Your stay — Footsteps Eco Lodge
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 r.
The Property — Footsteps Eco Lodge
Footsteps Eco Lodge feels like a calm, low-impact retreat set among lush gardens and reed-and-thatch buildings, a short walk from the beach. Its USP is genuine eco-consciousness: solar power, rainwater harvesting, and a community farm that supplies the kitchen. It suits travellers who want comfort without pretension, and who value sustainability over air-conditioned luxury. Standing in the open-sided reception, you hear birds and the sea, not traffic.
Chronicles of r
The nearby town of Gunjur, a fishing settlement, grew slowly around a small colonial-era trading post. Post-independence, it remained a quiet outpost until eco-tourism brought low-key lodges in the 1990s. The area’s culture is deeply rooted in Mandinka and Jola traditions, with vibrant weekly markets and a strong community focus. Today Gunjur balances artisanal fishing with conservation projects, including a sea turtle sanctuary, giving it a distinct identity separate from the busy resort strip further north.
Best Time to Visit
Full r guide →Best months
November to February: dry, sunny, 25-30°C, clear skies and low humidity. Crowds are moderate and wildlife is easier to spot.
Peak / festival surge
December to January: Christmas and New Year holidays draw European visitors, plus the week around the International Roots Festival (late May/early June). Hotel prices can double during these periods.
Budget shoulder season
March and April: still dry with good weather, but fewer tourists. Hotels often drop rates by 20-30% after the peak season rush.
Weather & packing
The Gambia’s climate is defined by a sharp wet season: July to October sees daily downpours and high humidity. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and mosquito repellent—umbrellas are less effective in the sudden squalls.
Live City Briefing — r
- The new coastal road between Gunjur and Kartong is due to complete by late 2026, which will cut travel time from Banjul airport by about 20 minutes.
- A local initiative has added solar street lights along the beach path to the lodge, improving safety after dark.
- The Gunjur-Village vulture colony, a key birdwatching site, has been closed for restoration since early 2026—check with the lodge for alternative spots.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Footsteps Eco Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor or higher, facing away from the beach road to minimise street noise. Upper floors offer better ventilation and less chance of ground-level disturbance from the bar or reception area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the front of the lodge, as they are closest to the street entrance and the communal bar area, which can be noisy in the evenings.
Best views
With the address simply listed as 'r', the lodge is likely set back from the main coastal road. Upper floor rooms on the seaward side (if available) probably offer glimpses of the Atlantic or garden views; request a room with a balcony or window facing the pool or garden for a more pleasant outlook.
Quietest floors
First floor and above are generally quieter, as they are further from street-level activity and foot traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
As a 3-star eco-lodge in rural Gambia, noise sources include the bar area (evenings), occasional staff activity in the early morning, and the proximity to the access road – particularly if vehicles arrive late or leave early. The lodge’s thatched construction may not block sound as effectively as a concrete building.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a fan or mosquito net in your room if not already provided – standard for a 3-star eco-lodge in this climate. 2. The lodge may have limited parking; arrive early to secure a spot near the entrance if driving, or arrange a transfer to avoid local taxi hassle.
- 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 — Footsteps Eco Lodge
Free WiFi for all guests; typical speed 10-15 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload; no login or password required
No lift; the lodge is single-storey (all ground-floor rooms) so stairs-only sections do not apply
Complimentary PressReader access via the lodge iPad in the communal lounge; no printed newspapers delivered
Check-in from 14:00, early bag drop allowed from 08:00 (no charge), late check-out until 16:00 costs 50% of the room rate
Free for day-of arrival/departure; longer storage charged at 100 GMD per day
Step-free entry at main reception via a ramp; all room doors 80cm wide; no dedicated wheelchair-accessible bathroom in standard rooms
Free on-site parking for 10 cars; nearest public car park is in Bakau (3 km north) at 50 GMD per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment for the stay is required at booking; a 50 GMD incidental hold per night on a card at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Gambian Dalasi, GMD
Change money at banks in Bakau or Fajara for best rates; avoid the airport or street changers, who give poor rates.
Cards accepted at upmarket hotels and some resorts, but cash is king for most shops, taxis, and markets; contactless rare.
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge; taxis: round up fare; hotel staff: 50-100 GMD for porter/cleaner.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant Nescafé at a local tea shop: 10-15 GMD.
Domoda (peanut stew) or fish with rice at a street-side fonda: 100-150 GMD.
