Responsible tourism

Balaba Nature Camp is a family-run business employing local people. Lamin is concerned to ensure that the impact on the local environment is minimal and in keeping with the local way of life, hence the use of solar power and water from the well. Where possible, food and other goods are sourced locally, enabling the local rural economy (often subsistence farming) to be supported.

We have a small women’s garden at Balaba, where some of the local women are cultivating vegetable plots in our large garden area because they don’t have enough space in their own compound.

Lamin is also actively involved in conserving the local habitat, working with those around him to tackle issues such as deforestation. Our carefully cultivated mature trees and forest patches now provide important habitat for local wildlife, since much of the surrounding area has now been cleared. 

If you are concerned about responsible tourism, and making a contribution to local life, Balaba provides the ideal opportunity for you to experience the ‘Smiling Coast’ of Africa in an exciting and enjoyable way. The accommodation and ethos of Balaba is deliberately aimed at the independent traveller who is looking for something a bit ‘different’. A stay here will give you genuine taste of Gambian life and a greater understanding of the local culture, as well as benefiting the local economy.