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: the amazing birdlife, monkeys, monitor lizards and ever-increasing troupes of baboons. Mandina Lodges 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. 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.
There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive yet slightly rustic 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 day room, whilst the Jungle Lodges each have their own private roof terrace looking out towards the mangroves and jungle.
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 almost 20 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 in Cornwall. The owners are also involved in organising a project called 'Wide Open Walls' which involves international street artists offering their talents within the Ballabu Conservations Area. In 2010 they painted the village of Kubeneh which can be visited from Mandina and is well worth seeing. The project has gone from strength to strength and another group of artists dedicated time to a second village in June 2011, with the ultimate objective of creating an area of cultural interest to visitors which will help support the villages in the future.
We believe a stay at Mandina provides a unique chance to experience the real Africa in comfortable and striking surroundings. 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. Alternatively, why not visit Sitanunku Lodge which is just a 45-minute speedboat ride across the River Gambia?
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 in 2010. He said: "the accommodation, the service, and the food is totally amazing – not to mention the beautiful creek side location... 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!" Chris returned again in February 2012 leading a group of birdwatchers staying at Mandina, and plans another visit with guests next year.
Mandina Lodges will accept children of all ages, however as Mandina Lodges are by the river, parents must supervise children at all times.
