Modern design and excellent service
in a fantastic African landscape.
A chic boutique hotel that is run by the Austrian
owners around-the-clock.
High standard and soothing quiet in a modern
ambiance with African accents guarantee
that you can spend a relaxing and inspiring time.
We invite you to a virtual tour of our little paradise.
Enjoy!
ABOUT US
The Austrian couple Nina Waitz and Alois Weiss came to The Gambia in 2009 for the first time. They fell in love with the country and its people immediately.
Already on their second journey in 2010 they bought the property on a small cliff above the beach of Brufut. In spring 2011 Alois sold his publishing company and Nina handed in her notice at the publishing company she worked at and they moved to the Gambia to build and run a small but nice hotel. It got its name from their long standing mascot and lucky charm Leo, a small plush lion.
In November 2011 eventually the renowned construction company of SWAMI India began with the building works, supervised by the owners. A little more than a year later, in January 2013, the hotel’s opening was celebrated.
Location
Leo's hotel is located in Brufut Heights, in a quiet residential area on a small cliff above the Atlantic Ocean and only 20km from the airport of Banjul.
On our private stairs you get to the beautiful, clean and almost secluded beach of Brufut in two minutes only.
If you want to visit the touristic centre of The Gambia with its numerous restaurants, bars and shops, the Senegambia strip, you can easily and conveniently get to the hustle and bustle there with our reliable taxi partners (5-minute drive).
The building/sustainability
Together with the young Austrian architect Angelika Mitterer, Nina and Alois have planned the modern building in consideration of climatic and environmental sustainability. Because of the climatic conditions especially effective ventilation and shading are provided.
The hotel features an 18 kilowatts photovoltaic system (the first of The Gambia, connected to NAWEC) and a solar-operated water heating system. Despite air conditioning and all amenities we can cover all of our energy demand with the PV system.
The building’s water supply and wastewater technology comply with modern ecological requirements.
All wooden furniture has been made in local carpenters’ workshops, among them the SOS-Children’s Village Training and Production Centre Bakoteh.
 Mungo Parks Lounge |  Room |  Pool |
|---|---|---|
 Room |  Tiger Prawns |  View |
 Leo's |  Leo's |  View |
 Beach |  Garden |  Room with a view |
 Garden view |  Pool |  Garden |
 Pool at night | Room |  Leo's |
INFORMATION
Travel Season
The European winter is the best time for a journey to The Gambia. From November to April fantastic summer weather with 30°C during
the day and mild 20°C in the evenings can be enjoyed. And all of that without any rain.
The flight takes only 6 to 7 hours, there is no time difference
during the season.
Flights
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Gambia Experience - https://www.gambia.co.uk/flights/ - offers year round direct flights from London Gatwick and in the season from Manchester and Birmingham to The Gambia.
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TAP Portugal - https://www.flytap.com - flies 3 times a week from many British airports via Lisbon to Banjul.
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Vueling - https://www.vueling.com - offers 1 to 2 flights a week from many British airports via Barcelona to Banjul.
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Brussels Airlines - https://www.brusselsairlines.com - flies 4 to 6 times a week via Brussels to The Gambia.
Activities and Excursions
The Gambia is a small country, still there is plenty to see and do. Leo’s is a perfect place, not only for those who fancy lying in the sun and enjoying the warm temperatures. We are happy to organise individual excursions, taxis, rental cars or guided tours for you.
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Fishing: In the Atlantic or on Gambia River – passionate fishers too get their money’s worth in The Gambia. The most common types of fish: barracuda, African pompano, Atlantic tarpon and many others. More information: www.african-angling.co.uk
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Golf: There are two golf courses in The Gambia: the 18-hole course (par 69) in Fajara (approx. a 15-minute drive from Leo’s) and the 9-hole course (par 3) at Kololi Beach Club (in the Senegambia area, approx. a 10-minute drive from Leo’s).
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Tennis: In some of the bigger hotels in the Senegambia area tennis courts are available; equipment can be rented on site.
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Massages and cosmetic treatments: We are happy to arrange for you Massage and Beauty Treatments with Anna. She is a Holistic Therapist, qualified with more than 20 years experience.
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Bird watching: No other country is home to more different species of birds. A small selection of them can be observed in the garden of Leo’s. If you want to discover more of them, you can do so at many spots nearby, e.g. Tanji Bird Reserve, Kotu Stream,....
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Banjul: On a tour of The Gambia’s small capital you can see among other things the Arch 22 and the Albert Market.
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Bijilo Forest Park – “Monkey Park”: On a stroll through this unspoilt park you can encounter and observe trusting long-tailed monkeys and if you are lucky the red colobus monkeys.
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Lamin Lodge & Mangrove Tour: Starting from the worthwhile lodge that is set on stilts in the middle of the river, you can enjoy nice boat tours through the channels of the Gambia River, which are lined with mangroves.
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Kachikally – the holy crocodiles: In Bakau which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel is a traditional crocodile pool, in which the holy animals live. You can visit a small museum there and have opportunity to watch these fascinating reptiles close-by. The very brave can even stroke them.
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Makasutu Culture Forest: This prize-awarded flagship project is located in the inland at a side-branch of the Gambia River, a 45-minute drive from Leo’s. In this nature reserve you can hike through the beautiful palm tree forest, undertake a pirogue trip or learn plenty about the flora and fauna of the area.
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Brikama: Here is the biggest wood carvers’ market of The Gambia. You can watch craftsmen at work and of course acquire their work (approx. a 30-minute drive from Leo’s).
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The South of The Gambia with reptile farm: In the South of The Gambia you can find traditional African villages and tropical landscapes. En tour a visit of the Gambian Reptile Farm is recommended. There you can learn plenty on the Gambia’s snakes and reptiles and hold some of them even in your hands.