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Introduction video Gambia Overview Discover the River Accommodation Birdwatching Fishing Chimpanzees Photo gallery Plan your holiday Login to web site Holiday reviews Contact us! |
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| The Irish Times | 6th Jun 2009 | A river runs through it... |
| The Times (UK) | 19th Nov 2008 | The secret heart of The Gambia awaits discovery... |
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From: Daniela Walther Arrived back safely in London and just wanted to say 'thank you' for a wonderful trip. Everything went very smoothly and that was certainly also because of your meticulous organisation. Say thank you to Jane for taking us back and please let your workers have a look at the photo I took of them, they asked me to send it to them. Please remember us to Binta and the cook who provided us with such wonderful food. Best wishes from Bill, Daniela and Anna 
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From: Jon Mousley We're already planning on going to Gambia again next Xmas, I'll probably be there from early/mid December & stay for 6 -8 weeks as the weathers really kind to my bashed up body & Frances will follow on with the kids during the school holidays. With our best wishes to yourself, Jayne, & your crew... Jon & Frances |
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From: Kate and Mathew Heal Greetings from Scotland and Happy New Year! Just to say many thanks to you and the Hidden Gambia team for the excellent trip 24-27 December from the coast to Georgetown. We really enjoyed it and thought it was organised excellently with lots to see and do. We will definitely recommend Hidden Gambia to others. All the best for 2012! Kate and Mathew Heal |
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From: Marion and Joel Tyson Just to let you know that our trip was brilliant. Well organised, with a lovely guide, Ebrima Njie. I have to say that it was quite an experience too! I think that I can say that I have had a good exposure to The Gambia, the people there and their way of life. The Bird Camp was wonderful and the staff really friendly and helfpful. Our trip on the river was fantastic, we saw chimps and hippos and swam and fished from the boat. Thank you very much for arranging a well organised trip which was an experience to remember. Regards, Marion and Joel |
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From: Sophie Clement-Jones I have been meaning to write ever since we got back from Gambia but somehow time seems to have slipped away and its now several weeks.. probably the result of having a good holiday! Issy and I had a marvellous time and loved the camp you have built and everything you provided in the way of hospitality and transport, particularly the new solar powered boat, which I thought was very impressive! You have some super people working for you and it was so good to see they were all local. Do hope the new garden man is still there and the kitchen garden is flourishing and providing the camp with a few veg - I must say he seemed to have achieved miracles in such a short space of time. All in all a great week's break which made winter so much more bearable, no doubt will be back, best wishes and good luck with the business for the coming year, Sophie |
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From: Alan & Ursula Revill Thank you for organising a fantastic holiday. Each day we thought the next couldn't be as good as those gone by but they always were! Couldn't pick out a favourite day but, with careful thought a highlight of each-not always both selecting the same aspect. We were very impressed with Ibrahim the guide. He was quiet, unassuming and full of local knowledge and history. As to the birds he was amazing. Without him the holiday wouldn't have been quite as tremendous as it was. We are spreading the word among family and friends so more can really see what we are so excited about. With thanks again Alan & Ursula. |
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From: Ladd and Petra Hockey 
Mark,Here is a photo of Jayne and you cruising in style on the Lady Hippo. Petra and I loved our trip. Thanks for all the hard work you put into the planning of the trip and the running of BSC. We sent a report to trip advisor but it has not shown up yet online. Cheers, Ladd and Petra, USA |
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From: David & Betty Barrans This is a bit belated but we really would like to thank you very much for all the work you have done to make our holiday so unforgettable. We enjoyed every minute of it and were delighted to meet so many interesting people who were also like-minded and prepared to have a go at almost anything. I would also like to thank Heather and Moses at Farakunku Lodges for the welcome they gave us and the information about the local area. They really were so helpful and we appreciated it very much. Best wishes and hope to see you at the next Bird Fair. David & Betty Barrans |
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From: Alston Rodrigo Just wanted to say a big thank you for hosting my dad and myself. I think you have a great set up and I really enjoyed my stay in The Gambia. All the best for the future. Kind Regards, Alston. |
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From: Alec & Ann Crawford We arrived back to Gatwick on time on Friday night after a very enjoyable time in The Gambia. Many thanks for all the arrangements, everything went very smoothly. The four places where we stayed were all very different.
