Discover the Heart of Gambia
at Ndungu Kebbe Lodge
Immerse yourself in authentic African adventures with Barry’s Tours – where traditional culture meets modern comfort in the smiling coast of West Africa
Creative and care for humanity ambitions have created a vision that Ebrima and Marysa share to become the first farm side horse riding, lodging, tour guiding centre in the heart of the agricultural land of Gambia,
What makes our offering unique?
You’ll be in a unique part of Ganbia where traditional lifestyles of living by the land and growing your own crops and keeping your livestock are the norm, where transport by horse and donkey carts are the every day stuff of life, where sustainability and contributing to one’s community is a lifestyle that has only ever been the way. ‘Gangster’ donkeys run free with horses, white egrets perch on the branches of the nearby lake, little boys on Ox carts laden with seeds for planting out stroll past smiling their cheeky smiles, sunsets glow a golden hue every evening and life simply ‘is’ not in the way of the corporatised world that we all have come to feel is what all life is but in a simpler, grounding way that engages you at a local community level, where loneliness is not the normal, where belonging comes naturally to those that live in it and where their willingness to embrace and provide hospitality to the strangers of us who come always humbles a heart and makes us realise our mutual humanity.
What are the options?
We’re offering unique accommodation option including camping as well as local style grass roof huts and a bungalow! The position of our site is perfect for trips around the north of Gambia and into Gambia and the map above will give you some ideas of the possibilities. You can choose one or all the below:
- Horse riding around the farmland and forests
- Donkey and horse carts around the town and area
- Visits to the Saturday ‘Lumo’ the weekly market with it’s many horse and carts.
- Overnight stays incorporating trips such as:
Fathala Game Reserve
Wassu Stone Circle
Albreda and boat trip to James Island
Janjanbureh and a boat trip past Chimpanzee Island
Animals
Our small holding has an abundance of animals! An opportunity to be a small holder for an hour or a day or a week – it’s up to you is waiting for you. With turkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, ducks,
Petra the donkey, horses ‘Marysa’ and ‘Capuccino’, goats, sheep, Koko and Bilbo Baggins the dogs as well as Suzie Moose the cat and the pigeons you’ll find companionship, joy and purpose as well as horse riding opportunities.
Birds
The garden features a water fountain and sunflowers that attract a stunning variety of local birds, including the striking sunbird. A birdwatching reference book helps identify the many species visiting the lodge. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical moments to enjoy the birdsong.
Music and culture
We have happy connections to music world. Ebrima has released popular songs that have been released on national radio stations. Marysa is a student of the Kora (21 stringed African harp). If you would to immerse yourself in djembe drumming, singing, dancing or learning let us know!
Sustainable Tourism with Purpose & Impact
Every stay at our lodging contributes to meaningful environmental and social impact. We’re committed to preserving Gambia’s natural heritage while supporting local communities.
Your ideas matter and we’d love to hear from you.
We look forward to sharing the joy of hospitality. We’d especially love input from those that have knowledge on sustainability, earth houses, ecological plumbing systems and who are open to sharing their knowledge and time with us at the lodge.
Education Engage in learning how to farm, pottery, weaving, grass roof construction and be part of a global movement of environmental awareness and improvement initiatives. Come and be part of the global solution in the little ways!
A Camping experience in the heart of Africa
Stay on a peaceful smallholding surrounded by horses, friendly animals, birdlife and authentic village culture. Tours, horse rides, donkey cart trips, local food, music, nature and community — your Gambian escape starts here.
Welcome to Ndungu Kebbe Lodge
A Rural Gambian Retreat of Nature, Culture & Community
Discover a peaceful haven in the farming landscapes of rural Gambia. Ndungu Kebbe Lodge, run by Marysa de Veer and Ebrima Barry, a long-established local tour guide with a car, blends smallholding charm with cultural immersion, wildlife, horses, and warm Gambian hospitality. Ebrima provides trips and tours across The Gambia and into Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, making the lodge a perfect base for exploration. Here, children on horseback appear from the fields, sunbirds hover over sunflowers, and evenings settle into music, laughter, and the gentle hum of nature.
Whether you’re resting on your journey or seeking a deeper connection with village life, Ndungu Kebbe Lodge welcomes you like family. Guests experience a living smallholding where friendly dogs, a ginger cat, turkeys, guinea fowl, pigeons, chickens, sheep, goats, a gentle donkey, and the horses Marysa and Cappuccino roam freely.
Reconnect with Nature & Animals
Guests can groom and wash the horses, feed the goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys, collect fresh eggs, or simply enjoy the peaceful presence of the animals. Every moment here is a chance to reconnect with nature, slowly and joyfully.
Birdwatching NParadise
The garden features a water fountain and sunflowers that attract a stunning variety of local birds, including the striking sunbird. A birdwatching reference book helps identify the many species visiting the lodge. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical moments to enjoy the birdsong.
Horse Riding, Donkey Cart & Countryside Adventures
Explore the countryside on horseback with guided tours through farmland, villages, and forest paths, or join beginner-friendly rides for families. Children often join on ponies for spontaneous fun. Keen horse riders can enjoy early morning or sunset rides, and those who wish to combine experiences can take guided tours during the day, learning how local people farm, sampling seasonal fruits like mangoes and pawpaw, and visiting the Lumo traditional market, held every Saturday for centuries.
Not to be missed are the Saturday market days, where tailors and cloth sellers are side by side, and guests can choose to have a traditional Gambian dress made in a day, making for a truly unique cultural experience.
Guests can also take a donkey cart ride with Petra, discovering the village and surrounding countryside at a relaxed pace — perfect for families and anyone seeking a gentle rural adventure.
Stay, Relax & Restore
The lodge offers cosy rooms and peaceful campsites, a refreshing swimming pool, a relaxed restaurant serving fresh local dishes, and garden spaces perfect for reading, resting, or birdwatching. It’s a place to unwind, feel at home, and soak in the rural beauty.
Culture, Music & Community
Ndungu Kebbe Lodge is a hub for creativity and cultural exchange. Guests can enjoy village cooking experiences, art and craft evenings, nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and guided trips with Ebrima across The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. Every activity supports local communities, artists, and traditions.
The Gambia is one of the countries with the lowest GDPR restrictions, and guests visiting Ndungu Kebbe Lodge contribute directly to the local economy. Guests can also choose to support local children, either by sponsoring a child’s schooling or contributing towards orphaned children, making giving back a meaningful part of their stay.
Things to Do Around Ndungu Lodge
Guests can visit destinations such as Farafenni, Wassu Stone Circles, Janjangbureh, Juffreh, Kunta Kinteh Island, Chimpanzee Island, Fathala Wildlife Reserve, or even Dakar. Whether you stay the night or for a week, Ndungu Kebbe Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the region while enjoying comfort, calm, and connection.
A Home Filled With Heart
At Ndungu Kebbe Lodge, you’re more than a guest — you become part of daily life, surrounded by nature, animals, music, and community. Here, memories are made slowly, joyfully, and authentically.
Ndungu Kebbe Lodge
Where nature, culture, animals, and adventure meet.
45 K+
Happy campers
100+
Trips sold
20+
Destinations
100+
Travel buddies
Welcome to Ndungu Kebbe Lodge
A Rural Gambian Retreat of Nature, Culture & Community
Discover a peaceful haven in the farming landscapes of rural Gambia.
Where Nature, Culture, and Community Meet
Ride, Explore, and Connect
A Living Smallholding, A Welcoming Home
Discover Gambia, Give Back, Make Memories
Where Authentic Gambia Comes Alive
HORSE RIDING AND TRIPS TO SEE HORSES – Beginners and children of all ages are welcome. We offer 1⁄2 hour, 1 hour, longer rides, lessons and swimming with the horses. Group bookings are available for up to 8 people on our beautiful Arab horses.
Ebrima also offers tours to sites such as Katchikally Crocodile park, Monkey Park, Georgetown, Roots Tour, Fathalla Game Reserve, Makasutu Horse and Donkey Sanctuary, River trips, Music tours and so much more!
If you have time, please visit our land in Niumi, for a traditional horse cart ride, enjoy our vegetable gardens and eat traditional food in the shade of our mango tree. CALL EBRIMA BARRY. TEL (00 220) 343 6965
Our popular tours

