THE GAMBIA – THE GREAT WINTER SUN DESTINATION AVAILABLE FROM BRISTOL
Just a short flight from Bristol lies a tropical destination with a difference. The Gambia is the perfect introduction to unspoilt Africa and it boasts a superb year round climate, vast stretches of golden, sandy beaches, a vibrant, colourful culture and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. It’s also on the same time zone, so there is no jet lag to contend with and within just 6 hours of leaving Bristol International you could be basking in the glorious African sunshine with an average temperature of 31 degrees.
WIDE CHOICE OF HOLIDAYS
The Gambia Experience is the UK’ s leading tour operator and specialist to the destination and is offering weekly flights from Bristol for the Winter season, November (2009) – April (2010).
Highlighting a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and pockets, its featured properties range from simple 2 grade African style properties, family-friendly beachfront hotels, luxury 5* resorts, intimate boutique and Spa hotels, including….
BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
This superb new property with professional Spa opened its doors in December 2008 and with its prime beachfront location, imaginatively designed Moorish architecture, luxurious suites and penthouses with spectacular ocean views, offers an oasis of luxury for a truly memorable holiday. The 1800 sq metre Spa facility is an integral part of the property where specialist therapists from around the world offer a full range of holistic and tropical garden treatments. Coco Ocean also benefits from its enviable position next to Bijilo Forest Park Nature Reserve, famous for its green vervet and red colobus monkeys plus, it is just a 15-minute walk along the beach to the main resort of Kololi.
LUXURY ECO LODGES – Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest
Staying at the Mandina lodges enables guests to truly experience rural Gambia - waking up to the dawn chorus, walking through the African bush, taking canoe trips through the mangroves and dining al fresco beside fire pits. These award-winning lodges were the brainchild of two Englishmen and since their opening in 2002 they have received acclaim from the British press, holidaymakers and responsible tourism organisations including the Eden Project. Situated on a tributary of the River Gambia, surrounded by 1000 acres of tranquil forest, these luxurious lodges are in the heart of the African bush, yet only 40 minutes drive from the coastal resorts and offer a great opportunity to experience the wildlife and local culture. Built to an exceptionally high standard, the lodges are either floating or on stilts above the water, with additional jungle lodges set back from the river. The Stilted Lodge is on two floors with separate bedroom, lounge area and dayroom, the Jungle Lodges each have their own private roof terrace and have amazing views across the mangroves. Guests have use of a freeform swimming pool, bar and terraces and can choose to dine in their lodge or in one of the wooden or tented à la carte al fresco dining areas. In the evenings, low-key lamps and the dancing flames of the fire create a magical mood.
FORMER COLONIAL MANSION - Ngala Lodge
From its magnificent elevated setting, Ngala Lodge combines individual character with a highly personalised service in a relaxed and friendly environment. Set within beautiful cliff-top gardens with a swimming pool and secluded beach, suites are located either within the main building, neighbouring Manor or Atlantic wing. The main building of Ngala Lodge was originally a colonial mansion and houses ten suites including the Penthouse which is located on two floors with private roof terrace and skylight over the bed – perfect for honeymooners or anyone celebrating a special occasion. For something a little bit special there are upgraded Manor suites or the Atlantic suites, complete with private hot tubs.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
With its superb climate, many holidaymakers may not want to stray too far from their hotel pool or the nearby sandy beach, however The Gambia has a fascinating culture to discover as well as fantastic birdwatching and fishing opportunities. The Gambia Experience offers a wide range of day trips to give a flavour of the country as well as a number of opportunities to discover more of the region including tours of neighbouring Senegal. Here are just a few ideas of what to do to whet your appetite:
Alex Haley’s Roots
This historic day trip will take you 200 years back in time to the land of Alex Haley’s ancestors traced in his epic book “Roots”. A long lazy cruise on the majestic River Gambia will take you to the ancient trading station of Albreda from where it is a short walk to Juffure and the Museum of Slavery and the original home of Alex Haley’s great great grandfather Kunte Kinte. The day finishes with an unforgettable visit to the fortress ruins on James Island, steeped in slave trade history.
4 WD Adventure - Off The Beaten Track
Enjoy a dusty day’s adventure in a 4X4 truck bumping through the Gambian countryside and villages, meeting the friendly locals and including a memorable visit to a local school. Lunch is served on a beautiful deserted beach in the south of the country.
Birdwatching
The Gambia has an amazing array of bird life with over 540 species and as such, attracts keen birdwatchers from around the world. There is a range of excursions to suit everyone, from novice to expert, to provide insight into some of the world’s best birding, including an excursion with ornithologist and TV presenter Chris Packham.
Stunning Senegal: The Gambia’s French speaking neighbour – Day trips or twin centre
Take a day trip to Jinnack Island or even a 2 day adventure to neighbouring Senegal. The Sine Saloum Delta of northern Senegal can easily be reached from The Gambia and is a beautiful undiscovered region consisting of a maze of islands, lagoons, mangroves, forests and saltwater creeks. The beach resort of Saly, a further 40 miles north, offers a good variety of hotels and numerous watersports. In addition to excursions, twin centre holidays combining The Gambia with a stay in Senegal can be arranged.
Gambia Nightlife
In the evenings guests have the choice of staying within their hotel or enjoying dinner and drinks in the wide range of restaurants and bars situated either close to their hotel or a short taxi ride away. Most hotels offer some form of evening entertainment, varying from a single kora player to a lively stage show or an African dance troupe. There are also a couple of nightclubs, a few bars and three casinos and, if it’s nightlife you’re looking for, head to the resorts of Kololi or Kotu.
Restaurants
The Gambia has plenty of restaurants offering quality dining for excellent value and is gaining an international reputation with more chefs from around the world now living and working in the country. There is great variety - from casual beach bars to formal gourmet dining, and a range of cuisine - from Italian to Lebanese. Of particular note is the abundance of freshly caught seafood including ladyfish, barracuda, snapper, butterfish, lobster and huge Atlantic prawns.
Shopping
Bargaining is the name of the game in The Gambia for everything from shoes to souvenirs, locally-grown mangoes to freshly prepared smoothies on the beach. You can expect to reduce the price of anything from 25% to 50%. Of particularly good value are elaborate wood carvings, items handcrafted out of straw, leather and cloth, African music CDs, silver jewellery, sand paintings and batik pictures. The Gambian tailors have a great reputation for making almost anything to order at a very reasonable price. There are also a few fixed price boutiques for those who prefer not to haggle and most hotels have a mini-market nearby with a selection of groceries and soft drinks. An authentic experience can be encountered at the markets in Serrekunda, Bakau and the capital Banjul.
Getting to The Gambia
From November The Gambia Experience offers departures from Bristol to Banjul with 7 night holidays costing from £568 including flights.
For bookings and further information visit www.gambia.co.uk or call 0845 330 2087.