Full-Day Tour: Mystical Makasutu & Galloya Art Village – Nature, Heritage & Creativity
This full-day adventure invites you to immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of the Makasutu Cultural Forest and experience the vibrant artistic spirit of Galloya Art Village — a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, tradition, and creativity.
We’ll drive just under an hour to the enchanting Makasutu Forest, nestled along a tributary of the Gambia River in Madina Bolong. This protected area is a mosaic of palm groves, mangroves, savannahs, and gallery forest, teeming with biodiversity.
Start your visit with tea or coffee at the eco-camp, then head on a guided forest walk to discover the area’s flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, monitor lizards, pygmy deer, mongoose, and—if lucky—migratory baboons crossing through the woods.
You'll enjoy a traditional dugout canoe ride through the mangroves, where you'll see local oyster collectors at work and spot kingfishers, herons, and other exotic birds. Then continue on foot for a bush walk, guided birdwatching, and a visit to the wildlife museum, where you'll learn about local conservation efforts.
Back at the base camp, you'll experience cultural traditions like:
Traditional dugout canoe trips.
Guided forest walks.
Bird watching.
Bush walks for flora and fauna exploration.
A meeting with a fortune teller from the Jola tribe, who reads the future with cowrie shells.
A demonstration (and chance to try!) of palm tree climbing, followed by a tasting of fresh palm wine tapped from the tree.
Hands-on activities like pottery, African cooking, traditional crafts, and lively drumming and dancing.
After soaking in the wonders of the forest, we head to Galloya Art Village, where you'll be inspired by vibrant murals, colorful street art, and local artists transforming the village through creative expression. Discover art made with passion and purpose, and connect with the Gambian soul through storytelling, paint, and rhythm.
By the end of the day, you’ll have explored the wild beauty and cultural heartbeat of The Gambia — all in one unforgettable experience.
Paddle through calm waters to observe biodiversity and local fishermen harvesting oysters. Continue exploring on foot to spot even more wildlife.
After Makasutu, we’ll head to Galloya Art Village to experience vibrant street art and connect with local artists transforming the village with murals and creative workshops. Discover art made with passion and purpose, and connect with the Gambian soul through storytelling, paint, and rhythm.
By the end of the day, you’ll have enjoyed a magical mix of nature, wildlife, culture, and creativity — an authentic taste of The Gambia.
Explore Makasutu Cultural Forest: palm forests, mangroves, savannahs, and woodlands.
Guided canoe trip, forest walk, bush walk, and birdwatching.
Visit the wildlife museum and learn about conservation.
Meet a Jola fortune teller, taste fresh palm wine, and try to climb a palm tree.
Discover Galloya Art Village, connect with local artists and see powerful murals.
What You Need to Know
Full-day tour with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
Price: €70 per person.
Explore diverse ecosystems: palm forest, mangroves, savannah.
Includes canoe trip, forest walks, birdwatching, and cultural activities.
Cultural visit to Galloya Art Village.
Entry fees to specific sites included.
Ready to explore the wild beauty and cultural heartbeat of The Gambia?
For more details, availability, group prices, and preparation tips, please contact me directly through the contact form. I’ll personally help you plan your visit for a smooth and unforgettable day.