We had booked into Boboi Beach Lodge as the first stop on a week long trip around parts of Gambia. We had arranged by email to be picked up at the airport by someone from Bonoi at around 9pm in the evening when our flight got in. However when we got into the arrivals hall there was no one there to meet us. We looked around, all the time getting hustled by the taxi cab drivers and waited around 20 mins until we were the only passengers left in the hall and we had to admit defeat. We then had to shell out 850 dalasis to be taken by taxi to Boboi. When we got to Boboi the greeting was less than warm. We explained about there being onone to pick us up to the lady who opened the gate but there was no explanation or apology. She then disappeared leving us standing in the dark looking for a torch to see where we were meant to go. She reappeared several minutes later and showed us to our hut. We were expecting this to be basic but there wasn't a stick of furniture, no mirror, no bin, no rug, no table, no light in the bathroom and peeling paint on the walls, nothing excpet the bed which sagged in the middle and felt damp. The shower was cold, although we had expected that.
Anyway, when we got up the next day, we saw the setting and much was forgiven. The beach was peaceful and deserted and our hut overlooked it. We went for a walk and met hardly anyone but a few people fishing. It really could have been an advert for the Carribean or somewhere similar. Just breathtaking. The breakfast of papaya, homemade peanut butter and baguette was very tasty and all of the other guests we met were absolutely lovely and good company. The area was rather scruffy though and could have done with being tidied up, peeling paint, bits of twisted, rusting metal made it just feel neglected. Once we had explored the Kartong area we decided to move on and organised ourselves a taxi to go to Marakissa. When it arrived to take us the lady who owned the place (who had incidentally never even introduced herself) accused our driver of having persuaded us to leave and of depriving her of custom, which we felt was a bit rich since she'd barely spoken to us.
I can't think of another lodge in the coast in this price range that has such a wonderful and peaceful setting but we did feel that the place had seen better days and was lacking in maintenance or investment.

Staid at Boboi in mid-December and loved it. Especially after a day trip to the 'normal' hotel stretch of SeneGambia. Boboi is on the southern stretch of coast almost on the border to Senegal, well away from the towns and cities apart from the almost quaint border village of Kartong. Very few people will hassle you down there (only encountered 2 'bumsters'). Everyone is very genuinely friendly with no expectations. The stretch of beach is perfect, palm fringed and sandy with no one to disturb your peace.
Boboi is an assembly of huts and tree platforms, some huts with shower and toilet and these were apparently only added recently. The huts have nice beds, bedding and mosquito nets but bring your own towels. There are also shared bathroom facilities, a bit like at a camping ground. At the time of my stay there was no running hot water but that was not sorely missed since the showers were not freezing and the ambient air was about 33 degrees. The water is from a freshwater bore and seems western standard clean.
The staff treat you like a mate and the food was basic but of excellent quality! Breakfast consists of bread, butter, spreads and fresh fruit, for lunch and dinner you order your food and drinks off a small menu. (you also get water bottles there)
I saw no mosquitos and I saw very few other creepy crawlies (still take your antimalarials though). Lots of birds though and the dogs who live there are lovely and will come for walks with you.
If you are happy to go for a fun holiday where all the guests interact (also good for solo travellers) then I highly recommend this place. Luxury it is not, for that try Sandele next door (but also $$$). The beach is stunning regardless and you do get to meet other travellers. For tours the guys either take you or organise something for you, they can also pick you up from the airport. The place does have electricity but no TVs aircon etc. I would not hesitate to go back to Bobois and you will make some great new friends. The perfect place to escape the European winter.

We cannot recommend Boboi Lodge in Kartong, The Gambia highly enough. We had a wonderful stay there, enjoying the miles of empty, palm-fringed beaches right on the doorstep. And we were looked after so well by the lovely, friendly staff. The accommodation in traditional African round huts is perfect for a real getaway from hectic modern life. And Kartong village is a very special place indeed. This place sure beats the tourist resorts in the north!