The camp, located some 300 meters away from the Atlantic Ocean along the pristine beaches of Sanyang village, a coastal, cultural settlement in Kombo North West Coast Region, was established in 1992 by Saikou Demba, a veteran Gambian hotelier.
Saikou initially became a private entrepreneur in the hotel and hospitality industry back in 1977 when he emerged as the founder of the then ‘Netis Bar and Restaurant,” but that was after several years of work in the hotel. He is also the founder and current owner of Leybato Hotel in Bakau and Leybato Sunrise in Sanyang.
It’s no secret that a clean serene environment is an important recipe for a peaceful and happy quality time, which is just a tip of the iceberg, considering the additional top-notch facilities and services the newly refurbished Sanyang Nature Camp offers. The nature Camp which according to the proprietor was created with a view to complementing government’s efforts particularly in promoting eco-tourism, could be referred to as the Gambian version of the “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” due to its strategic location on the cliff of the Atlantic Ocean. Although it has been existing for some time now, it’s the newest kid on the block of the tourism and hospitality industry given the degree of renovation and refurbishment it recently went through, all geared towards ensuring quality service delivery.
The camp has been generally overhauled with improved products and services such as a new conference hall that has the capacity for a hundred people, plus standard rooms and state-of –the-art equipment, as well as adequate and reliable water and electricity supply. Being situated away from the hustling and bustling of city life and its proximity to the sea, make Sanyang Nature Camp not only a top tourist spot, but one of the most, if not the most ideal places for aquatic sports and marine research and adventure, as well as local seminars and retreats and social gatherings such as picnics, family outings, wedding ceremonies and birthday parties. The upgraded camp which now has a restaurant that operates 24 hours, also provides catering services for both public and private functions, among a host of other recreational services all at unbeatable prices, said the manager Saikou Demba, while describing the new look of Sanyang Nature Camp as a “must-go destination for eco-tourists and social travellers”.
As the manager of the revitalised camp, contributing his quota to the socio-economic development of the country by complementing government’s efforts in the areas of tourism and employment, Mr Demba is therefore calling on the support of all. He enjoins all government and private institutions as well as groups and individuals to patronise his business by making use of the camp including its standard facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and top-rated services at affordable prices. Dilating on the economic importance of the river, Saikou Demba urged both public and private institutions, as well as individual and group entrepreneurs to invest in the River Gambia in order to diversify our tourism products and services, enhance income generation, and strengthen the country’s image as a tourist destination of international repute. He commended the government of The Gambia under the leadership of His Excellency, the President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for creating the enabling environment for the participation of the private sector in the tourism and hospitality industry through sound policies and programs, and wished the country’s leadership and its entire populace, a peaceful and blessed Ramadaan and joyous July 22nd anniversary in advance. Institutions, groups, and individuals interested in hiring the services and facilities as well as enjoy the spectacular scenery Sanyang Nature Camp has to offer at a very reasonable cost, could contact the proprietor Saikou Demba on 9902408 or 3114147.
Remember, it behooves each and every citizen of this country to support such home grown and locally-owned initiatives as far as patriotism and nation building are concern.
By Karabulie Conteh
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