Where is Gambia?
Gambia is in West Africa. It is a former British Colony based on the River Gambia. There is approximately 60 miles of coastline and 500 miles of river.

How do I get to Gambia?
There are flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Bristol.  Flights can be booked directly through Fly Thomas Cook or via Gambia Experience.  The flights is about 6 hours and the time difference is +1 hour depending on GMT or BST.  If you have any problems booking flights you can always contact us direct and we will help out.  Flights from Europe are widely available from Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands and Spain. 

Where in Gambia is Hibiscus House? In Brufut, a smallish village near the West coast. It is about 20 mins from the airport and 10 mins from Senegambia. 

The hotel is located about 400 yards off the coastal road. From the airport turn left at the roundabout and continue for about 1000 yards. At the Gamcell mast turn left (signed to Hibiscus House). Continue down the dirt road for about 400 yards and turn left at the sign outside the yellow Maggi shop.

The hotel is about a 10/15 min walk to Brufut beach but we recommend going to Batakunku which is about a 10 minute drive. 

Brufut is a typical West African village and contains a couple of schools, market and football club.  The village is lively and full of atmosphere.  The hotel is located in a peaceful area, however, the noise of children playing and the 'call to prayer' can sometime be heard from within the hotel compound.  For the majority of guests this is part and parcel of staying in the heart of an African (and Muslim) village.

When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is anytime between October and May.  July to September is the rainy season and can get very humid.  The flights are also generally a lot cheaper during the October to May period.

What is the weather and climate like?
The weather from October to May is warm to hot.  Temeratures range from late 20's to mid 30's.  

Click here for an up to date forecast:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/568?&search=banjul&itemsPerPage=10&region=world

Can you hire a car at Hibiscus?
Yes – car hire can be arranged. Payment is in cash and is about £30 a day (subject to exchange rate). Cars can be parked in the Hibiscus car park during your stay.

Other forms of transport is by booking a taxi. This can be arranged through the reception.  

What is there to do in Gambia? There are many trips and excursions available through Hibiscus House, whether it fishing, beach safari, trips up river or simply relaxing in the evening with a sun downer on the beach.  For more information please browse the website or contact us direct.  All trips can be booked and paid for in the UK.

Is there a safe?
Yes – there is a central safe at the hotel for all valuables.

Is Gambia safe?
In general the Gambia is a safe country, however, we advise that caution is taken with valuables when out and about.  The hotel is 100% secure and has 24 hour security as a precatuion.

Is there help 24 hours a day?
There is somebody on reception / entrance of the hotel 24 hours a day.  If there is an emergency then a memeber of hotel staff or management is always on site to assist.

Is there WIFI?
Yes – the hotel has WIFI and is accessible in the rooms and around the poolside.  If you don't want to bring a computer then special arrangements can be made to use the owners computer in the case of an emergency.

Are Mosquito's a problem?
During the on-season (Nov to May) they are not such a problem, however, as Gambia is a Malarial zone, we strongly advise all guests should also consult their GP on appropriate ant-malarial measures and other inoculations at least 10 days prior to travel.  Each room has fully integrated mosquito nets on each window and bug spray.  We can provide extra bed-nets if required.  We also advise to bring your own skin spray.See the World Health Organisation website for more info: http://www.who.int/countries/gmb/en/

What currency can I bring?
Gambia is predominantly a cash society but we do accept credit & debit cards at Hibiscus House.  Credit cards and debit cards are transacted via our on-line service, and will be subject to a 2.5%/1.25% surcharge respectively. We advise that guests bring cash in Sterling, Euro or Dollars and exchange for local currency (Dalasi).  

There are ATM’s (which only accept VISA) but they are somewhat temperamental.   Travellers cheques are also fine but visiting the bank can be time consuming.  

Are there problems with food/drink?
All of the food served at Hibiscus House is fresh daily. It is fine to drink the tap water, however, we advise bottle water just in case. We can recommend other restaurants for lunch and supper if required.     

Do Hibiscus provide airport pick up?
Yes if you book 3 nights or more. If not then the price will be £10 per person each way.

What are the differences between the rooms?
There are 6 garden rooms which are either twin or doubles. They all have a garden/terrace area along with ensuite wetroom.  

The Cassurina Suite is a lot bigger than the Garden Rooms and has a fridge, complimentary bottle of wine and room for a further single bed should it be required for use by a child.  

The Hibiscus Suite is the largest and is arranged over two floors. The bedroom, at first floor level, has ensuite wetroom. The ground floor sitting room area has access to a garden area and can sleep a further two people on single beds. There is also a kitchen area and fridge with complimentary wine.  

Is there a restaurant and bar?
Yes – there are two.
Hibiscus Restaurant and Bar and Blue Bar.
Hibiscus is part of the hotel and provides a local/international menu all freshly cooked. The bar serves drinks all day and night including local cocktails. 

The Blue Bar is a more local bar serving more casual food. It is adjoined to the hotel but not part of it.  

Is there any entertainment?
Yes – Hibiscus provides an African dancing and signing night along with buffet on a Sunday and a Fish BBQ on a Tuesday. Further entertainment can be provided at request.

What sporting facilities are there?
There is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi as well as bikes and fishing rods to hire.  The Owner, Susan Clifford-Webb, also provides holistic treatments and Pilate's.  Manicures, pedicures and massages are also available.