Defined by its tranquillity and friendly atmosphere, Bakotu Hotel is a firm favourite, offering a haven in the heart of bustling Kotu. While the hotel is a well-kept secret to many, Chris Packham has certainly discovered the serenity of Bakotu Hotel, and stays here whenever he visits The Gambia.
The emphasis at a Bakotu Hotel is on relaxation, so you won’t find any loud music or organised pool games here. It's set back from Kotu Beach, which is easily accessible, but still enjoys beautiful natural surroundings. At the back of the hotel, a large decked area set beneath towering trees overlooks Kotu Stream, where you can observe vervet monkeys, monitor lizards and over 50 species of bird.
Guest rooms amongst the gardens
The simply furnished yet comfortable rooms are located in largely single-storey bungalows throughout the tropical gardens. A limited number of standard rooms have air-conditioning which is available at a supplement; these can be booked in advance, exclusively by Gambia Experience guests, to ensure availability.
Dining at Bakotu
Captain's Table, the hotel's à la carte restaurant, enjoys a good reputation for evening food, especially its shrimp specials. There's also a pool bar, plus a second restaurant adding to the increased choice of places to dine in the area. For those booking half board, the package is flexible with the option to dine at Boss Lady, serving Gambian specials, plus a weekly meal at Captain’s Table in addition to the standard buffet dinners.
Explore the local area
Kombo Beach and Bungalow Beach hotels are nearby, plus a couple of further beach bars, and although Kotu is becoming a busier area, it remains quiet in comparison to the nearby resort of Kololi. There’s a small craft market across the road selling traditional handmade souvenirs, which also leads through to the sandy beach.
How about some birdwatching?
Why not book a private day out spotting a host of bird life with our recommended local guide? Find out more about our Birdwatching Holidays.
Official local hotel rating: 1 star (we are confident of our 3 grade rating)
