About us
From dream to reality – the story behind Diabatalo
How a piece of bamboo forest became the beginning of a life connected to the nature, culture, and people of Senegal.
About us
My adventure began in 2006, during a holiday with a friend in Gambia. A trip to Abéné in southern Senegal led me to a patch of bamboo that immediately caught my eye. What began as a spontaneous exploration with tea and a photo session turned out to be the beginning of a new chapter.
Back in the Netherlands, I heard that the land, over a hectare in size, was for sale through a Dutch woman. Before I knew it, I was the proud owner of this little paradise.
The name Diabatalo arose spontaneously, inspired by the imposing Diallo tree and a sign on which I read "bato." Later, I discovered that the original name was "lebato," which means "by the sea." Together with my then-partner, Bakary, I began building a modest cottage. Two guesthouses soon followed. Sadly, Bakary and I separated in 2012, and he died of tuberculosis shortly afterward.
After this difficult time, I found support from Adgaly, a cousin of my traveling companion's husband. He initially helped in the garden, but eventually, love blossomed. In 2017, a new adventure began: my year of emigration. After 28 years of working for the police and leaving the Netherlands behind, I left for Senegal with nothing more than a suitcase. That year, we organized our first group trip, something we've proudly continued to do ever since. In 2018, Adgaly and I got married in his native village in a traditional three-day wedding.
Today we share our love of simplicity, hospitality and cultural exchange with travelers from all over the world.
Our philosophy
In difficult times, a smile and a positive outlook are priceless. Our philosophy is simple: keep smiling and stay strong.
“At Diabatalo, everything revolves around connection: with nature, with each other, and with the rich culture of Senegal.”
Our Jungle & Mission
Diabatalo is nestled in the heart of a pristine jungle covering over a hectare. Our garden is teeming with birds, insects, medicinal trees, and flowers. We lovingly care for this place and want to preserve it for Adgaly's children and the generations to come.
We also want to introduce travelers to the beauty of Senegal. By organizing activities that encourage cultural exchange and support local communities, genuine connections are created. As a guest, you contribute to this goal simply by being present, listening, and sharing.