Welcome to The Ark Residence Gambia
Africa's Smiling Coast
Big smiles, big beaches and big on wildlife - that's holidays to The Gambia in a nutshell.
The Gambia! - one blink and you'll miss it. Trace your finger from the Canaries and you will come across this tiny West African Nation, surrounded by Senegal on all three sides.
The Gambia may only be 31 miles at it widest point but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in personality.
The Gambia is dubbed the Smiling Coast of Africa , thanks to its friendly locals and lots, lots more!!!
The Gambia runs on UK time with an hour behind during British Summer Time (BST) , so there is the added bonus of a jet lag free journey.
Atlantic Shorelines
Most tourists are drawn to The Gambia's crowd free coastline beaches, with picture long strips of pale sand that go on and on gazing out across the Atlantic Ocean.
The high priests of this 50 mile long shoreline are undoubtedly Kotu and Kololi, these sun soaked sweeps are big , bold and bustling with action, the sands accompanied by craft markets and strips of bars and restaurants where you can tuck in to everything European, Indian, Lebanese cuisine including Gambian delicacies.
The Night life
Come sunset, The Gambia's has another calling card up its sleeve - an up and coming night life scene. Here's your opportunity to let your hair down , fill up on food and mingle with the locals. A lot of the action centres around Kololi's main tourist road, which has been nick named the Senegambia Strip!!! just after the Senegambia Beach Hotel which sits at one end of it all.
What started off as a few roadside shacks is now a long row of banks, restaurants,bars and clubs , where DJ's play the likes of Afrobeats , pop, hip hop and karaoke into the early hours.
The Ark Residience Services
Room Accommodation
• 3&4 Star Part & Fully Furnished Rooms ( two sharing )
•One Bedroom, Bathroom & Shower
•Sitting Room, Satellite TV and WiFi
•Outside Veranda
•Personal Cooking Facilities
• Check in time 9.30am
• Check out time 9.30am
THE ARK HEALTH SPA
Professional Health Treatment
•Reiki Hands On Healing
•Chakra Unblocking
•Chiropractic Massage
•Physiotherapy Treatment and Pain Relief
( prices upon request)
THE ARK HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON
Coming !!! early 2025
•Male & Female Hair and Beauty Salon
•Barbering, Hair Tint and Colour
•Dread Lock Treatment
•Hair Platting and Extensions
•Hair Wash, Steam and Blow Dry
•Head Wrap and Pin Tie
•Manicure and Pedicure
•Product Sales- Hair Gels, Sprays and Body Creams
( prices upon request)
Luxurious Accommodation
Experience luxurious rooms with modern comforts and traditional Gambian elements, ensuring a serene and exceptional stay.
Please email our contact page and all photos will be provided.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Gambian culture through dance, culinary classes, and art workshops, making your stay unique and memorable.
Things to do for First time visitors to The Gambia
Relax on untainted beaches!
While many holidaymakers will flock to the Canary Islands or the Caribbean for the beach break fill, The Gambia offers unprecedented access to the sun, sand and sea ; often just steps away from The Ark Residence.
Many beaches are secluded and untainted, the perfect spot to witness the sunset with family and friends
Meet wildlife in The Gambia's nature reserves
Holidays to The Gambia will provide some great wildlife spotting opportunities, for those who have packed their binoculars.
Numerous nature habitats are dotted around the country, including the Abuko Nature Reserve and Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Green velvet monkeys are a common sight in hotel grounds, you will never be too far away from some Gambian wildlife.
Explore the capital Banjul
A visit to The Gambian capital, Banjul will add some history and culture to your African adventure.
Away from Banjul's wonderful beaches there are interesting attractions to visit, which don't require you to don your swimming gear, includes Albert Market and Arch22
Embrace The Gambia's fantastic birdwatching
There are few places in the world to match the quality of birdwatching in The Gambia; just ask Chris Packham who returns here year after year ticking off some 600 + species of bird found in the country.
Soak up the sun during The UK winter
Throughout the UK winter, The Gambia enjoys uninterrupted sunshine, promising the ideal winter sun getaway for those hoping for a dose of Vitamin D etc.
