Owned by a French collector of African antiques, the whole place is a work of art, from the colourful wooden prows from long-abandoned pirogues, which line the pathway to the carved wooden statues, positioned around the bar and restaurant.
Built mainly out of natural materials, each of the simply furnished rooms maintains its African charm and character whilst ensuring guests are kept comfortable with air-conditioning and/or ceiling fans. The rooms resemble a typical, thatched Senegalese hut, their doors opening directly on to the golden sands. Inside, the rooms are dominated by a large bed, hewed from actual tree trunks and illuminated by quirky, wooden lamps. The design of the bathroom is totally unique but ensures you can wash and shower in comfort.
Your meals are served on the wooden terrace of the restaurant or at one of the many tables set in-between the trees; taking advantage of the catch of the day, and fresh produce from their garden, the chef will present you with a varied menu with suggestions of the day so you can make the most of the simple but excellent cuisine on offer. Dinner at Tama Lodge is a particularly enchanting affair when flickering lanterns light the outdoor areas.
As Tama Lodge is set on the beach, you can feel free to wander around without shoes for the whole of your stay; the laid-back, easy-going atmosphere enhanced by the many shaded sun-beds, hammocks and reclining chairs, which are scattered on the sands. With so many hidden places amongst the coconut trees, you can always find a quiet spot to sit and read or to take in the beauty of this unspoilt location. You can even enjoy a massage on the beach in the shade of a simple bamboo hut.
Tama Lodge is such a gem that you may find you don’t want to go anywhere else, but the main activities in the resort of Saly are only a short distance away.