This was my first proper yoga retreat and what a treat it was! The yoga classes were a perfect blend of strength, physical challenge, inward focus and relaxation, thank you Caroline. Footsteps was such a welcoming place with a laid back atmosphere perfect for relaxing on the sundeck or by the pool and the food was amazing. I can see why so many people return time and time again. It was cool staying in the traditional style round houses, literally, they're very well designed to keep cool in the daytime!
There is also plenty to explore in the surrounding area, from a deserted beach to a museum of local artefacts, bird watching and nature walks and the local village. Aside from the amazing yoga, the highlights for me were the boat trip to Senegal and cooking class. I absolutely loved my time in The Gambia, thank you for an amazing week Caroline."
Natalie - Caroline Wickham February 2023
What a fantastic retreat!
The yoga was challenging yet relaxing and a super balance of yin and yang. So much laughter and friendship on and off the mats. Just what my worn out nervous system needed.
Footsteps lodge was just magic. Super food, gorgeous grounds and the friendliest staff ever! Relaxing hammocks to lounge in and sunny spots to sprawl out in the sun, with a refreshing cool freshwater pool to immerse in if needed. Plenty of activities to explore too for the more inquisitive. A deserted beach just 25 mins walk away with warm waves waiting for those in need of vitamin sea.
I really did not want to leave after such a magical 7 days.
Thanks so much to Caroline for making it all happen and for her lovely yoga classes.
Sarah - Caroline Wickham February 2023
This was my second trip - everything about Footsteps is fabulous. Communication/transfers from the airport is easy and there’s 24 hour book-in. Great if you are travelling solo. The round huts are spotless with a comfy bed and fan. The compost loo is fine as is the solar shower. The owners are relaxed and run the place with a great friendliness to guests and staff alike - many staff have worked here for years and it shows - they can’t do enough for you. Massages are available on site along with a traditional wood carver, tailor, silversmith and weaver, along with a small clothes shop - all locals allowed to sell their wares in a gentle sort of way. This is a great place to relax in and use as a base to explore local villages or the vast uninhabited beach. David encourages birds which are a delight to watch and there are monkeys in the scrub. Only 1 or 2 tarmac roads - the rest are dusty sandy tracks. It felt very safe wandering about on my own. Food was excellent and healthy. You should visit.
Sandra - Caroline Wickham February 2023
Loved every minute at Footsteps Eco Lodge and passed any expectations I had by far. Had a week of the best sleep I can remember in a really comfortable bed in the Round House and composting toilet was nothing to worry about. In fact we decided there was less smell than using a normal flushing toilet!
Meals were fantastic and so healthy. All home-cooked food and plenty choice. Butter Fish was my favourite and would eat every meal if available. Totally fresh and so tasty.
Excursions were organised by the Lodge for our group and there was so much choice, we were able to do as much or as little as we liked.
If you enjoy Nature and taking care of our environment, you will love this place. The owner has done an incredible job and I cannot recommend visiting this Eco Lodge highly enough.
Caroline Wickham February 2023
Just returned from the most amazing yoga retreat in Gambia. I was slightly apprehensive initially, travelling to Africa on my own, but the minute I arrived at Footsteps I felt relaxed. This magical little place is a haven of peace and tranquility set in the midst of nature. Our small group was led by Caroline who expertly accommodated the various ages and abilities in our group.
Looking forward to returning
Karen - Carolin Wickham February 2023
Hello Free Spirit! A few words to thank you, Karen Calder, and the Gambian crew at Footsteps Eco-lodge for a fantastic 10-day yoga retreat. (February 2020)
It's been a privilege to follow Karens teaching, she is very inspiring and I feel I made a lot of progress. I warmly recommend both venue and teacher and will definitely try to catch up with Karen somewhere in the future.
Thanks again for everything., Marianne (Sweden) Karen Calder 2020
Dear Debbie and Jilly, Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed my 10 day stay at Footsteps, Gunjur, with yoga teaching by Karen Calder. We were looked after superbly by David and the team there and the venue's offer was as billed, and more, encouraging us to enjoy the beauty of the area and to learn something of Gambia and its delightful people. But of course yoga is the priority interest and we were taught with really expert care and kindness by Karen. Karen was able to recognise and teach to individual needs and encouraged us all to move forwards in our practice and to enjoy the journey. I've only experienced Iyengar as a strand within Hatha Yoga so it was especially beneficial to learn more from a dedicated specialist. Karen also led the group beautifully encouraging friendship through yoga; thanks too to my fellow yogis for making this trip such a success. I'm so glad I remained committed to this retreat after Thomas Cook's demise and I hope the travel options will enable more people to visit, to support the country and to do yoga there.
Best wishes Sharon - Karen Calder January 2020
Dear Freespirit I wanted to send a review as a teacher following my recent trip to Footsteps in Gambia. I cried when I left!
The accommodation is wonderful, simple, comfortable and spotless. The Yoga Shala is beautiful with open sides that make the most of the stunning gardens, birds and sunshine. On our first morning each mat had flowers, a lovely touch from Ben and Manny who looked after the Shala, putting the mats out and away for us every day and keeping everything clean and tidy. The food was absolutely first class and nothing was too much trouble for the staff who smiled constantly.
We visited the local school, met again by the most open smiles. We drummed (badly!) in spite of the noble efforts of Bunja who played with his band a couple of nights later. a fabulous night of laughter and dancing. We walked to the beach, swam in the sea, saw the ladies farms, fishing boats, pelicans, Mangroves, oyster beds, beautiful sunsets and sunrises. It is a place in which you can just sit and watch and within seconds you will see something beautiful, incredible, finches in every imaginable colour, flowers, lizards. I spent hours just watching it all go by - the best possible meditation.
I have never felt so relaxed in a new environment. Gambia time makes the Spanish 'Manana' seem urgent but this exactly what is needed on a yoga retreat. I am already looking forward to returning next year
Karen Calder February 2019.
Having travelling alone for the first time I am here now at Footsteps having to fly back to England tomorrow :( ...I must say I have had a fantastic relax for 7 days enjoyed my stay immensely will def return !! Any lady's thinking of travelling alone this is the perfect place no worry at all the staff here are brilliant owner David is very laid back & welcoming & is very lucky to have Seven as part of the footsteps family :) thanks to you all !! Chrissy Whittington-Jewell
What to saySimply the best place in the world. Go relax enjoy amazing surroundings good company @ wonderful hospitality and all the joys that nature has to offer Gail Davies
We are delighted to have this new venue, with its brand new yoga space, dipping pool, great locally grown organic food, on-site classes of cloth dying and silversmith work. To reach the beach you walk through the women's farm.
The yoga area has many fruiting trees (oranges,bananas,avocado,grapefruit), palm trees, flowers, various plants and mature trees, an abundance of birdlife and even it's own well. True tranquility, ideal for yoga practice.
