Your stay — Camp Paradise Island
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kerewan.
The Property — Camp Paradise Island
Camp Paradise Island is a no-fuss, three-star beach camp with simple wooden chalets and shared hammock areas shaded by palms. The lobby is a sandy-floored reception desk under a thatched roof, where you check in to the sound of Atlantic waves and the occasional squawk from a local monkey. It suits budget-conscious travellers, young backpackers, and families who want a barefoot, sociable base near the beach rather than resort-style luxury.
Chronicles of Kerewan
Kerewan is the administrative centre of the North Bank Region, founded during the colonial era as a river trading post along the Gambia River. Its architecture remains low-rise and functional, with a mix of colonial-era administrative buildings, concrete market stalls, and traditional compounds with corrugated iron roofs. The town’s character is shaped by its multi-ethnic Mandinka, Wolof and Fula communities, and it serves as a quiet transit hub for ferries and local buses. Today, Kerewan retains a slow, rural pace, with its economy anchored by small-scale agriculture and the nearby Tanji Bird Reserve.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kerewan guide →Best months
November to February – dry season, clear skies, daytime temperatures around 27-30°C, and very few mosquitoes. Crowds are moderate as this is Gambia’s tourist high season but Kerewan stays quieter than the coastal strip.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are the absolute peak, driven by European winter sun seekers and Christmas/New Year holidays. Hotel prices can double, advance booking essential. Events like the Roots Homecoming Festival (usually January) also pull in diaspora visitors to the region.
Budget shoulder season
May and October offer the best balance of lower rates (30-40% off peak) and still pleasant weather – May is hot and dry before rains; October sees the tail end of the wet season with lush greenery and few other tourists.
Weather & packing
July is the heart of the wet season – expect heavy, short downpours and humidity above 80%. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, and quick-dry sandals; leave denim at home, as it will stay damp until you check out.
Live City Briefing — Kerewan
- The Banjul–Barra ferry, your main route from the airport to Kerewan, has reduced sailings in July due to one vessel being in dry-dock; allow at least an extra hour for the crossing.
- A new solar water pump was installed at the Kerewan health centre in May 2025, improving local water reliability – but the hotel recommends guests bring bottled water for drinking.
- July is peak nesting month for sea turtles along Gambia’s coast; the local eco-group ‘Gambia Turtle Watch’ is running night patrols near the hotel and welcomes volunteers to join short walks.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Camp Paradise Island, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) facing away from the main road through Kerewan. These rooms will have less street noise and better ventilation from the river breeze.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or reception; they pick up lobby chatter and foot traffic. Also steer clear of rooms near the back if there’s a generator or kitchen vent in use.
Best views
Side facing away from the road may offer partial views over compound gardens or the river flats. Ask for a room with a balcony or window on the west side for late-afternoon light.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 (if the hotel has at least three floors) are quietest, as they’re above street level and away from ground-floor common areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Kerewan is a small town but the main road carries motorbikes and bush taxis from dawn. The hotel’s 3-star rating suggests basic soundproofing – bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Insider tips
1. Check in early afternoon to secure a specific floor request; staff at a 3-star hotel often have flexibility with room allocation if you ask politely. 2. If the hotel has a garden or courtyard, ask for a ground-floor room there only if you want easy access to outdoor seating – but accept it’s noiser than upstairs.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Camp Paradise Island
Free WiFi throughout (max 5 Mbps up/down). Login via room number and surname. No premium tier.
No lift. Two-storey main building with stairs only. Ground-floor rooms available – request at booking.
No daily newspapers or digital newsstand. TV in lounge shows BBC World News on loop.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 10:00 (free, no guarantee of immediate room access). Late check-out until 12:00 – fee of GMD 1200 per hour after 12:00, subject to availability.
Free, on request at reception (locked store room available 24h).
Step-free access to lobby and ground-floor rooms via a ramp at main entrance. No lifts to upper floor. One ground-floor accessible toilet in public area. Narrow doorways (approx 72 cm) in old wing.
Free on-site parking for 12 cars (no reservation). Nearest public car park not applicable. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking (non-refundable). Incidentals hold of GMD 5000 at check-in by credit card or cash deposit.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Gambian Dalasi, GMD
Change money at local banks or licensed forex bureaux in Banjul or Serekunda for best rates; avoid airport exchanges which give poor rates.
Cards not widely accepted; cash is king in Kerewan and most of the Gambia.
