31 January 2009 - Norwich Evening News - Derek James
The moment you step out of the airport the adventure starts… there’s never a dull moment in The Gambia, the little country with the big heart, where the welcome is as warm as the sun. DEREK JAMES reports from the Smiling Coast and recommends a visit to blow away the recession blues.
It may be the smallest country on mainland Africa but it has so much to offer… and it’s the nearest place in the winter where the days are almost guaranteed to bring wall-to-wall blue skies and hot sun.
There is something very special about The Gambia and you may discover that even before you land, during the flight that takes less than six hours and involves no time change.
When I visited before Christmas the plane was full of “repeaters” chatting to each other about their experiences and when a woman in the seat in front of me announced she was a “first-timer,” people were almost climbing over their seats to get to her. Don’t do this. You must do that and make sure you go there… the advice came thick and fast. The man sitting next to me, a Gambian returning home for the holidays, asked if it was my first time. I told him I had been several times. He just grinned and said: “You know what to expect then.”
I certainly did and then tried to remember when it was that I visited The Gambia for the first time. It must have been more than 20 years ago and there have been many changes since then as more people have discovered this enchanting little land on the awesome coast of West Africa facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean. And I have to admit that I am biased. I love everything about it… and if you are tempted to follow in my footsteps I recommend you book up with The Gambia Experience, the specialists, and the only operator flying in and out all year round. Most of their guides are Gambian and they are more like experienced travelling companions than reps and often become family friends.
At the moment The Gambia and its big brother neighbour Senegal are the only two countries offering package holidays in this part of Africa that is unlike anywhere else in the world. The Gambia Experience offers twin-centre breaks where you can spend a few days in each place to get a flavour of this pair of fascinating lands with so much to offer.
When I first went to The Gambia there were just a few hotels catering for winter sun seekers… since then many more have been built but the most recent developments are the most impressive. The new hotels that are quite stunning – and far better value that those in the more expensive Caribbean which offer a similar climate to The Gambia. Today there are holidays to suit people of all ages and all walks of life with prices starting from £299 for a week in a 2* hotel. If you want some action then head for “The Strip” where the Senegambia Hotel, The Kairaba and the cheap and cheerful Sarge’s Hotel sit. It’s packed with bars, restaurants and clubs.
If you are looking for a slightly more low-key resort then go to Kotu where there a number of hotels including the excellent Kombo Beach, bars, restaurants and shops. Cape Point is an area with more of an African feel to it and has some good hotels – from the small and friendly Cape Point to the plush Ocean Bay. The new hotels such as the Sheraton and the fantastic Coco Ocean Resort & Spa are the ultimate in beach resorts but if you looking for a taste of real Africa head out to the Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest. They are out of this world.
There also a number of combinations of offer so you can spend some time in The Gambia and Senegal with flights into both Banjul and Dakar. If you are thinking of visiting The Gambia here are the hotels and resorts I can recommend.
Mandina Lodges
Combine a three night visit with a coastal hotel. If your kind of holiday is fun and games around the pool and happy hour – and there’s nothing wrong with that – don’t opt for this place. If you are looking for somewhere in Africa that is absolutely stunning and quite unique then this is for you. Developed by two Brits, James English and Lawrence Williams who give every guest the VIP treatment, these lodges, either floating on the river or in the jungle, are unique. This is the ultimate in tranquil relaxation and within hours of arriving you will be at peace with yourself…spend your days on the river, in the 1000-acre forest, lounging by the pool and your nights at the lovely restaurant and then around the campfire. And what I loved most was the noise…that comes from the jungle at night and early in the morning. The accommodation and the food is fabulous. It is a memorable experience at a luxury, eco-friendly jungle retreat which now has links with the Eden Project.
Kombo Beach
If your kind of holiday is fun and games around the pool and happy hour – this is the place for you. But it is also a great 4* hotel and big enough for anyone who is looking for a quiet beach holiday in the heart of a small resort with everything you need. Look out for taxi driver JJ. He’ll show you his country – and ask him for a cheap price! The hotel, improved and updated in recent years, overlooks a large sun kissed beach. It has four bars and four restaurants offering food from around the world and good entertainment at night. All the rooms come with airconditioning and good sized balconies or terraces. It sits in large gardens and you can either get involved in the activities or enjoy your own company. Nearly all the guests I spoke to were regulars and four came from Norfolk.
Sheraton Resort & Spa
Perched on three cliff levels overlooking a golden sandy beach this captures the essence of chic recreation. A new 5* hotel near in a beautiful spot near the village of Brufut. Standards are high and residents I spoke to said they loved the place, the world-class facilities and the team running it. It is well away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts but they are only a ten minute taxi ride away.
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
This is the latest hotel to be built in The Gambia and it is one that reaches new standards of accommodation in the country. It is on a par, probably better, than most boutique hotels you will find in the Caribbean. Designed and created by the owners of the gorgeous Coconut Residence this is absolutely stunning. A perfect choice if you are looking for luxury There are 24 suites and penthouses and four Royal Suites that come with their own private plunge pools and 14 Club Villas. And it is only a 20-minute stroll along a beautiful beach to the resort of Kololi.
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