Badala Park Reviews

on arrival at banjul you will be greeted with a sea of locals trying to get your cases so be careful take a troley and give a pound its much easier.
the hotel itself is basic but clean enough as you dont spend much time there anyway. the entertainment boys are really friendly,coco,babyface etc
when you dare to go out the front gate bumsters seem to appear form no where,johnny darboe jimmy etc all want to be your friend or more!!
as long as you say no the first time you are fine but they are persistent. we used to go for a meal just 100 yards from the hotel at 10 most nights and lo and behold the two amigos were there

the beaches were fab but as we called it run the gauntlet from the back gate tot he beach as there were the obligitary bumsters there as well. use the guides there as they will take you anywhere and show you the real gambia without the fear of any added extras !!

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent holiday in the Gambia. We stayed at the Badala Park in Kotu. This is not Europe so don't expect European standards. The toilet seat was loose and the bathroom door was hanging off its hinges. However, it was clean and comfortable if basic. I can recommend Abuko Nature Reserve and Bijilo Forest Park as both being good value for money.

Lamin Lodge is also worth a visit as is Tanje Village museum. Makasuto Forest park is a definate no-no in my opinion. I had a half-day tour which cost me £11 and I had to pay for my Gambian Guide to get in (another £6). We were told the boat trip would last 50 minutes and the forest walk 90 minutes. We were told we would see monkeys and baboons. I saw one small lizard, three butterflies and it was all done and dusted in 90 minutes which included waiting around. A complete and utter rip-off!! All taxi fares are there to be negotiated so ask for local price NOT tourist price. We found 'Bumsters' to be more of an irritation than anything else. Tell them you want to be alone and that you have no work for them. We had a local guide (Eddie) from the hotel who proved invaluable. Do NOT go alone to Banjul! The hassle is horrifying.

have been to gambia before so knew what to expect; the bumsters etc. but what a shock to stay at this place.
the rooms although swept out daily were not cleaned properly bedding was turned round and over rather than being changed.
had to constantly visit reception for towels, toilet roll and to ask for the shower to be fixed- rarely any water for a shower (was told would have to go back to our room early i.e 3 in the afternoon to be able to have water).
lots of people hanging around in the grounds never really sure who was staff or visitors. sitting round by the pool constantly pestered by the staff for food and drinks which are double the price outside of the park. poorly stocked bar.

but please if you read this dont let it put you off going to gambia it is a wonderful place (we are going back for our third time but not to this hotel obviously).
and if you are going to this hotel do visit the beach which is a five minute walk and well worth it. if you turn left onto the beach you should come across the Kunta Kinta bar the food is good and reasonably priced their beach barbi is excellent and reggae band superb. the staff are really friendly, sunbeds are free and no hassle.
if you do want to go out for the evening take a trip to Kololi (about a ten minute taxi ride for about 6 pounds return) lots of resturants of all varietys and much more lively than kotu.