Farakunku Lodges

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Here are some answers. If there’s something else you’d like to know please email us.

Health Precautions?

Malaria control by prescribed tablets should be arranged with your doctor at home prior to visiting Africa. We have mosquito nets at all windows and over the beds and we have the grounds sprayed regularly against insects, for your comfort. However if you are prone to bites, please bring repellent and bite relief creams.

Should I bring Sterling or Dalasi with me?

We advise that you wait to buy local currency (Dalasi) until you reach Gambia. We can change money (cash £ sterling )for you at Farakunku at a far better rate than in UK. Alternatively you can change money for cash at Banjul airport on arrival or at one of the money changing offices on your way to Farakunku. We regret we don't take cards. The nearest ATM is a half hour drive away.

Do you have proper beds?

We have super king size four poster beds with deep sprung mattresses and pure cotton sheets to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Light blankets are also provided and summer weight duvets for cooler nights in Jan and Feb.. At night the only sounds are the cicadas and grasshoppers and in the morning you will waken to bird song. There is no passing traffic noise.

What do I need to bring?

Light cotton clothes, swimwear, sandals and beach towels. Medical supplies, toiletries and sun creams. A camera and binoculars, if you plan to go bird-watching.

Can we drink the water?

Although we drink our own filtered well water we recommend that you purchase bottled drinking water either from us or from local supermarkets.

Do you supply an Airport Service?

We will meet and return you from and to the airport at a cost of £30 each way. Please request this at the time of booking.

Is there any internet access?

Yes, we offer free wifi within the grounds.

What about insurance?

We recommend that you take out your own holiday health and accident insurance.

What are the toilet facilities?

Each lodge has en-suite facilities with a European flushing toilet, hand basin and shower.

Is there a mains electric supply?

The lodges have a constant supply of power from solar panels which give you lighting, fans and hot water showers. There are no electric sockets for your own electrical equipment however, as this would disturb the balance of supply and demand for each lodge and could jeopardise the overall facilities of your own lodge. A fridge and freezer in the restaurant keeps drinks cold for you to enjoy. We regret that hairdriers or travel kettles and other equipment that require heating elements cannot be used. See below for info about recharging equipment. phones and cameras can be recharged at the 3-pin UK style sockets in the restaurant.

How can we help local schools or local families? What should we bring to give?

Small items such as pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, exercise books, sharpeners, simple picture/word books can be donated to our local nursery and primary schools and are always welcome. We prefer to take a boxful once or twice a season rather than disturb the day with guests arriving and the teachers making a song and dance of the whole episode (literally). The local families live in very humble conditions and we are very pleased when guests bring items of childrens' clothing, soft back packs, caps and flip flops. Another way to help (which some guests have already done) is to decide to sponsor a child to attend school. £60 per annum is sufficient to give a child the termly fees, uniform, a pair of shoes ,a daily lunch and pencils and paper. Most local families can only afford to send perhaps one child to school in a large family. Please see our Foundation web site for details on sponsorship.

Do you offer excursions?

Depending on distance and therefore fuel costs we will offer a personal guide/fixer (Moses!) or our driver for the duration and charge a realistic price (less than commercial tour operators) Some parts of any trip include paying for local people’s services as we like to support small enterprises.

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Frequently Asked Questions