As the smallest country in mainland Africa, The Gambia is compact with diverse ecosystems influenced by western Africa vibes. One of the best ways to get a snapshot of The Gambia is at Makasutu Culture Forest. It provides one of the most sustainable ways to experience ecotourism in this country. I loved my day here experiencing the full gamut of nature and culture. So, read on to discover more about Makasutu Forest Gambia ecotourism.
About The Gambia
The Gambia is the smallest mainland country in Africa and narrowly stretches along the sides of River Gambia. Senegal surrounds it, except for the Atlantic Ocean coastline. About 2.5 million people live in this compact area. The largest and capital city is Banjul, located where the River Gambia flows into the Atlantic. Top industries here include the production and export of peanuts and tourism.
The Gambia is known for Jufureh, the ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley’s novel and TV series Roots. Up to 3 million people were taken as slaves from this region during the transatlantic slave trade. The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. It is a Muslim country. The Arch 22 monument commemorates the 1994 coup, ousting the dictator, Dawda Jawara.
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About Makasutu Culture Forest
Makasutu means ‘holy forest’ and this park features most of the 5 ecosystems in The Gambia. For example, within its 1,000 hectares of Abuko National Forest lies wetlands, palm groves, savannah plains, mangroves and gallery forest (restricted to banks of river or stream). The wildlife includes baboons, monitor lizards, colobus monkeys, crocodiles and a wide variety of bird species. This culture forest also includes the local music and craft center.
Makasutu Forest Gambia Ecotourism Highlights
As an Acupuncturist on a cruise ship, I enthusiastically joined a shore excursion to Makasutu Culture Forest. With only a day here, it seemed like a great way to get a snapshot of The Gambia’s culture and nature.
After about an hour drive along the Trans-Gambia Highway, we reached Makasutu. A musical group playing traditional music greeted us. Then, while waiting for our forest walk, we observed a troop of baboons. There are about 200 baboons in this troop at Makasutu. We intimately watched these interesting creatures up close, including mothers and their babies.
I really enjoyed the forest walk with our guide identifying medicinal plants. Also, we observed our guide tap the Palm sap wine and even enjoyed a taste of it.
For example, we observed the following healing plants:
Black plum leaves – asthma
Wild Mint – insect repellant
Neem Tree – malaria
Ironweed Bark – Low blood pressure
Next, we experienced the Mandina Bolong, a tributary of River Gambia, the main artery of this country. First, we climbed to the top of the lookout tower, offering a wonderful 360-degree birds eye view of River Gambia and the Makasuto forests. Then, on a guided tour we cruised in an African pirogue or dugout canoe along the mangroves. At lunchtime, we enjoyed an outdoor Gambian buffet with peanut stew, fish and rice with plantains from the Baobab Restaurant.
The craft center is a wonderful way to immerse in the culture. I enjoyed shopping and purchased a colorful Batik dress from the man that made it. He introduced me to another man traditionally weaving colorful scarfs on a pedal-running machine. I also, observed carved statues, silversmiths and pottery. Also, they offer cooking and wood carving lessons.
Accommodations at Makasutu Culture Forest
Within the area is the award-winning, luxury eco-lodge called Mandina Lodges. Nestled in the pristine Makasutu area the lodges come in various forms fitting their ecosystems. For example, there are stilted and floating lodges, jungle and garden lodges and a mangrove lodge.
Enjoy Makasutu Culture Forest!
I absolutely loved everything about my Makasutu Culture Forest tour. It was well organized, and I enjoyed the hospitality. I sensed a lot of pride and respect from the locals sharing their nature and culture. If your travels bring you to The Gambia, I highly recommend a day here. Even more, a stay at their ecolodge with more time would be ideal. If you have any suggestions on how best to enjoy Makasutu, please leave comments below.
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