Indeed, The Gambia's array of beachfront and poolside brunch options is ever-expanding. Our team has personally explored several of these venues and captured stunning photos and videos to share with you. We take pride in offering our readers authentic, firsthand experiences, helping you choose the perfect spot for your weekend indulgence.
Here's a list of some of our favourite places:
Bakadaji Hotel is known for hosting events throughout the week, and the weekend is no exception. The weekend activities at Bakadaji start on Friday evening with its African Fridays (watch the video here) - where it's all things African -from cuisine to music, and guests can even wear traditional African attires.
The next in line is the Salsa Evening (click here for the video) on Saturdays - International cuisine and a live band playing salsa music to keep the tempo alive and upbeat. The Salsa Night is for ages 16 and above.
Sunday is packed with 2 events - brunch and an evening buffet, thereby catering to customers with different requirements. The Sunday Brunch ( watch the video here) is perfect for families who are looking for a day of poolside relaxation and a scrumptious meal - from 1 pm to 5 pm.
However, if you're an evening person, then try the Sunday evening buffet - a perfect ending to your weekend.
Bakadaji believes in quality over quantity, so you can be sure you're getting your money's worth. There are a variety of fresh salads for even the most discerning palates. From crisp and vibrant veggies to tangy dressings and sprinklings of herbs, each bite is a burst of freshness. Perfect for salad lovers! But leave space in your tummies for the mouthwatering main courses and the finger-licking desserts!
Location: Bertil Harding Highway, Kololi.
For the latest prices, updates and information on events and offerings, follow Bakadaji Hotel on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out Bakadaji Hotel here!
Are you looking for a dining experience that combines exquisite flavours, breathtaking scenery, and a lively ambience? Tamala offers a culinary extravaganza with a wide variety of sumptuous dishes that will blow your mind.
If you're a BBQ lover, the Grill Night at Tamala on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays is for you. Watch your food grilled and plated by skilled chefs and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views and breeze.
The Fish Market (watch the video here) every Friday evening is a celebration of seafood in all its glory. Choose your favourites from the day's catch and watch as the skilled chefs transform them into culinary delights right before your eyes - pan-seared or grilled over charcoal to seal in the flavours and preserve their natural freshness. The live acrobatic show showcasing Gambia's finest talent adds excitement to your dining experience.
On Sundays, take your taste buds on a tantalising journey with a coveted selection of Gambian, Continental, Indian and Middle-Eastern delicacies that will leave you spellbound! The Sunday Brunch (check out the video here) promises a great day of a lavish and indulgent meal, pool access and a Live band.
Location: Kotu
WhatsApp: +220 732 7777
For the latest updates and information on events and offerings at Tamala Beach Resort, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
At Kombo Beach Resort, the week is filled with exciting events to satisfy every need.
Every Friday is dedicated to BBQ lovers with Gambian and Indian flavours - chicken, beef and seafood. Enjoy a live band, wrestling, cultural dancers, and acrobats.
The Kombo Beef Bonanza pays tribute to all things beef with a variety of salads, bread, potatoes and sauces to bring out that ultimate flavour.
Dive into a delightful Sunday Family Brunch (click here for the video), where you can enjoy a delectable spread with your loved ones. Swim, dine and unwind!
And finally, the grand finale of the weekly events is the Seafood Spectacle - exclusively for prawn lovers!
Location: Kotu
WhatsApp: +220 545 7777
For the latest updates and information, follow Kombo Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram.
Join Balafon Beach Resort every Friday for an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Italy in The Gambia. From mouthwatering pasta dishes to flavourful pizzas and decadent desserts, the Italian Night (watch the video here) offers a culinary journey that delights the senses. Savour every bite against the backdrop of the serene beachfront setting, with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.
Sundays are sizzling hot at Balafon's Barbecue Day (click here for the video) with mouthwatering BBQ delights, breathtaking beach views, live music vibes and a cocktail paradise.
