please make cheques payable to The Gambia
Experience/The Senegal Experience and send to Serenity Holidays,
Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire,
PO15 7AN. Any monies paid by credit card are currently subject to a 2%
charge to cover costs levied by the providers (no charge for debit cards).
FAIR TRADING CHARTER
The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience is operated by Serenity Holidays
(Serenity Holidays Ltd). We are committed to a policy of fair trading and make every effort to
ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday with us. Our terms of trade have been formulated
as a result of our responsibilities under law and in no way affect your statutory rights as
a consumer. We accept responsibility for the quality of the holidays we provide and the
excursions booked with our local representatives. Please read this carefully and keep with you
on holiday as it sets out the basis of the contract between you and Serenity Holidays Ltd.
We are a member of ABTA, membership number V5963. We are obliged to maintain a high
standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration
scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. Further
information on the Code and arbitration can be found at http://www.abta.com
DATA PROTECTION When you make an enquiry or booking with us, information
about you is collected. This refers to information such as your name, contact details, travel
preferences and any special needs/disabilities or dietary requirements. By giving us these
details, you consent for these to be used as necessary in processing your booking and
complying with legal requirements (e.g. forwarding passenger lists to airlines). We may also
use your details to send you future holiday brochures or advise of special offers from ourselves
- should you NOT want to receive these, please tell us. Some of your information may be
considered “sensitive personal data” under the Data Protection Act 1998, which will only be
used when it is necessary for us to communicate your needs to a hotel or airline. For more
information – please refer to our ‘Privacy Statement’ shown on our websites Gambia.co.uk
or Senegal.co.uk
We sell the following arrangements:
Package Holiday
A “package holiday” is a combination of at least two of the following services (a) transport, (b)
accommodation or (c) other tourist services (not ancillary to any transport or accommodation
and forming a significant part of the arrangements) where booked through us at an inclusive
price.
Accommodation or Flight only
If you book accommodation or flight only through us, we will accept responsibility for your
booking in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant sections below. As this is a single
component, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 do
not apply.
FINANCIAL SECURITY:
If you book a package holiday through us the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package
Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the
package holidays booked from this broczhure.
For packages that include flights we provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 1866)
administered by the Civil Aviation Authority.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package, or flight only arrangements, you will
receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via your travel agent through which you booked)
confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence
number [1866]. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not
stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance
booking. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an
alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel
Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree
that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims
which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services,
including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable).
You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has
paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. For further information visit the ATOL
website at www.atol.org.uk. The price of our air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection
Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.
For packages that do not include flights, as a member of the Association of Bonded Travel
Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) Serenity Holidays Ltd has provided a bond to meet the
requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
In the event of Serenity Holidays’ insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages
commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged
travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only
protected when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd.
In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have
already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package.
Flight Only arrangements are protected by our ATOL (number 1866) as described above.
1. YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING When making a booking you must be aged over 18 years
and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these
booking conditions. All correspondence and documents are sent to the party leader who is
responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. The contract is made on the terms
of the information in this brochure, the details set out in the confirmation invoice. We agree
that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction and English Law applies (unless you live
in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you can bring proceedings in your local court
under Scottish or Northern Irish law, as applicable). Our confirmation invoice is our acceptance
of the booking (as detailed therein), and the contract is made on its issue. We ask you to
check the details and any anomaly should be reported to us or your travel agent immediately
otherwise the details shown on the confirmation will be presumed to be correct. Verbal
quotations should not be considered binding until the first invoice confirmation is received. All
holidays and offers published in this brochure are subject to availability at the time of booking.
2. PAYMENT If you wish to confirm a booking you must pay the deposit of £95pp. Your final
payment will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 8 weeks before
your departure, or your booking may be deemed cancelled and your deposits retained. If
payment for your holiday is made by credit card a handling fee, currently 2% will be levied.
3. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING You will need to let us know as soon
as possible either by telephone or in writing (or must ensure your travel agent does so on
your behalf). Since we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation
charges set out below will apply, calculated from the date on which we receive your notice of
cancellation. You will then receive a cancellation invoice detailing any charges.
