Kombo Beach Hotel, Banjul Reviews

★★★★☆
4.2 / 5
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★★★★☆

“We have spent two good holidays at Kombo Beach Hotel...”

Written on: 07/11/2008

We have spent two good holidays at Kombo Beach Hotel and all the staff were great really friendly, nothing is to much trouble to them. Rooms are really clean and looked after well. (read more)

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★★★★☆

“Overall Kombo Beach is a great hotel, one of the...”

Written on: 08/03/2009 by Sarahj100 (1 review written)

Overall Kombo Beach is a great hotel, one of the better ones, good value for B & B and breakfast was great. Eating and drinking there afterwards very expensive though. Outside of the hotel is a mixed bag, a very poor country with what seemed like hundreds of people constantly approaching you for something, trying to get you to come to their shops, bars, restaurants, buy juice, taxi rides, be their official guides etc. We saw the real Gambia though, took some supplies to some schools, and... (read more)

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★★★★★

“It was the best holiday ive ever had. It was just me...”

Written on: 18/01/2009 by stef44

It was the best holiday ive ever had. It was just me and my friend, both 20 and girls. you will hear watch out while your there be carefull, but we had no problems. yea you get the guys wanting to talk to you, but their just being friendly nothing rude just all want to make you have a wonderful holiday. I wouldnt stay anywhere else but the Kombo Beach Hotel, always something to do,yummy food wonderful staff. i can not say enough how much i love it there, it wont be for everyone but a great... (read more)

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★★★★★

“If you want relaxation this is the place, the Kombo...”

Written on: 26/10/2008 by Km Coleman

If you want relaxation this is the place, the Kombo Beach Hotel, spa, pool beach all fantastic. There are sellers on the beach but this is policed they are under control and there are not many of them, be careful of the horses cantering along the beach front. (read more)

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★☆☆☆☆

“Don't expect to leave the hotel and go for a walk or...”

Written on: 30/09/2008 by shirley parke

Don't expect to leave the hotel and go for a walk or select any other means of transport other than the green taxis parked outside. It was much better to walk up the road and get one with a yellow stripe which was much cheaper or get a bush taxi much cheaper still. You just need to be firm with them, they are only trying to make a living in the holiday season. If you had guests they had to be signed in by a certain time and signed out by a certain time through another gate. This was more... (read more)

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★★★★★

“I absolutely loved the Kombo Beach Hotel and would...”

Written on: 23/08/2008

I absolutely loved the Kombo Beach Hotel and would recommend it to anyone. All of the Staff were extremely friendly and the food had lots of variety. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Being only 18 and going away for Christmas and new...”

Written on: 18/08/2008 by ChanBow (1 review written)

Being only 18 and going away for Christmas and new year with the family and to Gambia I was wary... I thought I'd much prefer somewhere I actually knew like Spain... But I can honestly say I'm soooo glad I went!! It's a beautiful country with so many plus points. I and my younger sister have made good friends with the hotel staff and can not wait to return!! I was surprised at how many people return year after year but I can see why... I met some young girls who I became friendly with.. this... (read more)

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★★★★★

“With 12 years of visiting the Gambia, I should think...”

Written on: 09/08/2008 by Jeannie Jev (1 review written)

With 12 years of visiting the Gambia, I should think that tells you something?. You will either love it or you'll hate it!!!. We love it!! We help a few families, giving what we can, when we can. We have built a Nursery School, and we send boxes of items out, (That's getting very expensive though so might have to stop doing that). We started off with the Hotels, some are better than others, you get what you pay for. We personally like the Kololi area, because we can go out to 'The Strip' at... (read more)

399013_Candg's Response to Jeannie Jev's Review

Written on: 07/09/2008

I found this review unhelpful because...as a review of the Kombo Beach its hard to find one relevant comment! What's the Hotel like? The pool? The Service? The hotel food? This is a general review of The Gambia holiday area

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★★★★☆

“This is about my 6th time to The Kombo Beach and 9th...”

