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.
Thursday, April 30, 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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
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
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
Terms and Conditions
Accommodation in payable in advance.
On arrival you will be asked to fill out a registration form.
Bookings from abroad require a 30% deposit payable in to our pay pal account at the time of booking.
Check in is by 2pm and check out is by 12 m/day, we can keep your bags securely for the day after the time of check out or baggage can be transferred locally, prices on request.
We are sorry but we do not accept card payments of any kind. Please pay in local currency, where possible.
We can change foreign money, but it will be at hotel rates.
On arrival you will be asked to fill out a registration form.
Bookings from abroad require a 30% deposit payable in to our pay pal account at the time of booking.
Check in is by 2pm and check out is by 12 m/day, we can keep your bags securely for the day after the time of check out or baggage can be transferred locally, prices on request.
We are sorry but we do not accept card payments of any kind. Please pay in local currency, where possible.
We can change foreign money, but it will be at hotel rates.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Advice
Please do not use electrical appliances such as travel irons, water heaters, curling tongs etc. We are an eco friendly establishment running from solar power, if you use these appliances it will disturb your neighbouring guests electric supply. You are welcome to use the sockets provided to charge phones, laptops etc. We at Gunjur Beach Motel thank you for your understanding and compliance in this.
Mosquito repellent is advised for those evenings around the bonfire between the bar and the sea.
Malaria is a problem in The Gambia, although here in Gunjur Beach Motel we are not bothered by many mosquitos except in the rainy season. We do advise that you take malaria tablets to protect yourself on your holiday.
A jacket may be needed, as it can get quite chilly at night with the sea breeze.
A strong pair of shoes or sandals is a good idea for wanders through our little bit of jungle and for local walks.
Out of respect, when visiting the holy rocks and the fishing village, it is advised to wear suitable clothing (i.e. shorts and t-shirts). Please ask permission to take photographs in the village and we advise no photos at the holy rocks just look and remember.
Mosquito repellent is advised for those evenings around the bonfire between the bar and the sea.
Malaria is a problem in The Gambia, although here in Gunjur Beach Motel we are not bothered by many mosquitos except in the rainy season. We do advise that you take malaria tablets to protect yourself on your holiday.
A jacket may be needed, as it can get quite chilly at night with the sea breeze.
A strong pair of shoes or sandals is a good idea for wanders through our little bit of jungle and for local walks.
Out of respect, when visiting the holy rocks and the fishing village, it is advised to wear suitable clothing (i.e. shorts and t-shirts). Please ask permission to take photographs in the village and we advise no photos at the holy rocks just look and remember.
Activities
Drumming Lessons
Get our Drum Master to teach you how to drum the traditional Gambian beat.
Dance Lessons
Learn how to dance the African way to the beat of the drum.
Lingo Lessons
Learn a little of the local language Mandinka, then you can greet the locals and reply to their greetings with confidence.
Cooking Lessons
Learn how to cook the local dishes Benechin, Yassa and Domeda with the expert tuition of our chef Bakary Cissey.
Bird and Wildlife watching
The Gambia is well known amongst birdwatchers as one of the best places in West Africia to see many of the African species.
Walking
From Gunjur Beach Motel you can walk some of Africa’s most beautiful, wild and unspoiled beaches. South takes you to Kartong, the River Halahin and on to Senegal. North goes to Paradise beach at Sanyang and on to Tanjii fishing village.
Fishing
Some of the best beach cast fishing can be found in South Gambia, Gunjur being one of the most successful spots. You can expect to catch, Butter and Lady fish, Cassava and Cat fish and late night fishing, you can easily catch that big Baracuda.
Swimming and Body Boarding
The beach is level, with no steep drop aways so it is safe for all the family to swim. Some great waves mean body boarding fun for all.
Prices are available on request or as advertised.
DAY TRIPS
There is a local English speaking guide available to accompany you to make sure you get the best out of the day.
LOCAL TRIPS
Gunjur Wildlife Reserve
Surrounding the little inland saltwater lake which lies just back from the beach, it is a haven for all of Gambia’s creatures. Many birds come here to rest on the little island in the middle , a great place to go in the evenings to watch the birds come in to roost for the night.
Lemonfish Art Gallery
Lemonfish is just on the outskirts of Kartong the Senegal border villiage famous for its drumming festival in March. All the art on display and for sale in this little art gallery is either painted or carved by local artists from Gambia or Senegal. Quite a treat to see such a variety of local talent.
Crocodile Pool and Morgan’s Grocery
Both of these are just a short walk from Lemonfish, so you may wish to let our guide take you on a walk around all 3, if you enjoy walking it is only a 40 min walk along the beach from Gunjur Beach Motel to start this tour. The crocodile pool is one of a triangle of 3 sacred pools in the Gambia the other 2 being at Bakawu and Brufut
Morgan’s Grocery is a little shack in the bush on the way to the beach which sells cold drinks if you are lucky and Morgan can be persuaded to produce a local meal, if ordered in advance. The real joy is Morgan himself who is a positive treasure trove of local information, knowledge and wonderful local stories. You can sit, sipping your coke, chatting , looking out over the bush, watching the world go by for hours . When you are ready you can wander back down the beach to the guest house.
