Farankunku lodges was my best stay during my 6 weeks in the Gambia. Reading this, you must know that I really had enough of husteling in the tourist areas, and really enjoyed getting away to this calm resting place. But I´m not only comparing with the tourist areas, I have been travelling up country and around quite a lot. And Farakunku holds it´s place as number 1.

The first reason is Farakunku iteself, with beautiful gardens and lodges and with wonderful care from Moses, Heather and the staff. You really feel welcomed and relaxed. I especially enjoyed the lovely 3 cours dinners each night. The second reason is the surrondings. Moses will drive you to the most wonderful beach in the Gambia. At least if you like a calm beach with no hastle and bustle. There is a wonderful little fish restarurant with great service and food. On the way up from the beach you´ll find another highlight in the Gambia, Mama Africa - a women art museum. This place burstes with energy and creativity. If you are interested in art and/or womens situation in the Gambia, you must go there.

Even though Farakunku itself lies a bit aside, you are close to Tanji, Sanyang, Brikama, and other places worth a visit. And last, but not least, it´s not too expensive. When I was there in the winter of 2010, a lodge with room for two including breakfast and 3 course dinner, was 55 pounds.

We stayed at Farakunku Lodges at the end of a five week holiday organised by the excellent Hidden Gambia.
We arrived from a very enjoyable three and a half weeks at Bird Safari Camp, to find this oasis of luxury.
The accommodation was as near perfect as one could get, with an amazing regard to detail.
The food was of the sort you read about in the Sunday supplements, cooked by the talented Lamin, and consumed in a tropical paradise.
Local bird life was abundant, and the location suited us. It was away from any hassle and surrounded by friendly Gambian families; just what we prefer.
Moses’ free shuttle service to the nearby beach works perfectly. You may request a listen to his excellent supply of West African music, to entertain you on your journeys.
The beach is excellent, walk north for bird life, south to the beach restaurant. You may swim, watch the fishermen at work, lounge, eat or drink. It is blissful and well controlled by the café proprietors who look after you. This simple establishment is also frequented by local people, always a good sign.
For those with ‘Tate Modern’ withdrawal symptoms, visit Moma Africa. It is a couple of minutes away from the beach. Arrange to be collected at the gallery for your return journey. Shade, wonderful art, proper coffee, and run by women; a place of hope and tranquillity.
My main concern is that these lodges will too often have a ‘full up’ sign, but we would willingly settle for a hammock.
Ignore Tripadvisor flight price indicators as they are well over the going price, often four times the going rate.
If you want to know more about what The Gambia has to offer, visit my photos in www.flickr.com/photos/cymruwales/
Bob hwyl i Crug a Moesen. Diolch am y croeso gynnes.

We spent 5 nights at Farakunku mid March after reading extremely positive trip advisor reviews and we were not disappointed. Why people bother with the harassment and pressure of Kololi etc I don't understand, especially when there are havens of sanity and decency such as this. A particular pleasure was the contact with local people, which , unlike the fleshpots, was an unqualified delight. The walk to the beach, which could be construed as slightly strenuous in the heat of the day, led to many friendly and warm contacts. One phone call and Moses was there to collect us from the peaceful beach, all part of the generous service. The lodges were beautiful. Lamin's cooking was consistently stunning. The owners, Heather and Moses, were attentive yet not intrusive - hard to fault and, if it were possible, I would award 6 stars!

New beautifully furnished, spacious lodges, where everything functions, the lodges situated in a beautiful garden, owner Heather who really cooks the Michelin-stars out of heaven and loves to do so, like she loves (with husband Moses) to make your stay as pleasant as can be, do you have more wishes?? We didn't have anymore and loved the days we were at Farakunku Lodges.