Footsteps Eco-Lodge

Returned this year after having last visited 18 years ago. Pleased to say that apart from some minor additions it retains it's original laid-back charm and peacefulness - helped by having long-term dedicated staff. Excellent food, clean and comfortable accommodation, and surrounded by trees and myriad species of tropical birds. Gentle half hour walk to almost deserted tropical beach. Heaven. If you want a typical hotel and activities go somewhere else, but if you're after an authentic African experience that will do your soul good then look no further!

Linda and David have creates an amazing place and experience at their eco lodge. The staff are so friendly, caring and helpful and the food cooked fresh by their amazing chef was amazing every single day. There's lots to experience or just chilling, beautiful white sandy beach nearby, fantastic value for money and 100% sustainable

⸻ I’ve been to a lot of places in The Gambia and hands down this is the best. The food, accommodation and service are flawless. David and Linda have created a real piece of paradise in the forest near Gunjur. Their staff are exceptional, many have been with them for over a decade, which says a lot. They’ve also got a group of traditional artisans on site, so you can watch them work and buy straight from the craftsmen. I challenge anyone to sit at the garden bar in the evening with one of Buba’s gin and tonics and not feel good about their life choices.

This was my second visit to Footsteps and once again it did not disappoint. The area is excellent, relatively secluded but near enough to villages and the beach (20 minute walk through lovely countryside) to suit all tastes. For nature lovers and birdwatchers the area is a veritable paradise, hundreds of species to be seen within a short distance of the lodge. The lodge itself is a very relaxing place to stay, the staff are very friendly and helpful, the quality and presentation of food is excellent and there are quite a few interesting activities, both free and paid, on-site. There are a number of guided excursions which can be arranged at the lodge - such as birdwatching, trips up the river, cultural visits trips to nature reserves and parks such as Abuko (well worth doing) etc Thoroughly enjoyable.

We stayed over the Easter period and expected it to be busy, but it was far from it! A most relaxing and enjoyable three night stay. We were warmly welcomed by Marie, who ensured we were well cared for throughout our stay, arranging good guides, suggesting things to do and even getting local currency for us. The rondalls are simply, but adequately and comfortably furnished. The small attractive pool is not really intended for swimming, but great for dangling your feet and legs in after a long walk or on a hot day. Or just sit back and watch the swifts and swallows skim the water's surface. Meals were cooked to order, so expect a bit of a wait ... but it's worth it! It's perhaps best to order your evening meal during the afternoon and suggest the time you'd like to eat and you won't have to wait so long. The beautiful beach is about a 30 minute easy going and interesting walk away. It was interesting to watch the ladies (mainly) working in the extensive vegetable gardens immediately behind the beach. Whilst we were there it was practically deserted. Idyllic! Highly recommended if you'd like a quiet, wholesome, ethical place off the beaten track. Great place to chill out. (We'd booked through a company called Hidden Gambia who'd arranged this stay as part of a 10 day stay in The Gambia, including a long trip inland along the main river)

Had a fantastic time at footsteps eco lodge the staff so helpful and food was excellent !!!! Am a type 1 diabetic the staff new about this and looked after me making sure I was safe safe in the lodge and about Gambia plus meet a new lot of friends plus the birding was great !!!!