We have never used the same hotel so many times, as we normally like new experiences, but when we found an hotel as good as this, we keep wanting to return! We have stayed in different rooms over the years, but we prefer to pay extra and stay in either one the Manor Suites or the Penthouse Suite (despite all the stairs in the latter!)

Food was as good as ever; and it's great that so many of the staff have been there for years and welcome you back as long lost friends. New manager Jenny is extremely efficient, and runs the hotel well.

In the past, we have always enjoyed the gentle, quiet music whilst we have our evening meal - as it is lovely to hear the crickets and the sea in the background. Some of this year's entertainment included more international music and was too loud for us in such a pleasant setting. But other people have different tastes in music, so you can't please everyone all of the time!

Unfortunately my wife picked up a virus - probably before we came or on the plane - so it was necessary for the hotel to call out a doctor. Dr Hassam Azadeh from the Medical School at the University of The Gambia called three times to check that my wife was responding to treatment, and he was excellent. The hotel staff were really kind, and Jonathan was happy to prepare whatever food my wife wanted as she recovered. It was reassuring to have such support when ill away from home.

With such kind & welcoming people, excellent food, comfortable suites, lovely gardens and warm sunny weather - it sounds boring, but we shall return again!

If you want to get away for a little peace and quiet in a beautiful location, Ngala Lodge is the place to go to. The staff are great, the food is lovely and the location is bliss. Having travelled extensively around the world this is one of my favourite hotels. I cannot praise Ngala enough!

Just had out second visit to Ngala Lodge, not at all disappointing the second time around. Beautiful setting, marvellous rooms and fantastic food. The staff make the whole experience a truly great one. One can lie on the decking on the beach, on a lounger in the garden or by the pool, whatever suits you or how hot it is!! If you like birds this is definitely an area to be in, vultures circle above on thermals and then sit in the trees you are walking under. It is set also in a quite area close to various embassies, army barracks and fire stations. However, you are only a short walk or taxi ride from very authentic Gambian villages and towns. Although you do get some hassle when out and about from the locals they do respond to a pleasant turn down.
We also added a three night stay in the Mandina floating lodges which was an altogether different and worthwhile experience. Literally floating in the mangrove swamp, listening to the Baboons in the trees and watching all manner of birds flying past and the occassional fish leaping out of the water. All this and first class accommodation and food. Definitely not to be missed.