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Balafon Beach Resort

Property class: 3.5
3.5-star beachfront hotel near Bijilo Forest Park

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Photo gallery for Balafon Beach Resort

An aerial view of a resort with multiple overwater bungalows, a central pool area, and a beach with sun loungers.
A four-poster bed with a canopy, a bedside table, a television, and a window with curtains.
A beachside dining area with tables and chairs, palm trees, and a tent.
A beach with palm trees, clear blue water, and a few people.
An aerial view of a resort with thatched-roof bungalows, palm trees, and a beach area.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Kololi Beach, Serrekunda
  • Place, Kololi Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Senegambia Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Bijilo Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Banjul (BJL-Banjul Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

A resort building with a pool, lounge chairs, and a thatched-roof balcony.

Premium Room, Private Pool, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Ocean View

A beach with palm trees, lounge chairs, and thatched umbrellas.

Premium Room, Ocean View

  • Partial sea view
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

A swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and a building with a balcony.

Premium Room, Private Pool, Garden View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room, Garden View

A building with a curved facade, two windows, and a balcony.

Premium Room, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 323 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, Garden View

Two thatched-roof buildings with balconies, surrounded by greenery and overlooking a beach.

Standard Room, Garden View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room With Garden View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)

Standard Room With Garden View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Garden View

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)

Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Garden View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Ocean View

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a sofa, and a window with curtains.

Swim Up Pool Deluxe Room With Ocean View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Serrekunda

On the beach.You'll find Bijilo Forest Park and Senegambia Craft Market within 3 miles (5 km) of this hotel. River Gambia National Park and Gambia National Museum are within 12 miles (20 km).

What's nearby

  • Kololi Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Senegambia Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center - 2 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Bijilo Beach - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Bijilo Forest Park - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Banjul (BJL-Banjul Intl.) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Sol - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Mani Sushi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Solomon's Beach Bar - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Ginger - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Spice Of Istanbul - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Balafon Beach Resort

3.5-star beachfront hotel near Bijilo Forest Park
Step outside to unwind on the sand beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with complimentary cabanas and umbrellas. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa and enjoy amenities at Balafon Beach Resort like a lazy river and an outdoor pool.

There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a beach bar, a poolside bar, and a bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a garden and a terrace. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Serrekunda hotel.

  • 88 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 2016
  • Cabanas on the beach (free)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Cabanas by the pool (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • ATM
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar on the beach
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
  • Swim-up bar
Balafon Beach Resort offers 88 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas. Beds feature premium bedding. Premium satellite television is provided.

Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. This Serrekunda hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

The onsite spa has couples treatment room(s). Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Beach yoga
  • Full-service spa
  • Lazy river
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite premium channels

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shared bathroom (in-room sink)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: midnight

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children 13 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 13 are welcome.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: GMD 2800 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 13 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.

Property is also known as

Balafon Hotel Serrekunda

Balafon Serrekunda

Balafon Hotel

Balafon Beach Resort Hotel

Balafon Beach Resort Serrekunda

Balafon Beach Resort Hotel Serrekunda

Frequently asked questions

How close is Balafon Beach Resort to the airport?

Balafon Beach Resort is 12.3 mi (32-min drive) away from the Banjul (BJL-Banjul Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Balafon Beach Resort have an airport shuttle?

Balafon Beach Resort offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of GMD 2800 per vehicle, one-way.

How close is Balafon Beach Resort to the beach?

This hotel is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Balafon Beach Resort offer free breakfast?

Balafon Beach Resort does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Balafon Beach Resort?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Balafon Beach Resort?

Check-in start time: 3:30 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Balafon Beach Resort?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Balafon Beach Resort have a pool?

Balafon Beach Resort features an outdoor pool.

Does Balafon Beach Resort have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Balafon Beach Resort have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features mani/pedis, facials, and body treatments.

How close is Balafon Beach Resort to downtown Serrekunda?

Balafon Beach Resort is 0.3 mi away from Kololi.

