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By Yankuba Mamburay Located in the district of Foni Berefet, Western Region of The Gambia, Sankiliba Eco-Lodge is a lodge that is worth its name. It is a lodge that is the epitome of a natural, symbiotic relationship between man, trees, animals, birds, and several other living things and the natural environment as a whole.
Founded by a young man (Mr. Lamin Badjie) who has the foresight, charisma, and courage to go back to his roots, Bessi village, West Coast Region, where his father and extended family hailed from, Sankiliba Lodge has proven to be a destination where tourists (domestic and foreign) want to visit again and again. Bessi is located at some eighty kilometers from Banjul. It is less than two kilometers away from the River Gambia.
 Sankiliba Eco-Lodge is just a few meters away from the River Gambia and about five kilometers away from Berefet Village, which also has some historic areas of its own. The lodge is surrounded by trees, some of which have been grown by the proprietor, while some have grown naturally and have been there for ages.
 True Eco-Tourism
Sankiliba Eco-Lodge is a 40 minute scenic drive from Brikama and about the same from Kanilai. It is set in a beautiful, Cultural Forest, a few meters inland from the banks of the River Gambia. It is only a short distance from the traditional villages of Bessi and Brefet. It is an awe- inspiring area of natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife. It has an easy river access from Banjul and opportunities to cruise the beautiful Foni and West coast region.
 Steeped in history and culture – Sankiliba provides the perfect opportunity to explore the ‘Roots’ trail with Kunta Kinteh Island only a short boat journey away. Name originates from the magnificent and mystical sacred tree Sankiliba, which was also an original settlement for ancient Jola tribes, some of whom were engaged in palm wine tapping, hunting and fishing. It remains a strong focal point for the area today.
It has strong spiritual links for by-gone generations – symbolic representation of the female rites of pass age ce remonies in Gambia, such as circumcision.
Sankiliba Lodge has African style round houses built in a traditional style with modern interior design. Symbolising what it really stands for (Eco-tourism), the lodge is powered by solar energy. The rooms are however decorated with suite bathroom facilities. The rounds houses are comfortable, well-appointed and are set in beautiful, wild gardens.
Bantaba/Restaurant accommodates up to 30 people and it is also round-shaped. The space around it is huge and allows you to see through environment and enjoy nature’s beauty – the birds, trees, flowers, insects, the sky, and more – while you eat.
Sankiliba is known for its variety of food which is available with the emphasis on local cuisine to take advantage of local markets and seasonal produce. The lodge makes available local style cooking over an open fire – true Gambian style!
There is ample opportunity to explore the forest and paddle out to experience the majestic mangroves. The opportunities include:
 Good Fishing
Safe Swimming
Bird watching
Boat excursions to Kunta Kinteh Island etc
Follow the historic ‘Roots’ Trail
A visitor will be mesmerized by the incredibly beautiful landscape & wildlife, with serene, peaceful, relaxing & comfortable accommodation. Sankliliba offers flexible package of activities to suit differing needs. It offers a taste of real Gambia with the opportunity to explore real culture & tradition. The area has a link to Oyster collection, salt production etc.
Future Plans
The lodge has a wide scope for development of more accommodations, Conference facilities, improved river access, develop forest school education projects, set up ‘Foni Nature Trust’ to ensure the conservation & protection of this beautiful area. The plan also includes the creation of volunteer workforce to ‘police’ the area and develop training programmes for staff.
  Current research has indicated that part of the original slave trail was from Bessi Tenda to Brefet Tenda. The area has been overlooked as an important region which has a great contribution to make to help discover the full historical picture of slavery in our country. This lodge provides a unique opportunity to raise the profile of the area and make a positive contribution to the development of Tourism,  Arts & Culture in The Gambia.
It also makes the experience eco-tourism feel more realistic and give real opportunity to be part of the local history of the area. The opportunity to explore beautiful, natural environment and unspoilt landscape more closely is quite amazing. Walking around in the vast natural vicinity of the lodge is good for exercise, health, pleasure and interest. Furthermore, this lodge appeals to variety of age groups. Some people might be surprise to know its close proximity and links to Kunta Kinteh Island
 It is the intention of the proprietor, Mr. Badjie, to conserve the natural beauty of the area and maintain the historical links as the area should be maintained as a Gambian Heritage Site. Moreover, he wants the area to serve as a ‘tool’ for the development of education on issues such as conservation and history.
Responsible Tourism
While many hospitality entrepreneurs are in business solely for profit maximization, Lamin has more ambition that profit per se. Responsible tourism is his goal and he has instilled this culture into his entire workforce. Continuously the lodge is working hard to sustain and improve the natural environment for true eco-tourism.
  In addition, Sankiliba provides a more original, ‘hands on’ feel to the slave trade experience, which includes the Roots Trail from Sankiliba, through the forest, to Berefet river side, and across the River Gambia to Kunta Kinteh Island, a short-time cruise to the historic site. In short, Sankiliba Eco-Lodge creates a strong, memorable cultural, relaxing, and environmental package.
 On the issue of social responsibility, there is ample opportunity to contribute to the development of a unique package which will attract many tourists, develop employment opportunities in the area, develop marketing of local products, and sensitize the community through education and raising awareness. The lodge intends to continue to conserve the natural beauty of the area.
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