I am now starting to sort out the approx 1300 photos that I took, which will keep me busy for a day or two! So, many thanks for an excellent time and we will certainly not hesitate in recommending Hidden Gambia to other people who want to do more than 'skin fry' in The Gambia - we went to the Senegambia Hotel one evening with others from Hibiscus House and we all said that we had made the right choice not to stay on the beach! Please give our regards to John and Jill, we enjoyed meeting them. Regards to you and Jayne and I hope that the rest of the season goes well. Alec and Ann |
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From: Graham Boxall Back on with the thick coats, cold cameras, blue tits and robins. Rita and I have got to say a big thank you for making our Hidden Gambia experience one of our best holidays yet from 22/12/10 to 05/01/11. With the first three days at Safari Gardens and then Christmas and New Year at Bird Safari Camp to end up at Footsteps was brilliant. Your attention to detail and the "Help Everyone" attitude made the holiday. Rita (no onions) says a special thank you. Hope your new boat is now moored up at birdcamp and the new vehicles are on the road. I caught my fish at Footsteps, Tuna, Butterfish and Ladyfish. The terrible memories of the previous visit to BADALA PARK are gone, The Gambia is wonderful again thank you Mark. Rita Jones and Graham Boxall. |
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From: Sally Richardson Home safely - thinking of you all sitting in the sun while we are in -4 degrees with snow flakes falling! Great time - say hello to John, Jill and Janusz Regards Sally Bruce Sue and Janet |
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From: Andrew and Rebecca Paten It was lovely to have met you. Thank you for organising everything so well, including our later changes. We include the photo we took at the market one morning when Binta took us shopping. She wanted us to take a picture of herself and her friend and we promised to send her a copy. The other photo is of Ansu as he was loading the roof-rack of the bus with petrol cans. Hope he likes it. We had a wonderful time and we thought Ansu was an excellent guide and Binta an excellent hostess. We wish you much continued success and that your new boat has many successful and economical voyages! With friendly greetings from cold, cold England. Andrew and Rebecca Paten 
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From: Natalie Roche Just wanted to say a big thank you for organising us such a wonderful river trip with Hidden Gambia. My boyfriend Marcus and I had the most amazing time, and saw wildlife that we weren't even expecting. Bird Safari Camp was brilliant - Binta was so friendly and welcoming and the guides (Sam and Ansu) were incredibly helpful and knowledgable. All in all we had an excellent time and were so sad to have to leave and continue on our journey.... Anyway so just wanted to say thank you. Will do a proper review on Tripadvisor when we get a minute! Best wishes, Natalie & Marcus PS: Please say hello to John and Jill for us - brilliant fun, they had us in hysterics every evening over dinner! We miss waking up to the sound of John leaping into the pool... |
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From: Jenny and Howard Freeman Thank you for a brilliant holiday - your arrangements were perfect, the locations were interesting, birds and animals fantastic, and the guides Ibrahim and Lamin were so knowledgeable (and patient). Overall a great break at the right time of year. We look forward to using your new vans and electric boat in the future. All the best for the new year to you and all your staff, Jenny and Howard Freeman Leicester |
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From: Derek and Sally Howes We have returned home safely after yet another wonderful trip to Gambia. It seems we have missed the really cold weather -10 and worse, the snow and the colds and flu. so Gambia was by the far best place to be at +30. We visited more locations this time for birds etc and have a great collection of images. Much more and much better than 2009. We went to Pirang Shrimp Farm and contrary to all the websites the Black Crowned Cranes have returned this year after an absence of at least 2 years. There are presently 5 cranes there and we had very good views including photos. Abdul and the other guides at the farm would like it all promoted again so please can you tell your bird guests of the location and perhaps put something on your website. Can you also inform Solomon, but perhaps Backs will have told him. Hopefully if managed well they will start to breed there again. We had a great 2 days with Backs and he certainly understands a photographer's requirements. We think for understanding our needs both Backs and Mamadou are great. We had a great siting on the way back down river near Bintang where we had good Dolphins but the highlight was a raft of at least 100 Lesser Flamingoes on the river. They were tightly bunched in a circle but unfortunately Ansu did not see them soon enough, it was Sally who spotted them and the boat driver being the really young lad did not have the gumption to stop the boat so by the time Derek was able to get his camera into action he had scared them off and we only have flight photos- but what a great spectacle it was to see the raft. We didn't get a lot of time to chat at Bird Safari Camp but thanks again for a great stay and please wish all the staff a Happy New Year and we really enjoyed their company. Your development and projects are really interesting and will make big differences to the camp. Best Wishes Derek and Sally |
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From: Rosa Mª Guijarro Ya estamos en casa. Llegamos ayer muy cansados pero muy felices. Hemos vivido un magnífico viaje, un viaje muy bien organizado y muy agradable. Gambia nos ha gustado mucho y hemos disfrutado mucho con la tranquilidad con la que se vive este viaje. Los alojamientos son estupendos, en Bird Safari Camp el contacto con la naturaleza es una maravilla y en Fakunkura Lodge la calidad y la cocina son magníficos. Toda la gente que hemos conocido ha sido muy amable y han permitido el éxito del viaje. Abdoulie ha sido un magnífico guía y un amigo en las excursiones para ver pájaros. En cuanto a tí te diré que nos has organizado muy bien el viaje y que fuiste un magnífico anfitrión en Bird Safari Camp, nos gustó mucho el ambiente familiar que allí se vive. Ayer repasando tu website me di cuenta de que eres la persona que organizó el viaje, yo pensaba que el Mark que organizaba el viaje estaba en Londres, y ayer descubrí que eras tú, perdona que no te dijera nada cuando estuvimos en tu casa. Muchas gracias por todo y hasta la próxima. Rosa y Joan Fotos de nuestro viaje =============== Good morning, Mark We already are in house. We arrive yesterday very tired but very happy. We have lived a magnificent trip, very a well organized and very pleasant trip. Gambia we have liked much and we have enjoyed much the tranquillity with which this trip is lived. The lodgings are wonderful, in Bird Safari Camp the contact with the nature is a wonder and in Fakunkura Lodge the quality and the kitchen are magnificent. All the people that we have known have been very amiable and have allowed the success of the trip. Abdoulie has been a magnificent guide and a friend in the excursions to see birds. As far as you we will say to you that you have organized us very well the trip and who you were a magnificent host in Bird Safari Camp, liked much the familiar atmosphere that there is lived. Reviewing your website yesterday I realized of which you are the person who organized the trip, I thought that the Mark that organized the trip it was in London, and discovered yesterday that are you, pardon that she did not say anything to you when we were in your house. Thank you very much by everything and until the next one. Rosa and Joan Photos of our Gambia holiday |