Written on: 29/07/2008

This is about my 6th time to The Kombo Beach and 9th time to the Gambia. The hotel is improving all the time with the introduction of TVs and fridges in rooms. This time I went on business for my charity, Northampton Trustee Fund. There was significant rainfall followed by hot sunshine. The rain was early this year.

Everything was good - if a little expensive due to the poor exchange rate. A beer in the hotel was 55 Delasis a bottle, 30 Delasis in the supermarket next door and 20 Delasis... (read more)

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★☆☆☆☆

“Where do I start... you have to sign for your pool...”

Written on: 30/04/2008 by Kici (1 review written)

Where do I start... you have to sign for your pool towels which are disgusting, they have holes in them, bath towels in rooms are not always available. Air conditioning is so old that it makes a racket that keeps you up all night, bath tiles need re grouting, absolutely everything in the hotel is priced up. Are we the only people who found Kombo Beach awful?
We would have rather paid a bit more and stayed at the Kariba which is a beautiful hotel and staff are far more attentive than at the... (read more)

399013_Candg's Response to Kici's Review

Written on: 07/09/2008

I found this review helpful because...Nice to read something about the hotel, hopefully it was just end of season tiredness and will be looking good by the time I go in November

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★★★★★

“Excellent hotel and accommodation lots to do day and...”

Written on: 23/04/2008

Excellent hotel and accommodation lots to do day and night - the tours are excellent value for money and the guides are really helpful. The Bumsters are a nuisance approaching you all the time be polite but firm this does help.
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★☆☆☆☆

“Th holiday (Gambia Experience) was very well organised...”

Written on: 18/03/2008 by grub (1 review written)

Th holiday (Gambia Experience) was very well organised with transport ready from the airport. I had never been to Gambia before and was shocked by the amount of persistent begging that you are faced with as soon as you reach the baggage hall. Men will literally take your bagagge without permission, then demand payment. Not a good introduction to the country. All before you leave the airport.
The transport to the hotel was efficient, with drinks supplied by Gambia Experience for the trip. On... (read more)

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★★★☆☆

“Feb 2008. Just returned from 14 nights. The hotel is...”

Written on: 01/03/2008 by gav1943in (1 review written)

Feb 2008. Just returned from 14 nights. The hotel is as good as we could have hoped for. But after holidays in Kenya and Goa the food and drink prices came as a bit of a shock!. These are reflected in local bars and restaurants who seem to use the hotel as a benchmark for their prices. Anywhere away from the Kotu area was much cheaper. Same rule seemed to apply to taxis we found it difficult to get a yellow bush taxi outside the gate. The bumsters are an absolute pain in the butt and despite... (read more)

G Dean's Response to gav1943in's Review

Written on: 08/03/2009

I agree with this review because...I stayed there and he is right

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★★★★★

“having recently returned from a 14 night holiday at...”

Written on: 27/01/2008 by fishingfan

having recently returned from a 14 night holiday at the Kombo beach hotel to the wonderful british weather i wish we were back out there. My wife and i have now been to the Gambia 4 times in the last five years and this was our third stay at the Kombo beach hotel. As always our stay at this hotel was superb, the staff always make you feel very welcome the hotel is clean and has a good variety of nice food. We stay b+b as we like to visit local restaurants in Kotu and senagambia. This was... (read more)

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★★★★★

“We were advised to go B&B because there were so many...”

Written on: 04/05/2007 by jbherbert (1 review written)

We were advised to go B&B because there were so many good restaurants within walking distance and this is true. Definitely would recommend this hotel to anyone. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Overall, we were very pleased with our last minute...”

Written on: 20/11/2006 by CallieCat (1 review written)

Overall, we were very pleased with our last minute (booked 36 hours before leaving) holiday.

The hotel is undergoing refurbishment at the moment, but it was not disruptive or obtrusive, though you should expect to find piles of floor tiles, new air conditioning units and bits of wood stored in corridors. There are four blocks of accommodation situated one behind the other, blocks 2 & 3 seemed the best located - we were in block 4. No problem with this, but it seems to be the last to be... (read more)

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★★★★★

“Kombo Beach Hotel is excellent value for money and...”

