General information The Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest are unique and luxurious lodges situated on a tributary of the River Gambia in the heart of the African bush.
Although there are now 8 lodges there is still an exclusive air to the whole setting that never feels busy. Many guests are now staying for a week or longer as there is so much to see and do.
Please note Mandina does not accept children under 16 years old. No more then 2 persons per lodge.
Position The 1.000 acre Makasutu Cultural Forest is situated about 45 minutes from the coastal resorts and is the result of over fifteen years' hard work. The result is splendid.
Environment The area attracts a wide variety of birds and either alone, or with the guides provided, guests can explore the forest on foot or by canoe. Nothing disturbs the peace except bird song or the chattering of monkeys or baboons that have made the forest their home. Makasutu will appeal to anyone looking to relax and experience a taste of real Africa.
Facilities Guests have use of an enormous swimming pool, bar and terraces and can choose to dine in their lodge or in one of the wooden or tented à la carte al fresco dining areas. Canoes are available for every lodge. In general:
Hotel facilities:
Large pool and terraces, bar, canoes, gides.
Room facilities:
Double bed, fan, mosquito nets. UK 3 pin sockets.
The lodges The lodges are built to an exceptionally high standard with fantastic attention to detail. The solar powered river lodges are either floating or on stilts and the new Jungle Lodges are set back from the river. 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, lounge area and dayroom, while the Jungle lodges each have their own private roof terrace and have amazing views across the mangroves.
Floating lodge Each lodge is built and furnished to the highest level with the outside area very close to water level.
Jungle lodge The Jungle Lodges have a ground floor large bedroom, open-air bathroom and separate wc. The spiral staircase leads to a large roof terrace with sun beds and sprinkle system to keep guests and the room below cool. The views from the terrace across the mangrove are quite amazing.
Stilted lodge The stilted lodge is extremely spacious with a separate bedroom, open-air lounge area, open-air but private bathroom and second storey dayroom.
Maintenance Your stay is based on bed and breakfast and dinner. A la carte facilities for lunches.
Guests can choose whether they would like to have meals in their lodge or in one of the dining areas.
In the evenings, low key lamps and dancing flames of the fire create a magical mood.
Prices per person based on halfboard and on an occupancy of 2 persons per lodge, transfers are included:
Floating lodge: prices for 3 nights: 495 euro per person, extra nights: 150 euro per person per night *);
Jungle lodge: prices for 3 nights: 575 euro per person, extra nights: 175 euro per person per night *);
Stilted lodge: prices for 3 nights: 635 euro per person, extra nights: 195 euro per person.
*1) Free upgrade to Jungle Lodge for all stays in period 02nov-21dec07 and 04jan-25mar08.
*2) Euro 15 discount per person per night for stays in period 11-20 December (both dates included).
Supplement Christmas and New Year Gala dinner: 35 euro per person per diner.
Floating lodge: prices for 3 nights: 495 euro per person, extra nights: 150 euro per person per night *);
