MAKASUTU CULTURAL FOREST

Experience the Real Gambia: Makasutu Cultural Forest Tour

Perfect for first-time visitors to The Gambia, this full-day excursion with SenGambia Experience Tours takes you deep into the heart of Gambian culture and nature. This is a fantastic full-day experience for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to discover the stunning natural beauty of The Gambia beyond the coastline.

This excursion offers a perfect alternative to the beach, immersing you in the calm river tributaries and serene mangrove forests near the coast. It's an ideal choice for birdwatching and experiencing the abundant wildlife of The Gambia. Its a half-day or full-day trip, with options available. The journey typically includes canoe trips through mangrove creeks, guided forest walks to see wildlife, and cultural demonstrations. The forest is a private ecotourism reserve, so it is best to book a guided tour in advance with us. 

Getting there

• Location: Makasutu Cultural Forest is located in the Kombo Central District, inland from the coastal resorts.

• Travel time: The drive from most coastal hotels in areas like Kololi, Kotu, or Bijilo takes about an hour.

• Transport: Our tour packages always include round-trip transportation from your accommodation. 

Activities

• Canoe trip: Enjoy a peaceful ride in a traditional dugout canoe along the Mandina Bolong, a tributary of the Gambia River. You can observe the mangroves and spot birds.

• Guided forest walk: Explore the varied ecosystems of the 1,000-acre reserve with a knowledgeable guide. You'll pass through palm and hardwood forests, savannas, and wetlands.

• Wildlife viewing: Look for a variety of animals, including baboons, three species of monkeys, monitor lizards, mongoose, and a wide array of birdlife.

• Cultural experiences: Tours often include demonstrations from local people. You may meet a palm wine tapper, who will show you how to climb a palm tree and offer you a taste of the fresh juice, and a traditional fortune teller.

• Cultural performance: Full-day tours often include a buffet lunch accompanied by a Jola cultural group performance.

Trip options

• Full-day tour: Includes round-trip transport, entry tickets, a guided tour, and lunch. An early start is needed to fit in all the activities.

• Half-day tour: Offers a condensed version of the full-day trip and often includes a canoe ride and guided walk. Some half-day packages do not include lunch.

• Booking: You can book tours with us

 PRICE PER PERSON: $70 per person