There is simply nothing quite like Mandina. Located in the heart of Makasutu Forest, yet only 40 minutes from coastal resorts, guests here are able to disconnect from everyday life and instead connect with the surrounding nature, which includes monkeys, baboons and reptiles, as well as a vast array of birdlife. Such are the unique and memorable qualities of Mandina, the lodges were featured in the book '1001 Escapes To Make Before You Die', and for many, an escape to Mandina is one they’ll wish to repeat endlessly during their lifetime, a viewpoint that Chris Packham endorses fully.

Comprising of nine beautifully designed lodges built both on and off the river, the setting of this accommodation encapsulates an unrelenting sense of tranquillity, relaxation and escape. The accommodation is a feature in itself, magnificent and yet in keeping with the environment. Built to a high standard, largely from local materials, each lodge has a private but roofless bathroom, along with flushing toilet in Jungle and Mangrove lodges and composting toilet in Floating/Stilted lodges (these are inspired by Swedish log cabins and are of a very acceptable standard).

The impressive Stilted Lodge is on two floors with separate bedroom, outside deck and lounge area on the lower level plus upstairs day room; fans are employed in all lodges instead of electricity sapping air-conditioning and solar power is used as much as possible to reinforce Mandina’s eco philosophy.

Beyond the breathtaking accommodation and inviting free-form pool, with its canopied day beds offering shade from the African sun, you’ll also experience personal and friendly service. Each guest is assigned one of Mandina’s expert guides, allowing you to explore the forest on foot or the mangroves by canoe, learning about the flora and fauna of the area as you go. Options to venture further afield are also possible, such as a visit to the recently opened Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust centre, or to witness the street art project 'Wide Open Walls'. The project was developed by Lawrence Williams, co-founder of Mandina, and has gone from strength to strength, with international artists dedicating time each year to help to create an area of cultural interest to visitors, helping to support the villages of the Ballabu Conservation Area for future generations.

In the evening, enjoy a refreshing drink in the bar area overlooking the mangroves, whilst meeting new friends and sharing stories of your experiences that day. Dinner is served al fresco in one of the thatched dining areas, and sometimes the fire is lit with the dancing flames creating a magical mood.

Situated just 40 minutes from the coastal resorts on a tributary of the River Gambia, a stay at Mandina offers an easy opportunity to witness an unspoilt area of West Africa and the unique experiences that this provides. Although may choose to spend a week or longer enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, it can also be combined with a stay at one of our beachfront properties for a longer holiday.

We offer a number of twin-centre and tailormade holiday options which allow holiday-makers to experience both the beauty of Mandina and one or more of West Africa's other most rewarding destinations. Whether it is combined with a relaxing stay beside the sea, or perhaps with a journey into neighbouring Senegal, you can find a number of superb twin-centre and tailormade options to suit you.

The 1000-acre Makasutu Cultural Forest was the result of 20 years’ hard work by two Englishmen who, after several years of searching, decided this beautiful spot provided the perfect location to realise their vision. Ideas for a simple tourism project gave way initially to a reforestation and conservation plan which ultimately resulted in the luxury lodge and cultural centre that you see today.

James English sadly passed away in 2011, however Lawrence Williams continues to have a big presence at Mandina (along with his much-loved pet dogs and cats!) and Linda joined him in 2012 to bring a woman’s touch to running the lodges which continue to improve and inspire year after year.