THE GAMBIA. November October Date of issue: 11/12/15

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1 THE GAMBIA November October 2016 WEB BROCHURE: VERSION 3 Date of issue: 11/12/15

2 Contents A Warm Welcome 6- AITO quality charter 80 Mandina Lodges 36-3 Why visit The Gambia? 8-11 FAQs 81 Ngala Lodge 26-2 THE GAMBIA Gambia resort areas 10 memorable days Cuisine Find your perfect holiday Travel upgrades Choosing the right hotel The Luxury Collection The Unique Collection Flight information including Star Service Holiday insurance Gambia package prices Senegal package prices How to book Fair trading charter gambia hotels a-z African Village Hotel Ocean Bay Hotel Palm Beach Hotel Sandele Eco-Retreat Sarge s Hotel Senegambia Hotel Sunset Beach Hotel Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge White Horse Residence The Mid-Range & Value Bakotu Hotel Collections Bijilo Beach Hotel 58 More online 63 Bungalow Beach Aparthotel 59 SENEGAL Discover Senegal Senegal Tours Hotels in Senegal FURTHER INFORMATION Tailormade holidays Cape Point Hotel Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp Coco Ocean Resort & Spa Fathala Wildlife Reserve Gambia Coral Beach Hotel & Spa Birdwatching holidays Special occasions Group travel Sustainability A-Z Things to know before you go Gunjur Project Lodge Hibiscus House Kairaba Beach Hotel Kombo Beach Hotel Lemon Creek Hotel Leo s Beach Hotel

3 They say every cloud has a silver lining but this was difficult to see at the beginning of last winter season, with the threat of Ebola dominating the media and hanging over West Africa, plus Monarch, our main airline for the last 2 years being sold and withdrawing from the charter market. Dark days indeed. But the second half of the winter season saw tourists (some of whom had earlier cancelled holidays) being drawn back by the allure of The Gambia, and in fact from January onwards our aircraft were fuller than the previous year confidence had returned. And now I m delighted to announce that for Winter 15/16 our Gatwick flying will be with the prestigious Titan Airways, offering modern, comfortable seating throughout plus our new Star Service. We have been working with Titan through our sister company, Corsican Places, for over five years and customer satisfaction levels are the highest of any airline we work with. Further details of our flying can be found on pages Our Luxury Collection continues to improve, with the Macondo suites, a new infinity pool plus larger restaurant at Ngala Lodge; a beautifully located beach terrace restaurant at Coco Ocean; and after an excellent first year, White Horse Residence has moved from our Unique Collection to sit proudly next to our other luxury hotels. The future now looks as bright as the Gambian sunshine. Chris Rowles Managing Director Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: Our ATOL number is We are also members of ABTA and AITO, the AITO quality charter is on page 80. Serenity Holidays Ltd, Registered in the UK number Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 AN Thanks to: Photography: Jon Banfield Photography, Piers Golden Photography Design: Serenity Design Studio Print: Linney Group Copyright 2015 Serenity Holidays. All rights reserved. Cover: Macondo Pool, Ngala Lodge, pages 4-5: Mandina Lodges This page: Ngala Lodge, back cover Sicily image: K.Roy Zerloch / Shutterstock

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6 Bijilo beach 6 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

7 A Warm Welcome Nobody knows The Gambia as we do. We have been arranging holidays to this unspoilt area of West Africa for 28 years, and are proud of the reputation we have earned as the specialist to the destination. Welcome to The Gambia Experience We offer the widest range of accommodation and flight options to The Gambia to suit all budgets and we realise the importance of matching each individual to the right hotel it can make the difference between a good holiday and an unforgettable experience! But you don t need to take our word for it, 8%* of our customers would recommend us to their friends and many of our customers choose to holiday with us year after year. We have also used our experience to establish successful programmes to Senegal and the islands of Cape Verde. UK staff with first-hand experience All our reservations staff have visited The Gambia, the majority having also visited Senegal, and many return each year to ensure they have up-to-date knowledge of the country and all of our carefully selected properties. They ll be happy to share their enthusiasm and expertise with you to ensure you book the perfect holiday. Biggest and best resort team We realise that our service to you does not stop the moment you step on the plane and that a professional and personal approach by our resort team during your holiday can make all the difference. We have the only team based permanently in the country, which is headed up by our British resort manager, Joyce, who has worked for us for almost 20 years. We actively recruit Gambian representatives, all of whom have been with us for 10 years or longer. They are keen to share their love for their country, providing useful local information to help you make the most of your stay. They will meet you at the airport and make regular visits to most hotels, inviting you to a welcome meeting to pass on their top tips for a memorable holiday some of our favourites can also be found in our 10 memorable days section. In Senegal we work closely with hotel owners to look after our customers in resort. * Figure from winter 2014/15 holiday questionnaires. Honeymoon and wedding planners Looking for something different to the large all-inclusive resorts of the Caribbean? The Gambia offers an unspoilt, exotic alternative for that special occasion, and our Wedding Organisers are on hand to advise on the perfect location and to assist you with arrangements, both in the UK and in resort. For some suggestions on our favourite properties please go to page 4 or download our Weddings and Honeymoons brochure online. Dedicated groups department We recognise that organising a group visit is a big responsibility, so we have developed an experienced team who can help with arrangements to take the stress away as well as negotiate the best possible price for your requirements. We handle a growing number of groups ranging from educational visits and conferences to large family holidays. For more information on free places and the service we provide please see page 5. The Serenity service Both The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are part of Serenity Holidays, an independent, fully bonded tour operator, which prides itself on the quality of its holidays and the personal service provided to customers. We offer: Almost 30 years experience of organising holidays to The Gambia In-depth, first-hand knowledge of the destinations FREE Gambia / Senegal Guide, with discount vouchers for holidaymakers staying in The Gambia Loyalty discounts for repeat customers In-flight meals and transfers plus 20kg luggage allowance included in brochure priced holidays Fully bonded holidays to ensure customers have complete financial security more online gambia.co.uk & senegal.co.uk Visit our comprehensive websites where you can book securely 24 hours a day and view more in-depth information about the countries and our carefully selected accommodation including maps, tips, customer, staff and press reviews, online chat facility, plus extensive photo galleries and videos. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

8 Why visit The Gambia? For a winter sun holiday and a safe introduction to Africa, The Gambia is hard to beat the climate, friendly people and short flight times all add to its appeal; summer offers a quiet alternative to the busier resorts of Europe. THE SMILING COAST It s a challenge to find another winter sun destination that enables you to leave the cold of England on a winter s morning and be at your hotel in 30 C sunshine by the afternoon. If you re a first time traveller to this area or to The Gambia itself, you need to be prepared for visiting a developing country but also to fall in love with the many attractions of the destination and with its welcoming people; we have, and so too have many of our customers who choose to return year after year. Our experienced UK staff will be happy to share their first-hand knowledge with you so you are well-prepared for what to expect. Ten reasons to visit Excellent, uncrowded beaches of golden sand Fantastic winter sun with average temperatures of 32 C Direct, year round flights approximately six hours long Same time zone, so no jet lag English-speaking locals who are very welcoming Wide range of quality accommodation with options in neighbouring Senegal Permanent team of European and Gambian staff offering expert advice and support Great value for money in resort with a wide variety of restaurants Varied birdlife, wildlife and fishing River, bush and beach excursions to experience the wildlife, culture and people of The Gambia SCALE 0 Km 25 0 Miles ATLANTIC OCEAN 15 Palmarin Parc National du Delta du Saloum Fimela Sokone Toubakouta Fathala Djinak Cape Point Barra Kotu Bijilo Kololi BANJUL Brufut Juffure Tanji Kemoto Sindola Batokunku Makasutu Sanyang Kunte Kinteh Island Gunjur RIVER GAMBIA NORTH SENEGAL THE GAMBIA Mabo Soma Kaffrine Senoba Bird Island Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Janjangbureh Koungheul Basse Fatoto Kartong SOUTH SENEGAL 8 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

9 NGALA LODGE Some background information The Gambia is a former British colony; Gambians within the resort areas all speak English so communication within your hotel, in restaurants and whilst out and about is very easy. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa, situated on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is dominated by the impressive River Gambia from which it takes its name. VALUE for money The Gambia offers better value in resort than many other popular tourist destinations. The Gambia s currency is the dalasi and since January 2015 the exchange rate has fluctuated between 68 and 1 dalasi to the pound. Luxury and Unique Collection holidays can offer particular value compared to other equivalent hotels overseas, especially during summer. Experience something Different Although when lying on the beach or relaxing by the pool you could be in any tropical destination, it is also easy to experience the local culture and feel as though you ve truly arrived in Africa. Travel to rural villages to watch palm wine tappers and witness the locals going about their daily lives. Even from the comfort of your hotel you can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife and exotic birds, or listen to the drums of local entertainers and watch incredible, energetic dancing. However, The Gambia isn t right for everyone and it is important to know what to expect and to choose the right location that s where we can help. People travelling to a developing country for the first time can find it a culture shock there is poverty and begging but there is also genuine hospitality and you will meet some of the friendliest people on Earth. Outside the hotels and on the beaches there are Gambians selling fruit, nuts and handicrafts but it is the ones trying to work as unofficial guides or 'bumsters' that can become a nuisance, although numbers are decreasing. Again, we try to prepare everyone with advice in our guides and welcome meetings on the best way to deal with them you will soon realise that there s no need to worry. No Language barrier The official language in The Gambia is English and this is widely spoken; newspapers and road signs are also printed in English so you ll immediately feel at ease. Gambians are educated in English but there are several tribal languages including Mandinka, Wolof and Jola so most Gambians are at least bilingual. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

