Esperanto Lodge

I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed my stay at Esperanto Lodge. Photos don't do justice to the place and urge you to discover the place for yourselves. Eric and Justine were perfect hosts and their staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.

We had absolutely no idea what to expect and were completely enchanted by Esperanto. It’s a small, simple lodge in an exquisite location . The gardens are lovely and the setting, in between a lagoon and the beach was perfect. There is a shady viewing platform from which you can watch the plentiful and fascinating bird life and a 5 minute stroll in the other direction takes you to a huge undeveloped beach. A 3km walk in one direction takes you to the fishing village and 4km in the other to another village. The rooms are simple but perfectly adequate and spotlessly clean. The food was excellent. Breakfast was simple but with freshly baked bread, home made preserves and honey and eggs. The dinners were an absolute delight. Justine, Eric’s wife is an excellent cook. We had fish every night as there was such a plentiful supply locally and her skill and passion produced some truly memorable meals. Huge portions and terrific value. Drinks very reasonable too. Eric is a charming and gracious host, friendly and sociable without ever being intrusive. We took his recommendation of an all day trip o the îles Karones which was a fabulous experience, interesting, beautiful and humbling. Our guide, Omar, was kind ( lent me his shoes when my flip flops broke!) and knowledgeable and we muddled through with my limited French. It’s true that it helps if you can speak some French but we didn’t ever find the language a problem. The team that Eric has assembled all work very hard to maintain the laid back and relaxed vibe and we felt very welcome at all times. Clara is reserved but friendly and helpful and Maria is so sassy you can’t help but smile whenever you see her. I’m sorry I don’t know the other ladies’ names but they do a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

Absolutely lovely stay at Esperanto with Eric and Justine and their team. From our arrival at 11.00 pm when Justine had left us a lovely meal to all that Eric does to organise trips and brilliant taxis. We loved every minute. The lodge is peaceful and so relaxing. Beds are comfortable and I have never slept so well. The food is really good with lots of good wine and cold local beer and cocktails. The beach is beautiful and safe: with some great little bars to visit. The local villages are great and the fishing village is a sight to behold. Highly recommend.

Second stay in Esperanto Lodge - just as nice as the first one. For new years eve Justine prepared an amazing and delicious buffet. Locals joined with the lodge's guests and all celebrated together due to the welcoming atmosphere Eric and Justine provide.

Fantastic ecolodge way north of the Casamance river, close to the Gambian border. Getting there is quiet an experience, last part on a sandy bush road. The lodge is close to the sea on a splendid location surrounded by tropical nature, the only noise will be from tropical birds. Breakfast and meals of excellent quality are served in a central patio. I got a spacious room with terrace and hammock in one of the bungalows surrounding the central patio. The view was fantastic. Several lounge areas for bird spotting or just for chilling out. The nice sandy beach is a 3 minutes walk on a small path crossing a lagoon.

Great hospitality from Eric and the team. Best place to be based to explore Kafountine and the Karone Delta or, just rest and relax. Comfortable rooms. Peaceful and relaxing forest environment with beautiful gardens. Sun downers over the lagoon watching the bird life. Easily accessible from Kartong, The Gambia, in a vehicle arranged by Eric. Karone Islands definitely worth a visit - arranged by Eric.