ATMOSPHERE - Very laid back, relaxed and informal. I wanted somewhere away from the larger tourist places where one hotel is like another.
ROOM - OK, clean but simple, don't expect top class luxury BUT personally I don't go on holiday to spend my time in a hotel room.
GARDEN - Lovely. Nice to wake up and have breakfast outside in the garden then slip into the pool for a dip. Also spent a couple of evenings relaxing and talking to the other guests who seemed to range from tourists to African Gov Ministers, volunteers and ex-pats working in the area. A real mixture and just so interesting!
FOOD - I ate here a couple of times. The food was a bit expensive about (£6) for a main meal but the fish dishes were superb.
STAFF - Brilliant, I have to say they were amazing. From the lady who cleaned my room to the owners, they were definitely the best staff I have ever encountered. I have travelled quite extensively and they are not similar to other hotel staff they are genuinely friendly but not in your face. They also gave some advice about the best places to visit and helped me arrange cheap transport.
DIFFICULTIES - Take cash...debit and credit cards seem to be a problem throughout the country. The hotel did offer to take my card but it cost them a supplement which would be added to my bill.

The hotel is run by a lovely English ex-pat couple, Geri and Maurice, who took a very active interest in making me feel at home. The staff are very engaging and it was a pleasant and relaxing stay. The place also attracts a lot of NGO volunteers and other long-stayers which gives more of an insight into the country.

The hotel has a small pool surrounded by a pretty garden and as well as the communal sitting area, most if not all rooms have their own verandah. The beach is less than 10 minutes walk away. There are 2 ATMs within about 10 minutes walk of the hotel and the rate worked out identical to what I got at banks, bureaux etc. although you can only get out D2000 at a time.

Fajara is a quiet area where a number of the consulates and embassies are located and was a good choice to be away from the main tourist areas.

I was booked in for 2 nights initially but I ended spending all but one night there, with just a brief jaunt up-country to Bintang.

I have stayed at Safari Garden Hotel quite a few times over the years because it truly is a little paradise of peace and tranquility...away from the 'Blackpoolesque' strip that is Senegambia. The rooms are simple and clean, the staff are always really lovely and welcoming and along with the owners, Geri & Maurice, they always make you feel like one of the the 'Safari Garden Family' which is especially great if you are there on your own (which I often am)....I never feel alone. They always take the time to stop and say hello or invite you to their dinner table in the lovely outdoors restaurant in the garden. Speaking of which, the food is great too! They cater for the european palatte (and I'm not talking bog-standard fish n chips here!) and or if you want to try the local dishes, they are on the menu too. The desserts are well worth a try too (try the choclate and beetroot cake!!). even if you stay in another hotel, then yoi really should go to Safari Garden for lunch or dinner at least. They have a small but extremely clean pool there to lounge the day away or take a 10 minute walk to the beach and swing on a hammock at Leybato beach.....great views of the sunset there too. Safari Garden does it for me everythime :)

I have just returned from my second visit to this amazing place. Its great location (10 mins walk from Fajara beach and 10 mins drive from Senegambia), beautiful setting (tropical garden with most clean swimming pool), wonderful Gambian and international cuisine (try the Chicken Yassa) and the amazing staff make of this place a hidden corner of paradise.
During my many visit to Africa, I have had many unique and wonderful experiences, but travelling by yourself on business is never easy especially if you are a woman. At Safari Garden everybody looks after you and you feel at home. This is the reason why I would recommend this hotel to any solo traveller (you will never feel alone!) and to couples.
The rooms are simple and clean...all you need really! and the staff is always there to help.
With the help of their Gambian staff , Geri and Maurice have made of this place a oasis of enjoyment and relaxation. It is not a surprise that visitors tend to extend their stay once they are there and they keep returning to this hotel...like me!
The Safari Garden friendly atmosphere will most certainly make your stay special!