Steve G
RAINBIRDER
Hi John,John Gibson2 said:A cautionary note! We have booked a fortnight at Karaiba Hotel and have just been told that they have overbooked and do we want to cancel or switch to a lower grade hotel, The Ocean Bay. On confirming we would accept and go to the other hotel, one day later we were told that hotel has also overbooked and would we like to cancel or downgrade even further. It would seem that a booking in Gambia is not a guarantee, even though we paid well in advance. Communicating our changing plans to our long suffering guide is now bordering on the farcical. Am I just unlucky or is this a common occurrence.
John
Sorry to hear about your problems.
The Kombo beach or Senegambia would also be reasonable alternative options if these options are available.
I have been to The Gambia a number of times & have never experienced this problem before (though I have had these problems in Spain & Greece).
Which travel company did you book through as I suspect the problem lies there?
I firmly believe that the most reliable way to organise a trip to The Gambia is through The Gambia Experience as their knowledge of the country, expertise & most importantly their admin staff based in The Gambia help prevent this problem from arising.
If not too late why not phone the UK office of The Gambia experience to see if they can supply a suitable last minute package & if so cancel your current package.
Certainly if you downgrade further then I think you should make strong representations to the company you booked through but please don't let this experience put you off the country, it's a great place for a relaxing holiday & the birding is simply amazing & so accessible.
Best wishes,
Steve