A newly restored house in a hip & cool style, with just 6 rooms, great for unwinding and relaxing. Simply perfect if you’re travelling solo, just the 2 of you, on business or a group of family & friends wanting the whole house! (max 12)
A retreat, far enough to enjoy peace & quiet when you just want to chill, yet close to where it’s all happening in Senegambia!
Your Space
On entering you will instantly see the ‘Hub’ which is the heart of the house it is crisp, fresh and original. The houses’ interior decor has been lovingly created to give a Chic Bohemian feel with a twist and vibrancy. From the vivid colours of the paintwork, the local arts, the shabby chic furnishings to the bold African fabrics used for curtains and upholstery you will experience a distinctive Mediterranean and African feel within the light and airy building. The simple wooden doors are painted with vivid gloss, just to add extra character to our house.
Outdoors the Mediterranean inspired courtyard is tranquil and has a selection of carefully nurtured plants. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of our cosy oasis in the sun or the shade to relax, read a book, use the WIFI, eat breakfast alfresco or simply doing nothing! We have 2 shared balconies upstairs to enjoy view of local life! To enjoy the outdoors in the evening there is a BBQ at hand.
When you’re ready to go out and about you can take a stroll or a short taxi ride to explore the local beaches, craft markets and tourist attractions or experience the restaurants, bars and clubs of Kololi and Senegambia.
Operated by Denise and Cheikh Camara. Denise has worked around the world in the hospitality and tourism for 20+ years whilst Cheikh has worked with tourists in Gambia and Senegal. Combined we have fantastic knowledge on the Gambia and neighbouring Senegal. Our style is professional, happy and easy-going, we will take care to make sure you feel at home and that you are well looked after during your stay.
We are a peaceful hidden gem in the neighbourhood of Kololi, a few streets away from the Senegambia strip. On our doorstep there is a handful of restaurants, cafés and bars serving simple foods and local dishes. Within a stones-throw you will also find a few small shops selling essentials such as drinks, snacks, bread etc. We’re only 15 Minutes’ walk to the beautiful Kololi beach and the Senegambia strip with many restaurants, bars and clubs, if you prefer then you can hail a taxi just 2 minutes’ walk from our gates, If a night in is on the cards can order food to be delivered to your door!
Each spacious ensuite bedroom has its unique décor.
All rooms are clean, bright and simple and have double beds, comfortable mattresses, pillows and throws, locally handcrafted wardrobes, bedside tables and beautifully restored shabby chic chairs. Rooms also have new modern windows and mosquito nets, African fabrics add splashes of colour in the form of cushions and curtains. The walls are adorned with African artwork and fabrics, also adding colour to the rooms.
The ceiling fan will keep you cool from the tropical heat. Our superior rooms have a separate seating area with a sofa, and desk area suitable for those wanting a laptop space and somewhere to relax indoors.
The ensuite bathrooms have newly fitted toilets, wash hand basin and walk-in showers, our superior rooms have bigger bathrooms and luxurious body-jet showers. Hot water is supplied from the electric water heater.
At the heart of the house is the bright and airy ‘hub’ which leads to the rooms on the ground floor, the impressive staircase leads to the upper floor rooms and shared balconies. The hub serves as a communal chillout and breakfast area, here you will find complimentary tea, coffee and hot water throughout the day, so chill, socialise or use your mobile or laptop with the free Wi-Fi on the comfy sofa and chairs. We also have a fridge hosting the honesty bar with a selection of chilled canned and bottled drinks!
In the Hub we have and honesty fridge available for chilled drinks, payable at the end of your stay.
We’re not your average B&B but a special place with our simple and unique style of furnishings and décor, you won’t find anywhere else in the Gambia like Camara Gardens guest house Kololi (Senegambia)
If you are gathering in Gambia to celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding ceremony or birthday and want to hold a simple private dinner food can be arranged for you from a local restaurant for your event! (You will need to book all rooms in order to host a private event).
One of us will be on hand on arrival and once you have settled to answer your questions and to make sure that you are all set for an amazing holiday.
We offer you room towels and linen, you will need to bring a towel if you want to take it to the beach!
Rooms are cleaned 6 days per week, bed linen is changed weekly, or daily for an extra charge, towels changed every few days.
