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Find Makasutu Cultural Forrest Events & Activities in Brikama
If you love nature, culture, history and traditional medicine, this Makasutu excursion introduces you to the medicinal plants and trees of Makasutu while a guide explains their traditional uses, then carries you on a serene canoe ride in a traditional African pirogue along the Mandinga Bolong creek; you’ll also have the chance to sip fresh palm juice or have your fortune told by the local Marabout. This experience is ideal for visitors booking through Varoom in Banjul who want outdoor, learning and cultural activities in The Gambia. Please note the entrance fee to Makasutu is 1500 GMD (2025) and is not included in the tour, and that most places in The Gambia accept cash only rather than credit cards.
About this activity in Banjul
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Explore Makasutu’s mangrove and woodland ecosystems on a guided walk to learn traditional uses of local plants and trees near Banjul, Gambia.
- Glide along the Mandinga Bolong creek in a traditional African pirogue for an authentic river experience in the region.
- Sample fresh palm juice prepared locally and discover cultural traditions, including an opportunity to visit a marabout for a fortune reading.
- Small-group, nature-focused visit ideal for culture, history and natural-medicine enthusiasts seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
Important Information
- Private transportation to and from the meeting point is included; the Makasutu entry fee of 1,500 GMD (2025) is not included and must be paid on arrival.
- Most vendors and sites in the Gambia accept cash only-bring sufficient Gambian dalasi to cover the entrance fee and any local purchases.
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the excursion; participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for walking and boarding the pirogue.
- Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and insect repellent for the woodland walk and river ride; bring a refillable water bottle for the day.
Meeting Point
You’ll meet at the central pickup point in Banjul specified at booking-exact time and meeting location will be confirmed in your reservation details.
Includes
- Private transportation included - enjoy door-to-door transfers around Banjul and the surrounding area for a smoother arrival and departure experience.
- Your booking covers private transport, so you can focus on activities and exploring the region without worrying about shared shuttles.
Excludes
- Entry fee to Makasutu is not included - you will need to pay the Makasutu Forest admission separately when visiting this site near the area.
Other
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap - please plan for lap seating for babies rather than a separate seat during transfers in the destination.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness - you’ll need basic stamina for activities and transfers in the local terrain and venues.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had a great trip to Makasutu Cultural Village. It was not the high season, but still we could do canoeing and see the baboons and learn a lot. Everything was well organised and friendly
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Summary:
The opportunity to canoe around mangroves is quite rare, despite their profusion worldwide. Together with the forest walk, accompanied by a very knowledgeable guide greatly added to our understanding of The Gambia’s flora and fauna. Due to our early start the palm reader and palm wine tapper were absent, but we did not find that a disadvantage.
This area is a testament to the imagination and energy of its founders. While it is sad to see it deteriorating in some areas due to lack of tourist income post pandemic it remains a very important endeavour that should be supported.
In practical terms, we wore long trousers, but the sandy paths are wide and shorts would have been fine. Lunches are available for those who wish to extend their about 2-hour visit.
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Summary:
Jimmy is passionate about his job. He’s not a guide, he’s a friend since moment one and he tells you all the story that your curiosity about The Gambia can have. I did with him a couple of excursions, the Makasutu cultural forest and the Banjul city tour. I strongly recommend his services to all people traveling to the Gambia (which is amazing)
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Know more about Banjul
You’ll explore Makasutu’s forest learning about medicinal plants and traditional uses, take a canoe ride along the Mandinga Bolong creek in a traditional African pirogue, sample fresh palm juice, and have the option to visit the local Marabout for a fortune reading.
The entrance to Makasutu is 1500 GMD (2025) and is not included in the tour price; be aware that most places in the Gambia, including Makasutu, only accept cash rather than credit cards.
The guided walk focuses on local plants and trees and their traditional medicinal uses, giving you hands-on learning about natural remedies as part of the workshops and cultural activities.
Yes - the calm, Water-Based canoe ride on the Mandinga Bolong creek is family-friendly, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap and all travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to enjoy the walking and boat elements.
Private transportation is included with the excursion, so you’ll travel to and from Makasutu without arranging separate transit.
Yes - during the visit you can try fresh palm juice and participate in cultural experiences such as having your fortune told by the local Marabout, alongside nature and heritage activities.
