What people have said.....

“… thank you for a truly fantastic holiday. I have not felt so looked after and spoiled for a long time ! What a wonderful, relaxing and peaceful place to have the joy to find.” Sarah D, London -  Christmas & New Year 07

“Thanks very much for everything! The yoga, good company, excellent food and relaxing beaches was what I needed!! Hope to see you all again – we’ll be back.” Nicole Mitchell, Canada – Christmas 07

“What can we say except it’s been a wonderful experience. Have had an amazing time and met wonderful people, eaten fantastic food in a relaxing environment. Belle and Oli have been great hosts making us feel like part of the family. We will be back !”

Geraldine McG, London - New Year 07

“Thank you for sharing this beautiful part of Gambia with us. The relaxed atmosphere, good humour and wonderful people of Gecko Lodge was exactly what I needed.”

Fedor R, Holland – Christmas 07

Set within beautiful nature amongst palms & giant mango trees, with warm ocean surf and endless magnificent golden beaches near by. Gecko Lodge is the place to unwind have fun and enjoy the true healing power of YOGA, NATURE & SUNSHINE. If you need to escape the city stress, pollution, brush off winter blues and boost yourself into Spring, this is the holiday for you !

Gambia is often described as the smiling coast of  Africa with its friendly open people and its wonderful music, culture and markets. The weather is fabulous all-year-round  with temperatures not dropping below 30'c. Direct flight time is approx six hours from the UK - same GMT time zone, so not a hint of jet lag.

Gecko Lodge is a small ‘boutique’ family-run hotel located Southwest along the coast, away from the tourist beaches & package hotels, near the villages of Gunjur & Kartong which edges the Casamance Senegalese border - this area has been earmarked for small scale eco-tourist developments hence miles of endless golden sands and warm ocean surf.

Daily morning yoga practice will include Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control) and exploration of meditation to develop and deepen your practice in the warm African breeze. Yoga in the heat encourages the body to open up, the fresh unpolluted air energises and cleanses whilst the natural beauty, big horizons and tranquility of the environment soothes the mind and soul.

The rest of your time … your choice - swim and sun yourself, shell-comb, body board, fish, (nothing like fresh grilled lady fish for dinner!), do nothing (always a challenge...), treat yourself to a range of massage & beauty treatments, siesta with a good book, canoe up the nearby river to bird watch, cycle & explore the surrounding villages, play/sing/make some music (I’ll be bringing my guitar & voice). We can organize drumming & African dance tuition– (if you think you’ve danced, try this for size, a seriously exhilarating workout !) and on Sat nights you can dance to Ancelle’s local sound system under the stars and mango trees!

Trips can be organised to vibrant African markets,(great for fabrics, wood carvings & artifacts).

If you’re tempted by the bars, there is no curfew, but your yoga mat will be patiently awaiting you in the morning with the irrefutable law of cause and effect!

Things to pack :

Good factor Sunscreen

Sun Hat

Beach wear

Beach Towel

Torch (wind-up? no batteries required!)

Cotton Long sleeve top

Cotton Long trousers

Light Fleece for eve

Yoga wear

Yoga Mat

Meditation shawl

Small rucksack

Sandals/ Comfortable walking wear

Malaria Tablets (pls make informed decision - www.nelsonspharmacy.com for Homeopathic Malaria Tablets)

Mosquito repellent 

A good book

pen and paper

...a seeking spirit & a good-time smile!

Further reading:

The Rough Guide - The Gambia - Nov 06

www.hiddengambia.com

Lonely Planet - The Gambia and Senegal

DATES:

Week 1 - Fri 14 - Fri 21 March, 08 

Week 2 - Fri 21 - Fri 28 March, 08

COST: 

Option 1 - Week 1 or Week 2 : £595.00

Option 2 - Week 1 and Week 2: £895.00

Price includes all Yoga tuition, twin or double shared, en-suite, bungalow accommodation, delicious brunch & evening meals, 2 weekly excursions, airport transfers & local group transport.

NB Single occupancy, if available on arrival, at £150 supplement per week.

~ Flights not included.

~ As with all responsible travel, please ensure you have proper travel insurance.

Flights from  : www.thomascookairlines.co.uk, www.firstchoice.co.uk/flights,  www.gambiaflights.co.uk, www.thomsonfly.com