10 Laid-Back nightlife The appeal of The Gambia is how quickly you unwind and leave behind the stress of the UK. For most of our guests evening entertainment usually involves a nice meal, a few drinks and perhaps watching a local band. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants, particularly in Kololi and Kotu, either within walking distance or a short taxi ride from your hotel. There are also a few nightclubs and most hotels offer some entertainment from a single kora player to an African dance troupe. Hotel standards As a developing country, hotels, service levels and gradings in The Gambia cannot be compared to those in European destinations, although there is some excellent quality accommodation on offer. As a destination it is not over-developed with no high-rise hotels, and there are a number of internationally recognised sustainable tourism projects if this is something that interests you, consider staying at Mandina Lodges, Leo s Beach Hotel or Sandele Eco-Retreat or read more online at Gambia.co.uk/ST We continue to use our own rating system, which is represented with a hibiscus flower and based on the views of our customers and our own 28 years of experience. 5 / Boutique hotels Coco Ocean, Ngala Lodge, The Kairaba, Leo s, White Horse Residence 4½ / 4 Hotels Ocean Bay, Gambia Coral Beach Hotel & Spa 3½ / 3 Hotels Kombo Beach, Senegambia, Sunset Beach, Bakotu, Bijilo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Lemon Creek, Hibiscus House 2½ / 2 Hotels Sarge s, African Village, Palm Beach, Cape Point Properties within our Unique Collection do not have a grading attributed to them. We consider these to have unique features and so are hard to classify despite offering quality accommodation. We provide detailed information on our hotel pages with further details on the website to help you make the right choice. Activities and excursions For many guests, relaxing in the sunshine followed by a refreshing swim is as much activity as they re looking for on their holiday, but if you want a little more to do, there is plenty to choose from. There are excellent spa facilities at Coco Ocean and Gambia Coral Beach hotels, good fishing and birdwatching opportunities, an 18-hole sand golf course at Fajara as well as sports facilities within some hotels. We also offer a range of organised excursions including a new residential cookery course, such as travelling through the African bush in a 4-wheel drive truck and cruising the waterways by boat or African pirogue. Alternatively, we can suggest a host of things to do for the more independent holidaymaker. For more suggestions on memorable days out see pages or visit Gambia.co.uk/ Excursions Get out and see the real gambia If you want to travel independently in The Gambia most hotels have a taxi rank nearby. However, although they are regulated, most wouldn t pass a UK MOT test. Bush taxis and local buses cover the main routes and are overcrowded with people and animals, but are a cheap way of getting around and absorbing the local flavour. There is a fully lit tarmac road from the airport to the hotel areas but off the main highways road surfaces can be a little bumpy, to say the least! It is best to avoid travelling outside resort areas during Set Settal when only official excursions are permitted. This is a Tidy up of The Gambia campaign and usually occurs every other Saturday. Religion The population of The Gambia is mostly Muslim, although there is a small number of Christians who live alongside them in peace even intermarrying. Other cultures are accepted and alcohol is served in the hotels, restaurants and shops the country even has its own brewery. Although tolerant, we do ask customers to adopt a modest standard of dress when outside the hotels, particularly in more rural areas. The festival of Ramadan lasts for one month from 6th June For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

11 Families Adventurous children will find a holiday in The Gambia a memorable experience; visiting a school and meeting Gambian children is very educational and seeing a monkey or monitor lizard in its natural habitat for the first time is an experience at any age. And then there are the uncrowded, sandy beaches to explore and enjoy. The majority of hotels offer child discounts and, although there are no organised kids clubs, several have activities and facilities for children and separate children s pools our staff would be happy to offer specific advice. Medication We strongly suggest you consult your doctor before booking. Although no inoculations are compulsory for entry from the EU, certain medication, including anti-malarial tablets, will be recommended. Up-to-date advice is available from the World Health Organisation at and the Department of Health leaflet (Ref T.1) Health Advice for Travellers is available from your GP, travel agent or online. The Gambia is one of many countries where the risk of contracting malaria is very real but this is an avoidable illness provided precautions are taken. We suggest using an effective insect repellent to avoid being bitten and ensuring you complete the full course of anti-malarial medication prescribed. You may be required to show a yellow fever certificate when passing between The Gambia and Senegal. A fantastic climate An ideal winter sun destination, The Gambia enjoys almost uninterrupted sunshine and rainfall is virtually unheard of from November to June, with year-round high daytime temperatures. It is less known as a summer destination but many customers prefer this quieter time when the landscape is transformed into lush green with colourful flowering trees. sunshine HOURS (AVERAGE) Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct TEMPERATURE ºC (AVERAGE MAXIMUM) Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct London Averages = Cape point beach Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

12 Resort Areas Which resort to choose? The Gambia offers a good choice of resort areas of different sizes and atmospheres, however it is easy to visit other resorts if you wish to explore further afield, and transfer times are short. Some assume that on holiday in The Gambia people are confined to their hotels but this really isn t the case at all. Whilst some customers do choose a hotel-based holiday, the coastal area is only small so it is fairly quick to travel from one resort to another, and to / from the airport; it is possible to stay in a quiet area but still enjoy the attractions of a busier resort for example it takes around 20 minutes in a taxi from Cape Point to Kololi, depending on traffic. Alternatively, why not choose a twin-centre with one of our more remote unique properties to enjoy the best of both worlds? Although not overdeveloped like some tourist destinations, most resorts have a taxi rank, bank, telephone centre, supermarket, craft market, bars and restaurants. All areas are busier during winter and a number of the bars and restaurants will close in summer so it s best to check with us for the most up-to-date information. Here are brief details to help you select the ideal location for your holiday but call us if you would like more advice as all of our staff have visited each of the resorts. All transfer times are approximate from Banjul airport. 0 0 SCALE Km Miles KEY Villages Properties ATLANTIC OCEAN White Horse Residence 3 5 Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge Bungalow Beach Bakotu Kombo Beach Sunset Beach Senegambia The Kairaba Coco Ocean Bijilo Beach Lemon Creek Leo s Beach Gambia Coral Beach BATOKUNKU TANJI GHANA TOWN TUJURING Palm Beach Bijilo National Park BIJILO Hibiscus House BRUFUT African Village Ngala Lodge Golf Course KOTU KOLOLI Sarge s Hotel SUKUTA BAKAU OLD YUNDUM JAMBUR FAJARA YUNDUM CAPE POINT Cape Point Ocean Bay OLD JESWANG SERREKUNDA Abuko Nature Reserve Banjul International Airport LAMIN ATLANTIC OCEAN Oyster Creek MANDINARI BANJUL Mandina Lodges BARRA Ferry to North Bank & Senegal ESSAU THE RIVER GAMBIA DOG ISLAND Fathala Wildlife Reserve and other Senegal hotels BUNIADU JEREH KUNGOTO Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project Camp Gunjur Project Lodge Sandele Eco-Retreat 12 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

13 kotu beach Kololi The Gambia s liveliest resort Stay here if you want the convenience of everything on your doorstep. This is by far the most established resort in The Gambia; known locally as The Strip it consists of three streets of bars, restaurants and nightclubs which cater for tourists, locals and the ex-pat community. In total there are over 20 restaurants, a craft market, banks, and shops. The sandy beach here is suffering from erosion so the size does vary. Hotels in Kololi: The Kairaba, Senegambia and Sarge s Hotel. Transfer time: 25 minutes Kotu A beachside cluster of hotels, small bars and restaurants This area provides a quieter, more low-key alternative to Kololi (just 5 minutes away) and there is a small selection of beach bars and restaurants, most within hotels. It is a good choice for families as the beach is flat and sandy, and the area is also popular with birdwatchers. Other facilities include a taxi rank, exchange bureau, small mini-market, telephone centre and a craft market. Hotels in Kotu: Kombo Beach, Bungalow Beach, Bakotu, Sunset Beach and Palm Beach. Transfer time: 30 minutes Bakau A working African town Bakau is a bustling little town with a maze of small dirt roads and is an ideal area to experience the real Africa watch boats bring in their catches at the fishing port or wander around the market where Gambians shop every day for their essentials. You will find a few local restaurants serving traditional Gambian dishes, as well as banks, a small supermarket, post office and the popular Kachikally crocodile pool. Hotels in Bakau: African Village. Ngala Lodge is just outside Bakau. Transfer time: 40 minutes Brufut Cliff top residential area A popular residential area approximately 8 kilometres south of Kololi. There is a long stretch of unspoilt beach. Hotels in Brufut: Gambia Coral Beach Hotel & Spa, Leo s and Hibiscus House (inland). Transfer time: 25 minutes Bijilo For peaceful, relaxing holidays The beauty of Bijilo is that there is very little here although it is only a 5-minute drive to the lively resort of Kololi. It is slowly developing but as yet there are no nightclubs to disturb the peace, just a few hotels and beach bars on a long stretch of beach with very few people on it. Hotels in Bijilo: Coco Ocean, Bijilo Beach and Lemon Creek. Transfer time: 20 minutes Cape Point Quieter area with fantastic beach The highlight of Cape Point is the beach which is one of the best in the country. There are also a few restaurants as well as a small craft market, mini-market and exchange bureau plus bustling Bakau is only a 10-minute walk away. Crocodiles can be spotted near Calypso bar / restaurant. Hotels in Cape Point: Ocean Bay and Cape Point. Transfer time: 45 minutes Banjul The Gambia s capital The capital is mainly an administrative centre with little aimed at tourists although there is one museum, the Arch 22, and a few restaurants serving lunch. There is also a large market where Gambians barter for their everyday needs. The beach is one of the largest in The Gambia. OTHER PROPERTY LOCATIONS Tanji, Batokunku, Kartong and Gunjur lie to the south of other resort areas but are still easily accessible; they are traditional Gambian villages with little or no tourist infrastructure outside the hotels we feature there. Makasutu Forest, home to Mandina Lodges, offers a unique setting in the heart of the African bush whilst the Chimp Rehabilitation Project Camp is located in the River Gambia National Park. Fathala Wildlife Reserve lies just over the River Gambia and the Senegalese border. Please see individual property pages for transfer times. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

