Makasutu Culture Forest
Makasutu Culture Forest
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.0
187 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
65
Average
23
Poor
16
Terrible
7
Gillian A
49 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
An unloved and underwhelming experience that is best avoided.
What’s billed as a wildlife and nature park is in fact just an overpriced shadow of glory days gone by.
One can see where a beautiful oasis in the forest once reigned, but clearly COVID and the forest rains have taken their toll.
An empty and decaying concrete swimming pool, a decrepit observation tower, the steps of which would give health and safety engineers nightmares, and the utter lack of promised baboons and monkeys were just the beginning.
I can imagine the founder would be horrified to see how the place is being run, or rather run into the ground…..literally!
Our guide tried his best to explain the plants and their medicinal uses, and the short canoe paddle along the mangroves was peaceful but brief, however the rest of the experiences which included palm wine tasting, a paid extra for soothsayer visit, musicians and coffee, the obligatory craft stalls, and even a trip to the toilet, just felt like a disjointed and unfortunate series of reasons to cajole and guilt tourists into tipping or parting with their Delasi.
Even the much lauded baboons and monkeys we had specifically come to see were completely absent. When asked about them we were simply told that happens later, only later never came!
So please don’t waste your time or money on this trip.
What’s billed as a wildlife and nature park is in fact just an overpriced shadow of glory days gone by.
One can see where a beautiful oasis in the forest once reigned, but clearly COVID and the forest rains have taken their toll.
An empty and decaying concrete swimming pool, a decrepit observation tower, the steps of which would give health and safety engineers nightmares, and the utter lack of promised baboons and monkeys were just the beginning.
I can imagine the founder would be horrified to see how the place is being run, or rather run into the ground…..literally!
Our guide tried his best to explain the plants and their medicinal uses, and the short canoe paddle along the mangroves was peaceful but brief, however the rest of the experiences which included palm wine tasting, a paid extra for soothsayer visit, musicians and coffee, the obligatory craft stalls, and even a trip to the toilet, just felt like a disjointed and unfortunate series of reasons to cajole and guilt tourists into tipping or parting with their Delasi.
Even the much lauded baboons and monkeys we had specifically come to see were completely absent. When asked about them we were simply told that happens later, only later never came!
So please don’t waste your time or money on this trip.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna J
Kavala, Greece12 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
You can see that rarely anybidy takes care if the place. The pool is closed and dirty, the tower should be closed- i find it dangerous (steps are rusty and with wholes), they wand additionsl money for wverything and the entrance ticket is very expensive for what you get. We are very dissapointed.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DarrenCBristol
Bristol, UK266 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
This is a lovely place for a guided walk, lots of really interesting birds and photo opportunities. However getting local knowledge of the flora and fauna is fascinating. Keep an eye out for monkeys and baboons.
Written 5 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liono Tours
Kotu, Gambia52 contributions
Jan 2019 • Business
Makasutu is a cultural forest where you can wander in to a vast forest and enjoy the trails and end up your walk at the palmwine tapper to try palm wine.
you can also go on wit a lovely boat cruise within the creeks of the river Gambia, where you can see women collecting osyters and fire woods
you can also go on wit a lovely boat cruise within the creeks of the river Gambia, where you can see women collecting osyters and fire woods
Written 28 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManxSaphire
Isle of Man23 contributions
Apr 2017
This was a lovely trip, you had a long walk through the forest and a trip on a boat up the Gambian River where you could take photos of the wildlife, once back from your boat adventure you could experience first hand local food which was very tasty. You could always have your palm read by the local Marabou, take some sweets and pens and colouring books for the children. and sample the local brew and watch the wine tappers climb the trees
Written 17 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susanholdsworth4
Huddersfield, UK94 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
there are no markings and it would be very easy to get lost. The local villagers use the forest, and sections are protected against cultivation, such as the rare rosewood
Written 3 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness188536
Illmensee, Germany1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Couples
Arrived the night before with our camper, the staff tried and managed to defraud us on the price. Claiming first 75 € for the couple. We negotiated at 50 € over the phone with "the boss". 50 € that we paid cash the same evening without any receipt.
Today during the visit, perfectly guided by a very competent guide, we learn that the price for the day is 1000 GMD (about 18 €) per person. Why we were asked 75 € (instead of 36), without showing us the official rates available on a table?
Our claims do not interest anyone and all kinds of phony explanations will be provided to us trying to justify the scam.
Today during the visit, perfectly guided by a very competent guide, we learn that the price for the day is 1000 GMD (about 18 €) per person. Why we were asked 75 € (instead of 36), without showing us the official rates available on a table?
