Gambia; Deluxe River Lodge w/Meals

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. You will become well-acquainted with your own guide during your stay and this personal and friendly service, something you will find with all the staff and which really makes a stay at Mandina a unique experience, gives you great flexibility to plan your days exactly as you would like. Following a leisurely breakfast, why not enjoy a walk through the forest, learning about the local plant life from your guide and maybe spotting the baboons that inhabit the area? 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.

There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive yet slightly rustic feel, ensuring an authentic bush experience. There are two styles of very unique, yet impressive lodge at Mandina - spacious Jungle lodges with roof terrace are set back from the river, whilst the popular River lodges are either floating or on stilts.

Situated just 30 kilometres 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, ensuring that service is very friendly and personal with a small number of guests.

We believe a stay at Mandina provides a unique chance to experience the real Africa in comfortable and striking surroundings and we are not alone - the Lodges have won a place 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.


FACILITIES

Large pool and sun terraces
Bar and al fresco dining areas
Dug-out canoes
Forest guides
8 lodges

LODGE FACILITIES

Four-poster bed
Fan
Mosquito nets
3 pin UK sockets
Tea / coffee delivered to your lodge each morning
No energy-sapping air-conditioning or fridge / minibar

Please note that the standard excursion programme is not possible from Mandina.