We offer a delicious breakfast continental or cooked which can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival
On the ground floor we have a corner which is perfect for a treat such as a massage, manicure or pedicure, we can arrange for the beautician to come to you!
Personal Laundry and ironing services are available for a small charge
We are an ADULTS only guesthouse
Guest Access
We have a gated entrance with 24-hour watchman and security system.
Each room has its own entrance and individual key. (2nd Key available with a small deposit)
Our 2 superior rooms are on the ground floor and the other 4 standard rooms are on the first floor.
YOUR AVAILABILITY
Denise is from the UK and speaks English and French. She came to Gambia in 2004 to work as the Thomson resort manager, Cheikh is from Senegal, and speaks French as his mother tongue, and basic (but improving!) English and a variety of local languages which is very helpful at times! Cheikh has lived a few years in the Gambia and worked in tourism in both Gambia and Senegal.
We are both very friendly and have a wealth of knowledge to be able to recommend what to see and do during your holiday.
We can assist with organising days and nights out or advise on your onward travels to Neighbouring Senegal
We both have high standards of cleanliness and service and we are very professional whilst being friendly and customer focused!
It doesn't matter to us if you are new to Gambia or you’ve been coming here for years, we want you to have an amazing stay.
We are flexible to do as much or as little as you want to help you enjoy your holiday, simply let us know what you would like help with at the time of booking or on arrival.
We’d like to think that if you don’t already know us that you will join us as a stranger and leave as a friend.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
We ask you to keep noise to a minimum after 12 midnight to respect other guests
Our house is the perfect place for a group of up to 12 people. If you want to take the house as a private residence for your stay for a group of friends or family please ask us for details prior to booking.
Our other accommodation is in Brufut “Camara Gardens Apartments with pool” https://lnkd.in/ebJdKWD
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
We are in Kololi a few steps in from the Kololi new road with a 15-minute stroll to the beautiful Senegambia beach where you can find a selection of bars with sunbeds serving food and drinks.
The beach is perfect for short walks or going for miles.
We are about 15 minutes’ walk from the Monkey Park, the natural habitat of the green back Monkeys and other wildlife.
Door to door taxis can be arranged for you or you can pick up local transport on the Kololi New Road a couple of minutes’ walks away
GETTING AROUND and what’s around
Airport transfer will take about 30-40 minutes depending on the time of day, transfers can be pre-booked, prices on request.
Local taxis are easily available for a reasonable price alternatively w can arrange car hire or a driver with a car if you’re not sure about driving on the African roads!
Whatever your reason to visit Gambia there’s something for everyone, plenty of beaches for those who want to relax with many options for those who want to learn about the fascinating Gambian nature, people and their culture.
Senegambia has a large craft market which is at the beginning of the strip.
Along the Senegambia strip there are many international and local bars and restaurants varying from cheap and cheerful to upmarket, several of them have live bands whereas others are more chilled. Later, at the Senegambia strip you can dance under the stars to the reggae beats, enjoy the local drums and traditional cultural music till the early hours or strut your stuff to International, Nigerian and African sounds in the late-night bars.
There’s something for everyone depending on your style and budget.
Sea fishing, lazy day and sunset cruises are a popular Gambian experience. See the mangroves along the creeks any many of the local bird’s species, an hour or two or a full day!
Local villages, schools and markets are all waiting for the explorers. Further afield in the Bush you can see the Wassau stone circles, Chimpanzee island, James Island the home of Kunta Kinte. Gambia also has several lodges on the riverbanks, fab for a get away from it all experience and to learn more about the local culture for a night or 2 combined with a stay at Camara Gardens guest house.
Katchakally crocodile pool in Bakau is a 20-30-minute drive and easily reached with a taxi
Gambia is a hotspot for bird watching, 10 minutes’ drive away (3km) and you will find yourself at Kotu stream a great viewing point to see an array of birds, local guides are on hand to help you get the most out of your day.
We are not too far from Senegal if you want to see a neighbouring African country as well during your visit, Fathala National Park Safari is a popular day out to see the animals and a chance to Walk with the lions!
If you want us to arrange your personal adventure for a few days or simply a day out then we can help you with this.
Private parking is available within our gated residence for one or two vehicles. Please request at the time of booking if you are wanting to reserve a parking space. Alternative parking is available immediately outside the gates.
.... see you soon ❤️
