Dear guest,

It is my pleasure and honour to welcome you in our unique boutique hotel and make your stay an unforgettable , very special one.

I was born and raised in the Netherlands. I grew up in a big , wonderful family as the youngest of 8 . Although I love my country, something happened  when I first set foot on land in this unique little country and its people: I fell in love with the Gambia, like many do .

It did not take long before I eventually decided  to leave my fantastic job at KLM airlines , Schiphol airport, which I enjoyed much for some 9 years, to pack my bags and move to the Gambia.
Now 16 years ago, I still wake up every morning, delighted and greatful , considering it a  big blessing  to be here.

I did start a small dairy company from my own kitchen in Kololi. That went so well that we decided to build a small , more professional factory. From there on it never stopped expanding , in the beginning with 10 types of fruit jam and Aloe Vera products
Some of the items of it will be served at your breakfast and the Aloe products are for sale at the reception shop.

Peter and I are acquainted since he started building his extraordinary  and unique lodge at the most idyllic spot Gambia has.
I have been impressed all along to see his project grow into a lovely, absolutely great and desirable holiday home.
When there is anything I can do to make your stay even better at our Ngala Lodge, please do not hesitate and let me know

Claudette Sarr-Krook

For more than ten good years from security till assistant manager of Ngala Lodge.
One of the pillars who is making your stay to a great memorable holiday.
The best Gambian managerial talent of The Gambia.

Jonathan did his training at the Charing Cross Hotel in The Strand and Westminster College.
He then acquired the travel bug & thirst for new cultures & cuisines.

After a year in Libya he returned to London’s Barbican centre for two years and then spent 3 years in Amman, Jordan.

His first Executive chef position came at the age of 30, in then, a leading hotel of the Gambia.
After 3 years his hunger for more knowledge led him to Paris where he spent one year before returning to London again, at a casino in Knightsbridge where he stayed for 6 years, followed by a second visit to The Gambia in the largest hotel for another 6 years.

The well worn chef’s clogs then moved through Abu Dhabi & Dublin before returning “back home” to The Gambia again in 2005. He spent 3 years at one of the other 5 star boutique hotels here, a stint in Sweden and then here at Ngala since December 2010. Jonathan’s style of cuisine is healthy and light, made easy (he says) by using the fresh fish, herbs & local produce.

Jonathan Groves.