14 10 Memorable Days The Gambia offers an easy and safe opportunity to experience the untamed, raw culture of West Africa. The Gambia may not have the big game safaris or large attractions of some other African countries, although there is some opportunity in Senegal, but what it does have are genuine cultural experiences, not artificial purpose-built tourist attractions. It is a small country, the coastline is a mere 80 kilometres long, so it is easy to get out and explore the region. Here are our top 10 experiences which can either be part of an organised excursion or, for the more independent, can be explored alone. Spend a day on an unspoilt secluded beach Many of the beaches directly outside the hotels are sandy and uncrowded but travel just a short distance and you can find some virtually empty, unspoilt beaches. If you prefer some facilities we suggest a visit to Sanyang in the south where you ll find a beach bar, a few sunbeds and hammocks but little else! You may even be lucky enough to catch some local wrestling matches on Sundays. Visit a local school The teachers and children of schools welcome visitors, often with demonstrations of their singing and methods of teaching. This is an excellent way to learn about everyday life in The Gambia but be warned, it can be a very emotional and humbling experience. We recommend taking donations of pens, exercise books or footballs with you which you can buy at markets in The Gambia. Spot some of the 540 species of bird You don t have to be a serious birdwatcher to enjoy the colour and sheer number of birds in The Gambia even in the hotel gardens you ll spot many different species. However if you are one of the many who want to take things a little more seriously, we recommend one of the birdwatching tours led by TV presenter Chris Packham or his guide in The Gambia, Malick Suso (see pages 2-3 for more information). 14 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

15 Visit a Gambian family compound Whether this is as part of an organised excursion or privately arranged, Gambians will be happy to welcome you into their homes, especially the children who are very inquisitive and endearing. The sense of community will hit you as everyone works together to provide for the extended family (including multiple wives!), often in very primitive and basic conditions. Why not consider donating a low-energy stove, details can be found on our website Gambia.co.uk/Stoves Support the local industry Head to any of the local craft markets for the chance to try your hand at bartering and pick up some souvenirs. Bakau craft market is one of the best places for woodcarvings and the tie-dye factory in Serrekunda is also worth visiting to see how the fabrics are made. WATCH a local football match Gambians love football and you ll see international football shirts and find locals asking you which team you support. If you get the chance to attend a local match it s a great way of experiencing the passion for the sport it can be very noisy though with cheering, singing and drumming. Pamper yourself at Coco Ocean s world-class spa The boutique hotel has a 1800m² spa facility with thalasso pool, Finnish sauna, Moroccan Hammam and full range of beauty treatments. For more ideas of places to see enabling you to experience more of this wonderful country, its wildlife and its people, and for a full list of organised excursions, visit Gambia.co.uk/Excursions or speak to your representative. Home cooking course with Ida Experience cooking as a Gambian does on this fascinating home cookery course, available as a day trip or residential course. Ida will escort you to the local market to take in the hustle and bustle of shopping for ingredients before returning to her home to prepare and eat a traditional Gambian dish. WATCH local fishermen bring in their catch The fishing markets at Tanji and Bakau are full of colour, sounds and smells as the men bring in the catch and the women and children help to unload and prepare the fish. A great way to experience local flavour and get some colourful photographs (just don t forget to ask permission first). Get up close with a crocodile Kachikally crocodile pool in Bakau is one of the most famous tourist spots in The Gambia and has been attracting visitors for years. The pool has around 100 crocodiles including the most well-known, Charlie, who is an impressive two metres long. You can get some great photographs of the crocs basking in the sun, and learn more about traditional beliefs that the pool has special fertility and healing powers. If you prefer to keep your distance, enjoy lunch or a drink at Calypso bar in Cape Point which overlooks a natural sea lake where you might also spot a crocodile. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

16 Cuisine The Gambia has an excellent choice of good restaurants serving a range of cuisine both within the hotels and in the resort areas, which have attracted a number of international chefs who now live and work in the country. Hotel dining If you prefer to budget for your holiday but don t wish to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, traditional is available at a supplement in most hotels, generally served as a buffet, or a table d hôte menu at smaller properties or during the quieter summer months. It is worth noting that several of our Luxury Collection properties, such as Ngala Lodge and Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, offer excellent quality à la carte dining within the package at no additional cost. Most of our unique properties are based on half or full board due to their locations and provide an opportunity to sample fresh local produce. All-inclusive All-inclusive holidays remain popular in The Gambia. Although the hotels don t offer a 24 hour all-inclusive service, with the majority of your food, local drinks and activities included in the price, these holidays still offer you an excellent value-for-money option. Please note, all-inclusive packages do not include excursions but for details of what is included see the individual hotel pages with further details on the website: Eating out If you enjoy sampling the local cuisine whilst on holiday, The Gambia as a destination will not disappoint. You can choose between Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Italian, Mexican, English and of course Gambian cuisine, to name just a few. The standard is generally good and prices are currently lower than in the UK, a three-course meal in one of the country s top restaurants costs around 25 per person excluding drinks whilst a simple meal and a beer can cost well under 10. Of particular note is the abundance of freshly caught seafood including ladyfish, barracuda, captain fish, snapper, butterfish, lobster and huge Atlantic prawns. In beach bars in the south of the country you can order the catch of the day and the staff will go to the local fishing village and purchase some freshly caught fish for you. Vegetarians are increasingly well catered for and many hotels will offer a vegetarian dish or cook something to order. There are four main traditional Gambian dishes: Benechin rice cooked with meat or fish, vegetables and tomatoes Domada meat stewed in peanet puree, served with rice Superkanja okra, fish / meat, palm oil, onions and pepper boiled together Chicken Yassa chicken cooked with fresh lime, onions and ground pepper Gambia Coral Beach Hotel & SPA See pages 46-4 This property offers quality accommodation and a small spa with stunning views on an unspoilt stretch of beach in Brufut. Enjoy extensive buffets plus local alcoholic, hot and soft drinks. Ocean Bay Hotel See pages An all-inclusive light option is available at this beachfront hotel in Cape Point. For a supplement you can enjoy three buffet meals each day with complimentary hot and soft drinks as well as five alcoholic beverages daily. OUR EXPERT OPINION... I guess you could say we re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in The Gambia! From hotel buffets and à la carte menus to the ever-increasing number of restaurants in the resorts, you could easily dine at a different restaurant every night of your holiday. And don t forget the discount vouchers in our Gambia Guide too! Those preferring an all-inclusive holiday are also well catered for so really there s something to suit everyone. Needless to say it s pretty impossible not to gain a few pounds when here on holiday! JOYCE RESORT MANAGER 16 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

17 Mandina Lodges Restaurant guide and discount vouchers All our package holidaymakers receive a complimentary Gambia Guide with their tickets which includes an extensive restaurant guide. Better still, there are discount vouchers of up to 10%, valid in the featured restaurants, to save you money whilst on holiday. To get a flavour of the excellent cuisine you can expect, visit our online restaurant guide Gambia.co.uk/Restaurants Ngala LODGE - Fine dining in a cliff top setting. Clay Oven - Popular Indian cuisine. BOSS Lady - Gambian open-air restaurant / café in Kotu. Scala - Family-run restaurant with an extensive international menu and good steaks. Al RAWSHE - Lebanese cuisine with open-air terrace in Kololi. El Sol - Mexican cuisine & cocktails. SEA shells - Friendly atmosphere with lobster thermidor as a favourite special. CALypso at the CAPE - Beachside dining and crocodile watching. Captain s table - International cuisine with shrimp specials in Kotu. TAO restaurant - Asian restaurant in Kololi. THE brasserie - International menu overlooking the beach at Kotu. Coco Ocean Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

18 Find your perfect holiday We believe The Gambia offers something for everyone, and provides a gentle introduction to Africa as well as being a fantastic winter sun destination. To make finding that perfect holiday a little easier, these pages introduce some holiday ideas for you to consider, whether you are a first-time visitor or searching for something different for your next trip. Beach holidays most of our hotels lie on or close to a long stretch of golden sand, making The Gambia perfect for a relaxing, winter sun holiday. Some properties offer stunning views with unforgettable sunsets, others are more lively with beach activities such as volleyball on offer. The luxury experience the best boutique properties and spa hotels in The Gambia are available through us. Upgraded flights from Gatwick to Banjul and private transfers are also available to enhance your holiday experience. Unique lodges a diverse mix of individual properties offering a unique experience of this wonderful country, its people and wildlife most within easy reach of main resort areas. Several also offer an insight into sustainable tourism through links with the local community. All-inclusive holidays these are becoming increasingly popular for those wanting to budget for their holiday. However, there remains a good selection of properties offering more traditional bed and breakfast holidays, to enable you to sample some of the excellent cuisine on offer. SPA holidays whether you want to spend a whole week pampering yourself or are looking for just one or two treatments during your stay, there are some fantastic spa hotels in The Gambia, such as Coco Ocean Resort and Spa on pages Smaller luxury properties without their own spa facilities are often able to arrange for you to receive a massage or other treatment in the comfort of your own room. Alternatively, many of the hotels have a beauty salon on site see individual hotel pages for further information. Summer holidays why not consider a visit during the Green Season when beaches are uncrowded and the country is alive with vibrant colours? Spectacular tropical storms tend to take place at night or are generally short-lived, the dramatic clouds quickly giving way to blue skies and high temperatures. Luxury properties can offer excellent value for money compared to those in the Mediterranean at this time of year. mandina lodges 18 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