Our claims do not interest anyone and all kinds of phony explanations will be provided to us trying to justify the scam.
Written 12 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George B
Dorking244 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
One senses that this is here to provide employment in a quite remote part of the Gambia. Nothing wrong with that but go with the expectation that it will be a tourist experience with little huts selling stuff and resident drummers drumming!
Written 13 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy W
Accrington, UK106 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
This is a lovely place to visit, with a ride on a boat through the mangroves with the guide pointing out the many birds. Then a stroll through the forest telling you about the trees and medicine the can be used for the guide is very friendly and informative. We had the meal but it was awful overcooked. We were joined buy the baboons and many other animals to. There is a craft market were they are not pushy you can take your time looking round. It's worth a trip to visit just don't use a tour company to go just grab a taxi.
Written 10 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
imagem000
Bridport, UK23 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
We had a good day at Makasutu Forest. We didn't see much wildlife though...
We took a taxi from Kololi (cost 1300D return + wait). The entry fee is 800D for half day and 1000D for full day (include lunch). You get your own guide who takes you on a river trip for 15-20min then a walk in the forest where he explains how the trees are used for medicine. You get to taste Palm wine and see a fortune teller if interested. You're always asked for tips though...
There is a group of baboons. Seems like they usually hang around the restaurant at lunch time. If you manage to find them, you'll see many but l suppose that not everyone one can win!
If you don't have too much expectations for wild life, I'd advise a visit. Better to do it on your own though. You don't get much value to use a tour operator and it's way cheaper.
We took a taxi from Kololi (cost 1300D return + wait). The entry fee is 800D for half day and 1000D for full day (include lunch). You get your own guide who takes you on a river trip for 15-20min then a walk in the forest where he explains how the trees are used for medicine. You get to taste Palm wine and see a fortune teller if interested. You're always asked for tips though...
There is a group of baboons. Seems like they usually hang around the restaurant at lunch time. If you manage to find them, you'll see many but l suppose that not everyone one can win!
If you don't have too much expectations for wild life, I'd advise a visit. Better to do it on your own though. You don't get much value to use a tour operator and it's way cheaper.
Written 5 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Several people have mentioned the baboons. I was under the impression that baboons are dangerous to humans - that you certainly don't want them close to you. What's it like to be so close to them, and did you feel comfortable?
Written 19 January 2018
Hello! How much dalasi do you pay for a whole day at Makasutu?
Written 30 November 2017
Hallo, wat wil je weten over deze attractie?
Wij gaan in januari 2018 voor de 2e keer naar Gambia. We logeren in Bakuto Hotel waar we vorig jaar heel tevreden gelogeerd hebben en van waaruit we al veel gezien en bleefd hebben. Is Makasutu Culture Forest de moeite waard om naar toe te gaan?
Written 21 October 2017
Hello all,
I am currently writing my masterthesis on ecotourism in The Gambia. As a side project, I am trying to understand the different perceptions about the Gambia culture. Therefore, I was wondering if someone could tell me how they would define the Gambian culture and what they expect to see when they go there?
Thank you!
Written 11 March 2017
Is there enough to see and do in a full day. I'm going to get a taxi to make sutures and need to know how many hours I'll need to be there for. Also whereabouts in Gambia is it?
Written 2 November 2016
Makasutu have different programs, depending the hour of arrival. Usually in the morning and before departing for the river tour there is a waiting period where a coffee or tea will be served, then the river will take 30/45 mn. After there is a walk of at least 1 h in the forest. A stop at a inside village, seing how they do the palm wine, the return to base will be by car, the road is not suitable for normal taxis.
The traditional buffet lunch will be served and during that time some cultural activities like dance and music will take place.
Written 3 November 2016
Hello Jan, I read your review and you said you got there in a Taxi, whereas most people book an excursion from their hotel. We will hire our own car and wondered whether we can just turn up and pay an entrance fee? Or, does it have to be a pre-booked excursion with a guide?
We only have a week in Gambia, so what would be your recommendation for the best thing to do please?
Thank you
wendy
Written 18 October 2016
Hi
We did it also with the regular green and yellow taxi's and payed an entrance fee at the gate. No need to book in advance, certainly outside the season.
Be aware that no food is available outside the touristic season!
Written 19 October 2016
If you take a half day excursion without lunch, it costs 800 dalasi. If it is a day tour plus local lunch (fish menu if I am not mistaken), then it costs 1.000 dalasi, which is a bit more than 20 euro
Written 5 May 2016
Hi can you arrive later in the day around 4pm
Written 19 February 2016
I imagine so, but you need to spend a couple of hours at least there. Best to check before you go. Wherever you are staying will do this for you I'm sure.
Written 21 February 2016
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