Lodge 1 (1 other available)

2 double guest rooms bookable as Lodge 1 and 2 Belle Afrique is a small owner run guest house offering 2 well appointed spacious double rooms. You can book the other room by going to Belle Afrique, Gambia, Lodge 2. Each room is well ventilated with a free standing fan and large, comfortable double bed. There is an interior light and 2 sockets taking standard UK 3 pin plugs. Floors are tiled and the decor well maintained. Sheets and mosquito nets are provided. Each room has its own private veranda with mosaic tiled floor and cushioned sitting area with table. There are 2 Western style toilets and shower rooms plus a communal kitchen area with cooking facilities available to all. Belle Afrique is a beautiful, leafy, secluded compound (walled area) situated in a peaceful, friendly neighbourhood. Cool and shaded with mango, cashew, banana, coco, bougainvillea, frangipani and flowering trees. Perfect for those who do not like the razzmatazz of touristy areas and want to experience the real Africa.The outside area is now beautifully tiled in a mosaic pattern. It is a 20 min walk to the nearest beach and a 10 minute walk to shops and other amenities such as restaurants, internet centres, banks etc . I give all guests a map detailing how to find best places and facilities. Gambia is perfect for getting around on bikes and they are available for hire. Public transport and taxis are easily available. It's a 40 min taxi ride from the main ( Banjul) airport to the Belle Afrique compound and I normally meet all guests there. Close at hand you can visit the monkey park (see photos) or the crocodile centre. Gambia is a bird lover's paradise(see photos) so you may want to spend time at some of the notable bird watching reserves. We can link you up with reputable and professional bird guides. For the full African immersion shop in nearby Serrekunda market or you can catch a local bus or taxi to Senegambia, the heart of tourist Gambia, for restaurants, clubs and bars. Music abounds with both traditional drummers and dancers, reggae bands and many other genres. You can swim not far away in beautiful swimming pools or play badminton, tennis or squash at the local golf club whilst having food or drinks at very reasonable prices. Yoga classes are also available. Not far afield you can dine at the stunning clifftop Ngala lodge, at the renowned Indian restaurant The Clay Oven or at numerous cheaper local restaurants. Further away you can visit the gorgeous, mostly deserted southern beaches (see photos), the exotic Jinak Island or the ancient Wassu stone circle. You can also visit the so called Graffiti villages where houses and walls are adorned with spectacular graffiti from both local and European artists as part of a project called Wide Open Walls. Gambia is also a convenient jumping off point for trips to Senegal and further afield. Fishing trips at sea or on the rivers can be easily organised as can a cruise upriver in the luxurious Fula Princess (see photos) For those who are musically inclined, lessons and workshops can be arranged with reputable, experienced artists including Djembe drum, Kora, Fula Flute, Balafon (xylophone) and other instruments. Traditional dance classes also available. Everything I interact with my guests as much or as little as they want or require. I always try to be helpful as I have a great deal of knowledge about the Gambia both local and further afield. Most first time guests appreciate being supported when they first arrive until they have built up confidence in getting around. This is a local neighbourhood which is quiet, peaceful and green and an almost rural type of environment. Goats and sheep graze on the grassy area outside the compound. The locals are friendly but never intrusive and the children absolutely charming You can get around by bike (hire available), taxi (we have our regular, reliable drivers )or public bus/car which is very cheap once you get to understand the system a little and I am always willing to help.Going further afield there are a host of public vehicles which are very cheap if a little slow. Tea and coffee is freely available to guests. Breakfast, lunch or an evening meal including vegetarian or vegan can also be provided if requested. Price by negotiation. Should you wish to take classes in traditional African arts such as dance or drum. this can be arranged with competent, reputable teachers. The compound has electricity with lights and sockets in each room. Drinking water is also on tap. There is no wi-fi. The majority of nearby cafes and restaurants have wi-fi. The best time to visit is between November and April both in terms of the climate and the cheapest available flights .I am also there myself at that time and can help to make your stay as enjoyable as possible .Guests are discouraged to stay outside of these months especially during the raining season July - October as the surrounding area is prone to considerable flooding.