No of days before departure
Amount for each full paying adult
More than 42 days
29 - 42 days
22 - 28 days
6 - 21 days
0 - 5 days
Loss of deposit
50%
75%
90%
100%
The charges above apply to your total holiday price excluding any insurance premiums,
amendment charges or charges for goods sold and dispatched. The conditions of your travel
insurance policy may allow a refund claim. Please note: if any members of your party cancel,
but the others still wish to travel, it may be necessary to re-calculate the cost per person based
on the new party size as the accommodation may now be under-occupied. This may result in
an increased amount per person payable to secure the original booking.
4. CHARGES FOR NON-INCLUSIVE HOTEL ITEMS AND DAMAGES You enter into a
separate contract with the hotel or residence for these items (e.g. parking, bar bills etc.), and
agree to pay locally for any charges for items or services used by your party and not included in
your holiday price. The accommodation we arrange for you can only be used by those people
named on your Invoice. You are not allowed to share the accommodation with anyone else
or let others stay there.
5. IF YOU REQUEST A CHANGE TO YOUR BOOKING All amendments to your booking,
e.g. name changes, dates of travel or accommodation, will incur a charge, the amount of which
will depend on the nature of the change and the time before the date of travel. Any changes
made within 8 weeks of departure may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings. The lead
name on a booking cannot be changed under any circumstances and this would also be classed
as a cancellation and re-booking.
6. IF YOU BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT we will assume that in dealing with us
the agent is acting on your behalf. All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on
our behalf at all times.
7. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY Although it is unlikely, we may occasionally have to
change your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to change or cancel your booking.
Most changes are minor and we will always endeavour to advise you or your travel agent of
any such changes at the earliest possible date.
Note: Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have
made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us.
Package Holiday & Flight only:
A change of airline, aircraft type, overseas airport of destination, travel timings by 12 hours or less
and accommodation of a similar or higher standard in the same resort or region are classed as
minor changes which do not entitle you to cancel or change to another holiday / flight without
paying our normal administration charges, and for which no compensation or refund is due.
In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier
operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to
be used as follows: Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines and TAP Portugal. Any changes to
the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible
and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. The carrier may occasionally have to change
the type of aircraft used on a particular flight without advance warning. In such circumstances
where you have booked and paid an additional seat supplement and such seat cannot be
provided, then you will receive only a refund of the supplement paid.
Occasionally, we have to make major changes to your travel arrangements or accommodation.
A major change is a change made before departure, which, on the basis of the information
given to us by you at the time of booking we can reasonably expect will have a major effect on
your holiday. The following changes are examples of major changes: changing travel times by
over 12 hours, your UK departure airport (excluding London airports), your holiday region,
a change to a lower standard or type of accommodation or reducing the number of days’
holiday.
If we have to make a major change or cancel your holiday we will tell you as soon as possible.
Where possible, we will offer the following options: you can either a) accept the changed
arrangements b) purchase another holiday/flight from us at the advertised current selling price
or c) cancel your booking upon which we will refund your monies in full and final settlement.
If you have booked a Package Holiday, subject to the note below, irrespective of whether
you choose a), b) or c) we will pay compensation to passengers who paid the full brochure
price as follows:
No of days before departure
Amount for each full paying adult
More than 56 days
29 - 55 days
15 - 28 days
8-14 days
Less than 7 days
nil
£15
£25
£35
£50
Accommodation only:
If we make a change to your accommodation and you don’t want to accept it, you can take
any alternative we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement
is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference
if it is less expensive) or a refund of the money you have paid to us. This does not apply
where the change is not material. Examples of non-material changes include, but are not
limited to, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities. If we
have to cancel your accommodation, again we may be able to offer you an alternative. If you
accept it, you would pay the difference if it was advertised at a higher price than your original
accommodation, or receive a refund of the difference if it was advertised at a lower price.
Or we will refund the monies you have paid us for your accommodation. We will not be
responsible to pay any compensation following a change or a cancellation by us.
Applicable to Package Holiday, Accommodation or Flight only bookings:
Note: If a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for
example war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and
its consequences, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, health risks, adverse
weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure
or congestion of airports or ports, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will
have no liability to you. No compensation payments, expenses or any other sums, including
the cost of securing alternative accommodation will be paid by us.
