2 independent reviews for Eco lodge in the Gambia
Reviews for Eco lodge in the Gambia
Kirk Hutton review 27 Feb 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in a peaceful garden and getting to know our hosts and their wonderful staff. Right from day one coming back to the lodge in the evening felt like coming home. Riding the Gellygelly buses My husband giving a 2 hour science tutorial sat under a palm shelter on the beach, to Cherno the bartender who wanted to know about tides. Swimming in the sea and gathering shells.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take the time to chat to the folk running the little beach bars, we had some wonderful conversations. Gambia has had so little tourism in the past few years it has really been clobbered so everyone is really pleased to see you. Spend a little extra and tip your guide.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Greg and Maria employ 4 local ladies and a boy in the garden and a young man in the garden plus they have a regular taxi man. Locally sourced food. The huts are built of firebrick with grass roofs so need no artificial heating or cooling. Compost loos - speak for themselves (& surprisingly odourless) . Solar water heating and lights.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
101%!Ian Thomson review 5 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Beautiful surroundings in and around the retreat, wonderful warm hospitality from all who worked there.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Remember that this is an eco retreat, in a rural setting. This means power is limited after dark, and toilets are composting. Embrace the eco concept, and you will find it far more comfortable, enjoyable and relaxing than any "mass tourism" hotel. Enjoy the amazing bird life, visit the incredible beach, visit the local villages, and enjoy relaxing in the beautiful grounds of the retreat!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes 100%. The owners, Greg and Maria, are clearly very committed to helping the local people through providing jobs at the lodge; the high level of training they give their staff; and the charity they have set up and run to provide training and skills to local youngsters. The lodge works on very strong environmental principles, being build very largely with locally sourced materials, and running entirely on solar power. Their work to plant trees and build a pond in and around the lodge grounds is also improving the environment for bird life.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was fabulous. The lodge was wonderful, the hospitality amazing, and there are so many interesting things to experience in the Gambia.Accommodation Reviews
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