Tumani Tenda is a Jolla Village with approximately 300 inhabitants living in seven extended families. It is situated 25 km East of Brikama and 3 km from Kafatu, on a tributary of the Gambia River.
A community has evolved which embraces a sustainable attitude to the natural environment, a socially responsible style of living, respect for the elderly, independence, self-sustainability and a sense of community. Tumani Tenda owns 140 hectares of land, of which 89 are sustainably cultivated, with a species rich forest that is continually upgraded with seedlings and serves as a pharmacy and natural water reservoir. Plants and crops grow in abundance and include maize, millet, groundnuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, bananas, grapefruits, oranges, mangoes, lemons and many others.
The Camp's accommodation is built in a way that is sensitive to its surrounding environment, using local resources and materials. The round houses consist of comfortable rooms, decorated and furnished to give an authentic African atmosphere. All the furniture is locally handcrafted and the tye dye material is made in the village. All rooms have mosquito nets and lighting facilities. The flush toilets and showers are situated behind the accommodation in a separate building. All water is clean, fresh and derived from one of the village wells.
The main meeting area consists of a beautifully built hut with a shell floor and big mohogany table for eating and relaxing. The buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinners served.here feature delicious typical dishes prepared by the women of the village. This area also includes the bar.
All the money spent by visitors to Tumani Tenda goes to the Village Development Fund. This fund is used for the development of facilities, infrastructure and family nedds within the village. So far money from the eco-tourism camp has helped to build the school, buying medicines, and support training and education for the village inhabitants. Visitors are assured that money spent st Tumani Tenda is a positive investment in people and their natural environment, which goes directly to Tumani Tenda by supporting community development projects.
There is a long list of activities that help to involve visitors in the life and culture of the village. The area is very rich in birdlife, and our village guides will show you many rare and beautiful species.
We ask visitors to respect the customs and religeon of the people. Please refrain from wearing short skirts and short shorts. Swimwear is also not acceptable in public areas.
photographs copyright Giovanni Atalmi ©2006 (vilca.org)
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING AVAILABILITY, PLEASE ENQUIRE, USING THE FORM BELOW.