8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT In the unlikely event you have cause for complaint whilst
abroad, about the accommodation or about any other element of your holiday, you must
refer it immediately to our local representative. It is unreasonable for you to take little or no
action whilst on holiday and wait until you return to complain, and you must take reasonable
steps to minimise the consequences of the problem. If you fail to follow this simple procedure
we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst
you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. If a problem cannot be
resolved locally you should complete and sign a Guest Comment form in resort, setting out
the details of the problem. This should be handed to your representative who will give you
a copy; it is essential that you also report the problem to any supplier of the service you are
complaining about. Any complaint must also be followed by written confirmation of all the
details, with any supporting evidence, within 28 days of your return from holiday.
9. OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Package Holiday:
If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our
suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your
travel arrangements. However, we will not be liable where any failure in the performance
of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel
arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and
unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have
been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers,
even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall.
Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of
[3] times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance
with and/or in an identical manner to:
(a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel
arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and
(b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect
of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention
in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of
accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury,
delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all
benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.
You can ask for copies of the transport companies’ contractual terms, or the international
conventions, from our offices: Serenity Holidays Ltd, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent
Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7AN.
We do not accept liability for happenings or actions outside our control, e.g. delays to travel
services, the temporary invasion of pests, the presence of indigenous animals or insects,
government action, industrial disputes, damage or inconvenience resulting from the weather
(e.g. drought conditions) or from acts of God, or your party’s negligence resulting in loss or
accident.
If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of
failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a
result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the
consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised,
or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall,
and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is
reasonable in the circumstances. If you have taken our recommended insurance cover, you
must make an insurance claim in respect of any legal fees incurred abroad for that purpose, and
if you have taken alternative insurance, you must do likewise under any Legal Expenses cover
provided by it. You must also provide us with the confirmation from the insurance company of
receipt of your notification to them of your claim.
Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday
are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you
book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are
not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during
the course of its provision by the operator.
Accommodation only:
We have a duty to select the accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We
have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where
it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore,
providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no
liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the
provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations:
i. where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to circumstances beyond our
control (see the Note in clause 7)
ii. where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your
booking, based on the information provided by you.
iii. where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity.
iv. where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract
with you.
If we are found liable to you on any basis, we limit the amount we have to pay you to a
maximum of three times the cost of your accommodation. This limit does not apply to cases
involving death or injury.
10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY You undertake to exercise due and reasonable care in respect
of your holiday accommodation and its contents, to leave it in a clean and complete condition,
to respect local and on-site regulations and bye-laws, to limit party numbers to those on your
confirmation, to remit payments as invoiced on or before the due dates, to indemnify us
against all loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any act, default or omission of your
party, and not to exceed the published occupation capacity of the accommodation. Any serious
abuse of a property or its contents may render you liable to eviction without compensation.
11. PRICES AND SURCHARGES The price of your holiday was calculated using the
exchange rate of £1 = €1.18 on 30th April 2013. We reserve the right to increase or reduce
prices, and the current price of your holiday will be advised to you at the time of booking.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the information and prices provided
to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. In the event that an incorrect price has been
given in error, any booking made based on this price, will not be valid. You will be advised
of the mistake at the earliest opportunity and you will then have the option either to pay the
correct price for the travel arrangements or to cancel and receive a full refund of any monies
you may already have paid. Once you have booked your holiday we reserve the right to
surcharge for cost increases due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other
government imposed charges, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), taxes or fees
chargeable for services such as landing taxes, embarkation or disembarkation fees at airports,
and exchange rates.
Package Holidays
There will be no charge within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb such increases up to
2% of your basic holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges).
If the surcharge is greater than 10% of your holiday price you have the option of changing to
another holiday that we offer (if we are able to offer an alternative you will not have to pay
more, but if it is of a lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price) or you have the
right to cancel (within 14 days of receiving surcharge notification), in which case we will refund
in full all monies paid to us except insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Should
the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of
your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel
arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes will have
no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place.
Accommodation and Flight only
We reserve the right to pass on all increases. If we ask you to pay us any increases in taxes,
similarly, if any taxes you have paid to us are reduced or abolished, you will be entitled to
claim a refund. Such right shall not apply in respect of any surcharge paid in respect of aviation
fuel costs.
