Paradise... this part of the world is a hidden gem that few know about. Protecting the last standing wild Atlantic forrest of the Gambia, 100 meters from the beach, w/ local, fresh restaurant & 10 small round houses making an intimate community Historically this region of the Gambia (along the boarder with Senegal to the South) belonged to a family of the Madinka tribe named Bayo. One member, S. Bayo, had worked for nearly his entire life to miraculously protect the property and environment from poachers, villagers cutting trees, and foreign investors wanting to sand mine the African coast. In 2010, I met Sabaty during a trip to West Africa while helping on a non profit project. At that time, Mr Bayo was exhausted and in need of help to continue to protect this still natural part of the coast. Bringing some investment and some connection to the global community, we worked together to develop a small lodge and to join with others interested in environmental preservation. This hidden treasure is located on the southern coast of the Gambia near the Senegalese boarder between Gunjur & Kartong. The place, location and environment is truly spectacular and is a short distance from the "Sacred Rocks" which still host many traditional rituals. You'll be staying beside the village of Madina Salaam which is only a short distance by foot through paths leading through forests full of monkeys and birds. Your beautiful room is steps away from pristine beaches and quaint, traditional, African village life. This magical getaway offers international comfort (clean and comfy beds), tasteful, African design, quiet (only the sound of the ocean). The room is run on solar power and Eco- all the way! Bike, hike, swim, dance, drum, fish, run, do art, make friends! I offer a simple menu that includes a variety of international and African options (and many vegetarian choices). Neighbors grow much of our the food I use to cook so it's 100% organic, local and fresh. If you like fishing you can have a go at it - (night fishing is best) and perhaps I'll cook what you catch for dinner (Ps. my neighbor can lend you his fishing rod if you need one). I can help you discover the sweetest spots in the country to explore. Some of my first visitors have told me that my place was their favorite spot in all of the country. Please join me for an unforgetable stay in West Africa. Public transport is available from the highway nearby or taxi's can be called anytime. Let me know in advance and I'll pick you up from the airport (1500 D). Your room includes a mosquito nets, solar powered lighting, a good mattress and quality pillows! Light, sunny spaces with wooden furniture and the sound of the ocean in the background. A lite breeze keeps the place generally bug free. There are many exciting cultural activities I can connect you to and exciting places to visit from bustling markets to local soccer games, cultural festivals and great music and dance workshops. I love good dance and music and I am well connected in this area should you be interested in exploring this aspect of Africa further. There is also great bird watching close by and endless nature walks. I also have bikes I can lend you to explore neighboring villages. I have strong connections to non-profits and community leaders that are deeply involved in making a difference in the lives of people in this part of the world. In particular, I support and work with traditional healers, support clean water projects, and community education. I am committed to positive community development and invite anyone who wants to offer education, wisdom, mentorship in any area to visit and join the community. COME visit! If you need a pick up from the airport please inform us and we will organize a driver to come get you. This costs an additional 1,500 dalasis or roughly $40 dollars. I am not always on the property as I travel regularly but I have an awesome local staff that helps manage the place when I am away from home. Either way you will be happy and relaxed. You can see other guest reviews by searching for Nemasu Ecolodge on the internet. We are located on the best beach in the country! It is a quiet retreat in a traditional and real African village. This is a place for tourists that want to see the hidden side of this country. Taxi is the best way to arrive. Within the community walking or renting a bike to getting around easily is fun. Otherwise, public buses from nearby Gunjur are available though departure times are not predictable. Bring a flashlight Swimsuit Mosquito Repellent (even though we have few of them) Sunscreen Books to leave behind for our community library If you need a pick up from the airport please inform us and we will organize a driver to come get you. This costs an additional 1,500 dalasis or roughly $40 dollars. I am not always on the property as I travel regularly but I have an awesome local staff that helps manage the place when I am away from home. Either way you will be happy and relaxed. You can see other guest reviews by searching for Nemasu Ecolodge on the internet. We are located on the best beach in the country! It is a quiet retreat in a traditional and real African village. This is a place for tourists that want to see the hidden side of this country. Taxi is the best way to arrive. Within the community walking or renting a bike to getting around easily is fun. Otherwise, public buses from nearby Gunjur are available though departure times are not predictable. If possible we would rather book drivers for you that we know, know their way around the country well - it’s always a drag to end up in a taxi with someone who pretends to know but doesn’t and spend the day lost! Driving instructions to Nemasu 1. Take the coastal road south past the City of Gunjur to the village of Medina Salaam. 2. Along the road you will see a Nemasu sign at the Mosque. If you don’t know which building is the mosque ask and most people will know. There you will see the sign. 3. Turn right at the mosque and head straight towards the beach. 4. Keep going straight about a 1/2 mile or kilometer. The road will pass the Wyce school (on the right side) and then the foot ball field. After this veer left - go one block then -veer right (at the well) . 5. Continue a block veer left then veer right. The road ENDS at Nemasu. You’ll see the sign on the right side - it’s at the beach Bring a flashlight Swimsuit Mosquito Repellent (even though we have few of them) Sunscreen Books to leave behind for our community library