Reptile Farm
This is a very professionally run reptile farm and rescue centre. A lot of the creatures here have been found injured in the bush, the staff treat and care for them, when they are fit and healthy again they are reintroduced to the wild. Many breeding programmes have been successfully undertaken. All the creatures are well treated and immaculately kept. Well worth a visit if you are interested in snakes and other reptiles.
Kartong Festival 26th to 29th of March 2009.
The Kartong Festival is set in one of the oldest and most unspoilt coastal villages of the Gambia, within walking distance of the soft sandy Atlantic beaches.
Over the weekend, the Festival will be a host to the very best of music and dance from West Africans at home.
The whole village of Kartong welcomes all and wishes to share the beauty and hospitality for which this area is renowned.
Kartong is on the southerly border of the Gambia and the Casamance Region of Senegal, within easy of Banjul International Airport.
Kartong Festival is working with African Linx in the U.K. who are encouraging cross cultural collaboration. African Linx organise music events bringing together the best U.K. and African artists.
LOCAL TRIPS
Gunjur Wildlife Reserve
Surrounding the little inland saltwater lake which lies just back from the beach, it is a haven for all of Gambia’s creatures. Many birds come here to rest on the little island in the middle , a great place to go in the evenings to watch the birds come in to roost for the night.
Lemonfish Art Gallery
Lemonfish is just on the outskirts of Kartong the Senegal border villiage famous for its drumming festival in March. All the art on display and for sale in this little art gallery is either painted or carved by local artists from Gambia or Senegal. Quite a treat to see such a variety of local talent.
Crocodile Pool and Morgan’s Grocery
Both of these are just a short walk from Lemonfish, so you may wish to let our guide take you on a walk around all 3, if you enjoy walking it is only a 40 min walk along the beach from Gunjur Beach Motel to start this tour. The crocodile pool is one of a triangle of 3 sacred pools in the Gambia the other 2 being at Bakawu and Brufut
Morgan’s Grocery is a little shack in the bush on the way to the beach which sells cold drinks if you are lucky and Morgan can be persuaded to produce a local meal, if ordered in advance. The real joy is Morgan himself who is a positive treasure trove of local information, knowledge and wonderful local stories. You can sit, sipping your coke, chatting , looking out over the bush, watching the world go by for hours . When you are ready you can wander back down the beach to the guest house.
Reptile Farm
This is a very professionally run reptile farm and rescue centre. A lot of the creatures here have been found injured in the bush, the staff treat and care for them, when they are fit and healthy again they are reintroduced to the wild. Many breeding programmes have been successfully undertaken. All the creatures are well treated and immaculately kept. Well worth a visit if you are interested in snakes and other reptiles.
Kartong Festival 26th to 29th of March 2009.
The Kartong Festival is set in one of the oldest and most unspoilt coastal villages of the Gambia, within walking distance of the soft sandy Atlantic beaches.
Over the weekend, the Festival will be a host to the very best of music and dance from West Africans at home.
The whole village of Kartong welcomes all and wishes to share the beauty and hospitality for which this area is renowned.
Kartong is on the southerly border of the Gambia and the Casamance Region of Senegal, within easy of Banjul International Airport.
Kartong Festival is working with African Linx in the U.K. who are encouraging cross cultural collaboration. African Linx organise music events bringing together the best U.K. and African artists.
DAY TRIPS- Further Afield
Bakawu Crocodile Pool, Abuku Nature Park,Lamin Lodge for lunch and boat trip
Visit the sacred crocodile at Bakawu village where you can touch some of the tamer beasts, with supervision please, quite a photo to show the folk back home. Carry on to Abuku Nature Park, drive through the park, watching the monkeys swinging through the trees, to the Hyena enclosure in the centre, watch these fascinating beasts lazing in the sunshine in a very natural environment. Feed the baboons with peanuts, some of the smaller monkeys will take the nuts out of your hands. Then on to Lamin Lodge, a picturesque lodge built out into the river Gambia, lunch is served upstairs looking out over the river. After lunch take to the water for a boat trip up river through the mangrove swamps, you can see the oysters growing just above the water line and if the tide is right you can see the shells being made into cement. Back to Gunjur in time for dinner.
Senegal - Kafuntine and Abene
An Early start to drive through Brikama to the boarder at Seliti. Once through the boarder drive through the Senegalese countryside to the coastal village of Kafuntine have a look round this quaint little town with its craft market and art galleries. Drive through the jungle to the beach for a drink at one of the beach bars, take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach then on to Abene for lunch. Abene is home to many Senegalese and Gambian artists. Back to the boarder and on to Gunjur in time for a cocktail as you watch the sunset.