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From: David Hallam I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and I would like to thank you and your staff for making my recent visit such an enjoyable and memorable occasion. I've been to The Gambia 5 times before and always stayed around the coast and feel this was the first time I'd seen the real Gambia, not the sanitised tourist parts, whilst meeting some really interesting and genuine people. However I have two regrets: 1) My wife is unable to undertake such a trip and so wasn't able to experience the visit with me 2) I should have booked the whole week with you! It is unbelievable that your tent had better facilities than my room at Badala Park Hotel plus the food was better and the entertainment much more enjoyable. The memory of Hugh doing his Christmas shopping on-line with his laptop at Bird Safari Camp when I arrived is somewhat surreal! Hopefully I'll enjoy your hospitality soon A sincere thank you once again Regards David |
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From: Mike Segal Agnes and I would like to thank you again for a wonderful holiday. It really exceeded our expectations in all respects (and we had high expectations). In the end we got back to London only 13 hours late. Thomas Cook told us it would be nearer to a 24h delay at the minimum, then at 3:30 in the morning Mohammed rang to say the plane from Gatwick had left so he'd be collecting us at 6:45 a.m. I must say Mohammed has been fantastic - he waited 9 hours for our arrival in the middle of the night on the way in and must have been up pretty well all night to make sure we got the return flight. I really had to bully him to accept a tip, too. Safari Gardens Hotel also came up trumps. A bit of confusion over the food arrangements: your notes to us clearly said the stay there was HB, but they seemed to have no knowledge of it. However, they let us have the extra night free when we were waiting for the plane so I didn't argue! Wonderful service from the staff, too: they prepared a full breakfast for us even though we were leaving so early. Altogether, multiple stars all round. We are giving you strong recommendations to our friends. Best wishes, Happy New Year Mike |
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From: Sarah and Julian Edmondson (Birdlife International) It already seems ages ago but this is a big thank you for an amazing week in The Gambia (23rd Feb - 2nd March). It's taken quite a while to sink in just how much we saw of a fantastic country and its diversity. Your staff at Bird Safari were so welcoming and we still miss the fresh baked bread and the bowls of cashews. Ibrahim (hope that is correct) was an excellent guide. He could spot birds with the naked eye before we even found them with our bins and was really friendly with a great sense of humour. He and fellow travellers we met on the trip honestly helped to make it a wonderful holiday. It was really interesting as a woman at work had just returned from The Gambia the week before and apart from a brief trip up river had not enjoyed the trip due to all the bumsters and typical tourist resort, it sounded as if we described two different countries. Just proves your company is showing the real Gambia and more people need to experience it. Thank you again and hoping Badara is getting on well with our paintings, we can't wait to see them. Sarah and Julian |
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From: Sue Hudson I just wanted to say a big thank you for a wonderful holiday experience. My only disappointment was not being able to stay longer than a week! But it's given me a taster to return, and return I hope to do soon. I'd have liked to stay much longer at Bird Safari, although I was amazed as to what I was able to cram into my two nights while there. Your staff at the camp are wonderful, fun and very knowledgeable and all I can do is echo what past guests have said, so please do pass on my thanks to them all. I am also pleased I took up your suggestion of staying in Sandele after having been up river. Not only was it a contrast, but such a beautiful place to stay. Once again I think what Maurice and Geri are setting out to achieve is fantastic for the local community and their place was breathtaking. My god was I spoilt and looked after by the staff. My jaw dropped when they showed me the lodge I was to stay in, and the food was fantastic to match. Overall I can honestly say that my short break was worth every penny. Thank you once again for organizing such a fab trip for me. Kind regards, Sue |
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From: Bob Campbell Just a quick e-mail to say how much I enjoyed the holiday. Your organisation was excellent and it was a real treat to see the proper side of The Gambia. My apologies for not saying goodbye when I left. Perhaps there was something in me that did not want to leave!! I wish you and the team all the best for the future. Regards, Bob |
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From: Jon Baker, Head of MRC Field Station, Basse Had a really pleasant weekend at BSC; got a few interesting butterflies, including one new to The Gambia. I think I am at 65 now for Janjanbureh. Also saw a golden vole, at least two maybe three squirrels, a bushbuck, evidence of warthogs very near the camp, got near to a large cobra (but not too near!), a beauty snake and a genet. Also, what are the small grayish lizard/gecko things that chase each other up and down the tree trunks? Loads of monkeys – grey ones. |
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From: Sue and Phil Williams Sorry its taken so long for us to contact but we would like to thank you for refunding our money for the chimpanzee project so promptly. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip up river despite the disappointment of not being able to visit the chimp project. Baks was an excellent guide and extremely knowledgable about the area. The staff at Bird Safari Camp were exceptional - particularly Sam and Binta. We are still interested in visiting the chimpanzee project if and when things there are sorted properly. We would probably be looking at a week over next New Year in the first instance. Cheers Sue and Phil |
