UNIQUE HOLIDAYS

Imagine waking in a four-poster bed in a lodge floating on the River Gambia, or witnessing chimps in the wild on an island in the River Gambia National Park: The Gambia is filled with unique experiences. 

 

VIEW UNIQUE HOLIDAYS

What is our 'Unique' Collection?

Sitting within our Something Special collection, each of our unique properties is exclusive to us and offers a range of options; from relaxed luxury, to small with individual style and always with friendly service. They also offer the opportunity to venture beyond the usual tourist resorts and experience more of this wonderful country, its people and its wildlife.

Aerial view of Keur Saloum Hotel, Sine Saloum Delta, Senegal

Peace and tranquillity...

Sometimes all you need is total relaxation - to switch off, leave the world behind you and let someone else take the strain. Our unique properties, with their emphasis on serenity and individuality are the perfect antidote to our hectic lives. 

Relaxation on Waterhouse deck, Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp

Experience wildlife in style...

At Chimp Camp you can venture upriver and see the apes in their natural environment; at Fathala Wildlife Reserve, relax in your luxury safari tent and hear the hum of the African bush; and in your riverside lodge at Mandina Lodges, awaken to the glory of an exquisite dawn chorus.

A magical atmosphere at Mandina Lodges

Memories

We're convinced that a stay at one of our unique properties, or combining a stay at two or more in a tailor-made break, will give you a true holiday of a lifetime. Come and experience The Gambia with us; it's the stuff that dreams are made of...

Unique Accommodation

 

More Unique Accommodation

Two-storey Stilted Lodge at Mandina

Mandina Lodges

There is simply nothing quite like Mandina. Hidden away in the African bush on a mangrove-lined tributary of the River Gambia, with a unique combination of river and jungle lodges, it truly has its own special atmosphere - one that gradually works its way into you over the course of your stay...

Mandina Lodges

Jetty at Keur Saloum, Sine Saloum Delta, Senegal

Keur Saloum

The Keur Saloum Hotel sits in a fantastic position perched above the stunning rivers of the Sine Saloum Delta, in Toubakouta in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal, which meander into the distance in each direction. Unsurprisingly, the highlight for many at this hotel is the panoramic terrace that allows guests to relax in comfortable chairs or hammocks and take full advantage of these amazing views, with the sun setting over the mangroves beyond.

Keur Saloum

Chimp living on Baboon Islands at Chimp Rehabilitation Project camp

Chimp Rehabilitation Project

A fascinating four hour journey upriver brings you to your beautiful camp. From here, overlooking the river and series of small islands that the chimps now call home, you can watch hippos and see the chimps in their natural environment. This is a different side to The Gambia and truly an experience of a lifetime.

Chimp Rehabilitation Project

Sun loungers at Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge

Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge

Set in the heart of the unbelievably bird-rich Tanji Bird Reserve looking across to Tanji shore and a beautiful stretch of coastline, the simple Tanji Eco-Lodge is a unique community-run property and a real paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge

Cap Skirring Beach

La Paillote Village Hotel

This family-run property has long been popular on the French and Belgian markets, and it is easy to see why.  As well as the warm welcome that you will receive from owners Françoise and Christian Jacquot who's family have lovingly developed the property over the last 40 years, it enjoys a sought-after beachfront location half way along the palm-fringed wide expanse of white sands to be found along the coast of French-speaking Casamance.​. 

La Paillote Village Hotel

Harmony G mega yacht

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Departing from the capital, Banjul, guests can enjoy a seven-night cruise aboard this beautifully elegant, fully equipped modern yacht, sister ship to the Harmony V we have used previously. With contemporary, light guest cabins, a sundeck, a classy dining room and lounge bar amongst some of the boat’s facilities, you’ll enjoy excellent service and comfort during your exploration of The Gambia. Discover its history, culture and wildlife and witness scenes of local life as you cruise its waterways. With an English-speaking cruise director and a maximum of 44 guests, this is an opportunity to experience unique cruising in an intimate environment.

Rivers of West Africa Cruise

Fathala Wildlife Reserve montage

Fathala Wildlife Reserve

The 5,000-acre Fathala Wildlife Reserve, is located within a 15,000-acre national reserve near Karang in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal, near the border between The Gambia and Senegal, is like a glimpse into West Africa’s past, a past where large animals roam free, where rhino, giraffes, giant derby eland, buffalo, warthogs, green and colobus monkeys are a regular part of the landscape. At Fathala, you can see all this and more, and make the most of some quietly luxurious accommodation and superior service.

Fathala Wildlife Reserve

Our favourite tailor-made holidays...

Boutique & Unique Romantic Escape

Perfect for couples, on this package you'll spend four nights experiencing the riverside tranquillity and wildlife of Mandina Lodges before enjoying three nights at Ngala Lodge, an adult-only hotel renowned for excellent cuisine, personal service and peaceful surroundings.

A Senegambia holiday

The proximity of Senegal to The Gambia makes a cross-border holiday easy. With all transportation taken care of, and beaches, wildlife and cultural opportunities in abundance, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Let our team of experts help build your perfect holiday, be it in Casamance, Saly or the Sine Saloum Delta.

Birdlife of The Gambia

If you’re looking to experience the birdlife of the region, this is the perfect holiday for you. Relax in style at Mandina Lodges before travelling upriver to see the remarkable Chimp Camp and a chance to spot wildlife whilst staying in luxury safari tents in Senegal.

 

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The holiday as usual from start to finish was wonderful. Lovely people, hotels and service.

Mrs Platt – Guest - Mandina Lodges