Excellent small lodge away from the tourist strip. Good quality accommodation, good food, good staff and a very pleasant place to relax. We stayed for two nights at the end of our holiday and found Hibiscus to be a perfect end. Nice pool, pleasant surroundings and the best breakfast in the Gambia!

When I arrived at Hibiscus House, a private tropical oasis in the heart of the African village of Brufut I was amazed at how calm, tranquil and beautiful the hotel and its grounds were. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the rooms were just delightful, each with a terrace onto the garden and each featuring authentic African prints and textiles. We spent the first day or so lounging by the pool in the glorious sunshine with a cocktail - in April temperatures are topping 30 degrees. After that, we had the chance to book various excursions through the hotel, including one to a nature reserve, a 4X4 hire to see the breathtaking Gambian scenery, and a 'sundowner' which involves watching the sun set on the beach, only 10 mins walk away. My experience of Gambia is one I'll never forget, and I cannot recommend Hibiscus House highly enough.

Bliss....! Tranquility, beautiful food and accommodation matched only by the lovely people who looked after us; always friendly, never intrusive.
Everything seemed to beam in the sunshine from the amazing array of colours in the garden to the faces of the staff.
We had come just to watch birds - this we did but far more besides, taking in a flavour of the local culture. We were aided and abetted here by a very friendly and reasonably priced taxi driver and an excellent guide.
We left feeling enriched in many ways and with many vibrant memories.

This is a great place to stay. Welcoming staff, good cooking (we didn't use the Blue Bar next door and still found the hotel food price, quality and value very good) And it is lovely to sit in the cool evening watching bats swoop across the small swimming pool, and see the barn owls who sit on the top of the main house. And of course have a good laugh with the funny and warm staff for whom nothing is ever too much trouble.
We didn't do many of the touristy sites - apart from a trip to Banjul to the market, the small museum at the fishing village and the fishing village itself - unforgettable if a little overwhelming in the heat. We did however spend some lovely lazy days at the beach - both Brufut beach at Buba's Ocean beach cafe, and then at Batakuku Beach where NFansu and his staff settle you on comfortable mats in the shade of palm fronted shelters, and feed you great food. The two highlights though were the women's community garden up beyond the village of Brufut, and also the National Bee Association Cooperative on the road to Brikama. The women's cooperative is astounding - probably the most peaceful place I have ever been with nothing but warm welcome and no expectations from the women who tend it. The Bee Association is training bee keepers all over Gambia to help provide income for struggling families, as well as a strong conservation ethos. The people who run it are dedicated, professional and truly inspiring people.

Taxis do cost but doesn't seem a huge problem to pay £8 return to go to a deserted beautiful beach, spend the day and be collected on time by the driver to deliver you back home. You can do it cheaper but it is a holiday!

The people of Brufut, with a few irritating (but non-threatening) young boys and men, are gentle, friendly, helpful, and courteous. The kids will follow you everywhere, holding on to your little finger with sticky hands. Magic.