Location: Kololi
WhatsApp: +220 209 7777
For the latest updates and information on events and offerings at Balafon Beach Resort, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
At the African Princess Beach Hotel (check out this beautiful hotel here), visitors can order from the menu at their Flamingo Restaurant. The pool pass is GMD1000 per person and includes a towel and a sunbed.
Location: Kotu
For the latest updates and information, follow African Princess Beach Hotel on Facebook and Instagram.
An experience at the Kololi Beach Resort (check out the beauty of this resort here) is as much about enjoying a cocktail at sunset as it is about spotting some birds, watching the monkeys, taking a dip in one of the pools, or just soaking up the sun on a comfy sunbed.
With a choice of two restaurants - Salt Kitchen and Bar and Mani Sushi - visitors are spoilt for choice.
Salt Kitchen and Bar offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean with an excellent choice of international cuisines and refreshing cocktails.
At Mani Sushi, the menu offers a unique combination of hot & cold appetizers, a variety of raw and cooked fish, sashimi, sushi rolls, soups & hot dishes, along with dazzling views of the pool and the Atlantic Ocean. Our hot dishes include choices like crispy duck, teriyaki, Mongolian beef, and Thai noodles.
On Saturdays, AK The Solo Singer serenades guests with soulful melodies from 8 pm, while Sundays come alive with the smooth sounds of The popular Saxoplayer in the afternoon.
Location: Kololi
For the latest updates and information, follow Kololi Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram.
Poco Loco (click here for the video) has great entertainment throughout the week. The weekend at Poco Loco starts with Gudi Ambience every Friday with Morr Wally. Lovely ocean breeze, shisha, amazing food, awesome cocktails, shakes and smoothies. Entrance is GMD300 per person.
Don't miss The Revolution Band playing on Sundays, delivering electrifying performances that will keep you dancing all night.
The next time you visit Poco Loco, check out the fantastic views from their VIP Lounge Area upstairs.
Poco Loco has great entertainment on Saturdays as well, so keep watching their social media for the latest updates and information.
Location: Kololi
For the latest updates and information, follow Poco Loco Beach Club on Facebook and Instagram.
Afro Garden Hotel offers a unique and affordable experience for travellers seeking a different kind of holiday in The Gambia or for residents looking for a day of relaxation by the pool. There is no charge for using the pool if you order something from the menu for GMD300 and above. This offer is open not only on Sundays but throughout the week, ensuring that if you are in the mood for a swim, you can head off to the Afro Garden Hotel and cool down for a swim and a great meal.
Location: Bijilo
Tel: +220 529 3370 or +220 755 5200
WhatsApp: +220 529 3370 or +220 755 5200
For the latest updates and information, follow Afro Garden Hotel on Facebook.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Bojang River Lodge (watch the beauty of the lodge here) offers you unique heart-shaped pools and beautiful gardens, and the Mangrove Restaurant (check out the new restaurant here) features a menu that combines local and international flavours. So you could take a stroll on the beach or take a dip in their pool while you wait for your food to be ready. They also have a little heart-shaped pool for the kids. And when you're there, don't forget to catch a glimpse of the crocodile!
Location: Cape Point
Pool Pass rates are - GMD300 (10 years and above)
GMD150 (2 yrs - 10 yrs)
For the latest updates and information, follow Bojang River Lodge on Facebook and Instagram.
Sarges Hotel also offers a pool pass for GMD500 per person. And you can order a la carte from their in-house restaurant.
Location: Kololi
For the latest updates and information, follow Sarges Hotel on Facebook and Instagram.
Get ready to soak up the sun and make a splash at Calabash Residence (click here to check out Calabash). Enjoy unlimited access to the sparkling pool from noon to 7 pm, where you can lounge, swim, and unwind to your heart's content while enjoying a scrumptious meal from their in-house restaurant, The Terrace.
Location: Kotu
Pool Pass Rate - GMD750 per person
Tel: +220 777 6600
For the latest updates and information, follow Calabash Residence on Facebook and Instagram