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From: Mike and Kathy Edwards Back in the UK and just got over a severe case of post holiday blues! So relaxed... That had to be the best value African wildlife-getaway-from-it-all holiday! On the way to Madiyana, we had a small glitch at the river, when the 'ferry' operator tried to con us out of 300 Dalassi to row us 50 metres. We had been given 100 dalassi for the crossing by your man. We got away with it! Then followed the most relaxing few days with deserted beaches and good food courtesy of Foday and his 'stand-in' cook. The whole trip was excellent: Ebrima is the best bird guide, Binta, Sam and the other staff at Bird Safari Camp were wonderful. Highly recommended holiday for those who want great wildlife, lovely people, good food, but who don't expect chocolates on the pillow and power showers! Many thanks, Mike and Kathy |
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From: John and Jill Roberts Thank you and the staff of Bird Safari Camp, for yet another wonderful and unforgettable experience. Our stay of four weeks at BSC was again the highlight of our Gambian holiday. The friendliness of the staff was exceptional, and we were very reluctant to leave your care. There was always something new to occupy our time, and it was good to observe the ever changing improvements you are making to the infrastructure. A difficult task when so much has to be shipped up from the coast. We admire how much hard cash your operation puts into the local economy. A staff of twenty earning wages throughout the year helps many families and dependents. Let’s hope it is able to continue. It took us a while to acclimatise to a Welsh winter, although Wales 23 England 15 brought a sudden warmth to our bodies! We hope to make our third visit in 2010, and so until then, diolch am y croeso cynnes / thanks for the warm welcome. Jill & John Roberts Cymru/Wales. |
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From: Dr. Ken and Alice Wright Back in a very cold England for a few days now and 30C to below zero was a very bad shock to the system. But what a lovely holiday! We loved it all but the best part was undoubtedly the time we spent at Bird Safari Camp. We've never felt so welcomed into a genuine family atmosphere and it was very sad to leave when the time came. All your staff are so open and friendly and they treat you like human beings and not tubabs, if that is the word. We also liked Jinack island, though that was a totally different kind of experience, and Footsteps in its way was also very nice, but didn't have quite the quality of your set-up. Finally, Hibiscus is difficult to fault as a small hotel but didn't really offer much exposure to the country and its people. It all depends what you are looking for. Thanks again for organising one of the best holidays we have had for a long time and don't be too surprised if you see us again soon. Regards to everybody at Bird Safari Camp and the drivers and guides. Happy New Year. Alice and Ken. |
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From: Amber & Fred Bauer We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to The Gambia and couldn't have wished for a better week with Hidden Gambia. We were surprised by the extent of the animal sightings, and delighted with the bird-spotting. The owl sightings on our excellent guided day-break walks, the fish eagle hunt and pelican 'guide' being particular highlights! Our guide, Bakery, and "top man" driver, Abdullah, were fantastic and really helped to make the week special, as were Sam and Binta at Bird Safari Camp. At the Camp we particularly enjoyed our market visits and cooking with Binta, the river boat trip and the local evening entertainment! Oh, and that freshly baked bread each morning... Footsteps Eco Lodge was a very welcoming place to stay for our first night in The Gambia with the Wonjo Juice and the local beans (we can't remember the name of) particularly recommended! Staying at the Safari Garden Hotel en route back gave us a good chance to travel the short distance to Senegambia area and the more touristy coastal areas and confirm that a coastal holiday wouldn't be for us! The rooms were basic, but the outside tables and pool area were pleasant. For anyone with a sense of adventure, a love of nature and a desire to experience the "real" Gambia, then we would certainly recommend Hidden Gambia. Thank you! Amber & Fred Bauer (visited 26 Dec 08 - 2 Jan 09) |
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From: Rebecca Fradley I think you have a fantastic business in Hidden Gambia (and Bird Safari), and I only hope that its success continues. Becky |
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From: Mary Boucher Well, we have been home weeks, and it has taken me this long to contact you. We had such a wonderful holiday. My work colleagues told me I should go on holiday more often! I took it to mean that I looked so well, but it could have been that they were just to be glad to be rid of me, not sure. I keep raving about your company to people, so I am doing my best on the promotional front. As for the idea of mango icecream... Ailsa was almost on the next plane out when she heard about it! She has just completed a geography project and used photos and her experiences from her holiday to liven it up. I was really surprised how much she had absorbed. I thought she had just learnt how to fish! I think it is always a mistake to return to a holiday place, but will make an exception in this instance, and fully intend to return in a few years' time to see how Bird Safari Camp has developed, and come at a slightly different time so that Mark can see the other 150 bird species he missed this time. On second thoughts, maybe Ailsa and I will come on our own and focus on the icecream! Thank you and all your great team of staff. Very best wishes Mary Boucher |
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From: Erika & Martin Lindsay We particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to explore the interior of Gambia. We enjoyed the mix of topography/birds/fauna and having the opportunity to experience an insight in to local life through the various activities offered to us, in particular drumming, cooking and visiting the local villages/markets. Our stay was greatly enriched by the very warm hospitality and excellent service received from the staff at Bird Safari Camp and indeed throughout our travels. We particularly recommend staying in a tent, for an enhanced rustic experience and from a practical point of view it is cooler than a hut. We were impressed with our stay, albeit brief, at the Footsteps Eco-Lodge. The lodge is beautiful, the food excellent and we were warmly received by Mark, David and their staff. We recommend this for a stay on the coast. The lodge is an ideal compliment to Bird Safari Camp for clients seeking a two centre holiday. Although not right on the sea, we believe it is a higher quality property, located in more beautiful surroundings than the Safari Garden Hotel. Bintang Bolong Lodge is in a beautiful location. Therefore it did not matter that the accommodation was basic. The staff were always obliging. We of course rested during the heat of the afternoon. There was an issue of water supply in the afternoon during our one day stay. Not sure if this is a regular occurrence. Kind Regards Erika & Martin |
