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Reviews of Mandinka Lodge

Mandinka Lodges & Guest House, Kololi, Gambia

#1 of 10 hotels in Kololi

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 17 hotel reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.9

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    8.3

  • Facilities

    9.5

  • Staff

    10.0

  • Value for money

    9.7

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Showing 1 – 17

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2025

    8.0
    A very relaxing holiday, everything and more that I could have hoped for
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 11 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Diane and Lamin were excellent hosts. Accommodation very comfortable and clean. Very close to shops,restaurants and beach….a perfect location!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 March 2024

    10
    A hidden gem near Senegambia . Quiet , clean and secure . Nice gardens with plenty of bird life .
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 20 nights

    Nothing

    Great location , great hosts.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I liked everything, but having access to a kitchenette on site would be great.

    The place is very nicely decorated, Bintu cleaned it very well, everything was comfortable. I would definitely stay here again. The walk to the beach or to restaurants wasn't too bad, but could be hot and dusty. Thanks for the relaxing stay.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Water pressure and a bit noisy

    Decoration, location, comfort, cleanliness and staff

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2023

    10
    Very relaxing atmosphere
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything nice

    Peaceful & nice people

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 November 2023

    9.0
    A relaxing oasis in Senegambia
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 21 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It wasn't a problem for me but it should be noted it is fan's only and not air conditioned.

    The Madinka Lodge was a little oasis near the Senegambia Strip and beach. Diane and Lamin were wonderful hosts, and the other staff, Bintu (cleaner), Boba, and Backa (security), were always friendly and helpful. The gardens, chill out areas, and small pool provided a lovely relaxing atmosphere that I spent quite a few hours in watching the colourful birds and lizards. The lodge is about 5-10 mins walk to the strip and a further 5 to the beach. Its worth walking another 10 mins to the poco loco beach bar as that's a much better beach.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 November 2023

    10
    Urban oasis
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 10 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The area is not really walkable, you have to travel everywhere by car because of the state of the roads, heavy traffic, and people bothering foreigners. So even though the beach is not so far you will still need a taxi to get there. Also be aware there is no air con, which for me was fine.

    A very beautiful comfortable and well-kept lodge, the surrounding garden is totally lush and idyllic with lots of singing birds that will wake you up in the morning. I loved its traditional design, you can tell a lot of care and attention went into it. The hosts and the staff were super friendly and helpful at all times and will make you feel at home. Thank you Diane Lamin and all the staff for my wonderful stay!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 October 2023

    8.0
    Really lovely hosts, lovely room and calm and quiet garden.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The street the lodge is on has no lights, quite close to the beaches and restaurants but at night not the nicest walk back (you can of course take a taxi).

    Diane and Lamine are the kindest hosts, and my room was great, nicely done and spacious. The lodge is down a smaller street, very calm and quiet.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 8 nights

    Our stay at Mandinka Lodge was exemplary, and there was nothing to dislike.

    Our stay at Mandinka Lodge in The Gambia was incredible, thanks to the exceptional hospitality of Diane, Lamin, and their team. From the moment we arrived, they provided insightful information on the country. They recommended local places to see, such as Paradise Beach, where we enjoyed delicious fish and chips. Lamin also took us to the Tanji fish market, where we witnessed the unloading of fishing boats. This experience was genuinely worth it. Throughout our stay, Diane and Lamin were readily available to ensure our experience exceeded our expectations. Diane's optional breakfast was delicious, and we loved trying the locally made Baobab Juice and Wonjo Juice. If we preferred to stay in for dinner, Lamin would happily arrange for us to have a local takeaway, and Diane would supply us with beer for a small cost. The lodge's natural ambience was remarkable, featuring a roof crafted from coconut palms, screened windows, and a charming porch. The rooms were comfortable, with a mosquito net-covered bed, tiled floors, and rattan furniture, and the closet provided ample hanging space. Although a safe was available, we felt secure and didn't need to utilise it. The pool area was stunning, providing the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration. Additionally, we embraced the local custom of showering with a bucket and cup, which, although unfamiliar to some, was quite exhilarating, especially when using cold water. Overall, we loved our stay at Mandinka Lodge and would undoubtedly go again. Diane, Lamin, and their team went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable, and we cannot thank them enough. We highly recommend Mandinka Lodge to anyone seeking an exceptional experience in The Gambia.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights

    There was nothing I did not like.

    The hosts Lamin and Dianne were most welcoming, personally escorted to room on arrival, which was beautiful and clean. Location was good, walking distance to the beach and restaurants There was a pool when walking to beach was too much. There is 24 hour security and always felt welcomed as a lone traveller. The garden area was peaceful and relaxing. Personal touches extended were thoughtful. Would highly recommend Mandinka Lodge, and would stay again. Thank you.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 March 2023

    10
    Regardless of arriving and leaving at 01:30. Diane and Lamin, arranged transfers and we were greeted with hot water for
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing. Diane and Lamin, and all the staff are wonderful. Watching the colourful birds feed each morning with our breakfast was blissful. Along with the lizards.

    It was a beautiful haven from the hustle and bustle outside. It was clean and the suite was very comfortable.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Couple
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 11 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Diane and Lamin were superb hosts, they made us feel really welcome. The lodges are really comfortable and we had a great stay. I hope to be back in the future.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2022

    8.0
    very nice week at Mandika Lodge for a first time In Gambia. Diane and Lamin have been very helpful, welcoming and friend
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s a little hard to find as first as it’s on a small road and corner, but there is an indication to find it. The road outside could be improve as it’s a little hard to walk in especially when it rains. It would be nice yo have a microwave in each houses to make it easier to warm up the food.

    Very nice lodge with beautiful plants. The African style houses are very confortable and pretty. It’s a very calm area to stay ideal to rest and relax, never too crowded.

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: 6 November 2022

    7.0
    Diane will do her utmost to welcome you at her property. I was well looked after and it’s only a 5-10 minutes walk to th
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No air con.

    Very safe and fairly central.

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 14 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • One-Bedroom Suite
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in February 2023

Showing 1 – 17

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