Early Bird On The Water

Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Roots River Cruise

Shopping & Spa Treat

Variety Special

Exploring Senegal (One day)

Exploring Senegal (Overnight)

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Chimp Rehab

Georgetown Overnight

We depart from your hotel and drive straight to "Makasutu". In Mandinka, 'Makasutu' translates as 'holy' or 'deep' forest and this is exactly how it is experienced.

"Makasutu" is a palm forest situated on a beautiful meandering tributary of The Gambia River (Madina Bolong). It includes many different eco-systems: mangroves, sand flats, savannah and dense, riverine forest. Hundreds of hooded vultures, inquisitive Guinea baboons, a large variety of African birds and even some European birds, like the Pied Wagtail, spending time here as a resident tourist, will enchant you.

Currently, a day visitor centre,"Makasutu" offers a variety of experiences: a trip in the bolong (creek) in a dug out canoe; short – or longer – walks in the forest; wonderful views across the salt flats where bird life abounds; a typical Gambian lunch; and exhilarating cultural drumming and dancing by local village people.  There are also opportunities to observe, and sometimes even try, local crafts such as pottery, African cooking, furniture making (with traditional material), wood craving, dancing and drumming. Watch the palm wine tappers scale up the tall oil palms and collect the sap. Sample local "bush" life. This really is a fun and fact-filled day.

Apart from these delights, the buildings at "Makasutu" have been fashioned with great skill and loving care by the owners and local craftsmen. Beautiful wood cravings have been made from the trunks of the fallen trees and are to be seen everywhere. All the furniture is made on the premises and a local potter's work is much in evidence. Everywhere you go there are birds and bird songs and other wildlife. Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted. The wonder of "Makasutu" lies in its outstanding architecture and its peaceful environment.

www.makasutu.com