The Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest are unique and luxurious and situated on a mangrove-clothed tributary of the River Gambia in the heart of the African bush and offer an upmarket experience in the wilderness.
Some guests choose to spend their time beside the enormous pool, simply soaking up the tranquility of the surroundings whilst others take advantage of the expert guides provided, to explore the 1000-acre forest and discover the beauty, people and wildlife on foot or by canoe. Many bird species, monitor lizards, baboons and monkeys have made the forest their home.
The 1000 acre Makasutu Cultural Forest is situated about 45 minutes from the coastal resorts and is the result of over fifteen years' hard work by two Englishmen.
There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive and serene feel to the whole setting. Evening meals are included and guests can choose to dine in their lodge or in one of the wooden or tented al fresco dining areas. Due to the location, menus are simple but the food is of a good standard. Low key lamps and the dancing flames of the fire create a magical mood.
The lodges at Mandina are built to a high standard largely from local materials, however you may find there are fewer practicalities when compared to more mainstream hotels. The solar powered River Lodges are either floating or on stilts and the spacious Jungle Lodges are set back from the river. Each suite has a private but roofless bathroom and composting toilet (except the Jungle Lodges which are flushing). Fans are employed instead of electricity sapping air-conditioning. The Stilted Lodge is on two floors with separate bedroom, outside deck and lounge area on the lower level plus upstairs dayroom, whilst the Jungle Lodges each have their own private roof terrace looking out towards the mangroves and jungle.
Working with the local population and ensuring they benefit from the forest is part of the culture within Makasutu, so the staff come from the surrounding villages, therefore service is very friendly but may not be as polished as in some resorts. There are also strong links between the Makasutu Wildlife Trust and the Gardens for Life programme sponsored by The Eden Project.
The lodges are easily accessible, only 30 minutes from the airport and guests can spend their whole holiday at Mandina or for longer stays combine with a coastal hotel.
Makasutu provides a taste of real Africa; nothing disturbs the peace except bird song or the chattering of monkeys. Chris Packham, ornithologist, presenter of the BBC's Springwatch and Autumnwatch, and frequent visitor to The Gambia, stayed at Mandina for the first time last spring, he said: "the accommodation, the service, and the food is totally amazing – not to mention the beautiful creek side location. It’s all Eco friendly and the owners are really switched on, incredibly helpful; the kind of folks who put the 'h' in hospitality. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the coast this is the place to chill and unwind. You’ll never want to leave!"
Mandina Lodges will accept children aged 12 years old and over during the winter months (November - April). Children of all ages are accepted in the summer, however as Mandina Lodges are by the river, parents must supervise children at all times.
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