Thursday, April 30, 2009

Fantastic ; Gunjur Beach lLodge wide open again

At the very end of the winterseason 2009 we went for the 7th time to the Gambia, though we before only visited a country once or twice. I was a little bit afraid I would get bored this time, but again The Gambia surpised us in a very positive way; Gunjur Beach Lodge opens her fences again and lookes even much better.

A couple of years ago we went for a first look at Gunjur Beach Lodge and booked for a stay for the next time. But 1 week before our arrival it was cancelled because it was closed .

When we arrived this time at John Raymonds Beach Bar in Kotu, our Gambian sun Omar told us he met 2 ladies who just re-opened Gunjur Beach Lodge. Right next day we met Maud and her daughter Mickey who run the place now. So we immediately booked for a stay together with Omar.

The change they made was overwhelming. Before you could only hear the Atantic, now you can also sea it in all her wideness, especially from the restaurant. Besides in that area you can enjoy the Art of Cooking from Chief-Cooke Bakkari, who really spoiled us. On top of that you enjoy it on evry moment you prefer it.

For entertainment you can have your sun-bath (also in the shade) at the beach-side and good Djembeh from a man from Kotu-point. Even Television for Champios-league is about to arrive.

So all-ready now we are looking forward for our next Visit to the smashing Gunjur Beach Lodge.

Piet,Queens mothers day 2009.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Gunjur Beach Motel

Gunjur Beach Motel is back in action after over a year of closure. It is under new ownership and has undergone total refurbishment. Morgan, Maud and Miki look forward to welcoming you very soon. Gunjur Beach Motel lies between Sanyang and Kartong on the south Gambian coastline.


It sits in a small bay beside the traditional fishing village of Gunjur,on one of the nearest beautiful stretches of wild and unspoilt West African beaches.
Our extensive gardens are a haven for West Africa’s wild life. You can see giant lizards, snakes and variety of birds as you wander through our own little bit of jungle. Birds come to drink and play in our specially created water troughs. In the rainy season part of our jungle become a small lake, which many birds and other creatures make their habitat. Further down the beach, just pass Gunjur fishing village, is a small nature reserve where many birds, including Osprey, come to nest at night.
Gunjur fishing village is a traditional smokery for the locally caught fish, a fascinating insight into a Gambian fisherman’s life. You can watch the fishing boats coming in fully laden with the days catch as the local ladies rush into the water to fill their buckets with fresh fish.
If you enjoy fishing yourself there is no better place in West Africa to be, south Gambia’s Gunjur is well known for its excellent fishing. Just walk out of the gate and sit on the beach, rod in hand, order a beer from the bar and wait to see that tip of the rod twitch. You can expect to catch Butterfish, Captain fish, Catfish, even that big Baracuda. The family can sit on our glorious sandy beach, under our sun shelters, lazing on comfortable sunbeds, being waited on by our friendly beach attendants while you bring home the dinner.
If you fancy a change from the beach you can just sit in one of our hammocks and read a good book.

Rooms

This eco-friendly guesthouse offers, 4 double and 4 family, comfortable, tastefully furnished, en-suite rooms. All have running water and solar light. Locking wardrobes, tables and chairs are provided, the rooms are fitted with mosquito doors and netting on the windows. All accommodation has a balcony with comfy chairs and a table. Towels, toilet roll and soap are provided.


The price includes a generous breakfast of tea or coffee, fruit juice, bread with butter, cheese or ham and jams, a plate of fruit and eggs to order. All this is served either on your balcony or in our spacious restaurant.

Bar and Restaurant

This spacious room looks out over the garden to the sea.


The tables and even the bar itself are all made from the wood of a single tree, fabulous thick slices of timber. Woodcarvings adorn the walls and surfaces.


Before its closure in January 2008, the restaurant had a longstanding reputation for its excellent cuisine both local and international. We aim to continue this tradition.
A substantial snack menu is available from 12 midday throughout the day.

Menu samples

Welcome to Gunjur beach motel!


If there is anything that you would like that is not on the menu please inform our staff and we will do our best to satisfy your needs. Please appreciate that all dishes are freshly cooked, your patience would be appreciated.

Enjoy!


Daytime menu

Soup of the day

Served with fresh bread



Shrimp cocktail



Feta, olive and herb salad

served with garlic bread



Toasted baguette smothered with tomatoes, herbs and melted cheese



Homemade fishcakes made from local fish

Served on a bed of salad with a sweet chilli dip



Omelette


Plain

Cheese

Cheese, onion and tomato

Cheese and ham

Cheese and mushroom

Seafood



Sandwiches


Tuna mayonnaise

Egg mayonnaise

Cheese

Cheese, onion and tomato

Cheese and ham

Warm steak and onion


Western Dishes

Spaghetti Bolognaise

served with garlic bread



Fresh butter fish with lime, cooked in breadcrumbs

Served with potato salad



Fried chicken and chips

Served with a side salad



A medium hot vegetable chilli con carne

Seved with rice and garlic bread



Local Dishes


A choice of meat or fish

Yassa

Benechin

Domada



Spicey or garlic shrimps

Seved with white rice


Fresh fish available daily
Seafood by request
Chef’s specials change every other day
All diets are catered for
Picnic lunches
Special requests are welcomed

Facilities


CHILDMINDING

Childminding is never a problem for us, the Africans are wonderful with children of all ages. Enjoy a peaceful lazy day on the beach, go for a lovely long walk or even take a day out on one of our trips, with the knowledge that your children will not only be safe and well cared for but will have had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

D 500 for a full day D 250 for a half day D 200 for an evening

PACKED LUNCHES
Packed lunches of either sandwiches or local food are available. Whether you are taking part in one of our trips, going for a long walk or just want to spend the day in a hammock birdwatching in our large gardens, we can make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty.

MASSAGE AND A FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY TREATMENTS
Ma is a fully trained massage and beauty therepist, she uses the local bamboo cream with all its healing properties for the body and facial massage.

1 hour full body massage D 500
½ hour back massage D 250
Facial massage D 200
Manicure D 200
Pedicure D 200
Hair plaiting D 400

BEACH SIDE WEDDINGS

We would be delighted to organise and cater for your very special day. Why not get married on the beach with the Atlantic Ocean rolling in behind you as the sunsets slowly into the horizen. We can make your special day an experience never to be forgotten, any way you want it, we will do our best to make it happen. Afternoon buffet in front of the bar/ restaurant looking out over the sea, the marriage ceremony on the beach under an arch of flowers as the sun sinks gently into the horizen, then off to the restaurant for your wedding meal, after, dance to the music of your choice until the late hours. No need to leave for the honeymoon, Gunjur Beach Motel is a wonderfully romantic, very special place.

Tariff

Double room D 1000
Family Room D 1800 based on 4 people sharing
Room prices include a generous breakfast served from 8 am to 10 am
If you are leaving early or going on an early start trip, early breakfast or packed is available on request.

Airport transfers D 500
Group discounts
Private bookings
Beachside weddings

Trips and all other services have prices available on request or as advertised