Private Tour
MAKASUTU - cultural forrest, Brikama
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
This excursion is for nature-lovers and for people who are interested in culture, history and natural medicin. In Makasutu you will be learning about the different plants and trees as well as the traditional uses for them. Then we take a canoe ride along the Mandinga Bolong creek in a traditional African pirogue.
You will also have the possibility to try out some fresh palm juice or get your fortune told by the local Marabout..
The entrance to Makasutu is 1500 GMD (2025) and is not includedin the tour
Be aware that most places in the Gambia only accept cash and no credit cards.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Makasutu Culture Forest
Makasutu is a wildlife reserve located near Brikama. The reserve is aproximately 1000 acres and is home to many birds and animals. The plants and trees that grow here have been widely used to cure illnesses, make marriages stronger and to boost fertility. The forest it self is believed to be sacred and the legend says that the Ninki Nanka* is guarding it. Here you get your own guide who guides you through the forrest. You will be learning about the different plants and trees as well as the traditional uses for them. Then we take a canoe ride along the Mandinga Bolong creek. The Mandinga Bolong creek is a part of the Gambia River and we will be canoeing in a traditional African pirogue. You will also have the possibility to try out some fresh palm juice or get your fortune told by the local Marabout..
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Entry fee to Makasutu
Pickup points
Palma Rima Hotel
Bertil Harding Hwy Kololi Gambia
Senegambia Beach Hotel
Senegambia Road, 7th Street East, Off Kairaba Avenue Kololi Gambia
Seaview Gardens Hotel
Bertil Harding Hwy, Kololi Gambia
Sunset Beach Hotel
Kotu Stream Road, Kotu Gambia
Lemon Creek Hotel Resort
Kombo Coastal Airport Road Bijilo Gambia
Options
MAKASUTU - cultural forrest, Brikama
Pickup included
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Most beautiful visit in The Gambia!
I1457WOisabelb,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great experience visiting Makasutu Forest. We felt it was probably the most underrated place we visited in The Gambia! The beautiful boat road and views from the view point will always stay with us. We also spent some time hanging out with the Guinea baboons and we saw lots of birds. The guides were passionate and very knowledgeable too. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel and that made the experience completely stress free. If you go to The Gambia don't skip Makasutu!
One of the most beautiful experiences we had in The Gambia!
Isabel B,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Makasutu Forest exceeded our expectations! It's such a beautiful place run by people who love nature and animals who are happy to share their knowledge abour both the flora and fauna. The visit also included a boat ride among mangroves, trying local palm juice and climbing to the top of a view point to see incredible views of the forest and river. We took so many photos of baboons, birds and the landscape! This place should be more popular! We were picked up and dropped off by a lovely driver who waited for us too and contacted us before the trip. 100% recommended!
Beautiful and educational
Axel S,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took a trip to Makasutu Forest with Kassama Tours. The trip was not only beautiful, but also educational, as they explain the flora and fauna in the mangroves and forest. The trip was relaxed and entertaining. I can therefore highly recommend the journey and Kassama Tour.
Nice people, nice day!
R1820IFthomasj,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice people and very accomodating. Kind to pick us up at our hotel upon request. We had a nice chat along the way in the car.
Recommended!
majaka92,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the Makasutu tour, so lush and peaceful with the nature walk. We also did the Lamin Lodge tour – an interesting experience to see the oyster farm, pirogue boat trip and walking around in the mangroves. Jarry and her driver were very friendly and accommodating – we had a great time with them. Hopefully AC in the car will be fixed for next time! Thanks!
Nice day trip with friendly guides
AndersMikael G,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Makasutu Culture Forest gives you a look at the different flora and fauna that are present in the area. Well explained by friendly guides. The boat trip was especially nice. Special thanks to Jarry from Kassama Tours - she was so welcoming and nice to talk to!
Bake & switch at last minute.
cploy,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Upon calling to confirm about the tour a day before, the tour operator used all kinds of excuses to switch me from this tour to another tour. Why? Because we are the only couple that booked this tour. They tried to move us to a totally different tour. Oh...the driver is sick.. the tour is far and a long day...Eventually they canceled on us. They are a very dishonest company. RUN!
I had a great day
Relax783593,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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
Great. Great.
48petrad,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this excursion across the street from the hotel. There is a lot to see especially a lot of monkeys and you also make a nice boat trip.
A great way to see more of Gambian wildlife.
Nick F,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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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Operated by Kassama Tours