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From: Monica and Anna Rusbatch We are back in cold, snowy England! Oh to be back in The Gambia! Just want to say how much we enjoyed it all and to thank you for arranging everything for us, we were so glad you had suggested two days at CRT as it was fantastic, the highlight of the trip. Good luck with Bird Safari Camp and Hidden Gambia, Love from Monica and Anna |
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From: Hugh Anderson This is a rather belated note to say how much Caroline and I enjoyed our holiday and appreciated the way it was organised. Please pass onto all your staff our real appreciation for their friendliness and helpfulness. By happy accident (for your staff) by the time we reached Footsteps we realised that what we had set aside as our remaining spending money for our time there must have got put together with the money we had set aside for the staff fund and then put into the box in one lump. Certainly we had nothing left by the time we reached Gunjur! Should it have gone into the fund, we could not think of a better place for it to have gone. Only trouble was we had nothing to offer your driver who kindly took us to the airport. This was difficult to explain. My brother and his wife will hopefully be joining you at some stage. Certainly I have enthused him with the several beauties of The Gambia. Unfortunately to get something organised this side of the rainy season will be difficult. Look out therefore for a certain Rob Anderson come October or November. Many thanks and regards to all. yrs. Hugh |
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From: Steve Packer Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday in the middle and upper reaches of the River Gambia for which I now have much greater respect not previously thinking of it as one of Africa’s great waterways. Our mix of coast and river camps worked well. Footsteps Eco Lodge provided us with a good start. It is a friendly place with good food and well maintained accommodation. Some might wish that is nearer to the beach but we enjoyed its wooded environment. Tendaba – as you had suggested – is OK for one night but has probably seen better days. We have already mentioned to you the small but not insignificant fact that at low tide the steps on the jetty are a disincentive for some people to go across the river to the creek – the main reason for stopping in Tendaba. This could be remedied quite easily. Bird Safari camp will remain in our holiday memories for the people who work there who we found to be uniformly friendly and helpful. Malang’s food was by far the best on the trip and Sam could not have been more responsive to everybody’s wishes. We think that you could usefully spend a bit of attention to the accommodation; all quite small things – towels that dry rather than wipe [Ed - done this: 100% cotton towels for all!]; mirrors in places that enable you to see yourself [Ed - done]; hooks where clothes don’t get wet [Ed - done] and thick blankets in cold tents [Ed - done this: double blankets for those who need them!]. And we could have done with a bit of warm water [Ed - done this too - each room has its own private hot water tank which is heated by the sun]. But these are quibbles for we enjoyed ourselves greatly. In no small measure – especially for Leilani – this was the result of Dembo’s technical birding skills. He was uniformly excellent throughout although he has not yet learnt to give of himself a bit more beyond his bird work. The Chimp Camp was great – if expensive. Michelle was warm and very professional and the set up both in the camp and for the local communities is clearly carefully conceived and thought through. Safari Garden was OK but seemed it a bit tired to us. May be it was the lack of water [Ed. - this was a general problem due to a mains water pipe fault nearby - now resolved] or the demands of the Plymouth Banjul rally or the pressures of developing the new lodge in Kartong. Nothing really untoward but we felt that our three nights there was enough. We should like to send some photographs to Bird Safari Camp. What address should we use? We hope your Mum has a good time. All best wishes to you and everyone at BSC for 2008. Steve and Leilani |
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From: Shirley Scholefield What a great time we had with each and every person at Bird Safari Camp! Shaun and I were so sorry to leave. What a lovely send off we got from all the staff - that made us even more sad to go. How you get attached to these great people in such a short space of time! This is a place not to be missed... Neither of us are bird watchers, though we do like all animals, so people shouldn't get the idea it's a holiday only for bird watchers - it's not. Having said that, the bird guide Ebrima was brilliant - he even managed to teach us some of the birds! The food was so nice and Binta looked after everyone so well and Sam the manager was very attentive to what anyone needed. The huts were nice and clean and if you wanted any washing doing that also gets done for you. I have mentioned a few staff in particular, though to be honest, it's very good team work from everyone. Everything was so well organised from the pick up from the airport to the drop off at the end of our stay. I could go on and on about this lovely place - can't wait to go back for longer next time. So, if you are looking for something a little different that's peaceful and relaxing with freshly baked bread every morning, this is the place to go. Mark, a big thank you to you and your lovely staff for making us feel so welcome. We will be back! Shirley Scholefield & Shaun Addison |
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From: Patricia Midgley I would, on behalf of the three of us like to thank you for a truly memorable holiday. We were so lucky that we were able to keep the plans flexible as we are certain that it added a new dimension to our adventure! Our final stop with Maurice and Geri at Sandele Eco-Retreat was memorable in a different way, hot water and starched sheets the order of the day! And special evenings with 2 lovely people. We also need to thank you most sincerely for trusting us with your bankers loans without which we would have had a miserable time. I have a cheque for £200 which I can send to Orion or would you like another way of us sending it? Please let me know soon about the transfer and just to let you know it is -4 degrees and snowing hard!! Regards and thanks for everything Pat & co |