12. TRAVEL SERVICES When you travel by air the relevant carrier’s ‘Conditions of Carriage’
will apply to your journey, some of which may limit liability or exclude liability in accordance
with the relevant international conventions. Copies of the conditions are available for inspection
at any ABTA travel agent. Information given by us about such services is for guidance only and
the carriers concerned accept no responsibility for our brochures. It is your responsibility to
report promptly at the check-in times given by the carriers and with the appropriate valid travel
documents (e.g. passports), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by you
if you fail to do so. Occasionally there are times beyond our control when a flight is delayed.
We will work closely with the airline and our resort office to make sure any delay is as short
as possible and that your overseas transfer and accommodation arrangements are changed if
necessary. Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience of delays as far as possible.
Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from
your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delays to flights. Full details of these
rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Please note that
reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle
you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from
us is set out in clause 7 ‘if we change your holiday’. . If your airline does not comply with these
rules you should complain to the Passengers Advice and Complaints team at the CAA (email:
[email protected] website www.caa.co.uk). In March 2006 the European
Commission published a list of airlines considered to be unsafe and which are therefore not
permitted to fly passengers or Cargo in the EU or operate within the European airspace.
This list is updated every three months and can be viewed by clicking on the website for the
European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm. Alternatively, should
you wish to be sent a copy of the list, please contact us either by telephone or in writing.
13. TRAVEL INSURANCE You agree to our requirement: at the time of booking your holiday
you either accept our travel insurance or you or your travel agent make immediate alternative
arrangements with cover at least equal to our own policy.
14. SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES Where a swimming pool or other
facility is referred to as being available for use, such availability is at the hotelier’s discretion and
is understood to be conditional upon temporary or unavoidable closure necessitated by: the
hotels essential maintenance programme, accident, damage or malfunction of equipment, and
in the case of swimming pools: compliance with any water conservation regulations imposed in
times of drought, damage or malfunction of the mains water supply. The above are understood
to be a result of force majeure and not to reflect on our failure to deliver an advertised facility.
15. ARBITRATION In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be settled amicably between
us, you may if you wish refer the matter to arbitration under a special scheme, which, though
devised by arrangement with ABTA is administered quite independently (details on request or
from the ABTA website www.abta.com). This is a simple method of arbitration on documents
alone with restricted cost liability to the customer. The rules of the scheme provide that the
application for arbitration must be made within eighteen months of the date of return from the
holiday but in special circumstances it may still be offered outside of this period. The scheme
does not apply to claims over £5,000 per person or £25,000 per booking, nor to claims
mainly or solely in respect of injury or illness or their consequences. Alternatively, AITO’s
Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter
to a speedy and amicable solution.
16. PASSPORT/VISA It is the responsibility of all customers to ensure they have a valid
passport and to check entry requirements such as passport validity and any required visa. In
addition, you must consult your GP for advice regarding recommended medication and antimalarial drugs before you book.
17. HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION Should anyone be refused admission to the flight or to the
destination country by the airline or government authority due to the correct documentation
not being in order then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. Any
passengers considered being unacceptably under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be
denied boarding to the aircraft or entry into the country. In these circumstances we shall
consider the customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any
costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so.
83
We are an independent company where emphasis is very much on quality and service.
We offer specialist holidays to other destinations and all provide excellent value and choice.
The Cape Verde Experience
0845 330 2046
CapeVerde.co.uk
Corsican Places
0845 330 2345
Corsica.co.uk
Sardinian Places
0845 330 2056
SardinianPlaces.co.uk
Great Escapes - Short Breaks
0845 330 3434
GreatEscapes.co.uk
Travel Agents Stamp
Reservations
Reservations
0845 330 4567 (+44 1489 866 939)
0845 338 8700
Administration
(+44 1489 866 947)
Administration
0845 330 2044 (+44 1489 866 901)
Gambia.co.uk
[email protected]
0845 330 2083 (+44 1489 866 978)
Senegal.co.uk
[email protected]
The Gamba Resort Office
c/o Senegambia Hotel, The Gambia
5113
Serenity Holidays Ltd, Registered in the U.K number 01744872
Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AN
Thanks to: Photography: Jon Banfield Photography, Piers Golden Photography, The Gambia Experience Team, Chris Packham | Print: Taylor Bloxham Ltd.
Design: Serenity Design Studio | Copyright ©2013 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved.

Senegal - West Africa

Transcription

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