Pershore & Gambia

Sincere thanks to all at the Pershore Branch for arranging our recent trip to The Gambia. Flights via Gatwick and Banjul were on time and, for a apckage flight, provided a good level of service and on-board catering.

Our chosen hotel, th Bijilo Beach, proved excellent. Although only 3 star, this family run hotel in quiet grounds situated right on the unspoilt beach proved an idyllic location for our two week stay. The hotel restaurant was very satisfactory with both good yet inexpensive table d'hote and a la carte menus. The Scene, a new restaurant only 5 minutes walk along the beach, is highly recommended. The hotel breakfast were adequate if a little linited in variety, but crepes and freshly cooked omelettes were very tasty! Each night between 8 and 9.30 there was a variet of evening entertainment including local drummers and dancers. No loud disco here though and no daytime pool activities or music to disturb the tranquillity!

The staff provided a personal, friendly and efficient service and seemed very happy to be working at the Gambian managed hotel; many have been there some years. True the linen and curtains could do with being updated, but the generous room size in the newer three-storey building more than compensated.

So delighted were we that we will be returning next year - same hotel. Thank you again.

The Gambia Hotels
Atlantic Hotel - Would not recommend. Close to Banjul, virtually no beach. Mosquitoes, beggers, nr Banjul hospital (coffins by front entrance) many complaints from returning clients at airport
The Sheraton - A grom newly built hotel, away from anywhere - would advise further enquiries
Senegambia & Karaba - Large hotels in excellent grounds, though Senegambia has noisy pools. Virtually no beaches at these hotels due to erosion.

Two charte flights arrive within 5 minutes of each other on a hot dusty runway. The single baggage collection belt eventually starts and the scene is a throng of passengers struggling to get a view of the oncoming array of luggage whilst combating the ever-enthusiatic group of porters fighting to carry your cases out of the airport. A quick visit to the gents on the way of the airport and 'oh dear', wish I hadn't bothered! Welcome to The Gambia, West Africa.

Our tour operator, the Gambian Experience, guided us to an awaiting vehicle and off to our chosen venue for the next two weeks. We were revisting The Gambia after a fifteen-year absence. A new tarmac road, street lighting and even the odd traffic lights. Apart from a huge number of unfinished new builds, the country was very much as we remembered.

On recommendation we stayed at the 3 star Bijilo Beach Hotel. Yes, a 3 star and it was idyllic. Run by a Gambian family, the small quiet setting on a wonderful unspoilt beach proved even better than expected. The Gambia provided for us a fortnight of total relaxtion and sunshine amidst a truly lovely people. Yes, there are the bumsters to combat and it can become a serious problem for those not prepared to be approached by numerous young Gambians. The Government and hotels have long been aware of this almost invasive begging situation and now have strict laws in place and licences are given to those bona-fide businesses from restaurants to the fruit seller on the beach.

Daily we walked the beach and often we trekked into the buzzy centre of Kololi to visit the cash machine and for a coffee. A good choice of world food restaurants here, but we usualy opted for the very fine restaurant of our own hotel.

We took a couple of trips with arch Tours of Kololi, a Gambian owned business who were well organised. We visited North Senegal - a real adventure talking the ferry from Banjul. A 5am start on another occasion took us on a bird watching trip based on the riverside venue of Lamin Lodge.

For a winter sunshine holiday which won't break the bank - just six hours average flight time from the UK - you won't be disappointed. After two weeks we weren't really ready to return to the UK, but time's up and we were duly despatched byut The Gambian Experience for our return journey.

The bells rang passing through the secruity gate at the airport. A pat down by the guard and some loose change in my pocket was quickly identified and yes, he was happy to relieve me of a few euro coins! Hey, this is The Gambia, the smiling coast. I smiled at his cheek and moved forward to the departure hall.

We booked the trip through our local agents, Carrick Travel, in Pershore, Worcestershire, and yes, we will be returning next year. Same hotel.

Chris & Sue Hermon