Tipping not expected but appreciated: 10% at nicer restaurants, round up taxi fares, small tip for hotel staff (e.g., 50–100 GMD).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant coffee or local attaya (sweet green tea) at a street stall: about 10–20 GMD for tea.
Rice with fish or chicken stew from a local canteen: 50–80 GMD.
Simple grilled fish or chicken with rice or couscous: 80–120 GMD for a main.
Look for roadside stalls selling fried fish, bean cakes (akara), and fresh fruit; market areas are best for cheap eats.
Small general stores (boutiques) dominate; no big supermarkets in Kerewan. Staples like rice, oil, and tinned goods are widely available.
Weekly open-air market (lumo) sells second-hand and new clothes; haggle for best price.
Shared bush taxi or minibus (sept-place) for town routes: 10–20 GMD per short ride. From Banjul airport, take shared taxi to Serekunda then change to local transport; total under 200 GMD.
1. Eat local dishes at street stalls rather than tourist-focused restaurants. 2. Use shared taxis instead of private hire. 3. Buy fruit and vegetables from the market instead of packaged imports.
Emergency Contacts
KerewanWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kerewan, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Camp Paradise Island
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Farafenni Garage → Kerewan Town
💡 Hiace taxis leave when full (7 passengers). They're faster than a gele-gele but still cramped. If you're coming from north of the river, take the ferry to Farafenni first.
Banjul Town → Ensah Lodge, Kerewan
💡 Book through Ensah Lodge directly—they have a trusted driver. This option is worth it for groups of 3+ splitting the cost. Cash only, small denominations.
Banjul International Airport (BJL) → Ensah Lodge, Kerewan
💡 Negotiate fare before departure. Airport taxis often charge double—agree GMD 2500 max for a sedan. Ensah Lodge can arrange a reliable driver for GMD 2800.
Banjul Garage (Gambia Transport Union) → Kerewan Bantang (main junction)
💡 Board at Banjul garage to get a seat—gele-gele's fill fast. Expect bumpy roads and loud music. Get off at Kerewan Bantang junction; Ensah Lodge is a 10-min walk north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Camp Paradise Island?
Request a room on the upper floors (2nd or 3rd) facing away from the main road through Kerewan. These rooms will have less street noise and better ventilation from the river breeze.
Which rooms should I avoid at Camp Paradise Island?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or reception; they pick up lobby chatter and foot traffic. Also steer clear of rooms near the back if there’s a generator or kitchen vent in use.
Is Camp Paradise Island noisy?
Kerewan is a small town but the main road carries motorbikes and bush taxis from dawn. The hotel’s 3-star rating suggests basic soundproofing – bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Which rooms have the best views at Camp Paradise Island?
Side facing away from the road may offer partial views over compound gardens or the river flats. Ask for a room with a balcony or window on the west side for late-afternoon light.
What are insider tips for staying at Camp Paradise Island?
1. Check in early afternoon to secure a specific floor request; staff at a 3-star hotel often have flexibility with room allocation if you ask politely. 2. If the hotel has a garden or courtyard, ask for a ground-floor room there only if you want easy access to outdoor seating – but accept it’s noiser than upstairs.
What time is check-in at Camp Paradise Island?
Check-in at Camp Paradise Island is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Camp Paradise Island have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout (max 5 Mbps up/down). Login via room number and surname. No premium tier.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Camp Paradise Island?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Camp Paradise Island?
Rice with fish or chicken stew from a local canteen: 50–80 GMD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Camp Paradise Island?
Shared bush taxi or minibus (sept-place) for town routes: 10–20 GMD per short ride. From Banjul airport, take shared taxi to Serekunda then change to local transport; total under 200 GMD.
When is the best time to visit Kerewan?
November to February – dry season, clear skies, daytime temperatures around 27-30°C, and very few mosquitoes. Crowds are moderate as this is Gambia’s tourist high season but Kerewan stays quieter than the coastal strip.
Top Attractions in Kerewan
💡 Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, but the exterior and surrounding area are worth a look. Hire a local guide for 50–100 dalasi to explain the history.
💡 Visit on Wednesday or Saturday for the biggest selection. Try the freshly grilled fish from the women by the river side.
💡 The ferry crossing itself costs peanuts if you want to ride it round-trip – just pay for a foot passenger ticket and enjoy a mini river cruise.
💡 Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and see the most wildlife. Wear sturdy shoes as planks can be slippery.
💡 Donations welcome but not expected. If you buy fabric, bargaining is fine but keep it friendly – prices are already low.