Night out on the town in Senegambia
Have a taste of what the Gambian nightlife has to offer. You can start with a drink on the beach to some African drumming or if you fancy singing skills try the karaoke at Churchills Bar just off the beach. Dine at one of the restaurants on the Senegambia strip or try the excellent menu at Ali Baba’s Garden an open-air restaurant with live music for you to dance to. The night is just beginning, rock till you drop at Wow, Totties or one of Senegambia’s other clubs. Our driver will take you back to Gunjur Beach Motel when ever you wish.
Visit the sacred crocodile at Bakawu village where you can touch some of the tamer beasts, with supervision please, quite a photo to show the folk back home. Carry on to Abuku Nature Park, drive through the park, watching the monkeys swinging through the trees, to the Hyena enclosure in the centre, watch these fascinating beasts lazing in the sunshine in a very natural environment. Feed the baboons with peanuts, some of the smaller monkeys will take the nuts out of your hands. Then on to Lamin Lodge, a picturesque lodge built out into the river Gambia, lunch is served upstairs looking out over the river. After lunch take to the water for a boat trip up river through the mangrove swamps, you can see the oysters growing just above the water line and if the tide is right you can see the shells being made into cement. Back to Gunjur in time for dinner.
Senegal - Kafuntine and Abene
An Early start to drive through Brikama to the boarder at Seliti. Once through the boarder drive through the Senegalese countryside to the coastal village of Kafuntine have a look round this quaint little town with its craft market and art galleries. Drive through the jungle to the beach for a drink at one of the beach bars, take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach then on to Abene for lunch. Abene is home to many Senegalese and Gambian artists. Back to the boarder and on to Gunjur in time for a cocktail as you watch the sunset.
Night out on the town in Senegambia
Have a taste of what the Gambian nightlife has to offer. You can start with a drink on the beach to some African drumming or if you fancy singing skills try the karaoke at Churchills Bar just off the beach. Dine at one of the restaurants on the Senegambia strip or try the excellent menu at Ali Baba’s Garden an open-air restaurant with live music for you to dance to. The night is just beginning, rock till you drop at Wow, Totties or one of Senegambia’s other clubs. Our driver will take you back to Gunjur Beach Motel when ever you wish.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Cheap flights to The Gambia
During the winter months most British tour operators offer direct flights to the Gambia for various airports. In summer only a few tour operaters have Gambia included in their program. A good tip is Gambia Experience, where you can book your flight online.
From Germany there are flights with Condor all year round. In winter MyTravel offers flights from various Scandinavian destinations.
It is also possible to fly directly from Amsterdam or Brussels to the Gambia. In winter there are several flights every week and from Brussels there are 2 flights a week. If needed we can assist you with making your flight arrangements.
From Germany there are flights with Condor all year round. In winter MyTravel offers flights from various Scandinavian destinations.
It is also possible to fly directly from Amsterdam or Brussels to the Gambia. In winter there are several flights every week and from Brussels there are 2 flights a week. If needed we can assist you with making your flight arrangements.
Getting To Gunjur Beach Motel, Gunjur, Gambia
From Banjul International Airport: Leave the airport and take a left to Brikama.
In the centre of Brikama at the market, just after the Shell Petrol station take a right to Gunjur.
At the end of this road, you are already in Gunjur, at the T-junction take a left.
Just after (second road to the right from the junction) the police stop you turn right towards Gunjur Beach and the fishing Village.
There is a sign board at this turn. In the fishing village there are sign boards to bring you straight to Gunjur Beach Motel.
It is possible to arrange a transfer from and to the airport!
From Serrekunda / Kololi:
Take the Bertil Harding Highway in the direction of the airport.
At the big round about you take a right towards Gunjur (also indicated Kartong). A
fter about 25 minutes from this point you will reach a junction in Gunjur that indicated Brikama (going left) and Kartong (going straight).
You follow Kartong and just after (second road to the right) the police stop you turn right towards Gunjur Beach and the fishing Village.
There is a sign board at this turn. In the fishing village there are sign boards to bring you straight to Gunjur Beach Motel.
In the centre of Brikama at the market, just after the Shell Petrol station take a right to Gunjur.
At the end of this road, you are already in Gunjur, at the T-junction take a left.
Just after (second road to the right from the junction) the police stop you turn right towards Gunjur Beach and the fishing Village.
There is a sign board at this turn. In the fishing village there are sign boards to bring you straight to Gunjur Beach Motel.
It is possible to arrange a transfer from and to the airport!
From Serrekunda / Kololi:
Take the Bertil Harding Highway in the direction of the airport.
At the big round about you take a right towards Gunjur (also indicated Kartong). A
fter about 25 minutes from this point you will reach a junction in Gunjur that indicated Brikama (going left) and Kartong (going straight).
You follow Kartong and just after (second road to the right) the police stop you turn right towards Gunjur Beach and the fishing Village.
There is a sign board at this turn. In the fishing village there are sign boards to bring you straight to Gunjur Beach Motel.
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