19 TAILORMADE itineraries ideal if you cannot choose between properties or wish to venture slightly further afield and experience the real Africa with a 3 or 4 night stay at one of our Unique Collection properties, or why not venture into neighbouring Senegal? Our knowledgeable UK staff have the expertise necessary to advise on your perfect tailormade holiday with transfers arranged for you this really is a safe and easy way to explore this exciting region of West Africa. Some ideas of our favourite combinations can be found on pages 0-1. Couples, families or groups certain boutique properties cater for adults only if you are looking for an exclusive experience or celebrating a special occasion; others are more lively, providing daytime activities and evening entertainment for couples and families alike. Many of our larger hotels welcome groups and our dedicated Groups department will be happy to assist. Birdwatching you don t have to be an avid twitcher to enjoy the variety of birdlife on offer in this region, whether it be wandering around the grounds of your hotel or on an organised birdwatching tour. We are delighted to be working once again with Chris Packham see pages 2-3 for information on his 2016 Gambia tours. Cultural experiences if lying in the sun all day every day is not for you, we offer a wide range of optional excursions to enable you to explore and understand more about the local way of life. Or for the more independent traveller, our reps can advise on some memorable days out in the vicinity of your hotel please see pages for some ideas. kotu beach Fishing the waters around The Gambia and Senegal are renowned for both beach and bluewater fishing opportunities. For those with a casual interest, a day s fishing can be booked in resort. We also work with World Sport Fishing to offer professional off-shore trips on sport fishing boats and six separate wreck sites have now been identified within easy reach of their base in Tanji. For more details contact them on or at Worldsportfishing.com Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

20 Travel Upgrades In addition to a wide choice of accommodation, we can arrange travel benefits such as an upgraded flight service and private transfers to enhance your holiday experience and to make your journey more comfortable. banjul airport first class lounge We are delighted to once again offer you the only direct upgraded flight service from London to Banjul, this year with Titan Airways, one of the UK s most prestigious charter airlines. We can also pre-book additional extras to ensure you are relaxed at every stage of your holiday. Availability on these exclusive services is limited so we would recommend booking early. Introducing our star service A new Star Service will be operated this winter by the award-winning Titan Airways and is available on all Gatwick flights throughout winter. It offers a wide range of benefits both at the airport and on board which are not enjoyed by passengers travelling in economy. Airport lounges at both Gatwick and Banjul are included, along with a 30kg luggage allowance, a dedicated check-in and priority boarding. Once on board you can benefit from new-style, comfortable seating which is converted into a popular 2-2 configuration and located at the front of the aircraft, while enjoying complimentary drinks, an upgraded meal service and high-tech personal entertainment. Return supplement from 249, or from 150 one way. Star Plus On our Gatwick service, seats in the front row of the aircraft are exit seats and enjoy greater legroom along with other benefits in addition to the standard Star Service. These can be secured for an additional charge book early to avoid disappointment. Return supplement from 349, or from 200 one way. Exit seats A limited number of exit seats are available to pre-book at a supplement from all airports. Return supplement from 50 (from 100 on Gatwick flights). Private transfers On arrival at Banjul Airport, avoid the crowds and get whisked away to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. For more details visit Gambia.co.uk/Luxury Prices from 40 per car each way. UK AIRPORT LoungeS We are able to pre-book lounges at all our airports where you can enjoy a complimentary light breakfast and soft / hot drinks in comfort prior to boarding your flight. Prices from 20 ( 25 at London Gatwick, included for Star passengers) First Class Lounge The air-conditioned airport lounge in Banjul can be purchased either in advance or locally, however availability is limited so we recommend booking prior to travel. Price 15 (included for Star passengers) 20 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

21 Choosing the right hotel Since we began travelling to The Gambia in 198 the standard and choice of accommodation in the country has improved dramatically. We believe we work with the best properties The Gambia has to offer and our brochure and website feature a wide range to suit all travellers, from luxurious boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, relaxing spas right through to simple, African-style hotels and unique river lodges. As a specialist we ve learnt just how important it is to match the right hotel to each individual it can make the difference between a good holiday and an unforgettable experience; to help you, hotel descriptions have been written by members of our team who have visited the hotels and know them well. They accurately list their facilities, locations and the ambience you can expect, with further information on our website to help you narrow down your choice of holiday. If you are still finding it difficult to choose, why not give our knowledgeable staff a call or even visit two or more properties! The Luxury Collection The best beachfront and sea-facing hotels The Gambia has to offer, now including the intimate yet friendly White Horse Residence. Coco Ocean is visually stunning with service and cuisine levels to match, Ngala Lodge is a smaller boutique-style, cliff-top hotel with very personal yet relaxed service and excellent customer reviews whilst Leo s Beach Hotel is a small, contemporary alternative. The larger but tranquil Kairaba Hotel is a well-established favourite right in the heart of Kololi. The Unique Collection An exciting collection of lodges, each offering a truly unique holiday experience, which can be combined with one another or a larger resort hotel for a twincentre stay. Some provide many of the characteristics of the Luxury Collection but with a more laid-back atmosphere, conveying a sense of relaxed indulgence. Others may be more simple but are individually styled, and each property promises friendly service and freshly prepared cuisine. Located away from the main tourist areas, memorable settings such as the Makasutu Forest surrounding Mandina Lodges, provide a stunning African backdrop, while a visit to see the Chimpanzees upriver promises to be an unforgettable experience. The mid-range & value Collections A wide selection of 2-4½ grade properties, all carefully selected by us, which may be suitable for couples, families or groups. Here you will find something to suit all budgets, from all-inclusive properties to more traditional bed & breakfast options, all with a pool and either on or a short walk from a sandy beach. Whether you are looking for a lively holiday experience with daytime activities and a full entertainment programme during winter, or a small property full of character offering a relaxed atmosphere, there is sure to be something that will appeal. You will also find many photographs, video clips and more information and reviews online to help you select your ideal holiday at Gambia.co.uk/Hotels Leo s beach hotel Coco ocean Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

22 Birdwatching Holidays The Gambia packs a great deal into a compact space not least the sheer number and variety of birds, some 540 species! It s all about its location which is right at the centre of something called a transition zone, which means, for a relatively small country, it supports a huge variety of habitats. These include forest-savannah environments and drier woodland ones, marine systems and, of course, the life-giving River Gambia with its estuary mudflats and the intricate mangrove tributaries of the interior. In short, with all these habitats in a relatively small area, The Gambia is a fantastic destination for birdlife! The Gambia therefore, provides an amazing opportunity for birdwatching and, with everything being in relatively close proximity, you don t have to travel far to see some amazing things you ll even find a whole host of exotic species in your hotel gardens. So whether you re a first timer, a keen amateur or an enthusiast looking for particular species, we guarantee you ll find something to amaze and inspire you. birdwatching WITH MALIcK SUSO We can arrange half or full day birdwatching tours led by local expert guide Malick Suso a man Chris Packham has described as one of the very best bird guides in the whole of The Gambia and whose local knowledge is invaluable. The options for excellent bird sightings are endless with a variety of habitats to be found in close proximity to resort areas: for example, Kotu stream where you ll see all kinds of waders and kingfishers and, if you re lucky, the elusive bittern; Abuko Nature Reserve with its amazing pool where all sorts of species congregate, from African darters to hammerkopfs; Tanji shore and fishing village which is home to a mix of shore and sea birds as well as the rare golden-tailed woodpecker; and also the community project at Brufut woods, where the local experts will lead you to the whitefaced scops owl and the impossibly camouflaged long-tailed nightjar. Private half day birding trips will cost from 35 per person, and from 65 per person for a full day, based on a minimum of two birders. For further information please go online at Gambia.co.uk/Birdwatching or to check availability and to book please call our reservations team or chat with them online. Malick s knowledge of birds is nothing short of breathtaking... What s more, he can pick up the slightest tweet, warble or whistle and instantly identify the bird making the sound. Within just a few hours, I was in awe of the man. RON TOFT The TravelEditor.com talking about Malick Suso 2 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

23 birdwatching with CHriS packham The ultimate birdwatching trip to The Gambia: spend 3 days accompanying BBC presenter Chris Packham and local guide Malick Suso in The Gambia searching for a wide variety of species, both on land and water. With a maximum of 1 people on the trip there will be plenty of opportunity to learn from Chris s extensive knowledge of wildlife as well as photography. The supplement for this 3 day trip based in Kotu is 449 (excluding flights). Chris then moves on to Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest to explore the forest and river and help you discover the abundance of wildlife that they harbour. A 3 night stay at Mandina Lodges from 23rd February 2016 can be booked alone or added to the above tour, costing from 649 for 3 nights including accommodation for twin occupancy on (excluding flights). For more details visit Gambia.co.uk/ChrisPackham Tours led by Chris Packham depart on 19th, 23rd & 26th February 2016, this year with a revised itinerary. expert opinion... The Gambia is an ornithological nirvana, with 10 species regularly seen in three leisurely days birding on the coast alone, and four hundred more waiting to be discovered further afield. Exotic species such as Rollers, Kingfishers and Bee eaters are spangled spectacles whilst the dynamic array of raptors are truly impressive. Many others are simply tamer and more easily approached than in the UK so keen photographers always return home with a few trophies! CHriS packham presenter I am still drawn by The Gambia, even after 20 years I find myself returning once again to the small, quiet and simply superb Bakotu Hotel. I am also visiting the wildlife haven that is Makasutu Forest which surrounds the beautiful lodges at Mandina with their luxurious pool, amazing food and tranquil river setting. I hope you will choose to join me in The Gambia! recommended HoteLS Hotels we would particularly recommend for birdwatching are the small lodge at Tanji Bird Reserve, Bakotu and Senegambia hotels as well as Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest, or why not consider a twin-centre for the best chance to spot a wide variety of birds? All our featured hotels in Senegal are ideally located to attract a wide variety of birdlife. other birdwatching tours Fully escorted birdwatching holidays are also available with: Birdfinders.co.uk Limosaholidays.co.uk Naturetrek.co.uk Ornitholidays.co.uk Contact your Local travel Agent or call our experts on

