The hotel has a number of links with local craft people and artists. The advantage of these activities is that you spend the whole day in the company of a local person who has something to teach you. A very different experience to the usual interaction with mass tourism. We can arrange yoga, batik, drumming and cookery classes; Tuesday evenings is our dance lesson and Friday is our BBQ night when we have candle lit tables by the poolside. The first Friday of every month is our themed gourmet food night which is very popular and it is often necessary to book well in advance in the season. Drumming classes Canoeing at Bird Safari Camp You may wish to combine your stay at Safari Garden with a few days "up country". This may include a few nights at Bird Safari Camp - a wonderfully peaceful camp set on the fresh water banks of a river island approx. 300 km inland. Waking up to the dawn chorus of bird song is an experience you will never forget... To drive here direct from the coast takes about 6-7 hours, so if you're planning to come this far inland, it is best to spend a few days there and/or break up the journey with a night at one of the other camps along the way. Not to be missed is a boat trip through the Gambia River National Park. You are likely to see hippos in their natural environment as well as baboons, monkeys (possibly even chimps) and an amazing variety of river birds. For further information visit www.hiddengambia.com. Closer to home, Makasutu is another of our favourite places in The Gambia. An untouched 1000 acres of land that has almost every range of terrain imaginable, a full day out will take you through a programme of a dug out canoe ride, a walk in the sacred forest, lunch with a cultural display and a look at the craft area. Guides are available to show you some of the treasures of Makasutu and tell you it's remarkable story. Makasutu is currently developing some stunningly beautiful accommodation on the river. See www.makasutu.com Dancing at Makasutu Salt making at Tumani Tenda Tumani Tenda is a community based tourism project run by a Jola community where all of the income from their camp goes back into the Village Development Fund. Salt making at Tumani Tenda 18 hole Fajara Golf Course The Fajara golf course - a well laid out course between a creek and The Atlantic Ocean - is just down the road and the adjacent Fajara club provides tennis, badminton and squash for those seeking a bit more activity. The golf course and nearby Kotu ponds are also a favourite hotspot for the travelling birdwatcher.