Focus-Gambia: Photographic Workshops in The Gambia, West Africa

Makasutu Culture Forest - ecotourism at its best

This is one of the most amazing places we visit. Makasutu is the Mandinka word meaning holy & "sacred deep forest". Visiting groups are kept deliberately small to reduce any detrimental impacts on the fragile eco-system.

James English and Lawrence Williams have cared for and developed this 1,000-acre reserve since 1992. www.makasutu.com

Our itinerary gives you the unique opportunity to explore this amazingly beautiful area and observe fishing and farmers whose practices have remained unchanged over the years. The salt flats are teeming with birdlife such as the European Pied Wagtail. Martial Eagles share thermals with Long Crested Eagles; African Finfoots, Goliath Herons; Pied, Blue-bellied, Malachite and Giant Kingfishers may also be seen. To catch the river tide and the best light, we need an early start! Some trips are planned to over night at the Mandina Lodge making for a more leisurely day and more importantly to be there for the dawn chorus!

Itinerary

To catch the tide and the best light, we need to set out early! About an hours drive from the Ngala, we start the day at the river where, with personal guides, you will be taken out in dugout canoes to explore the mangrove creeks and bolongs (river tributaries) of the River Gambia.

Driven to the Lodge, mid morning, we are given full range of the hotel's exotic facilities including the swimming pool, bar and terraces; you will be able to buy drinks and lunch at the Lodge. There are day beds and towels available for you to sleep, read and relax; or you can continue to explore….

The Lodge is filled with art and treasures; the staff put out wooden bowls with fresh water for the birds and the trees are laden with weaver nests; Swifts and Bee eaters share the swimming pool! You have the opportunity to photograph or sketch the wild baboons which can usually be found just outside the complex.

Forest guides are available for those wishing to trek though the Forest. There may be a chance to see the palm tappers at work or visit the holy man - your hosts will be on hand to ensure you maximise your photographic or art experience.

As dusk approaches, we have sundowners on the roofs of the elevated lodges with views across the mangroves - with luck you should see hundreds of white egrets passing overhead to their preferred roosting site.

After a memorable dinner under the stars, the day ends at Base Camp with a Fire Extravaganza - this is an entertaining, traditional spectacle full of exciting imagery; fire eaters, the stilt and grass men, dancing and drumming. It is loud, boisterous and unforgettable!

Our transport will be waiting to take us back to the Ngala at around 10pm