Senegambia Beach Hotel, Kololi

Visiting this country was part of one of my university modules. Myself, 4 lectures and over 40 students went over to the Gambia January this year (2005). This hotel therefor wasn't my choice but the module leaders. I am however very pleased of their choice.

It is very near the airport which is good as when we landed the temperature was 31 degrees and after a flight lasting just over 6 hours getting to the hotel quickly was a major priority. On arrival we were greated by many hotel porters, who kindly took our luggage, waited by reception for us and then took them to our rooms.

Our rooms were situated the furthest away from the hotel, near some beautiful trees and flowers that showed the most wonderful birds. This was a problem as during the night the amount of light was minimal. However on walking back to the hotel one afternoon it was wonderful to notice lizards near the pond and only the once we saw the monkeys from the near nature reserve.

The rooms that we were allocated were very basic but very comftable and clean, will all the facilities that we were expecting. The food that is served in the restaurant is morvellous, allthough we only ever ate breakfast this would fill you up until lunch. There was a wide range of food to suit everyones tastes. I particularly enjoyed the fresh bread, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Just remember to save some bananas for the monkeys that you will most certainly see, not to forget the vultures that are fed every day at 11am.

The location of the hotel was excellent, just outside the hotel were the tour guides, these are the proper guides, dont feel as though you need to pay more than double and go with the tour operators guides as we as a group used all the local facilities and had no problems. Further up the road are all the restaurants and bars and other facilities such as banks and taxis.

If you are thinking of going to Gambia, please make sure that you dont put your money into the pocets of the british and american owners of the hotels through purchasing everything from the tour operators please put your money into the country. You will make a difference.