24 A-Z Things to know before you go... In order to help you plan your visit we have compiled a short A-Z of useful information about our holidays to The Gambia and Senegal. You will find a wealth of further information relating to these and other subjects on our websites or alternatively use the first-hand knowledge of our staff. Airport hotels, car parking and lounges We can offer a range of airport hotels with or without parking to suit all budgets. We can also arrange business lounges at all of our UK airports and the air-conditioned First Class Lounge in Banjul Airport. Conveniently located car parks are available at all airports, which offer a free 24-hour transfer service to and from the airport terminal. To make a booking please call our staff or visit Gambia.co.uk/HolidayExtras or Senegal.co.uk/ HolidayExtras Book with confidence The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are trade names of Serenity Holidays Limited. Most of the holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is Please see page 3 or our Fair Trading Charter for more information. We are also members of ABTA, ABTOT and AITO. AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service as well as sustainable tourism. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. See page 80 for the AITO charter. Child and infant discounts To qualify for a child discount, children must be between two and 12 years old on return to the UK. They must share a room with 2 adults paying brochure price. Air Passenger Duty of 1 per child aged 11 or under willl now be deducted from the price of your holiday. Infants under two years on return to the UK are charged a fee of 45 to cover administration costs but are generally not allocated a luggage allowance or a seat on the aircraft (some airlines offer 10kg). Check-in For all flights to Banjul from Gatwick please check in at least two hours prior to the departure time shown on your tickets (three hours from Banjul) except when travelling in our Star Service during winter, which is 90 minutes. For regional flights to Banjul check-in is also 90 minutes prior to departure time. Our airport representative will be at the check-in desk to assist with any queries that may arise. If you are collecting a ticket on departure, please allow sufficient time to pick up your documents. Currency The Gambia s currency is the Dalasi (0 Dalasi to 1 in March 2015). Travellers cheques are no longer accepted, credit cards may be and conversion to US dollars is now used; please check with individual hotels (surcharges will apply). Visa debit cards may be accepted at ATMs. The currency in Senegal is the West African CFA Franc but Euros are also accepted in hotels (fixed rate of 1 = 656 CFA Franc). Excess luggage Airlines are very strict about luggage allowance and only consider limited requests for an increased allowance from registered charities. If you are carrying more than your allocated amount you will have to pay an excess luggage charge at check-in (approximately 15 per kg) and we cannot guarantee that the airline will accept all your luggage. If you do have a large amount of luggage, we can advise on sending it by freight. 8 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

25 Flight delays Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our control. In the event that such a delay occurs, we will always do our best to provide a snack or meal when appropriate and in the case of an overnight delay, provide accommodation, although this may not be your holiday accommodation. Should there be an extended delay to your homeward flight we will endeavour to delay your departure from your holiday accommodation. Foreign Office travel advice We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Their website at Gov.uk/Foreign-travel-advice is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information. Gambia Tourism Board 92 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AH Telephone: Holiday questionnaire To help us improve our service and ensure standards are maintained, we should be most grateful if you would complete our questionnaire in resort and return it to our resort staff prior to your departure, or complete it online on your return. Your feedback will influence the ratings displayed online for each property, as will FEEFO (an independent review body) survey results. We will also donate 10 to The Gambia Experience School Development Fund for every 100 completed questionnaires received. Language The official language in The Gambia is English and in Senegal it is French. In both countries tribal languages are also spoken, these include Mandinka and Wolof. Medication No inoculations are compulsory if travelling from the EU although you may be required to show a yellow fever certificate when passing between The Gambia and Senegal. You should consult your doctor before booking, who will recommend certain medication especially for malaria prevention. All medicines should be carried in hand luggage. What s Included There are no hidden extras to add to our brochure prices, which include a luggage allowance, all taxes, transfers and meals on outbound and inbound flights. The brochure holiday price includes: Return flight between the UK and Banjul with in-flight catering of a hot meal Luggage allowance of: economy flights to Banjul 20kgs, Star Service 30kgs, Star Plus 40kgs. UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) 1 Airport departure taxes from both the UK and The Gambia 10 Gambian Government tourism tax Banjul Airport Development Fee (ADF) of 20 Welcome drink on arrival in Banjul Transportation between the airport and your accommodation Prices and surcharges Our prices are based on the cost of fuel as of 10th March If the cost of fuel does rise, we may be forced to introduce a fuel surcharge to cover the increased costs to us. In the event of any other security costs or taxes being levied, there may also be an increase in prices printed in this brochure, please see section 11 of our Fair Trading Charter on page 8 for more details. The publication date of this brochure is 2th March 2015; prices will be superseded by any subsequent editions of this brochure. Accommodation based on two sharing and meal basis as detailed on your booking confirmation invoice The services of our resort staff and local office please note that our representatives do not visit any of our Unique Collection properties, Leo s Beach Hotel, White Horse Residence or Hibiscus House in The Gambia or hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta, Senegal where a 24-hour contact number is provided Welcome meeting (excluding above hotels) A Gambia Guide with discount vouchers and / or Senegal Guide for package holidays Resort map for Gambia holidays Christmas and New Year Gala dinners CAA ATOL protection contribution Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

26 Passports and visas A full, valid British passport is required for entry into The Gambia and Senegal, valid for the duration of your stay in The Gambia, and for Senegal, this should be valid for at least three months on return to the UK. If you need to apply for a passport, do so at least 12 weeks before departure. For other nationalities, call our office for details. For long stay holidays in The Gambia, travellers must have their passport stamped by the Immigration Office every 28 days. Senegal introduced a biometric visa on 1st July 2013 and from 1st July 2015 you will need to apply for a visa online at VisaSenegal.sn at a cost of 50 per person. Private transfers Unfortunately we are unable to include private transfers as standard within any of our holiday packages due to a shortage of suitable vehicles in The Gambia. However, on request we can organise private transfers to your accommodation in either air-conditioned cars or minibuses for 40 per car each way to / from the airport (maximum four). There is a supplement for Unique Collection private transfers, however standard transfers for these hotels usually operate direct and with small numbers. For prices in Senegal please contact us. Requests If you have any requests for your accommodation or flights, please ensure they are requested at the time of booking. We shall be pleased to pass your request to the airline or hotel, however we cannot guarantee that they will be met. Room check-in and out times The standard international practice is to let rooms from midday to midday, however times do vary. Check-in times are usually between 2pm and 3pm, check-out times between 11am and 12 noon on the day of departure. Senegal Embassy 39 Marloes Road, London W8 6LA Telephone: Tickets These can be expected two weeks prior to your date of travel together with your accommodation voucher, luggage labels and our Gambia Guide or Senegal Guide for clients taking accommodation, which we hope you find useful. Your actual flight timings will be those shown on your tickets; please check them carefully as soon as you receive them. In addition, please check your return flight details with your representative or our resort office. Quality Charter 5113 EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct. FINANCIAL SECURITY An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis. ACCURATE BROCHURES & WEB SITES All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards. MONITORING STANDARDS AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association. 80 Time difference No difference in time except April October when the UK is one hour ahead, due to British Summer Time. Transfers Transfers will be in coaches, mini-buses or 4x4 vehicles and may not be direct to your hotel, however please contact us if you would like to arrange a private transfer for your party. Transfer times from the airport to your hotel in The Gambia are generally short and you can reach most hotels in under 30 minutes, however these do vary depending on the hotel and route taken. For more details see page 13. The transfer to Senegal from Banjul will also include a crossing on the Barra Ferry, which may be on foot (escorted) to avoid traffic queues. Some of the journey to hotels in the Sine Saloum Delta will be along a bumpy track. For transfer times see hotel pages. Weather The climate in The Gambia and Senegal is very similar which is pleasantly tropical with year-round average temperatures between 29 C and 34 C and uninterrupted sunshine from November to June. There is a green season between July and October where spectacular short rainstorms can punctuate the hot sun. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM All members acknowledge the importance of AITO s Sustainable tourism ethos, which recognises the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Serenity Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the association, visit or call ABTOT The Association of bonded travel organisers trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package travel, Package Holidays and Package tours regulations 1992 for Serenity Holidays and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK. 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays. For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

