Seaview Gardens Reviews

went with trepidation but we had a fantastic holiday.

Hotel is ideally situated approx 10 minute walk from ";the strip"; staff are amazing, say Hi to Juf, Aisha, big Al, little Keeni and everyone else, rooms were basic but clean and well kept. Air con a bit on the pricy side but well worth it, beds have mossie nets so thats a definate plus. Small pool with sun beds and tables for eating. Restaurant is good serving al-a-carte food, we went half board but will definately only do BandB next time as there are plenty of wonderful places to eat although that is no reflection on the hotel food. Breakfast was a little on the sparse side but the bread was lovely and fresh. If you like a good steak go to Shirillions first on the left on the strip opposite the Irish Bar. Looking for traditional gambian clothing, see Sarah at Stall 35 in the craft market next to Shirillions. Change your money into Dalasi in Gambia as you get a much better rate. If possible take Dollars as the exchange is even better.

Overall a brilliant holiday, shame it was only a week, next year two weeks though ..... roll on Xmas 2007

Just enjoyed 2 great weeks at the seaview gardens in Kololi, the hotel is small but the staff are very friendly and helpful, they can not do enough for you. There is not much going on at the hotel, no entertainment as such, there was a few gala nights and bands beause it was xmas but i do not think that they have lots going on, so if you want loads of entertainment this might not be the hotel for you. The rooms are spotless, every day we had clean bedding as well as towels, the staff were always cleaning around the hotel and pool area. The staff are told not to come up to quests and talk to them for more then 10 minutes, unless of course you want them to, i think is because they know you are hassled outside the hotel and they want you to feel relaxed inside the hotel grounds. Whilst we were there are 8 year old son was not too well, the staff really were brilliant, he made lots of new friends........

The weather was fantastic whilst we were there, it was about 38+ every day, the beach at senegambia hotel was the one that we used, it was great, the sea is great if you like the waves, but be careful, it is very strong, watch out for the flags.
We went on a few trips with the reps, Truck Safari and the Roots trip, i can honestly say they were great, we also went on a few trips with the local taxi driver outside the hotel, he was lovely and took us to his compound to meet his family, we went on xmas eve and took some presents for his family, it was really great to see their faces, they have nothing but they are so happy, it really does make you realise how lucky you are, so if you are going and have some room in your cases take over some old clothes, they love football, old shoes, anything really they would love it.
The gambians are very friendly people but outside the hotels you do get hassled, they will go away eventually and once they see you a few times and you start to get a tan they are not as bad, this can be very annoying and some people have been put off but they are not that bad.

Do go out and explore the gambia.
Things you should do : Monkey Park, Doom Buggy ride at D and D Hire (up the road from Ali Baba's), Crocodile Park,Banjul Market, Roots Trip, Truck Safari, Meet some locals at their compounds, Change money outside the hotels, Wash your hands before eating after handling the money ( it really is dirty ),
To sum it up, i went out to Gambia expecting the worst after reading sites like this, i really was dreading it, but i had a fantastic time, it is an experience and it is Africa - a third world country.

Just take it as it comes, and after a week you will not want to come home, you will be in GMT time.........Gambia maybe time.......they are so chilled out and relaxed.