Discover Makasutu Culture Forest, just an hour drive from the hectic coastal resorts of the Gambia. Inside the forest is an idyllic mangrove-lined tributary of the River Gambia, where is a luxury eco-retreat that sleeps a maximum of sixteen. Visitors reach Mandina Lodge by elevated walkways or via canoe. Photo by: ambabheg

The lodges are solar-powered with private roof terraces, beautiful views, and carved four-poster beds dressed in white linens. Bathrooms are roofless for bathing under the stars. There is an enormous pool and a relaxing bar. Dinner can be enjoyed alfresco or in your lodge, after a personal talk with the chef. The place relaxed even the most stressed into total peace. Photo by: gavin malarky

Local guides take visitors to explore the surrounding forest or the river. Legend has it that Makasutu (holy forest) is haunted, but you are more likely to spot a baboon or monitor lizard than a supernatural being. Photo by: Tim & Sam’s Flickr

Photo by: Tim & Sam’s Flickr

Location: Makasutu, The Gambia. Photo by: Tim & Sam’s Flickr

 

The Gambia is the fourth most densely populated country in West Africa, with around 1.2 million people population. Banjul is the capital and chief port of The Gambia, which is located where the Gambia River enters the Atlantic Ocean. Also Banjul connected the country with Senegal by a ferry across the river and holds the country’s economic center including the Central Bank of Gambia.

Banjul‘s principal export is peanut processing but also palm wood and oil, and skins and hides are shipped. The brewing and tourism also are available. The Gambia charms its guests with sunny beaches and natural reserves where they cans watch monkeys, birds, hippos and hyenas in the wild. The major resorts are Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, and Kololi.