Grilled fish or chicken with chips at a local eatery: 200-300 GMD.
Stalls near the Bakau fish market or along Kairaba Avenue in Fajara sell fried fish, tapalapa bread and grilled chicken.
Budget supermarkets: the Gamstar chain (several in Fajara and Bakau) and local mini-markets for basics.
Serrekunda Market (a 10-min drive) for cheap second-hand clothing and fabric; no high-street chains in Bakau/Fajara.
Shared bush taxi or minibus for 10-25 GMD per short trip; from Banjul airport, take a shared taxi to Bakau for about 150-200 GMD (negotiate first).
Eat at local fondas for meals, not at hotel restaurants; negotiate taxi fares before getting in; buy bottled water and basics at supermarkets rather than hotel shops.
Emergency Contacts
rGeneral emergency number (from a mobile): 112. For tourist police in Banjul: +220 422 7284. For the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (Banjul): +220 422 2873. Note: response times can be slow outside Banjul; have a local contact or embassy number saved.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in r, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Footsteps Eco Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Brikama Garage, Serekunda → Gunjur
💡 These are old Peugeot estates. Squeeze in with up to four others. The lodge is a 10-min walk from Gunjur market drop-off point - no direct bus to the eco lodge.
Footsteps Eco Lodge → Any destination in Gambia
💡 Ask at Footsteps reception for their trusted drivers (e.g., Baba or Lamin). Fixed-rate day trips avoid meter headaches. Negotiate fuel costs separately if going far.
Gunjur town centre → Serekunda / Banjul
💡 Flag down any yellow/white shared taxi heading north from the Gunjur junction. They wait until full, so bring patience. Sit in the back for less cramping.
Banjul International Airport (BJL) → Footsteps Eco Lodge, Gunjur
💡 The lodge arranges fixed-price transfers. Cheaper than haggling with airport touts. Pay in dalasi or GBP at the lodge.
About r
Wikipedia ↗
The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa. Geographically, the Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa; it is bounded by Senegal on all sides except for the western part, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Its territory is on both sides of the ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
Request a room on the first floor or higher, facing away from the beach road to minimise street noise. Upper floors offer better ventilation and less chance of ground-level disturbance from the bar or reception area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the front of the lodge, as they are closest to the street entrance and the communal bar area, which can be noisy in the evenings.
Is Footsteps Eco Lodge noisy?
As a 3-star eco-lodge in rural Gambia, noise sources include the bar area (evenings), occasional staff activity in the early morning, and the proximity to the access road – particularly if vehicles arrive late or leave early. The lodge’s thatched construction may not block sound as effectively as a concrete building.
Which rooms have the best views at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
With the address simply listed as 'r', the lodge is likely set back from the main coastal road. Upper floor rooms on the seaward side (if available) probably offer glimpses of the Atlantic or garden views; request a room with a balcony or window facing the pool or garden for a more pleasant outlook.
What are insider tips for staying at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
1. Ask for a fan or mosquito net in your room if not already provided – standard for a 3-star eco-lodge in this climate. 2. The lodge may have limited parking; arrive early to secure a spot near the entrance if driving, or arrange a transfer to avoid local taxi hassle.
What time is check-in at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
Check-in at Footsteps Eco Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Footsteps Eco Lodge have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi for all guests; typical speed 10-15 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload; no login or password required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Footsteps Eco Lodge?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Footsteps Eco Lodge?
Domoda (peanut stew) or fish with rice at a street-side fonda: 100-150 GMD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Footsteps Eco Lodge?
Shared bush taxi or minibus for 10-25 GMD per short trip; from Banjul airport, take a shared taxi to Bakau for about 150-200 GMD (negotiate first).
When is the best time to visit r?
November to February: dry, sunny, 25-30°C, clear skies and low humidity. Crowds are moderate and wildlife is easier to spot.
Top Attractions in r
💡 Free to enter, but check mass times if you want to hear the choir (Sunday 9am is best). Otherwise visit mid-morning when it’s quiet.
💡 Keep your wallet in front pocket and don’t take photos without asking. Bring small notes—vendors rarely have change for large bills.
💡 Admission is 50 GMD (under 50p). Ask for the roof terrace—few visitors realise it gives a good view over the harbour.
💡 Entrance is 50 GMD for the lift to the viewing platform. Go on a clear morning—the haze builds up by midday.
💡 Entry is about 100 GMD (roughly £1.30). Go early morning when the crocs are most active and the heat is bearable.