27 FAQs Frequently Asked Questions As a specialist tour operator, we have compiled an extensive list of regular questions to ensure you make the most of your holiday and know what to expect. Please see online at Gambia.co.uk/FAQs but here are answers to some of the most common. mandina lodges Q. What are the beaches like? The Gambia is renowned for its uncrowded, sandy beaches and there are beautiful, wide stretches of sand in most resorts. Kololi suffers from ongoing erosion from the strong Atlantic currents, however it remains a popular resort for holidaymakers. In Senegal, the hotels are mostly located by rivers, each with their own swimming pool, whilst away from the hotels the Sine Saloum Delta s riverine landscape is also dotted with small, sandy beaches. Q. Is it safe? Crime in The Gambia and Senegal against tourists is low so venturing outside the hotels is safe. In The Gambia you will experience bumsters, locals who try to make a living selling private excursions, handicrafts and working as unofficial guides. They can be persistent to the point of nuisance and although the Gambia Tourism Board has successfully reduced the number of bumsters, there is still more work to do. You will experience less hassle in Senegal. In both countries we would advise you to exercise caution and not show off valuables, as in any foreign country. Q. Will one of your representatives visit our hotel? In The Gambia we have a large, year-round resort team and our representatives visit the hotels every day except Sunday to help guests make the most of their holiday. Our reps do not currently visit any of our Unique Collection properties, Leo s Beach Hotel, White Horse Residence or Hibiscus House as these all offer their own very personal service. In Senegal, the hotel staff look after our guests and telephone numbers will be provided in case we can assist in any way. Q. Can I eat outside the hotel? The Gambia is fortunate to have a wide selection of excellent quality, good value restaurants, including Lebanese, Thai, Indian and traditional Gambian cuisine. Many are within walking distance of the hotels but it is also possible to book a taxi with waiting time for a special evening out. Our Gambia Guide includes money off vouchers at many restaurants. Q. How do I book excursions? We offer a wide range of excursions from 4-wheel drive tours to relaxing boat trips on the river. The easiest way to find out more and to book is by attending the welcome meeting held by our representatives, although a couple of excursions such as Ida s home cooking experience and private birdwatching trips can also be booked in the UK to avoid disappointment. Some of the smaller, more remote unique properties, which our representatives do not visit, offer their own excursion programme on request, enabling you to immerse yourself in the local culture and wildlife. Q. Will I find Wi-Fi in my hotel? A growing number of hotels do now have Wi-Fi access either in public areas or rooms, and some have internet cafés; we can advise on which properties are best suited to your needs. However, please note that the connection can be very erratic and slow. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

28 Flights & Upgrades The Gambia Experience offers the widest choice of year-round flights to The Gambia. We operate from three different airports during winter with a new and upgraded flight service from London Gatwick. titan AIRWAYS We are delighted to be partnering with awardwinning charter airline Titan Airways on our London to Banjul route for Winter 2015/16. They pride themselves on their high standards of customer service and punctuality and have gained an excellent reputation within the industry and with customers over the last 26 years. Titan have operated our Corsica flights for the last six years and customer feedback has been the highest of any of our carriers, past and present. The aircraft we are using will offer comfortable modern seating throughout and an on-board experience that Titan describe as flying as it used to be, driven by service not sales. Gambia Flight only tickets For flight only prices, including one ways, flexible tickets and long duration flights, please visit Gambiaflights.co.uk. Flexible ticket holders and Star Service passengers will receive an increased luggage allowance of 30kg. Winter 2015/16 Tuesday and Friday direct, daytime flights from Gatwick (weekend breaks, 10 & 11 nights and longer duration holidays available) Monday direct flight from Gatwick (Christmas to February) Wednesday and Saturday flights from Manchester (10 & 11 nights and longer duration holidays available) Tuesday flight from Birmingham NEW Star Service upgrades available from Gatwick (see below) Exit seats from all airports available at a supplement 90 minute regional and Star Service check-in from UK Customers visiting Senegal will fly in and out of Banjul Summer 2016 Direct London to Banjul weekly flights (long duration holidays available) Exit seats are available at a supplement Exit seats Exit seats are available as an upgrade on all our flights with prices from 25 one way. Introducing our star service Our new Star Service offers additional benefits both at the airport and on board, and is available on all Gatwick flights during winter. Below is a comprehensive summary of what you can expect, however our reservations team would be happy to provide further information on this new service, or visit our website at Gambia.co.uk/FlightUpgrades Supplement from 249 return, or from 150 one way. Star Plus Seats in the front row of the aircraft enjoy additional legroom. Other benefits of Star Plus are 40kg luggage allowance and champagne on boarding. For further details please visit Gambia.co.uk/FlightUpgrades Star Plus supplement from 349 return, or from 200 one way. Christmas & New Year additional Star supplements apply to each sector as follows: From UK: 18 Dec 50, 21/22 Dec 80, 25 Dec 50, 28/29 Dec 80 From Banjul: 28/29 Dec 50, 1 Jan 80, 4/5 Jan 80, 8 Jan 50 STAR SERVICE Pre-bookable seats Dedicated check-in & priority boarding UK & Banjul Executive lounge at Gatwick and First Class lounge in Banjul Increased luggage allowance of 30kg Separate area at front of aircraft Modern leather seats that are innovatively designed to convert to a comfortable 2-2 configuration throughout, giving more personal comfort and space Individual entertainment system Complimentary bar service (excluding champagne) Enhanced meal service Star Service 82 For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

29 winter 2015/16 FLiGHt details to banjul international Airport Programmed fl ights operate from November to April and are non-stop. Additional Christmas fl ights may be added, please call for details. WINTER 2015/16 FLIGHTS From day UK UK Flight Available depart depart Arrive Supplements Upgrades Gatwick Tuesday nil nil nil Star / Exit Gatwick Friday Star / Exit Gatwick Monday nil 30 nil Star / Exit Manchester Wednesday Exit Manchester Saturday 0940 / / 0410* Exit Birmingham Tuesday Exit Carriers are: Titan Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines. Flight schedules are subject to change. *Flight arrives the following day. Operating 21 Dec 15 to 22 Feb 16. Early schedule operates until 12 Dec 15. to 10/12 11/12 to 31/12 from 01/01 Holiday Insurance Our customers should be adequately insured ahead of their holiday, and we are pleased to offer travel insurance through t&g, including ZERO EXCESS on claims made on both single trip and annual policies (excluding personal liability) where usually this would be 50 or more. This policy is tailormade to the specifi c needs of our customers travelling to The Gambia & Senegal and includes additional areas of cover, such as delays or cancellation due to snow, sandstorms or volcanic ash. premiums per person (including 20% insurance premium tax) Single trip Adult Adult 66-9 Child 2-1 Up to 10 days Up to 1 days Up to 24 days Longer durations, couples, family and worldwide annual policies (excluding US, and including 1 days winter sports cover) are also available. Annual multi-trip Adult Couple Family 1 year from date of purchase Full details of the policy will be sent with your confi rmation invoice. There is a 14 day cooling off period from the date of sale wherein the policy may be cancelled without charge. Cancellation or curtailment 5,000 Medical expenses including medical emergency assistance 5,000,000 Missed departure 1,000 Missed connection 1,000 SUmmAry of Cover - Key points Personal accident 25,000 Personal effects 2,500 ( 400 single item limit) Personal liability 2,000,000 ( 250 excess applies) Legal expenses 15,000 (All maximum limits per person) The policy does not cover any pre-existing health conditions of the persons travelling and others upon whose health the trip may depend unless a health check has been carried out by calling , and cover is confi rmed in writing. Contact your Local travel Agent or call our experts on

30 WINTER PRICES Summer pricing - call or go online Prices are in s per person on stated board basis and room choice from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 1 APD (refunded for children aged 2-11), 20 ADF and 40 of other known taxes and charges. For all flight supplements see pages All supplements and room upgrades shown are per person per night (unless otherwise stated) based on twin occupancy. 1-Nov 15-Nov 16-Nov 10-DEc 11-dec 1-dec 18-dec 24-dec 25-dec 31-dec 1-jan 10-jan 11-jan -feb 8-feb 18-feb 19-feb 28-Feb 29-Feb 24-mar 25-mar 31-Mar Coco Ocean Resort & Spa 10 pg Ngala Lodge 10 Pg The Kairaba Beach Hotel pg 28 Leo s Beach Hotel pg 30 White Horse Residence pg 32 Mandina Lodges pg 36 Fathala Wildlife Reserve pg 38 Sandele Eco-Retreat pg 42 Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge pg 43 Gambia Coral Beach Hotel & Spa pg 46 Kombo Beach Hotel pg 48 Ocean Bay Hotel pg 50 Senegambia Hotel pg 52 Bakotu Hotel pg 54 Lemon Creek Hotel pg 56 Bijilo Beach Hotel pg 58 Bungalow Beach Aparthotel pg 59 Sunset Beach Hotel pg 60 Sarge s Hotel pg 61 African Village pg * 3* 3* 3* / / / / / For other hotels, longer durations and summer

31 GAMBIA.CO.UK LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS 1-apr 10-apr 11-apr 30-apr BOARD BASIS AIR- Conditioning SINGLE ROOM 3RD PERSON CHILD SHARING SHARING (2-12YRS) CUISINE Choice ROOM CHOICE Flights B&B included B&B included 65 n/a n/a deluxe suite 18 superior suite 24 club villa from 34 beach house 60 prices based on junior suite suite 10 / the penthouse 19 manor suite 25 atlantic suite 39 macondo suite from 45 prices based on standard suite Direct to Banjul Direct to Banjul B&B included bon appetit (per week) 18 2 superior deluxe premium suite standard room prices based on deluxe room Direct to Banjul B&B included from n/a 19 one-bedroom suite prices based on standard suite 11 Direct to Banjul n/a 20 n/a - 15 included Direct to Banjul n/a 5-40 (10+ years only) - 40 B&B included 40 n/a - 30 n/a B&B n/a 6 n/a - 5 full board included payable locally included 10 payable locally mangrove / floating lodge stilted lodge prices based on jungle lodge guest room prices based on suite 9 / Direct to Banjul. *3 night add on prices do not include flights but do include transfers. Longer durations also available please call for prices all-inclusive included from (on all-inclusive) bed & breakfast n/a - 30 beach baobab 14 sunset palm 18 beach palm 24 prices based on standard baobab room Direct to Banjul B&B included superior room premium room studio suite prices based on standard room Direct to Banjul B&B included all-inclusive light 20 3 deluxe from 8 premium suite from 18 prices based on standard room Direct to Banjul B&B included from superior room studio kololi apartment prices based on standard room Direct to Banjul B&B 8.50 from family room prices based on standard room nil Direct to Banjul B&B studio prices based on standard room 5 Direct to Banjul B&B included one-bedroom apartment prices based on standard room 6 Direct to Banjul self-catering payable locally smaller single studio nil sea view / deluxe apartment 5 / 16 prices based on standard apartment Direct to Banjul B&B included apartment 13 Direct to Banjul B&B payable locally n/a deluxe room 14 Direct to Banjul B&B payable locally smaller single room sea view nil 5 Direct to Banjul prices call or visit Gambia.co.uk 85