Written on: 26/08/2006 by ejk666

Kombo Beach Hotel is excellent value for money and it's somewhere different to the obvious holiday destinations of Spain and Greece etc. The hotel more than met our expectations and the hardest decision you make in the morning is beach or pool! Lots of day trips to go on and you can hire bikes from the hotel to cycle around if you fancy. Our only gripe was the locals - they are very friendly but you do get fed up of having to talk to everyone you meet! Just remember if you can't be bothered... (read more)

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★★★★★

“This was our second trip to the Kombo Beach Hotel in...”

Written on: 03/08/2006 by sandhy (1 review written)

This was our second trip to the Kombo Beach Hotel in the Gambia. The first was great (1st trip was with the Gambia Experience - their rep was fabulous). The second trip was even better, as we knew what we were doing. Good thing too, as the First Choice rep was a right grump. Had full board first time, but having B&B was better for us this time, as we tried local restaurants etc., and we met more people that way. Tourists/reviewers whining about the beach sellers should chill out - all these... (read more)

Dornado's Response to sandhy's Review

Written on: 31/08/2006

Could not agree more. Chill out. These people are friendly and are only trying to make a living. They are happy to talk to you and tell you of their culture. Most of the people who complain about the bumsters probably do not even talk to their neighbours at home.

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Barryclem's Response to sandhy's Review

Written on: 13/12/2006

Hi Sandhy, my wife and I are also going to the Kombo Beach for Christmas, never been to the Gambia before so your remarks were greatly recieved. Hope to see you there, all the best Barry and Jenny Clements

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Ted7781's Response to sandhy's Review

Written on: 13/12/2006

Hi. I feel much better having read your review about the Kombo Beach Hotel. This will be our first time in the Gambia. We are going for the New Year. Maybe we will see you there.
<br>
<br>Regards
<br> Graham and Teresa

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★★★★☆

“Maybe Half Board would be the best way to go, but I...”

Written on: 10/05/2006 by barry1494 (2 reviews written)

Maybe Half Board would be the best way to go, but I would not like to have to feed a family for two weeks, as I feel the Kombo Beach hotel in the Gambia needs to have a reality check on their pricing. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Just retuened from Kombo Beach - having stayed there...”

Written on: 20/04/2006 by ajb1 (5 reviews written)

Just retuened from Kombo Beach - having stayed there now 4 times. This is an excellent all rounder and should not be overlooked. But please, please, please get out of the hotel to meet the locals. Far too many (understandably) took the travel companies tours when they could have had the personal service of the local official guides who are in uniforms right outside the hotel gate. Use them and your money supports the economy. (read more)

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★★★★☆

“We found the Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia to be...”

Written on: 18/03/2006 by zendonian

We found the Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia to be everything you need on a holiday to the Third world. The staff were happy and helpful, and the breakfast is great, with loads of choice from omelette's and cereals through to freshly made pancakes; all you need to set you up until the evening.

The beach is maned all day by lovely security guards who work 12 hours a day.

Other reviewers may have stayed in a standard room if there was no telephone, as you can get them with a fridge and TV... (read more)

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★★★★☆

“Having stayed in many hotels in Europe, I can honestly...”

Written on: 26/02/2006 by Case (1 review written)

Having stayed in many hotels in Europe, I can honestly say that the accommodation at the Kombo Beach Hotel in the Gambia, although basic, was more than adequate. The layout of the hotel was pleasing with palms and colourful plants, and of course, it is situated right on the beach.

One problem I did find was the lack of hot water, which seemed to appear now and then.

Another problem was, as I was staying next to the cleaners room they could be rather noisy in the mornings, but on the whole... (read more)

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★★☆☆☆

“We stayed at the Kombo Beach Hotel from January 14th...”