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From: Oscar Merne In stark contrast with The Gambia, it is cold (frosty), stormy (winds up to 130 kph) and very wet here in Ireland. It would make one want to turn right round and go back to the tropics! Very many thanks for a wonderful trip up the Gambia River, and back to Farafenni. And for being so trusting with the payment! We had a good ten days in Senegal. Thousands of Cattle Egrets and Long-tailed Cormorants roosting in the trees in the centre of Koalak, lit up like Christmas trees by the street lights. The Giant's Causeway/ Fingal Cave structure of Les Isles de la Madeleine off Dakar and the Red-billed Tropicbirds there, the fantastic flocks of waterbirds, etc. at Parc National des Oiseaux de Djoudj on the Mauretanian border, the 250-year old city of St. Louis, etc. Back in The Gambia we spent our last nights at Madiyana Lodge on Jinack Island: so peaceful, and we saw 130 bird species and the resident pod of African Hump-backed Dolphins. Our visit overlapped with Alison and Rick, just back from your up-river trip. Hear the swimming pool is great and that your 250 HP engine has arrived for the Safari Queen. It should knock quite a bit off the less interesting leg of the journey on the very wide part of the river. My final total for birds seen on our trip was 311 species -- quite respectable since I wasn't bird-watching all day every day. JJ and Ibrahim were great in helping on the up-river trip. If I get the time, I'll write a trip report and post it on www.dublinbirding.ie, which has some other Gambian trip reports. I'll mention Hidden Gambia as an excellent way of seeing lots of good sites and birds up-river. All the best for Christmas and the New Year. Oscar and Margaret |
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From: Jess Tyrrell Wanted to say thank you so much, again, for our wonderful stay at Bird Safari. My mum loved it and was mind-blown by the numbers of wonderful birds! Sure she'll be back! Hope things going well in UK. See you when I see you... Cheers, Jess |
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From: Julia Kingsford I wanted to write to thank you so much for our really wonderful holiday. We had the most amazing time and a week on from our return to the UK, none of us can stop thinking about it. The trip was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and gave us such a wonderful opportunity to see the real Gambia. Your staff couldn't have been more helpful and charming. Charles, the volunteer at Bird Safari Camp, was absolutely wonderful and a real unexpected boon and we couldn't have been more pleased with the Lady Hippo (who lived up to her name by showing us some very close specimens) and of course with Bird Safari Camp. Sam made a wonderful manager in Alfu's absence and in all we felt more like we were staying with old friends than at a hotel. Indeed my mother and sister would be more than happy to take Charles' place at the camp whenever required (and all that stops me from volunteering is my full time job!). Though our guide Buba, was very helpful with birds, we felt our limited birdwatching experience prevented us from truly appreciating him, and we'd like to commend our driver Sakulay and Sam who both made the trip particularly special. Our only disappointment was with Tendaba. Such a contrast to your lovely camp - we found the staff surly, the rooms uncomfortable and the food poor. However, that couldn't take away from the pleasure we took in the trip. In an ideal world there'd be less travelling, and though lacking the comforts of Safari Queen, our return journey on the smaller boat was enjoyable for its speed, but even the bumpy roads provided a fascinating experience. The only change for the trip we'd like to suggest is charging more and making it all-inclusive (or at least providing this option for the up-river part of the trip). Not being aware of what things would cost up river, or indeed entirely knowing what we would need to purchase, we found the transportation of money a concern and all decided that we'd have been happier to pay an extra £50 (far more than we actually spent on extras) for the pleasure of knowing whatever we needed was covered. [Ed. Fair comment - from 2007/8 we'll be doing exactly that.] If there's anything else you'd like to know of what we thought, please feel free to ask. Once again, thank you, and we look forward to hopefully visiting Bird Safari Camp again in the future. Many thanks, Julia |
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From: Jinty Copeland Thank you SO much. We had the most wonderful holiday - one we would certainly like to repeat. I have already recommended it to friends. You have something exceptionally special and unique in Hidden Gambia - I cannot rate highly enough the courtesy of the Gambian hotel staff (particularly at Bird Safari Camp), guides and drivers. They dealt with a 9 year old girl (not mine! - who because of her age, was in need of entertainment and attention - and she was such a good little girl) and my somewhat ageing, limping be-sticked husband with the same patience and willingness, always there to help. We were particularly pleased that we were able to get a proper feel for the country as we drove through the villages, waited at the ferry crossing and wandered the market at Basse. Thanks again! Jinty |
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From: Henri Copeland I've just been out in the Gambia for Christmas & New Year and just wanted to say thank you for a fabulous holiday - we all had a really great time. Lamin & Musa (our guide & driver) were fantastic, as were all the staff at Bird Safari Camp. It was a great trip that suited all 3 of us - my father loved all the birdlife, and my mother & I really enjoyed all the extras (djembe lessons, cooking etc). The best thing was that the holiday had an independent travel feel, rather than packaged - you've definitely tapped into a good market there; independent travel without the hassle! I would be really interested in any jobs either UK based or out in The Gambia if any come up. Hidden Gambia is exactly the type of company I would like to join. To give you an idea of my background I previously managed a watersports company and now run an e-commerce website. I have been toying with the idea of setting up a similar thing in Brazil, but with windsurfing instead of birds (I think the hippos and crocs might be a slight hazard to windsurfers in The Gambia, but the breeze really did shoot down the river during the day!) Thanks again for a really great holiday, with any luck I'll be able to head out to Africa again next year as well. I hope the rest of the season goes well. Regards Henri Copeland |
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From: David Rothwell Just wanted to send you a quick e mail to say what a fabulous time we had over in the Gambia. You employ some fantastic people out there. I would especially like to single out our guide Tombong and driver Sutay who were some of the friendliest, informative and professional people I have ever met anywhere in the world. They are truly a credit to your organistion. Gambia is an amazing place to visit and I will have no hesitation in recommending Hidden Gambia Ltd to anyone who wants to visit this wonderful country. David Rothwell |