Balafon Beach Resort Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 116 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 116 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 116 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 116 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 116 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
AC cool very nice atmosphere!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Helen Frances

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
We had one of the rooms on the beach, which was the most amazing location. 30 metres from the waters edge, so to go to sleep to the sound of Atlantic waves was amazing. Comfy bed, we slept 8-10 hours per night. Also had a pool, shared with our neighbours. Food was ok, the Strip was a 15 minute walk away. Did a one say Safari to Senegal which was AMAZING.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Omar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is the second time we've stayed at the Balafon Beach resort. The staff is so welcoming and kind and always treat us like family..always
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

pau

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beachside hotel, lovely location with excellent service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

EDWARD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Badu, my cleaner was super friendly and did a good job in cleaning my room. Security in the area we're good too so you feel safe. Air con worked,no problems in the heat. Pool was freezing but counter with the sunny hot day, just dry it off . Staff were friendly and strict with letting unknown visitors in ,so that was good. Good peace of mind for safety. Overall the stay in Gambia was an experience
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nomi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Balafon Beach resort

The stay was super Pleasant and the staff is super friendly. There is a private Beach with guards to make sure all people staying here are safe😀 Nice pool and rooms with aircondition
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice accommodations. Attentive staff.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Tysheena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, inviting, immediately accessible to the beach. Extremely friendly staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Reinhilde

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The own was excellent The staff was always friendly, smiling and helpful The garden on the hotel is beautiful
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

tykeen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked that it was exclusive to the beach and the warmth of the environment and staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Essa

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Lovely stay

Really nice staff and really nice rooms The food as Ok and the pools are really clean We had a really nice stay at Balafon hotel Thanks to the nice people who work there
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mahamadu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was great
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

M

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay

Everything was ok apart from been a room with limited entertainment i.e the atv was not functioning properly.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Fatimah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely resort with amazing staff. Fatu and the rest of the restaurant staff were fantastic, really great customer service. The swim up pool was great. Love the tucked away feel of the place. A nice stay
Stayed 10 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely place

The internet service was not good, but the staff, food, service and facilities were great
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jose Luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was ok. I’ve stayed at this hotel three times.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Fred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was good
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kamau

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Flawless

Great time, from check-in, to kitchen staff, to cleaners, to entertainment, great value and lovely staff. Really enjoyed our time. Recommend the premier room pool view!! Closeness to beach is so ideal too, great for relaxation or a stroll to enjoy the sunset. Nice walk 15 min walk to Tropics Mall and shout out Vibrations cafe for a healthy vegan option outside of the great food provided at Balafon. Would definitely come again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

makisa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don’t know what to say here , the hotel was okay , the room and appliance need a serious update, everything is old and smell . We had to ask them to spray our rooms so I can sleep . The staff at the restaurant were very nice . The food was great. Transportation is terrible, limited access. We had to walk to the road several times to catch cab .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds and rooms, access to beach for walking or swimming plus on site pools. Major negative is no relationship with taxis; I feel I was gouged every time I tried to take one.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rekitha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was friendly and respectful from the time I arrive to the time I departed. Always a smile on everyone face was amazing. I love it there and wish I didn’t have to leave. The breakfast buffet is the best. I’m a breakfast person. The lunch was nice but the dinner was ok.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Luud

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Good and save hotel. Water in the pool little bit cold. Nice Staff. Entertaiment mediocre. Wifi can be better
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nothing but good to say

I have nothing but good to say about this hotel! The facilities are beautiful, rooms spacious and comfortable and direct beach access with lot of sunbeds available. Staff are attentive and caring. We had an issue with our room (not the hotel’s fault) and they really went out their way to find a solution and ensure we had a pleasant stay. Which we did. Couldn’t be more grateful, will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely smaller hotel

Lovely hotel! Right by the beach. Great breakfast with a friendly chef cooking your eggs in the morning! Walkable to the strip in the day time if you fancied a night out and of very short taxi there/ back. Only thing I would comment on is the lack of door in the bathroom. A curtain or something would be good at the very least!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022