32 Prices are in s per person on stated board basis and room choice from Gatwick on a Tuesday and include 1 APD (refunded for children aged 2-11), 20 ADF and 40 of other known taxes and charges. For all flight supplements see pages All supplements and room upgrades shown are per person per night based on twin occupancy for November to April. Please call or visit Senegal.co.uk for longer durations, May to October prices and supplements. WINTER PRICES Keur Saloum Pg NOV 15-NOV 16-NOV 10-DEC 11-DEC 1-DEC 18-DEC 24-DEC 25-DEC 31-DEC 1-JAN -FEB 08-FEB 18-FEB 19-FEB 24-MAR 25-MAR 31-MAR 1-APR 10-APR 11-APR 30-APR Air-conditioning included, single room 11, 3rd person sharing - 8, child sharing (2-11yrs) - 12, full board 13, suite upgrade 1. Prices based on and in a standard room. 3 night add on prices do not include flights but do include transfers. Domaine les Palétuviers Pg Air-conditioning included, single room 12, 3rd person sharing - 10, child sharing (2-11yrs) - 16, full board 14, family rooms available, please call for details. Prices based on and in a standard room. 3 night add on prices do not include flights but do include transfers. Souimanga Lodge Pg Air-conditioning included, single room from 31, 3rd / 4th person sharing a suite 13, lagune lodge upgrade 10, suite upgrade 95. Prices based on and in a standard jardin lodge. 3 night add on prices do not include flights but do include transfers. Les Collines de Niassam Pg Single room from 31, 3rd person sharing - 13, child sharing (2-11yrs) - 33, full board 12, water house upgrade 15, bungalow upgrade 3, family room upgrade Prices based on and in a tree house. 3 night add on prices do not include flights but do include transfers. HOW TO BOOK CALL OR CHAT ONLINE WITH OUR EXPERT TEAM Our reservations staff will be happy to share their knowledge of the countries and help you plan your holiday. Our office opening hours are: 9am pm Monday to Friday 9am 5pm Saturday 10am 4pm Sunday The office may be closed during national and bank holidays. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. LOYALTY DISCOUNT Valued clients who have previously travelled with The Gambia Experience or The Senegal Experience in the last three years will qualify for a discount of 35 per person, a reduced deposit of 5 and a 10% discount on insurance premiums. The discount must be claimed at time of booking and is available throughout the year on hotel-inclusive holidays only, booked at the full brochure price and cannot be used in conjunction with a group discount. VISIT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT If you obtained this brochure through a travel agent, you will be able to book with them. VISIT GAMBIA.CO.UK You can check availability, prices and book your holiday or flight 24 hours a day online at Gambia.co.uk, Gambiaflights.co.uk or Senegal.co.uk 86 BOOKING CHECKLIST Deposit only 125 per person Make sure you have adequate insurance Seek travel health advice from GP Check your confirmation invoice Pay balance eight weeks prior to departure Payment by bank transfer, online, debit card or credit card (2% charge) Complete Additional Passenger Information (API) online RING THE GAMBIA EXPERIENCE ON OR THE SENEGAL EXPERIENCE ON For more information or to book online visit Gambia.co.uk

