Hotels in Gambia

Bijilo Beach is a quiet beach resort in Gambia that’s perfect for a laid-back holiday in the sun. Chill out with a cocktail and a good book on the soft almond-coloured sands, or spend your days spotting monkeys in the lush green lands of Bijilo Forest Park.

Things to do

If you want to sample a slice of paradise, Bijilo holidays will be right up your street; this resort is a haven hidden away from Gambia’s busier tourist areas, so it’s not as crowded. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, then it’s a great destination with stunning shorelines brushing up against the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to laze away a day on the beach, soaking up the sunshine.

If you’re feeling more energetic, you can dive deep into nature in Bijilo National Park, which is brimming with beautiful wildlife and rare plants.

When you’ve finished exploring, you’ll be ready for a hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Try a delicious local speciality, like spicy chicken yassa and fufu. Evenings here are as laid-back as they come. It’s all about kicking back with a cold drink in a beach bar as you watch the sun set over the ocean.

Beautiful beaches

Enjoy the serene setting of Bijilo’s beaches where wide strips of golden sand shelve into crystal clear waters. Back in the 1970s the beach was covered in dense woodland, which was cleaned up for the growing tourism in the area. Parts of the beach are still surrounded with wild greenery and palm trees making the setting even more picturesque.

You’ll find that a lot of the coastal hotels have their own private sections but there’s plenty of space on the beach to bask in the warm weather. Recline on sun loungers under parasols before taking a refreshing dip in the glistening sea.

History and culture

Bijilo can be found just 8km from the capital, Banjul, on the coast of the oldest English speaking country in West Africa, The Gambia, which gained its independence from Britain in 1965. Less than half an hours drive away from Bijilo is the famous protected part, the 250 acre Abuko Nature Reserve. The park opened in 1977 by the first President of the Republic of Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who wanted to preserve the local flora and fauna for future generations.

The nature reserve can be visited as well as others in the area, such us Bijilo National Park, which is a haven for tropical wildlife and animals like monkeys and the nocturnal galago. The resort is relatively quiet with the main entertainment secluded to relaxing along the beaches and exploring the wild nature at your leisure.

Low key nightlife

As Bijilo is a small, remote resort there’s very little nightlife with only a selection of bars to experience. Enjoy a leisurely drink in one of the beachside cafes and relax whilst watching the sunset over the glistening waters. There’s a selection of nearby restaurants where you can sample authentic Gambian cuisine like spicy stews and grilled meats with flavoured rice.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Banjul Beach | Brufut Heights | Gambia | Kololi Beach | Kotu Beach

A true taste of the easy-going Gambian lifestyle‚ Brufut Heights is the perfect place for relaxation. This small village is in a great location, just 2km south of Bijilo Beach, in a quiet area with a lovely stretch of sand–and–shingle beach. As you’d expect, the weather in Brufut Heights is amazing, with plenty of sunshine and a delightfully warm climate as soon as you step off the plane.

Things to do

Spend your days sipping cold drinks in a beach bar or relaxing on the soft golden sands of the beach. At lunchtime, tuck into freshly grilled fish or a spicy Gambian stew at a local restaurant. Grab your camera and embark on a boat trip down the Gambia River, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles.

The nightlife in Brufut Heights is laid-back, with most hotels holding entertainment over dinner, such as live music and traditional dancing. Dine under the stars and soak up the tropical party mood.

Excellent beaches

The unspoilt beach at Brufut Heights provides a quiet location for peaceful days basking in the sunshine. The wide stretch of golden sand is easily accessible via a fairly steep path winding through the rustic, rocky landscape. Enjoy the palm tree setting whilst relaxing on the beachfront and watch as traditional long African Boats called pirogues sail over the water with the tide.

Swim in the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic and try your hand water sports such as wind surfing, canoeing or sailing. There’re a range of quaint cafes and restaurants along the beach where you can have a refreshing drink in the afternoon and dine in the evening watching the sunset.

Culture

Brufut Heights is one of the quietest resorts along the Gambian coast in western Africa and is approximately 10 minutes south of Kololi. It’s the unspoilt beaches and laid back atmosphere that brings holidaymakers to the area year on year. Visitors can enjoy the long stretch of palm tree fringed beaches and views of the glistening Atlantic waters.

Quiet Nightlife

The small village of Brufut Heights has a relaxing nightlife both day and night, which does mean that the nightlife is quite laid back with only a handful choices for evening entertainment. You may find that your hotel will provide an array of nightlife from performances of traditional dance to live music.

Enjoy an authentic evening meal of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables in one of the beachside restaurants. Sample the country’s signature dish, domoda, which is a hearty meat and peanut stew, before taking an evening stroll as the sunsets.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Banjul Beach | Bijilo | Gambia | Kololi Beach | Kotu Beach

Kololi Beach is one of the most popular resorts in The Gambia, with a long‚ wide sand and shingle beach backed by a great choice of friendly cafés and vibrant beach bars. One of the most established holiday resorts in Africa; here you’ll find energetic nightlife along the Senegambia Strip, and markets and shops in the tranquil and leafy village area.

