What We Think
For peace and tranquillity in the heart of the African bush, the striking riverside Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest offer an unforgettable experience in the wilderness with the chance to discover the people and wildlife of The Gambia that have made the forest their home. It is featured in the book '1001 Escapes To Make Before You Die' which is a guide for those in search of the world's most unusual and beautiful places.
During the day you can choose to relax by the large pool, blissfully soaking up the atmosphere, disturbed only by birdsong and the hum of chattering monkeys; or take advantage of the expert guides provided, to explore the forest and mangroves on foot or by canoe. Many bird species, monitor lizards, baboons and monkeys have made the forest their home. In the evening, dinner is served al fresco in one of the wooden or tented dining areas, and sometimes the fire is lit with the dancing flames creating a magical mood. Alternatively dine privately in your lodge; either way, due to the remote location, menus are simple but of a good standard.
Situated just 45 minutes from the coastal resorts on a tributary of the River Gambia, the 1000 acre Makasutu Cultural Forest is the result of over fifteen years’ hard work by two Englishmen who were inspired by the beauty of the area and motivated to return and build unique accommodation. The focus has always been on ensuring the local population benefits from the forest and emphasis has been placed on using local materials and employing staff from the surrounding village communities. This means that service is very friendly but perhaps not 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.
We believe a stay at Mandina provides a real insight into this beautiful country and the chance to experience the real Africa. 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.
There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive feel, all built to a high standard, largely from local materials, although as you would expect in this rural setting they come equipped with fewer practicalities than mainstream hotels – we believe this simply adds to the charm of the lodges and an authentic bush experience. There are two styles of lodge at Mandina – spacious Jungle Lodges are set back from the river whilst the popular solar powered River Lodges are either floating or on stilts. 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.
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 of all ages, however as Mandina Lodges are by the river, parents must supervise children at all times.