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From: Anne McNeil I thought I would drop you a line to say thank you. We had the most wonderful trip. It was better, even, than we had imagined it would be. All the local staff were terrific. Their enthusiasm and kindness was exemplary. Our guide, JJ, and driver, Suteh, really made it their business to make sure that we got what we wanted from the holiday. Tombong was wonderful. Lamin was really highly spoken of by his group - we didn't talk to him much, but he was obviously an expert. The staff at Bird Safari Camp were wonderful, too - there is a sense of fun in the operation, and real friendship. I found the church I was christened in... drove on the road my father built (the Basse road) and we were invited to lunch by a midwife at the hospital. I went knowing nothing about birdlife, but JJ and Tombong both - well, their energy carried us into this part of the holiday - and the kids and I all loved bird spotting. It is such a special country, I am determined to go back before long. We made many friends. My only thoughts about Hidden Gambia, which I mean in order to be helpful, as I will be thoroughly recommending it to friends and acquaintances, is that the more information you can give upfront, the better, so that you can attract the right sort of travellers, who won't perhaps be complaining about small things, but would be able to look more at the big picture. So: I would flag up to people that there is no hot water at Tendaba or Bird Island for washing - as there is just no fuel available for providing this [Ed - there is now hot water at Bird Safari Camp: solar heated!]. I am sure that people will be understanding if they know why. We certainly were. A retired couple at our hotel who had just completed the trip, had found this to be hard at the start I know - although they sorted it out with the maid I think. And they loved the experience - they talked very highly of it. The road journey is incredibly dusty of course - and quite gruelling [Ed - the roads are much better these days...]. I don't think the advance literature really prepared us for it. People should ensure they take water - it is absolutely necessary. And a snack is a good idea. It was a long time to wait for food on the second day - which arrived on the Lady Hippo at 3pm. I should say that the food was excellent on board the boat. I am sure if people are prepared, again, they will be understanding. Maybe just encouraging the driver to stop on a banana stop - which is what we did later on in the holiday - would help. And my own feeling is that the holiday would be too difficult for under nines. My two were older - but the younger girl in the group struggled I think on the road journey. It was such a long way in the heat and dust without a stop. [Ed - Now that the north bank road has been newly tarmacked, there is far less dust than was experienced by Anne. Our itineraries avoid the worst parts of the roads and hassle of ferry crossings and as much of the travel is by boat you'll find them to be far the most interesting and relaxed way of travelling up-country! Anyway - thank you for your help. It was partly your own enthusiasm on the phone which encouraged me to make the booking - this and your obvious and genuine love of the country. I wish you the best with the organisation and I will certainly pass on details to those of my friends who have an interest. Good wishes Anne |
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From: Steven Addinall Dear Mark, |
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From: Graham & Leena Condell Hi Mark, |
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From: Jacqueline Benz After 2 weeks of Gambian sun I'm back home in Switzerland... where the sun didn't shine for the last 2 weeks and it's so cold that you could turn the fridge off and use the balcony instead... I just want to tell you, that I had a wonderful trip with hiddengambia.... Transportation was perfectly organised, (timing, that you could think you're in switzerland .-) ), safari garden, paradise inn and bird safari camp where well choosen places and a special thank to the staff... the drivers, the people on the Lady Hippo and Safari Queen and specially Ousman, our bird guide... He never got tired to point out another bird, besides his excellent bird knowledge, he could also answer our questions to the culture, other wildlife than birds and trees. So I would like to thank you for 2 weeks wonderful, relaxing vacation in Gambia. I wish hiddengambia and his staff all the best! thank you Jacky |
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From: Larry Hubble, USA All 3 of us had a wonderful time on our first trip to The Gambia. Our guide was excellent and his knowledge of the area, of birds and birding spots made the experience much more enjoyable than trying to do it ourselves. Our stay at both Tendaba and BSC was very enjoyable but I must say that I enjoyed BSC more. The food was terrific and all the staff were very friendly and helpful. We bumped into the BSC manager (can't remember his name) again at the coast at Safari Garden Hotel a day or 2 before our departure. Safari Garden Hotel was also an excellent place to stay for the coastal portion of vacation. We had a chance to get to know Geri & Maurice a little bit over dinner one night. We very much enjoyed talking to them and learning about their plans for an ecolodge near Kartong. For me the highlights of the trip were the boat trip upriver to BSC (we saw five Hippos including a baby) and another boat trip into Bao Bolong (across from Tendaba) but most of all it was the people we met especially the friendly Gambians. We will be visiting Gambia again in 2 or 3 years time. Thanks Mark, for helping make our first trip to The Gambia a very enjoyable one. I've attached a couple of photos. One is of Kathy and Martin relaxing at Safari Garden. The other is of YaYa, myself and Kathy at Abuko. Regards, Larry |
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From: Barbara Alberts The boats trip with the Lady Hippo was really one of the highlights for my friends! Lady Hippo was in Tendaba on Sunday and we startet as planned on Sunday in the afternoon. Nice crew, very good food, everybody was happy! Afterwards we stayed in Rheakunda-Lodge in Sanyang for three nights and I recommended you to the owner and gave her your e-mail address, because she is very interested in a boats trip for their guests in January or February. I hope she will contact you. Best regards Barbara |
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From: Mogens Jensenius, MD, PhD Thanks for your email. Actually, we had - and I'm honest - planned to give you a brief feedback within the next few days. First of all, our travel option by boat was a definite hit. Very comfortable. Much more convenient than spending hours on the bumpy road. We were 4 travellers plus 2 (sometimes 3) other persons, and we had plenty of room on board. WE also enjoyed the tour from Georgetown to Basse with the taxi. The road was excellent, and we had no problems with necks and backs. Finally, our guide Tombong, was 110% helpful and kind. We can only give him our best recommendations. Just one small "complaint": our hut (number 5) at Bird Safari Camp had a mouse visitor 2 nights in a row. We also had a frog indoors, but guess this is part of life in the bush. [Ed. Since this, we have re-roofed all the huts at Bird Safari Camp and improved the doors which has greatly helped in keeping the wildlife outside!] Mark, thanks a lot for your very pleasant travel arrangement. We have already talked about Hidden Gambia to friends and colleagues, and hopefully you'll get more Norwegian customers in the years to come. All the best from a beautiful, white Oslo (minus 2, lots of snow). Mogens Jensenius, MD, PhD |