Written on: 10/02/2006 by Shropshire Lad (1 review written)

We stayed at the Kombo Beach Hotel from January 14th to February 7th, but I was very disappointed with many aspects. We only had hot water twice in the first eight days, irrespective of whatever time of day we tried for it. Twice we had to ask for towels, as there were none in the room at 6.30pm. One day the patio door (we were on the ground floor) was left OPEN by the room-boy, and we complained to the representative who in turn complained to the hotel. Two hours later we had a letter from... (read more)

Bertie's Response to Shropshire Lad's Review

Written on: 10/02/2006

"I cannot recommend this hotel to any of my friends"
<br>
<br>Sounds just the job to recommend to your enemies!!

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★★★★★

“First time in the Gambia and I have nothing but praise...”

Written on: 06/02/2006 by paulineduffy (1 review written)

First time in the Gambia and I have nothing but praise for the Kombo Beach Hotel. Excellent staff and could never do enough for you. The buffet restaurant was lovely and the food was outstanding - good veggie options. Rooms were of excellent standard and cleaned lovely everyday, with clean towels. Staff very friendly (read more)

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★★★☆☆

“Kombo Beach Hotel still lagging behind in...”

Written on: 19/01/2006 by tersue (1 review written)

Kombo Beach Hotel still lagging behind in accommodation comforts (often no hot water dirty bed linen). No one to oversee restaurant hence no spoons/plates empty dishes which should be offering food. Extremely weak management with little or no concern for the guests, 40 people demanded alternative accommodation in one week alone. (read more)

Bertie's Response to tersue's Review

Written on: 22/01/2006

tersue......I can envisage you eating your food with your fingers off a dirty great palm leaf!
<br>
<br>In certain quarters that's called 'roughing it'.
<br>I hope you didn't pay too much.

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★★★★★

“First visited Kombo Beach Hotel in 1989 and have...”

Written on: 17/01/2006 by Gambia Lover (1 review written)

First visited Kombo Beach Hotel in 1989 and have returned numerous times since (I think about 10 in total). Can't fault the Hotel especially since Gambian Experiance took over. Staff are very friendly and remember you (not something that happens in Spain). Have booked to return this year in November can't wait. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Been to Kombo Beach Hotel several times, and will be...”

Written on: 27/11/2005 by ajb1 (5 reviews written)

Been to Kombo Beach Hotel several times, and will be going back next April. Excellent but simple facilities in the hotel, great pool. varied food.
Get out and about with the official tourist guides. Ask for 'Ten' he will look after you well - tell him Andy from Northampton recommended him.
We support his village and have bought them a 4x4 to use as an ambulance. Look out for a silver Isuzu with 'Northampton Trustee Fund' on the side! (read more)

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★★★★★

“I first went to The Gambia in June 2005. At first it...”

Written on: 21/11/2005 by Gambiagirl (1 review written)

I first went to The Gambia in June 2005. At first it was a bit of a culture shock. After only being to Spain and other such places it was so different, but I soon adjusted to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. We were very welcomed by the staff at the Kombo Beach Hotel, and they helped us with anything we needed. I can't really say much about the food in the hotel as we only had snacks in the hotels 'gekko' bar overlooking the sea. we often ate out at a bar called Ali Baba's, which is... (read more)

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★★★★★

“The delightful Kombo Beach Hotel with delightful,...”

Written on: 31/10/2005 by Maggie Gwynne

The delightful Kombo Beach Hotel with delightful, helpful, friendly staff. Beach is clean and stretches for miles. The locals are charming, and chatting and haggling with them is fun and educational! Even the local dogs and cats are chilled out and friendly, especially just after breakfast. Returning in January 2006, for longer. (read more)

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★★★★★

“This Christmas will be my 8th time to the Gambia, and...”

Written on: 03/10/2005 by whelan001 (1 review written)

This Christmas will be my 8th time to the Gambia, and my 5th Christmas at the Kombo Beach Hotel. I've made so many friends over the years; each year it gets better. It is also and better maintained on each visit. I travel alone, and each year I meet more people, as well as some old friends (The age groups are mainly from 30's to 60's, mostly without children, which is good). It's easy going on the beach, and going out for meals is a must (Cheap but mostly good quality quality, I eat nothing... (read more)

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★★★★★

“We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay made better by the...”

