Holiday Beach Hotel
Kololi
The Gambia

On 10th January, we flew from Gatwick to Banjul, The Gambia.
After a six hour flight we were in Gambia International Airport. NB NO ambilift, so leaving the plane, is down the steps (walking or carried, in the wheelchair).
We made our way to the coach that was taking us to our apartment/hotel, Holiday Beach in Kololi.
The Hotel is at the end of a, 100mtr, slightly sloping, drive made of Oyster Shell-which is very dusty (the drive is dimly lit, at night).
Our two bed roomed, ground floor, apartment was a very short walk, from the main reception area and even shorter walk, to the beach, (day time temperatures 28-32 degrees- HOT!!!).
There are steps into the complex, but with (steep) ramps, the paths are concrete, with a, fairly smooth surface.
There are small steps into the rooms, (my room, 317, had 3 shallow, steps), a small terrace, through (sliding) patio doors, with two double beds, dressing table, wardrobe, two single 13 amp plugs (in corner of room), NB Power cuts are the norm (you are advised NOT to use, high demand appliances), shower room with toilet and basin (all floor tiles can be slippery when damp). No view to the rear, front view of the pool area, which is cleaned daily, (has a ledge all around the edge) entered via a ladder.  Pool bar, restaurant (with a ramp over the step).
Short path (and step) to the Beach bar,(serves drinks and snacks, for those,, who, cant manage the sand) plus, steps down to beach, soft white-ish sand (the "Bumsters" (the local`s  will hassle you, but a polite NO THANK YOU, will help, as will the fruit sellers (the juice and fruit salad is wonderful).
There were plenty of places to eat on the Serragambia “strip” (once you run the gauntlet of “Bumsters” with their verbal hassling).  Every type of cuisine can be found. This short street is very busy and chaotic. (The driving is very nerve racking!!!) cattle and people all over the road. Tarmac roads are very rare, majority of roads are sand and very very rough. (Don’t forget, you are in one of the poorest parts of Africa).
During my stay I visited many tourist places as well as the local people and a school. Go with guide, for a good experience (but beware who you choose, as there are some rogues out there!!).
I was prepared to do some walking, but I ended up leaving the chair behind, and used  my walking stick, as accessibility, in Gambia, is NOT provided for. (but you WILL have plenty, of help, from passers by).
We all see pictures, on the TV (or other media) but the poor conditions, that they learn in and LIVE in, It is, a SHOCK when you see them “First Hand”.

Flights from the UK, cease from April to October, except with Gambia Experience http://www.gambia.co.uk/default.aspx .

The extra effort, put in to this holiday, made it a worthwhile experience that has very good memories.  My return will be soon.