The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland. It covers an area of about 11000 square kilometres. The Gambia River crosses the country from east to west and divides it into two halves. Today we turn our attention to the south of the English-speaking country of Gambia. The region shines with diverse scenic beauty, historical significance and cultural attractions. The absolute highlight of the area is the Halahin River, which flows leisurely between Brikama and Kartong and flows into the Atlantic. People here are friendly and somewhat shy. The biodiversity is unbelievably…
The South of The Gambia is pure Africa
The south of The Gambia offers a unique mix of coastal landscapes, nature reserves, historical sites and cultural experiences. These are more rural villages and towns, suitable for both nature lovers and travellers who want to experience the local culture. Here you can still experience driving with almost no traffic, amidst often picturesque natural landscapes.
Quiet nature, lovely birds and sometimes monkeys
Ria Rugge runs this tourist oasis in the rather unknown southwest of The Gambia. The Dutch owner of the idyllically situated Kurumbo Lodge on the Halahin River has managed in many years of painstaking development work to create a refuge for guests that is excellently suited for a short or long-term holiday throughout the year.
The authors see particularly great potential in the plans for expansion. Currently, Kurumbo Lodge offers 8 guests plenty of space and the absolute tranquillity of a natural forest and partly savannah landscape with extensive mangrove forests on the Halahin River….
The resolute lady has created this wonderful guesthouse with much love for nature and details. On more than 5ha (52000sqm) not only the most diverse bird species and the very nice and dedicated staff feel at home, but especially the guests of the unique lodge. Ria Rugge offers a lot, among others painting, dancing and also drumming courses – her lodge is called in other words like the local musical instrument.
Happy guests enjoy good food and the nature
Guests at this beautifully situated lodge enjoy the peace and quiet and the proximity to Africa’s diversity of flora and fauna. The lodge is also located directly on the banks of the Gambia River and from here you can occasionally watch fishermen chugging towards the sea in colourfully painted wooden boats.
We asked a young lady from the country’s capital why she likes Korumbo Lodge so much:
Ria is a nice lady from the Netherlands and she owns Kurumbo Lodge
Ria comments:
“The term ‘kurumbo’ means something like forest/bush in Mandinka, but is also used in The Gambia to refer to a type of traditional dance or musical instrument. It is a special type of drum used in West African culture, including The Gambia. This drum has an important role in the music and dances of the region. Occasional events with skilled drummers are legendary and guests are invited to join in drumming or dancing.” What is surprising at Kurumbo Lodge grounds is the variety of birds of all types, colours and sizes. The soundscape of the birdlife only comes into its own here, as the usual engine noise of boats, mopeds and cars / trucks is missing. Ornithologists will find ‘their’ paradise here. I wonder if Africa might have looked like this to the few European visitors 150 years ago … ?
Kurumbo Lodge protects the nature
Ria has a petrol generator for all emergencies, but no NAWEC connection. The somewhat unreliable NAWEC is the local state electricity supplier and generates electricity from diesel generators that are not very environmentally friendly and expensive. The environmentally conscious Dutch rely exclusively on solar power with storage of the energy for the night. And the sun shines in this paradisiacal environment with 3500-4000h ideally almost every day, even in the rainy season. Kurumbo Lodge uses a relatively clean and economical 4-stroke engine (consumption approx. 3 litres of petrol per hour) for the boat tours on the Halahin River, but is planning an electric motor drive in the future, powered by Kurumbo Solar Energy.
Healthy and delicious cuisine at Kurumbo Lodge
The cuisine at Kurumbo Lodge is known for tasty food. Many a guest has stayed longer than initially planned for this reason. In addition, the nature of the surroundings is captivating and all the activities in this idyllic setting certainly have an appetising effect.
Affordable prices for food and beds
The night starts at 990 Dalasi (approx. 17 US Dollar) for 1-2 persons plus 200 Dalasi (approx. 3,50 US Dollar) per person for breakfast in the “museum round hut”. It is simply designed, offers African decorations. Toilet/shower in the bathhouse 10m away. The upgrade double rooms cost 1500 Dalasi per night for 2 persons including breakfast in low season. In high season the price is 1800 Dalasi. There is another round hut, better equipped and that costs 2200 Dalasi (37 US Dollar) per night including breakfast for up to two guests.
Kind gesture
Kurumbo Lodge overnight guests always enjoy our Biofarming natural products’ popular and healthy Kurumbo herbal tea at no extra charge and as much as they like. Long-term stays are available on request, with significantly reduced weekly and monthly rates. There are Kurumbo weekly packages with half board and excursion offers. Dining in the tranquillity is a delight. On the Kurumbo Lodge terrace or in the spacious dining room, it tastes good….
Ria Rugge’s vision
The almost 80-year-old Dutchwoman Ria Rugge speaks excellent English and German. The artist and boss of Kurumbo Lodge is very committed, guests are really warmly welcomed here …
“We will have a few more comfortable round huts very soon, of course integrated into the landscape of Kurumbo Lodge in the most environmentally friendly way possible. At Halahin River we plan to open a very nice fish restaurant with access from the land side as well as from the river.
The more guests that visit us, the more trees we can plant. We also allow guests to harvest their own fruit, for example the mango season is in June/July each year and African mangoes are juicy and sweet. We try to be self-sufficient, and this is becoming more and more successful thanks to our organic cultivation of fruits and vegetables and the like. We bake our own bread in a stone oven.
Currently we have six bee colonies in the mangrove areas at the Halahin River, soon there will be ten. Our honey can compete with the best on the planet because of the unpolluted nature. Bee colonies are part of the sustainability of our lodge…”
Arrival at the cute eco lodge:
From Senegambia or Banjul, head along the Atlantic coast on the Coastal Road to Kartong. Behind the church, motorists turn left and drive about 2.5km to Halahin River and Ria Rugge’s lodge. Welcome to paradise!
Any questions? Ask Ria and her nice crew
