Jinack Lodge

Overview

Sitting right on the coast, amongst the coconut trees and mangrove creeks of Jinack Island, The Gambia, sit these eco-friendly, community run beach lodges. Set within the Niumi National Park this area is teeming with bird and wildlife, from crocodiles, dolphins, monkeys and vultures, Jinack Lodge is a paradise for nature lovers as well as giving you a cultural insight into the lives of the local residents. Each lodge features comfortable beds, private bathrooms, a kitchen area with cooking facilities and their own hammock and sun loungers perfect for relaxing in the hot African sun.  After dark sit around the fire on the beach listening to the beats of the local musicians and relax with a cold drink knowing that your holiday is helping to improve lives of local people.

Features

• Internet Access Included
• Self Catering
• Guided Wildlife Excursions
• En-Suite Rooms
• Eco Excursions and Tours
• Package Deals Available
• On Site Shop

Room information

	Description	Sleeps	Price
	Twin Bed Lodge Perfect for friends these private huts are located directly on the beach and feature a main room furnished with 2 single beds, an en-s... read more	1-2	£17.23 - £25.84 Per Person	Select room
	Double Bed Lodge Ideal for couples these private huts are located directly on the beach and feature a main room furnished with a double bed, en-suite b... read more	1-2	£17.23 - £25.84 Per Person	Select room
	Family Lodge Perfect for families these 2 bedroom private huts are located directly on the beach and feature a master bedroom, separate twin room, bathroom a... read more	1-4	£25.84 - £47.38 Per Person	Select room
	Bird watchers Lodge Perfect for nature lovers this lodge features its own viewing balcony with vast views of the surrounding area, a main room furnished w... read more	1-4	£25.84 - £34.46 Per Person	Select room

Volunteering Opportunities

If you’re feeling inspired to work with the local community you can volunteer to help build local resources, protect the natural area and improve lives of Jinack Island residents. From planting trees, providing access to water through building wells or helping build homes for the community the tasks you will be given will depend on your skills and interests. There’s no requirements to volunteer, just a friendly, proactive attitude, however experience in conservation or construction would be beneficial. Working for as little as a day, from 7 - 11 am and 5-7pm you’ll still have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your holiday during your stay.  In exchange for your time and skills Jinack Lodge offer reduced room rates of €15 per person per night for each full day of volunteering.

If you’d like to help out during your stay just let Jinack Lodge know in the special requests section of your booking enquiry form

About The Area

Based on the small island of Jinack, just off The Gambia on Africa’s west coast this eco lodge sits directly on the beach amongst coconut trees and mangrove creeks. Soft sand beaches and gently lapping shallow seas make the island perfect for beach walking, wading and paddling or just lazing in the sun whilst watching the dolphins go by from your hammock. As part of the Niumi National Park the island is also perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers with over 500 species of birds from red breasted Firefinches to the Bald Headed Vultures, Red Colobus Monkeys and spotted hyenas all living in the area. 

There are no roads on Jinack Island, with the only transport options being to travel by donkey and cart, bike or on foot. During low tide you may see the occasional bush taxi travelling down the beach

There’s plenty to see, do and experience in The Gambia, with a wide range of cultural activities, nature parks, beaches and craft markets all nearby. Below are a few of our favourites to help inspire your journey: 

• Learn to cook authentic Gambian dishes with the local villagers, using traditional cooking methods and techniques

• Get caught up in the rhythms of West Africa with drumming workshops and live music at Jinack Lodge 

• Visit Juffureh - the original home of Kunta Kinte inspired by Alex Haley’s movie “Roots”.  Now a UNESCO World Heritage site this village will give you an education into the dark history of the slave trade

• Head to Barra Market to buy your gifts and souvenirs directly from the craftspeople

• Take a tour of the mangrove creeks where you will have the opportunity to bird watch, spot basking crocodiles and witness oyster harvesting

• Visit the communities Jinack Lodge serve, meet the Alcarlo (village chief) and visit the schools and health clinics whilst experiencing the real Gambian/Senegalese cultures and traditions

Map

Activities and Nearby Adventures

• Community Development Volunteering
• Conservation Volunteering
• Cultural Activities
• Cultural Visits
• Farm visits
• Bird Watching
• Eco Excursions & Tours
• Traditional Craft Lessons

Meet the hosts

The story of Jinack Lodge starts in 2006 when Devon Caines and his girlfriend visited the small island on holiday and immediately fell in love with the beauty of the area and the welcoming smiles of the local indigenous people. After witnessing first hand how difficult life was for the Island community, with limited access to basic resources such as water, housing and electricity and surviving on very small incomes, Devon was inspired to help empower and develop the community. Devon got chatting to the manager of the lodge he was staying at who told him of his dream to build an eco-friendly lodge in partnership with the community and together they formed a plan to bring the community together to build a small eco lodge that would help deliver basic resources to the community, generate sustainable incomes and build much needed health and education facilities on the island whilst being sensitive to the natural area.  

How To Get There

Jinack Lodge can arrange for airport, mainland hotel or Barra Ferry Port transfers for an additional cost - just let them know if you need any assistance and they will be happy to help you plan your journey or arrange transfers at your convenience.

Fly - Jinack Lodge is Banjul International Airport, approximately 50 kms away by road and ferry.   

Public Transport - Take a taxi to the Banjul Ferry Port and board the public ferry to Barra.   Once you arrive in Barra you will need to take a bush taxi from opposite the Trust Bank, up to the Kayata village crossing, then take small boat, cross the Bo-long onto the Island where member of the Jinack Lodge staff will be waiting to meet you

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