33 The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience is operated by Serenity Holidays (Serenity Holidays Ltd). We are committed to a policy of fair trading and make every effort to ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday with us. Our terms of trade have been formulated as a result of our responsibilities under law and in no way affect your statutory rights as a consumer. We accept responsibility for the quality of the holidays we provide and the excursions booked with our local representatives. Please read this carefully and keep with you on holiday as it sets out the basis of the contract between you and Serenity Holidays Ltd. We are a member of ABTA, membership number V5963. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. Further information on the Code and arbitration can be found at DATA PROTECTION When you make an enquiry or booking with us, information about you is collected. This refers to information such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and any special needs/disabilities or dietary requirements. By giving us these details, you consent for these to be used as necessary in processing your booking and complying with legal requirements (e.g. forwarding passenger lists to airlines). We may also use your details to send you future holiday brochures or advise of special offers from ourselves - should you NOT want to receive these, please tell us. Some of your information may be considered sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998, which will only be used when it is necessary for us to communicate your needs to a hotel or airline. For more information please refer to our Privacy Statement shown on our websites Gambia.co.uk or Senegal.co.uk We sell the following arrangements: Package Holiday A package holiday is a combination of at least two of the following services (a) transport, (b) accommodation or (c) other tourist services (not ancillary to any transport or accommodation and forming a significant part of the arrangements) where booked through us at an inclusive price. Accommodation or Flight only If you book accommodation or flight only through us, we will accept responsibility for your booking in accordance with the terms set out in the relevant sections below. As this is a single component, the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 do not apply. FINANCIAL SECURITY: If you book a package holiday through us the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this broczhure. For packages that include flights we provide this security by way of an ATOL (number 1866) administered by the Civil Aviation Authority. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package, or flight only arrangements, you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via your travel agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser s Licence number [1866]. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. For further information visit the ATOL website at The price of our air holiday packages includes the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. For packages that do not include flights, as a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) Serenity Holidays Ltd has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations In the event of Serenity Holidays insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged travel to and from your destination. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Serenity Holidays Ltd. In the above circumstances, if you have not yet travelled you may claim a refund, or if you have already travelled, you may claim repatriation to the starting point of your non-flight package. Flight Only arrangements are protected by our ATOL (number 1866) as described above. 1. YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING When making a booking you must be aged over 18 years and have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. All correspondence and documents are sent to the party leader who is responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. The contract is made on the terms of the information in this brochure, the details set out in the confirmation invoice. We agree that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction and English Law applies (unless you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, in which case you can bring proceedings in your local court under Scottish or Northern Irish law, as applicable). Our confirmation invoice is our acceptance of the booking (as detailed therein), and the contract is made on its issue. We ask you to check the details and any anomaly should be reported to us or your travel agent immediately otherwise the details shown on the confirmation will be presumed to be correct. Verbal quotations should not be considered binding until the first invoice confirmation is received. All holidays and offers published in this brochure are subject to availability at the time of booking. 2. PAYMENT If you wish to confirm a booking you must pay the deposit of 125pp. Your final payment will be detailed on your invoice and must be paid in full no later than 8 weeks before your departure, or your booking may be deemed cancelled and your deposits retained. If payment for your holiday is made by credit card a handling fee, currently 2% will be levied. 3. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING You will need to let us know as soon as possible either by telephone or in writing (or must ensure your travel agent does so on your behalf). Since we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the cancellation charges set out below will apply, calculated from the date on which we receive your notice of cancellation. You will then receive a cancellation invoice detailing any charges. No of days before departure More than 56 days days days days Less than 15 days Cancellation charge Loss of deposit 40% 65% 90% 100% The charges above apply to your total holiday price excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges or charges for goods sold and dispatched. The conditions of your travel insurance policy may allow a refund claim. Please note: if any members of your party cancel, but the others still wish to travel, it may be necessary to re-calculate the cost per person based on the new party size as the accommodation may now be under-occupied. This may result in an increased amount per person payable to secure the original booking. 4. CHARGES FOR NON-INCLUSIVE HOTEL ITEMS AND DAMAGES You enter into a separate contract with the hotel or residence for these items (e.g. parking, bar bills etc.), and agree to pay locally for any charges for items or services used by your party and not included in your holiday price. The accommodation we arrange for you can only be used by those people named on your Invoice. You are not allowed to share the accommodation with anyone else or let others stay there. 5. IF YOU REQUEST A CHANGE TO YOUR BOOKING All amendments to your booking, e.g. name changes, dates of travel or accommodation, will incur a charge, the amount of which will depend on the nature of the change and the time before the date of travel. Any changes made within 8 weeks of departure may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings. The lead name on a booking cannot be changed under any circumstances and this would also be classed as a cancellation and re-booking. 6. IF YOU BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT we will assume that in dealing with us the agent is acting on your behalf. All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times.. IF WE CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY Although it is unlikely, we may occasionally have to change your holiday arrangements and we reserve the right to change or cancel your booking. Most changes are minor and we will always endeavour to advise you or your travel agent of any such changes at the earliest possible date. Note: Any amendment or cancellation fees you incur in terms of other arrangements you have made with other providers under separate contracts are not claimable from us. Package Holiday & Flight only: A change of airline, aircraft type, overseas airport of destination, travel timings by 12 hours or less and accommodation of a similar or higher standard in the same resort or region are classed as minor changes which do not entitle you to cancel or change to another holiday / flight without paying our normal administration charges, and for which no compensation or refund is due. In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used as follows: Titan Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, Small Planet Airlines and Germania. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. The carrier may occasionally have to change the type of aircraft used on a particular flight without advance warning. In such circumstances where you have booked and paid an additional seat supplement and such seat cannot be provided, then you will receive only a refund of the supplement paid. Occasionally, we have to make major changes to your travel arrangements or accommodation. A major change is a change made before departure, which, on the basis of the information given to us by you at the time of booking we can reasonably expect will have a major effect on your holiday. The following changes are examples of major changes: changing travel times by over 12 hours, your UK departure airport (excluding London airports), your holiday region, a change to a lower standard or type of accommodation or reducing the number of days holiday. If we have to make a major change or cancel your holiday we will tell you as soon as possible. Where possible, we will offer the following options: you can either a) accept the changed arrangements b) purchase another holiday/flight from us at the advertised current selling price or c) cancel your booking upon which we will refund your monies in full and final settlement. If you have booked a Package Holiday, subject to the note below, irrespective of whether you choose a), b) or c) we will pay compensation to passengers who paid the full brochure price as follows: No of days before departure More than 56 days days days 8-14 days Less than 8 days Accommodation only: If we make a change to your accommodation and you don t want to accept it, you can take any alternative we are able to offer you (you will pay the increase in cost if the replacement is advertised at a higher price than your original booking, or receive a refund of the difference if it is less expensive) or a refund of the money you have paid to us. This does not apply where the change is not material. Examples of non-material changes include, but are not limited to, temporary withdrawal of facilities or seasonal unavailability of amenities. If we have to cancel your accommodation, again we may be able to offer you an alternative. If you accept it, you would pay the difference if it was advertised at a higher price than your original accommodation, or receive a refund of the difference if it was advertised at a lower price. Or we will refund the monies you have paid us for your accommodation. We will not be responsible to pay any compensation following a change or a cancellation by us. Applicable to Package Holiday, Accommodation or Flight only bookings: Amount for each full fare paying adult Nil Note: If a change or cancellation occurs because of circumstances beyond our control, for example war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, health risks, adverse weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports, epidemic or pandemic illness and all similar situations we will have no liability to you. No compensation payments, expenses or any other sums, including the cost of securing alternative accommodation will be paid by us. 8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT In the unlikely event you have cause for complaint whilst abroad, about the accommodation or about any other element of your holiday, you must refer it immediately to our local representative. It is unreasonable for you to take little or no action whilst on holiday and wait until you return to complain, and you must take reasonable steps to minimise the consequences of the problem. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. If a problem cannot be resolved locally you should complete and sign a Guest Comment form in resort, setting out the details of the problem. This should be handed to your representative who will give you a copy; it is essential that you also report the problem to any supplier of the service you are complaining about. Any complaint must also be followed by written confirmation of all the details, with any supporting evidence, within 28 days of your return from holiday. 9. OUR RESPONSIBILITY Package Holiday: If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However, we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of [3] times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: (a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and (b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions. You can ask for copies of the transport companies contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices: Serenity Holidays Ltd, Atlantic House, 3600 Parkway, Solent Business Park, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 AN. We do not accept liability for happenings or actions outside our control, e.g. delays to travel services, the temporary invasion of pests, the presence of indigenous animals or insects, government action, industrial disputes, damage or inconvenience resulting from the weather (e.g. drought conditions) or from acts of God, or your party s negligence resulting in loss or accident. If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances. If you have taken our recommended insurance cover, you must make an insurance claim in respect of any legal fees incurred abroad for that purpose, and if you have taken alternative insurance, you must do likewise under any Legal Expenses cover provided by it. You must also provide us with the confirmation from the insurance company of receipt of your notification to them of your claim. Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator. FAIR TRADING CHARTER Accommodation only: We have a duty to select the accommodation providers with reasonable skill and care. We have no liability to you for the actual provision of the accommodation, except in cases where it is proved that we have breached that duty and damage to you has been caused. Therefore, providing we have selected the provider with reasonable care and skill, we will have no liability to you for anything that happens at the accommodation or any acts or omissions of the provider or others. We also have no liability in the following situations: i. where the accommodation cannot be provided as booked due to circumstances beyond our control (see the Note in clause ) ii. where you incur any loss or damage that could not have been foreseen at the time of your booking, based on the information provided by you. iii. where you incur any loss or damage that relates to any business activity. iv. where any loss or damage relates to any services which do not form part of our contract with you. If we are found liable to you on any basis, we limit the amount we have to pay you to a maximum of three times the cost of your accommodation. This limit does not apply to cases involving death or injury. 10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY You undertake to exercise due and reasonable care in respect of your holiday accommodation and its contents, to leave it in a clean and complete condition, to respect local and on-site regulations and bye-laws, to limit party numbers to those on your confirmation, to remit payments as invoiced on or before the due dates, to indemnify us against all loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any act, default or omission of your party, and not to exceed the published occupation capacity of the accommodation. Any serious abuse of a property or its contents may render you liable to eviction without compensation. 11. PRICES AND SURCHARGES The price of your holiday was calculated using the exchange rate of 1 = 1.35 on 20th February We reserve the right to increase or reduce prices, and the current price of your holiday will be advised to you at the time of booking. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all the information and prices provided to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. In the event that an incorrect price has been given in error, any booking made based on this price, will not be valid. You will be advised of the mistake at the earliest opportunity and you will then have the option either to pay the correct price for the travel arrangements or to cancel and receive a full refund of any monies you may already have paid. Once you have booked your holiday we reserve the right to surcharge for cost increases due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed charges, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), taxes or fees chargeable for services such as landing taxes, embarkation or disembarkation fees at airports, and exchange rates. Package Holidays There will be no charge within 30 days of your departure. We will absorb such increases up to 2% of your basic holiday price (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges). If the surcharge is greater than 10% of your holiday price you have the option of changing to another holiday that we offer (if we are able to offer an alternative you will not have to pay more, but if it is of a lower quality you will be refunded the difference in price) or you have the right to cancel (within 14 days of receiving surcharge notification), in which case we will refund in full all monies paid to us except insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes will have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. Accommodation and Flight only We reserve the right to pass on all increases. If we ask you to pay us any increases in taxes, similarly, if any taxes you have paid to us are reduced or abolished, you will be entitled to claim a refund. Such right shall not apply in respect of any surcharge paid in respect of aviation fuel costs. 12. TRAVEL SERVICES When you travel by air the relevant carrier s Conditions of Carriage will apply to your journey, some of which may limit liability or exclude liability in accordance with the relevant international conventions. Copies of the conditions are available for inspection at any ABTA travel agent. Information given by us about such services is for guidance only and the carriers concerned accept no responsibility for our brochures. It is your responsibility to report promptly at the check-in times given by the carriers and with the appropriate valid travel documents (e.g. passports), and we cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by you if you fail to do so. Occasionally there are times beyond our control when a flight is delayed. We will work closely with the airline and our resort office to make sure any delay is as short as possible and that your overseas transfer and accommodation arrangements are changed if necessary. Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience of delays as far as possible. Under EU law you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delays to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Please note that reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause if we change your holiday.. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the Passengers Advice and Complaints team at the CAA ( passengercomplaints@caa.co.uk website In March 2006 the European Commission published a list of airlines considered to be unsafe and which are therefore not permitted to fly passengers or Cargo in the EU or operate within the European airspace. This list is updated every three months and can be viewed by clicking on the website for the European Commission Alternatively, should you wish to be sent a copy of the list, please contact us either by telephone or in writing. 13. TRAVEL INSURANCE You agree to our requirement: at the time of booking your holiday you either accept our travel insurance or you or your travel agent make immediate alternative arrangements with cover at least equal to our own policy. 14. SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES Where a swimming pool or other facility is referred to as being available for use, such availability is at the hotelier s discretion and is understood to be conditional upon temporary or unavoidable closure necessitated by: the hotels essential maintenance programme, accident, damage or malfunction of equipment, and in the case of swimming pools: compliance with any water conservation regulations imposed in times of drought, damage or malfunction of the mains water supply. The above are understood to be a result of force majeure and not to reflect on our failure to deliver an advertised facility. 15. ARBITRATION In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be settled amicably between us, you may if you wish refer the matter to arbitration under a special scheme, which, though devised by arrangement with ABTA is administered quite independently (details on request or from the ABTA website This is a simple method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted cost liability to the customer. The rules of the scheme provide that the application for arbitration must be made within eighteen months of the date of return from the holiday but in special circumstances it may still be offered outside of this period. The scheme does not apply to claims over 5,000 per person or 25,000 per booking, nor to claims mainly or solely in respect of injury or illness or their consequences. Alternatively, AITO s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution. 16. PASSPORT/VISA It is the responsibility of all customers to ensure they have a valid passport and to check entry requirements such as passport validity and any required visa. In addition, you must consult your GP for advice regarding recommended medication and anti-malarial drugs before you book. 1. HOLIDAY PARTICIPATION Should anyone be refused admission to the flight or to the destination country by the airline or government authority due to the correct documentation not being in order then we are powerless to assist and cannot be held responsible. Any passengers considered being unacceptably under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be denied boarding to the aircraft or entry into the country. In these circumstances we shall consider the customer as having given notice of cancellation and be under no liability for any costs or charges incurred as a result of our doing so. Contact your Local Travel Agent or call our experts on

34 We are an independent company where emphasis is very much on quality and service. We offer specialist holidays to other destinations and all provide excellent value and choice. The Senegal Experience Senegal.co.uk The Cape Verde Experience CapeVerde.co.uk Great Escapes - Short Breaks GreatEscapes.co.uk Corsican Places Corsica.co.uk Sardinian Places SardinianPlaces.co.uk Sicilian Places SicilianPlaces.co.uk TRAVEL AGENTS STAMP gambia.co.uk Call our reservations team on: (administration) holidays@gambia.co.uk