What We Think
A long-established favourite, it’s hard to choose one particular feature of The Kairaba to describe its appeal as there are so many reasons why more of our guests return to this hotel than any other. For some it is the prime position beside Kololi beach, for others it’s the tranquility of the spacious grounds, whilst for many it is the close proximity of the many bars and restaurants of Kololi, The Gambia’s largest and liveliest resort. The beach outside the hotel at Kololi is suffering from erosion but sunbeds are still available; there are a few steps down to the extensive sandy beach which can be accessed at low tide.
The Kairaba's bedrooms are situated in two-storey buildings within extensive bougainvillea-filled gardens; from your balcony or terrace you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and views across the attractive lawns. Following client feedback we continue to base our holidays on the Deluxe rooms as we feel these rooms are more in keeping with our customers' requirements; these are situated in two-storey Portuguses style building overlooking the gardens and are superior in size, quality and location. Standard rooms are available at a discount; other tour operators feature these as standard, however they are not in the gardens and are located close to Casa Fernandos bistro which can be quite noisy in the evenings. Superior deluxe rooms with their large picture windows, and Premium suites with a separate double bedroom, always prove to be extremely popular, especially with repeat guests.
This hotel is all about peace and relaxation, which is only interrupted by the vervet monkeys and birdlife visiting from the neighbouring forest. There are no pool games or loud music during the day to disturb guests, croquet is more in keeping with the tranquil tone of the hotel although there is the occasional local band or entertainment in the evening. Due to the quality and range of facilities within the hotel, The Kairaba is very popular with conferences and private or evening functions for Gambian dignitaries and foreign Ministers of State, and also caters very well for tourist groups visiting the country.
When it comes to dining, you have everything from à la carte to a lively outside bistro during winter. Breakfast is served in the elevated Kingfisher restaurant, allowing you to start your day feasting on views over the gardens as well as freshly cooked delights. The Malimbe poolside snack bar provides excellent lunches and this is where the half board buffet is served in winter, along with occasional themed buffet evenings. Shikra, the hotel's à la carte restaurant provides an air of sophistication, alternatively there is a lively and informal atmosphere in the outside bistro, Casa Fernando's and coffee bar Havana Club. From May to October half board is served as a grill/ salad buffet in Casa Fernando's, plus a wide range of a la carte options are also included and available for bed & breakfast guests. If you prefer to sample the local cuisine you also have a wide variety of fine restaurants on your doorstep just a few minutes’ walk away in Kololi - along with the hotel's very own coffee shop and ice cream parlour.
Why not try our popular 'Wine and Dine' package? Available in winter the package offers two dinners in the Shikra à la carte restaurant (some exclusions apply), two dinners in Casa Fernando's Bistro, three buffet dinners each including a bottle of wine*, a fruit basket in your room*,and a bottle of wine on arrival*, (*per room). Alternatively, Full Board Plus is available throughout the year and consists of lunch chosen from the à la carte menu by the poolside, dinner buffet in the main restaurant and 2 drinks with each meal per person (beer, wine by the glass or soft drinks).
With its beachfront location in the heart of Kololi and wide range of facilties within a tranquil setting, this is a very popular choice of hotel.The Kairaba is often fully booked so we suggest booking early to secure your preferred dates and room type.