Things to do

Kololi Beach is home to two vibrant resort centres, the classic Senegambia Strip and a newer area known as the village. There’s a great choice of international restaurants‚ cafés and lively disco bars for an evening out. During the day, you’ll find a craft market that sells handmade wooden carvings and African paintings. If you fancy a spot of adventure, visit nearby Bijilo National Park, 126 acres of protected land that’s home to wild monkeys, tropical birds and galagos, better known as bush babies. For the best experience, hire a bike or get a guide to take you along one of the walking trails.

Stunning Beaches

The beach town of Kololi is known for its breath-taking beaches of golden sand, all of which are entirely man-made. You’ll find a handful of relaxing beach bars across the seafront which are sometimes visited by local dance troupes and singers. You’ll be introduced to reggae sounds to accompany evening entertainment, and why not join in with the locals and their feel-good vibe.

Things to do

Explore the bustling Senegambia craft market and find some handmade souvenirs to take home. Travel out to chatter with the monkeys swinging from the trees of Bajili Forest, or step into a different habitat in Katchikally and experience the Crocodile pool up close. Alternatively, you could take a relaxing cruise along the River Gambia and embrace its calm surroundings with the opportunity to fish and take a swim in the tropical waters.

Nightlife  

Once you’ve finished exploring during the day, you’ll find an array of night time entertainment, mainly located on the lively Senegambia strip. From small, cosy bars to large, spectacular nightclubs, the Kololi strip has a range of buzzing venues to accommodate your evening. If a lively evening isn’t for you, there are a range of quiet bars to socialise and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Banjul Beach | Bijilo | Brufut Heights | Gambia | Kotu Beach

Kotu Beach is one of the best holiday destinations in Gambia. For a wonderful African adventure that’s packed with year-round golden sunshine, a vibrant atmosphere, and a welcoming, rich and varied culture, there’s honestly few better.

Located on the Atlantic coast of Gambia, Kotu Beach is a beautiful destination with great beaches, bars, markets and some of the most modern and luxurious hotels you’ll find anywhere in the world. For a unique and memorable holiday in one of Africa’s gems, Kotu Beach is the perfect choice.

Things to do

Holidays to Kotu Beach are perfect for wandering around this charming village with its bright and lively atmosphere and welcoming culture; after all, this stretch of coastline is otherwise known as ‘The Smiling Coast’. Beyond the beautiful beaches, you can discover a choice of bustling markets, where you can pick up unique souvenirs and don’t forget to haggle.

When the sun goes down, there’s plenty of hotel-based entertainment going on in this here. If you fancy a flutter, then pop on your best evening dress or tux, and head to the glamorous casino nearby and put a few pounds on red at the Roulette wheel. 

Excellent beaches

Kotu Beach is on Gambia’s beautiful coastline and is one of the many resorts along the Atlantic coast stretching from the south of the River Gambia. Enjoy the warm, crystal waters and soft white sand that are fringed with coconut palm trees, which only adds to the tropical setting. Spend a day sipping fruity cocktails by the beach and take in the picturesque views of the lapping shore.

The interchanging weather conditions of the sea means that there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as wind surfing, jet skiing, diving, paragliding and body boarding. For something more remote, head inland for secluded sands with small lagoons and green foliage.

History and culture

Kotu Beach can be found along the western coast of Gambia shelving into warm Atlantic waters. The resort is becoming popular with tourists for its stunning beaches and nearby nature reserve where exotic birds populate the mangrove forest. The Kotu stream creates harbours, lagoons and nature spots where you can see birds like waders, kingfishers, whistling ducks and several species of birds of prey.

Visitors can enjoy nature trails along the coast or walks in the nearby iconic, Bijilo National Park. Kotu Beach also has a choice of bustling markets where you can purchase local produce like hand made woodcarvings, souvenirs and pottery.

Laid back nightlife

The evening entertainment in the small village of Kotu Beach is relatively quiet with only a few bars open late. The majority of the nightlife can be found in the hotels, which may include live music and traditional dance performances. Enjoy a meal along the main road made up of bars, restaurants and small shops. Dine on freshly caught fish, authentic meat stews and spicy rice dishes whilst watching the sunset in the laid back atmosphere.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Banjul Beach | Bijilo | Brufut Heights | Gambia | Kololi Beach

If you’re seeking the best of both worlds, holidays to Egypt tick all the boxes for an unforgettable escape. From its historic treasures in Cairo dating back to the Ancient Gods to its idyllic Red Sea coastline teeming with marine life. When it comes to toe-sinking beaches, bustling bazaars and a stand-out party scene, Sharm El Sheikh holidays should be your go-to.  And for world-famous coral reefs combined with lazy days in the sun, Hurghada holidays are the perfect destination. Thanks to Egypt’s year-round sizzling climate, it’s the ultimate winter warmer too! 

