What We Think
'Sitanunku' Lodge is the first tourist lodge situated on the North Bank of the River Gambia, enjoying spacious accommodation in a tranquil and secluded waterfront location with stunning views of the peninsular overlooking Dog Island. A perfect romantic hideaway and an opportunity to experience friendly service in an idyllic setting.
Opened in December 2010, Sitanunku started with 5 airy, comfortable en-suite lodges with king-size beds, en-suite bathroom, fan and mosquito nets, as well as an outdoor, grassed seating area and terrace, complete with deckchairs and sun loungers. A further 5 river-facing lodges facing Dog Island are now completed. Each lodge is spaced to ensure a level of privacy and to maximise the river views from their slightly elevated position looking down to the water through the impressive Baobab trees, from when the name 'Sitanunku' is derived. This area is always breezy so temperatures feel comfortable throughout the year and, in line with the lodge's policy of minimising its impact on the environment, there is no air-conditioning.
Accommodation is provided on a half board basis, with a small restaurant for al fresco dining close to the water's edge, and bar on site to cater for your needs. A new restaurant is due to open in 2012 enjoying stunning views towards the river. The hotel has its own large vegetable garden and food is freshly prepared; along with other tempting dishes, fish is caught and served most days - staff will even prepare your own catch on request! Service is very friendly and personal, and staff come from the nearby village thus ensuring close links with the local community.
There is a plunge pool enjoying a fabulous waterfront location close to the restaurant/bar, with a larger pool in an elevated position due to open in 2012, and private sunbathing areas are dotted throughout the grounds where you can relax when the day's activities are over. A short walk away from the river to the sea side of the promontory you will find a beach area, from where you can swim safely.
Guests can benefit from complimentary use of 1 or 2-man canoes to reach nearby Dog Island, or for the more adventurous why not venture further along the coast to 'Pelican Island' to enjoy the impressive variety of birdlife there? Another included activity is the chance to try your hand at fishing from the impressive jetty; novices and experienced anglers can be catered for with some of the area's best fishing ground close by and boat trips can be arranged for an additional charge. French boules and board games are also available and evenings can be spent sitting around the campfire under the stars with your fellow guests, or enjoying a drink whilst listening to the sound of the water lapping gently against the shore. It is also possible to arrange guided birdwatching walks, mountain bike hire, and visits to the local village of Sitanunku 5 kilometres away, as well as other excursions to explore the surrounding villages and countryside, all for an additional charge, payable locally.
The accommodation has been designed to maximise sustainable tourism measures with solar power being utilised throughout the complex and it has its own bore hole for the supply of water. As well as having fantastic appeal for holidaymakers looking for a quiet retreat away from the busy tourist resorts, this lodge is also aimed at keen anglers as Dog Island is home to some of the world’s best large fish, including Atlantic Tarpon. These big fish ranging from 50kg to 150kg pass seasonally in numbers through the bait-rich waters of the River Gambia. Inshore shallow waters with numerous rocky scars & sandbanks also provide rich fishing grounds. Bait fishing gives the angler the opportunity to target a host of localised species such as Captain Fish, Ladyfish, Cassava, Snapper, Catfish, & large rays. There are also suitable locations for shore fishing so it really does have something for everyone in the fishing world. Alternatively, a day's fishing can be purchased for anglers with a more casual interest and some tackle and bait can be provided at no extra cost.
Just a memorable 45 minute transfer by fast boat through the creeks from Mandina Lodges or Denton Bridge near Banjul, this property is relatively easily accessible for an opportunity to experience a taste of what The Gambia has to offer in terms of fishing and birdlife, or will appeal to those looking for a unique, tranquil holiday experience.
It can be booked as a stand-alone holiday, or a 3 or 4-night stay can be combined with Mandina Lodges, Omakan Hotel or a beachfront hotel for a longer holiday.
