When planning a trip to Gambia, Africa, selecting the right accommodation is crucial for an unforgettable experience. This review delves into some of the top 5-star hotels in Gambia, highlighting their unique features, customer service, and overall hospitality.
The Friendliest Hotels in Africa: A Focus on Customer Service
To determine the friendliest hotels for hospitality around the world, HawaiianIslands.com analyzed 12.6 million reviews of more than 14,000 4- and 5-star hotels around the world. Africa’s friendliest hotels are the second friendliest on average, after those of Europe.
Customer service is a key factor for many travelers. According to a recent survey, the Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu is known for welcoming back repeat guests, and customer service is the key. According to a recent survey, the Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu is known for welcoming back repeat guests, and customer service is the key.
Kombo Beach Hotel: The Epitome of Friendliness
On Tripadvisor, 52.7% of reviews for Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu, The Gambia, mention the word "friendly" - the most of any hotel in Africa and worldwide. One guest states, “The night Manager Alpha is above and beyond helpful,” - “he regularly asks all the guests if they are okay and makes us feel that nothing is a problem for him."
I stayed at Kombo Beach Hotel, ( was that the one you meant? ) not the best not the worst, probably one of the better tourist hotels, but I thought very good and very handy for Koto Bridge and meeting your guide, as well as a good place for an evening watch , there's usually something new to see each evening, and you can have some banter with any guides that are there.
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Much raved about being „The world most friendly rated hotel“ on Tripadvisor it has changed ownership last year and went through a complete overhaul for a year. It opened again just 4 weeks ago so I can‘t tell much. The pictures are looking amazing, modern and fresh and the rates have gone up considerably.
I ate every day morning and evening, including salads rice etc , ( at Kombo and out ) never had a problem and found the food very acceptable, but yes take care.
The only thing I'd really be wary of is water, I always drink bottled water anywhere I go, and always use gel antiseptic hand wash after toilets ( the lodges etc can be a bit low key on providing soap etc ) , and before eating etc.
Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort: A Close Second
Just three miles of shoreline away is the Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort, with 49.9% "friendly" reviews, the second most friendly of any hotel on the continent.
Ocean Bay: Good choice in Bakau, very established, a little old world-ish, service is highly rated, some smaller issues with maintenance because of the age as always in Africa, but they try.
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How is Ocean Bay? Free airport transfer is very uncommon. Let the hotel arrange the transfer. It should be around 35- 40€ one-way to all the mentioned places.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Gambia - Travel Video
Other Considerations for Your Stay
Food and Drink
I would stay away from AI if possible. I have not heard many good things about hotel food (apart from Leo‘s and perhaps Mandina River Lodge). Average at best.
Transportation
Transportation itself is an issue with green, yellow and private taxis competing to overcharge you.
Potential Issues
Also: The „Strip“ is very close.
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Sunprime Tamala: I would avoid it. Since the opening of the sister hotel next door they seem to get more downhill ratings due to overstretching and growing problems with keeping up the quality.
And do not forget: the country is desperately poor.
Oh, and a last advice: There are rising tensions on the Serekunda-Brikama axis due to Gov. policy enforcement mesures. Keep an eye on it.
Exploring Gambia with a Local Guide
IMHO dont go to the Gambia and expect to find your own stuff and get a decent list, if you dont know the calls & the off the beaten track places then you'll miss out, a good professional guide is worth every single penny and usually great company, if Ebrima is booked on your dates he will put you in touch with one of the other guides, and if he's recommended him/her ( yes there are lady guides ) then he/she will be good.
I'd booked 2 and a half days with guide Ebrima Sidebeh ( Hawkeye ) and ended up going out 6 days, very luckily he was available for the extra days, absolutely superb guide, if it's there he'll find it and picks up a lot of stuff on call and is determined to find something once he hears a call! He is very well respected by the other guides and will put a schedule together for you.
And a really nice guy to boot, and if you are looking for some genuine cultural experiences outside the hotel-provided African dancing etc it's worth having a chat with him, who knows what might be happening. I ended up being invited to the evening ceremony of the wedding of one of the other bird guides and it was a great evening, and well out of the tourist area.
If you are not a hardened birder then he'll do a more leisurely day outing, it's up to you, just ask.
Without going too far away from the coast and working ( very ) hard ( except lunchtimes when we stopped at one of the lodges and ate in the shade watching the birds coming to the water pots ) we found 204 species, Gambia is a phenomenal place IMO .
Dave Gosneys booklet and video are great intros but a guide for a few days will absolutely seal the deal for a great birding holiday.
Think you'll find and get good views of the owls or nightjars without help?
My other recommendation is make the effort to get up and get going early, preferably at dawn, ( at the Kombo Beach breakfast starts at 6 ) the air is fresher, the birding is great & it gets a lot harder walking in the sun after 11 and the smaller birds get quieter.
Lunch Spots and Bird Watching
The lodge at Marrikissa is a great place for lunch, lots of water pots for the birds and walks along the creek etc ( and you can stay there ).
Lamin Lodge is also another good lunchtime stop but less to see from the Lodge.
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