Things to do 

When it comes to world-renowned experiences, Egypt holidays won’t disappoint. Discover the Great Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or, for millennia-old monuments of another kind, Nile River Valley is a must-visit. But no trip is complete without exploring Luxor’s temples and Pharaonic sites. Between sand dunes and dusty ruins are the bazaars of Cairo, where handmade treasures and traditional cuisine provide a glimpse into local culture. As for adventures through the desert, a camel ride is one for the bucket-list. 

With Red Sea holidays at your fingertips it’s never been so easy to uncover unique marine life. After all, Egypt is home to some of the world’s best scuba diving spots. Swim its depths to find hidden caves and famous wreckages. Simply pack your snorkel and check out Sharm El Sheikh’s renowned coral reefs or get your diving gear on and discover the marine-life rich waters of Hurghada. And if you prefer dry land but love marine wildlife then Hurghada Grand Aquarium is perfect for families and those wanting the best of both worlds! 

When you’re not in awe of the Valley of the Kings or cruising the Nile, you have Hurghada marina with its quirky stores, fine dining and endless entertainment options. Bahariya Oasis is another one for the to-do list when you want to experience nature's handy work. This oasis in the middle of the desert is made up of natural springs and adorning mountains. You may even spot a tomb or two while exploring its vast terrain.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Red Sea | El Gouna | Hurghada | Makadi Bay | Sharm el Sheikh 

For more than four centuries, this western part of India was a Portuguese colony, and you’ll still notice a distinctly European character here today. Expect historical churches and delicious cuisine, plus a 66-mile stretch of coastline running alongside the Arabian Sea, complete with unspoilt beaches.

Holidays to Goa will take you to a place where east meets west. Head for the north, and you’ll discover vibrant towns like Baga brimming with lively markets. It’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Goa, the former colonial capital that had its heyday during the 16th century. Then there’s the south, with its pure white sand, coconut groves and sophisticated hotels. No wonder this state is known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’!

Things to do

From north to south, this multicultural destination boasts so much more than action-packed beaches and stunning sunshine. Holidays to Goa are also about delicious cuisine, lively nightlife and fascinating culture. Foodies will love sampling this region’s unique Indo-European cuisine, which blends oriental spices with Mediterranean flavours. This part of the world is also known for its neon nightclubs and bustling bars where you can let your hair down.

A trip to Old Goa will take you to historic 16th-century ruins, and to the peaceful Mollem National Park within the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. And as for souvenirs, why not pick up some beautiful handmade textiles or tasty local spices? The markets are brimming with colourful goodies.

Bustling cities, laid-back beaches and historic sights galore; you’ll find all this and more on a holiday to Morocco, served with a generous helping of North African sunshine. Morocco offers all the exotic attractions of a holiday to the Middle East, combined with some unique African character. Souk-filled Marrakech (or Marrakesh if you prefer) is a popular destination, where you’ll discover a fascinating medina and the towering Atlas Mountains within easy reach.

The city’s not far from the Atlantic coast, where Agadir holidays promise a long sandy beach and crumbling Kasbah. Or, you could choose the chilled-out seaside town of Essaouira if you really want to get away from it all. That all comes together to make Morocco holidays a dazzling feast for the senses, and a great spot for some serious sunbathing, too!

Things to do

Looking for the best beaches the country has to offer? Visiting them tops the list of things to do in Morocco! Head south to discover vibrant resorts and pristine white sands. You’ll find a 10km stretch in Agadir, which is a wonderful place to try your hand at windsurfing or take a leisurely boat trip.

You’ll only be a stone’s throw from the maze-like souks and nightlife in Agadir town centre, too. There are also some great nightclubs in Marrakech, but if you’re after a traditional Moroccan experience, you’ll love getting lost in the city’s medina (old town) and exploring the ancient sights. And don’t forget to look out for the magnificent minarets and energetic street performers while you’re there.

Where to go

Morocco’s southwest coast is known for its year-round sunshine, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C. It has fantastic beaches characterised by classic white-gold sand and upbeat, modern resorts. Holiday resorts like Agadir and Essaouira are considered the best in the whole country for a beach break. You’ll find a range of family-friendly hotels, plus some great shopping and top water sports.

Up in the northwest, dip your toes in the Mediterranean at Tangier, where there’s a more multicultural vibe. Meanwhile, the famous bustle of Jemaa El Fna square makes Marrakech holidays a must for a more traditional place to experience Morocco’s culture. There are other alluring cities, too, including Fez (aka Fes) and coastal Rabat. Wherever you stay, make sure you pack some kind of cover-up - Morocco is a Muslim country that follows Islamic laws and customs, and it’s important to respect these at all times.

More travel guides

Ready to find out more? Check out our other Morocco holiday guides: Agadir | Marrakech