Written on: 13/06/2005 by R3v13Wz

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay made better by the lovely people at Kombo Beach Hotel who were all most welcoming and friendly. They were lovely with children and had time to chat, learn our names and remember our preferences. (Mind you this was low season, so could be different at peak times.) Worth going out and about too, but befriend one of the locals rather than going on an organised trip. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Kombo Beach Hotel is a fantastic hotel that is in the...”

Written on: 24/05/2005 by david3826 (5 reviews written)

Kombo Beach Hotel is a fantastic hotel that is in the centre of the village close to the couple of supermarkets and restaurants.
Fantastic beach with miles and miles of clean sand in both directions.
I would strongly advise anyone visiting the Kombo to spend a little more and go for a room upgrade.
A fantastic place to visit between Late October and April. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Our 10th visit to the Kombo Beach Hotel. Actually...”

Written on: 24/11/2004 by Land

Our 10th visit to the Kombo Beach Hotel. Actually better than when we first visited. Gambian Experience are doing a great job of refurbishing the Hotel. The position of the Hotel couldn't be better - right on the beach. Although this year you had to be early to get a sun bed. We find The Gambia the most friendly country that we have visited - must be the reason we keep going back. If it is your first visit - please don't stay in the Hotel get out and visit the locals, they are great! (read more)

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★★★★★

“everything Kombo Beach Hotel is fantastic. I am...”

Written on: 18/11/2004 by probets

everything Kombo Beach Hotel is fantastic. I am going again in December 2004 for the 4th xmas holiday. Thr staff, food, people are all top class. Even down to the guys who get your sun bed mattresses in the morning. I have never seen as many happy smiling people who work from dusk till dawn. (read more)

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★★★★★

“This was a fantastic holiday from beginning to end,...”

Written on: 16/06/2004 by sclark

This was a fantastic holiday from beginning to end, with friendly people, good food, good guides who took us to some fantastic out of the way places. the beach was out of this world.
The accommodation was very good and a nice touch was fresh hibiscus flowers on our bed when our room had been cleaned.
We had a problem with bumsters for the first 2 days but they soon learned not to bother us.
The hotel staff were brilliant and we made friends with the restaurant manager.
The evening... (read more)

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★★★★★

“We were at the Kombo Beach Christmas 2002 - my second...”

Written on: 29/04/2004 by CarrieKing (1 review written)

We were at the Kombo Beach Christmas 2002 - my second visit to the Gambia - after a 16 year gap! Hotel bedrooms are a bit tired although they are all being refurbished by The Gambia Experience who bought the Hotel in 2003. They have already refurbished the restaurant and the terrace eating area is lovely now - we were in the Gambia again Easter 2004, and although we didn't stay at the Kombo this time, we went there for lunch twice and once for dinner. They put on very good local evening... (read more)

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★★★★☆

“Overall Kombo Beach Hotel provides a good hotel...”

Written on: 23/02/2004 by Barness (1 review written)

Overall Kombo Beach Hotel provides a good hotel experience especially for the first time vistor to Africa/Gambia. It is ideally located on the beach yet with easy acess for going out an about African style. We had no problems with the food. There are 4 restaurants ranging from a snack bar to a la carte. There are plenty of staff around who we found to be helpful and friendly. We went over half term and childre were well catered for with a good range of activities. This included football,... (read more)

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★★★★★

“I Have just got back from Kombo Beach Hotel Gambia it...”

Written on: 05/12/2003 by andy1 (1 review written)

I Have just got back from Kombo Beach Hotel Gambia it has beautiful beaces. The people are so friendly. Excellent (read more)

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★★★★★

“Generally a good hoilday but sorry about the local men.”

Written on: 27/03/2003 by Black English in the Gambia.

Generally a good hoilday but sorry about the local men. (read more)

112341_Kevin.'s Response to 83609_Black English in the Gambia.'s Review

Written on: 02/07/2003

While i generally agree with the comments, I found the hassels from the local men,women,children easily delt with by polite but firm "no thank you". Getting a local to act as guide for the time you are in the country helps a great deal, and can cost only a meal and drink.