November to May provides the best weather conditions with almost zero rainfall and temperatures well into the 30s
Local Markets
The Gambia is home to several hustling and bustling markets, all providing a great insight into, day to day Gambian life, as well as the opportunity to buy some souvenirs to bring home.
The craft market in Bakau is one of the best , where you can find beautiful woodcarvings for all your rooms including living room, bedroom and bathroom
always reminding you of what you left behind and need to return to year on year in The Gambia.
Gambian River Cruises
Fancy taking a cruise on The Gambian river?
Holidays in The Gambia offers so many various excursions and experiences for visitors
check them out !
Relaxation
For a more laid back experience, enjoy floating along The Gambia River on a barge boat, from where you can witness local fishermen, aquatic bird life, craft makers, nomadic fruit and veg sellers and lots more.
Up Tempo
if you like a little adventure Mangrove boat trips, full onboard meals and music.
There is so much more if you know where to look such as,
The Crocodile pool park where you can get close up to these living prehistoric creatures that have already been fed don't worry! (all supervised).
Snake farms, just feets away from lion guided tours.
Visit the very popular James Island also known as Kunta Kinti island where the Oscar winning film Roots was made.
Guided tour trips to neighbouring Senegal and lots! lots! More!!!
ALL EXCURSIONS MENTIONED ABOVE AND MANY MANY MORE CAN BE ORGANISED THROUGH OUR SPECIALISED RECEPTION TEAM
All Personalized Tours can be accommodated to your every need.
Please contact reception via our email, ahead of your proposed stay to confirm bookings and to highlight which excursion\s may interest you and the number of people in your group.
A small deposit will be requested in advance, as a down payment on which activity you would like to engage in.
Frequently Asked Questions & Feedback Reviews
How can I make a Reservation at The Ark Residence?
-Reservations can typically be made online through the hotels website, or by calling or messaging
The Ark Residence via the numbers provided on our contacts page.
What is the cancellation policy ?
-Our cancellation policy supports a full reimbursement , providing advanced notice is given no less than 14 days prior to the reservation start date at The Ark Residence.
Any deposits paid in advance for excursions unfortunately cannot be reimbursed, due to tour operators being paid in advance during peak season.
Do I need a credit or debit card to book a reservation?
We take credit/ debit cards for securing a reservation, BACS payments can also be sent via our nominated account. cash is also accepted at reception, providing prior arrangements have been made
Can I modify my reservation?
Reservations can be modified and upgraded to accommodate extended stays and pre-booked taxi transfers,. Please contact the The Ark Residence Reception directly, via the numbers provided on our contacts page.
Are pets allowed at The Ark Residence?
The Ark Residence does not permit pets onto the complex ( although under review) at the moment
Please use The Ark Residence email provided on our contacts page ,to submit any further questions or reviews as these pages are frequently updated
Feedback Reviews
“Our stay at The Ark Residence Gambia was exceptional. The staff were friendly, the facilities top-notch, and the atmosphere truly felt like home. Highly recommended!”
Sarah Thompson
My wife and I, had a exceptional visit last winter and can't wait to return in the New Year 2025
David Ellis
Contact us
Reach out to us for any enquiries or to book your stay. We are here to help!
Location
The Ark Residence Gambia
Bato Kunku Village
( Cashew Junction )
West Coast Region
The Gambia
West Africa
About us
The Ark Residence Gambia is a unique hospitality establishment located in Bato Kunko Village, West Africa, The Gambia.
Our mission is to provide our guests with a luxurious and culturally enriching experience, which combines the best of British, European and Gambian hospitality.
We offer a beautifully traditional and culturally designed accommodation, which blends modern comforts with traditional Gambian elements, ensuring a serene and memorable stay.
Our range of services include cultural experiences, personalised tours, and exceptional customer service.
We are dedicated to sharing the rich culture of Gambia with our guests, providing them with unique activities and insights that make their stay truly special.
Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, we strive to make The Ark Residence Gambia your home away from home.