FATHALA SAFARI
Experience an unforgettable safari in a 15,000-acre protected reserve. See giraffes, rhinos, zebras and even walk with lions on this incredible adventure.

WASSU STONE CIRCLE
Discover one of the world’s largest concentrations of ancient stone circles dating back to 300BC. A mysterious and culturally significant site.

JANJANBUREH
Take a boat trip along the River Gambia and see hippos, crocodiles and monkeys while experiencing rich culture and history.

ACCOMMODATION RURAL GAMBIA
Stay at Marysa’s Lodge and enjoy peaceful rural life, beautiful sunsets and authentic Gambian experiences.

Nature Parks & Wildlife
Visit monkey parks, crocodile pools and turtle conservation centres for unique wildlife encounters.

Local Experiences
Explore colourful markets, enjoy horse riding and take relaxing boat trips through mangroves.
What Makes Us Special ?
Reconnect with Nature
Explore our smallholding, meet friendly horses, goats, chickens, and donkeys, enjoy birdwatching, and immerse yourself in peaceful Gambian countryside life.
Adventure & Culture
Sunrise horse rides, donkey cart trips, guided tours, seasonal fruits, and historic Saturday markets bring authentic rural Gambian experiences alive.
Community & Meaning
Support local schools, connect with village life, enjoy cultural activities, and contribute to the community while enjoying a relaxing stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you offer tours for beginners and families?
Yes! Our tours and horse-riding experiences are designed for all ages and skill levels. Beginners and children are always welcome.
What types of tours do you offer?
We provide a variety of experiences including horse riding, cultural tours, river trips, wildlife visits, and traditional village experiences. You can also book combined packages like “Roots by Land” or “Roots by Boat.”
How can I book a tour?
Do you offer group bookings?
Yes! Group bookings for up to 8 people on our Arab horses are available. We can also organize private tours for larger groups by request.
What if I want a custom tour experience?
We can tailor tours to your interests, whether it’s visiting cultural sites, exploring wildlife, or enjoying a traditional horse cart ride in Niumi.
Are images of the tours available before booking?
Absolutely! We provide photos of our horses, tours, and accommodations so you know exactly what to expect.