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Teenage Lobotomist's Response to 83609_Black English in the Gambia.'s Review

Written on: 08/10/2003

Sorry Kevin but I totally agree with Black English..NO WAY are the locals easy to deal with. If you are going just for the weather and don't plan on setting foot outside the hotel (suits me fine but I'm lazy!) then aside from the airport you'll get minimal hassle, but the minute you set foot out of the hotel grounds YOU WILL BE HASSLED BIG TIME!
<br>
<br>Getting a guide is an option if you can be bothered. I couldn't.
<br>
<br>Stick to the Canaries is my advice.

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Sonesta's Response to 83609_Black English in the Gambia.'s Review

Written on: 10/11/2003

Yes I think for someone like teenage lobotomist - the Canaries is the best option. If you just want sand, sea and sun then why travel too far - in summer stick to the Costas and in winter the Canaries. I personally like to sample local culture and can think of nothing more boring than visiting a foreign country and just staying in your hotel. Still each to their own I suppose - but I am visiting The Gambia for the first time over Christmas and after reading many reports on the net I think I am prepared for the local bumsters. I have visited Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco and have experienced a little of the pestering one gets from some of the locals - but I have always found a polite but firm no usually sends them on their way.
<br>I cannot wait for my holiday and the more I read about The Gambia the more I am looking forward to it. My daughter is studying to be a teacher - so the excursion to the local schools will be of great interest to her and I am really looking forward to the river trip.
<br>Will post my report when I return.
<br>Sue

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Mannin27's Response to 83609_Black English in the Gambia.'s Review

Written on: 04/03/2004

I disagree with the 1st posting - but not entirely. I stayed at the Kombo and found it fantastic, but yes the local men and \'tourist operators\' were very persuasive. If you said \'no thanks\' enough times, however, they left you alone. I think the Gambia is a wonderful country and I would go back today if I could. Did anyone else enjoy the musician called Chilly willy in the kombo beach hotel??
<br>
<br>Cheers,
<br>Nick Blackburn

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209781_Wendy Dare's Response to 83609_Black English in the Gambia.'s Review

Written on: 11/09/2005

The Kombo Beach Hotel is beautiful, service is excellant. However women do get harassed on a regular basis, you do expect this when outside the hotel, but not within. When I last visited I had to explain to the women workers of the hotel, that I was married and not looking for a Gambian man, this did stop some of the harassment. You have to stay strong otherwise this will really spoil your holiday, if that does not work just tell them to **** off!

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★★★★★

“Don't be afraid to befriend a local, the best holiday...”

Written on: 13/01/2003 by dee shercliff.

Don't be afraid to befriend a local, the best holiday is when you can experience some of the real culture of a place. We visited 2 different homes and were made extremely welcome at both. Village people are far different from those that hang around the beach all day. Most of these people have never visited the coast and are genuinely interested in meeting you. take a trip around a local village with a local and you will be treated almost regally.
Don't allow the hassle to stop you leaving... (read more)

86396_Clive.'s Response to dee shercliff.'s Review

Written on: 05/04/2003

An acurate discription of a Gambian holiday. I agree entirely with every word. We have been twice now and are planning our next visit.
<br>We befriended a local and found that as well as being a wealth of local knowledge whilst out with him the other locals left us alone. A great deal for us and him, the few pounds we gave him equated to a weeks wages !!.

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Teenage Lobotomist's Response to dee shercliff.'s Review

Written on: 08/10/2003

All well and good if you go on holiday to fraternise with the locals. You'll be doing plenty of that here. Problem is you have no CHOICE as to whether or not to employ guides, include them in your arrangements etc. If you leave the hotel you will simply HAVE to compromise your freedom and 'play the game'. That suits some people (see above reviews) but it doesn't suit me. No apologies if that sounds cynical, all I'm saying is it's not peaceful outside the hotels.

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