Lamin Lodge, The Gambia

If you have decided to visit the Gambia, it means that you are looking for relaxation, fun, and parties! This wonderful west coast African country is made for this kind of vacation.

What to do in Gambia

Even if Gambia doesn’t boast of beautiful landscapes or breath-taking nature like its neighbourhood countries, there are a couple of things that you have to try in the country which will still give you a unique experience: Ferry crossing Barra-Banjul, Tanji fish market, the yellow taxi ride, marijuana plantations, Kubuneh street art, sailing along the river Gambia, visiting the Serrakunda market, and laying or walking on the non-overcrowded beaches. One of the tourist attractions which is recommended in the country is Lamin Lodge.

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What is Lamin Lodge

It is a two floor standard Gambian rustic restaurant and bar in the Lamin village on the banks of the river Gambia. It is a kind of dwelling house. Food is delicious and it comes for a very reasonable price. ( No sleeping options). To be mentioned among the things to do in Gambia, it surely will have its own reason, right? Of course it has! Read on to find out.

How to reach Lamin Lodge

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While residing in tourist areas the fast and easy way to reach the Lamin Lodge is by green taxi. In this case prices are fixed – don’t forget to check out the tourists taxi tariff board before contacting the driver. 

If you are traveling by yellow taxi, negotiate clearly with the driver before leaving. They are always in a hurry, and if you stay out longer than what you have previously said to the driver, they will charge you more. 

Busses run only as far as the main street of Lamin village. From there you need to continue on another 5 or 6 km on an unpaved road in very bad condition. But if you are the one who likes to wander around the Lamin village and take photos here and there, then walking is certainly the best way. This is the cheapest option to reach the Lamin Lodge. 

Meanwhile, if you are driving yourself you should pay attention, especially during the rainy season. There are very deep holes filled with water and the risk of being trapped is high. 

Whether you walk or you drive, directions to the Lamin Lodge are well placed along the way so you can’t get lost. 

Another way to reach the Lamin Lodge is said to be by boat. I have never tried it so I can’t give more details. You can ask your hotel management to best arrange your boat trip to the Lamin Lodge.

Entrance to the Lamin Lodge.

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The entrance to the Lamin Lodge is very typical. The environment reflects the characteristics of the country. 

Once you reach the Lamin Lodge, vehicles must stop in front of the dwelling bridge which leads to the Lamin Lodge. From there on you walk and enter the place. 

At that point there are some locals who try to sell boat trips among the mangroves and guided visits to the shell extraction. Both of these things to do in the Lamin village are very interesting but before committing with them check out the prices also with the Lamin Lodge so that you can compare. 

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As for me I always help the locals first and I don’t think that Lamin Lodge is owned by a Gambian. So if you are like me and you like to support the natives, you can negotiate the price with them if it is more expensive than what is offered by the lodge. In both cases ask in advance before you step in the boat for total all-in costs.

Dining at Lamin Lodge

Here comes the “funniest” part. Monkeys go around and around and they try to take away everything from you, whether it’s food or any other items you may have. Customers are provided with a monkey beating stick to keep them away but obviously this takes away a little of the pleasure of eating. After all, I suppose that people visit the this place in Gambia for the peaceful environment and for the company of the monkeys rather than enjoying the food.

It seems that Lamin Lodge feeds the monkeys the remaining food so they are always around. To be honest, I prefer just a drink there because it makes it easier to handle the monkeys. But it’s your choice. 

P.S. Know that the monkeys love Sprite.