Kaira Konko

Kaira Konko is in the small market town of Soma, located on the Trans-Gambia highway and is anywhere between 4 and 6 hours drive from Banjul (depending on the road condition). Visitors to Kaira Konko today are likely to arrive in the back of a hot, noisy 4X4 or gelli with a numb bottom and covered in red dust. But do not be put off; it is well worth the journey.








Leads to a garden oasis on the edge of the town



The Lodge is the first building on the left arriving in Soma from Banjul. It has a gateway swathed with green boughs hiding a large compound with buildings brightly decorated with the flags of The Gambia, the United Kingdom and a portrait of Lord Baden Powell. At the rear of the Lodge there is a well, a garden growing vegetables and an orchard of mango, guava and orange trees, all produce that can be sold at the market to help feed the Scouts' families.

Ensuite bedrooms, basic rooms and bunkbeds to suit all budgets


Kaira Konko has a large hall (in which beds can be installed to create a large dormitory); four well appointed bedrooms, two en-suite tiled shower rooms and flushing toilets and one shared bathroom within the main Kaira Konko Lodge. There are two double ensuite bedrooms in a separate self contained building.



There is also a large kitchen and a bantaba – a covered outdoor dining area. If you require it, the Kaira Konko Scouts can provide great food and a thorough laundry service.


Providing opportunities for education and employment for young Gambians

Until a couple of years ago , Kaira Konko was built and run voluntarily by the Scouts. To make the project sustainable the Manager, the Assistant Manager and the House Keeper are now employed but the centre continues to depend on the volunteer Scouts. There are opportunities for those who work regularly to get a small wage or bonus. The girls help with cooking and laundry and the boys help with the garden and maintenance, traditional Gambian roles. Some Scouts are also sponsored through school. It works well and the Scouts are immensely proud of Kaira Konko. The project has the full backing of the local community. Kaira Konko is used regularly for workshops by various organisations because of its central location in the country.


A thriving Scout Group and a safe place for children to play

The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts hold their meetings on a Friday afternoon, but they come everyday with their friends just to play, hang out, chat or like most kids argue! And there are lots of girl Scouts too!