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From: Dr Andrew Winn Just to let you know that Melissa and I had a great time in The Gambia. We particularly enjoyed Tom who was a great guide, I've promised to send him a cd of South American birds just for interest, for when he gets himself kitted out with his portable cd. He mentioned something about the bird fairs which happen in the uk from time to time, and that he hoped one day to visit one. I'd just like to give my vote for him being sent, as I couldn't fault his enthusiasm, knowledge and manner with us tourists. Mel and I usually go on DIY trips, but for a quick week away we decided to give a tour company a go and we enjoyed the experience and definitely got the most out of such a short visit. Cheers and Merry Xmas. Dr Andrew Winn Senior Project Officer Manchester University |
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From: Lynn Reynolds Can't thank your staff enough, food brill, boat trip excellent, surroundings even better and the staff more than helpful… Wish we had stayed longer… Regards, Danny and Lynn |
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From: Paul Minter We thoroughly enjoyed the trip up the river and had a good time at Bird Safari Camp despite a bit of a problem with the generator, though that didn't inconvenience us too much. The only problem we encountered was that I suffered a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite. My tongue swelled up as did my face around the mouth, so much so that my wife (who is a doctor) insisted that we go to a hospital. Fortunately the symptoms abated almost as quickly as they had come on and by the time we got to the clinic at Bansang my tongue was not quite so enlarged, so all was well. Our time in the central and eastern part of The Gambia was very interesting and enjoyable - we saw Basse Santa Su, good views of hippos near MacCarthy Island, plenty of baboons, a crocodile, Pels Fishing Owl and Finfoot among many other birds, so we were delighted. Our stay, brief though it was at the Safari Garden hotel in Fajara was also very pleasant. We found the drive along the North Bank from Farafenni to Kuntaur not too bad - the worst aspect was the dust when we had to get off the main road at road works - it made the interior of the vehicle rather stifling. The road on to Basse was pretty good. I would like to say a big thank you to our guide, Tombong and driver, Borra who were without exception helpful, courteous and friendly as well as being always good humoured. Our companions on the tour, the three Americans were also excellent company and we all got on very well together, so a good time was had by all. I would be very happy to recommend this holiday to anyone interested in The Gambia and in particular to those who enjoy wildlife. Best Regards, Paul Minter |
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From: Peter Al-Sheikhli Many thanks for our trip which was absolutely great. Incredible punctuality, very pleasant helpful people and amazing wildlife. Cham AKA 'I'm tellin' you' our excellent driver asked if you might bring a big print of a photograph out to him the next time you go to Gambia. Kind regards Peter |
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From: Tony Bates I had a great time on the trip - 239 species of birds - including 69 I had not previously seen in The Gambia, at least 11 species of mammal (if I include the mouse in the bar at BSC!). Superb bird guide in Tombong. It was also really interesting bumping into the Plymouth-Dakar rally veterans at Safari Garden - an interesting BBQ evening listening to their tales and folk-songs. Highlights included the evening mangrove trip at Tendaba, as we got so close to the birds, and the early morning trips on the Lady Hippo at BSC. The food was good quality throughout, but it would have been good to have had more traditional African cuisine. It would be easy to be negative about the state of the plumbing at various places, the broken tiles in the swimming pool at BSC [Ed. We're re-working the pool now], tents with zips that don't work [Ed. repaired these] or 6 hours on a boat without a loo [Ed. Both the 'Lady Hippo' and 'Safari Queen' have a flush toilet - Tony travelled all the way up-river on our 7m fibre boat the 'Sangamarr' which does require the odd 'bush stop'] - and for that reason I have many friends that I could not recommend the trip to as I know they would have problems - but for me these did not detract from a great experience. Staff at all the hotels and camps were fantastic, friendly, cheerful, helpful - if not always terribly efficient. On refection I carried too many clothes around - it is so easy to get things washed and dried that I could have coped with less. I'll go back to sorting out my photos now, thanks for a great and relaxing holiday. Tony |
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From: Stuart Conant, Massachusetts, USA We liked Tendaba but found the rooms dark, hot and the linens were not fresh and my bed had sand in it --- we really liked the boat trip into the inlet though ---- we did it early in the morning and it was beautiful. The Safari Garden Hotel was great and Geri and Maurice were most accommodating -- as well as the rest of the staff ---- we thought the lunch and dinner meals were excellent and creative but breakfast was the same everyday -- I think they could have thrown in some toast, scrambled eggs, etc to vary that menu. The guests were interesting --- as you suggested they might be --- we met a number of the drivers from the Plymouth -Dakar (Banjul) challenge ------ great fun and laughs --- and consumed a few Julbrews. The location was perfect and quiet. Lastly ---- it was tough for us to calculate the tipping situation and felt it would be helpful if you gave travelers a "guide" as to what we should be doing --- particularly for Borah and Tombong ---- we were never sure whether we excessively OVER OR UNDER tipped. We loved the entire trip --particularly the up river portion ---- and would highly recommend it to other adventuresome travelers ---- again, thanks for a job well done and everything ran like clockwork --- no waiting -----something new and different for me in The Gambia. Thanks again -- Stuart, Jon and John PS Back at the coast, we visited Kololi and we most impressed that they have controlled the bumsters ---it was very refreshing --- 5 yrs ago they were like flies ---- we really did not feel like we were ever swarmed by them --anywhere. I guess they are getting the word out. |
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