We stayed for one week in April, hoping to have an adventure in an out-of-the way spot. Footsteps ticked these boxes - we went fishing and to the nature reserve and went on long walks along the deserted beach. The lodge itself was fairly basic but clean - the food was delicious but expensive bearing in mind local prices (about £10 for a main meal). The staff were very helpful in arranging activities and giving us advice / having a chat! We spent some time visiting the local school and village, which was a truly eye-opening experience. The walk to the beach took about 20-25 minutes and was hot and dusty, but overall pleasant as through farmland and lots of interesting things to see. We weren't bothered or harassed at all, which I understand is what happens at more touristy spots in the North. If you're after a week relaxing by a pool this is probably not the place - it's better as a base for going out and about, although we spent a couple of afternoons relaxing on the beach completely alone (there is literally nothing at the beach, so need to take your own water etc). The pool is more a paddling pool and is small and covered, so very cold at all times! Overall we had a fantastic time, loved the area and the Gambia. We'd recommend the canoe trip with Amadou along the river and popping into Senegal for lunch, and Surani was a fantastic guide for around the village / further afield, mainly because he knew lots of short cuts and could answer any and every question we had!! Lunch at Lamin Lodge is a must. At times we were skeptical of the eco-credentials of the lodge although the composting toilets and staff benefits were fairly convinicing. The way in which the staff were talked to was disturbing at times, and the word 'colonial' comes to mind when considering the local Brits. Overall the staff seemed better off working there than at the chain hotels up North though.
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