Hotels in Kotu Beach

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