What it is
Around 1,000 hectares of mangrove channels, gallery forest and savannah on a creek off the river, developed as a private reserve from the 1990s. Mandina Lodges, floating and stilted rooms on the creek, sit inside it.
Why go
It is the easiest way to see the river environment without leaving the coast for long. Mornings are spent by pirogue in the mangroves and on foot in the forest, with baboons, monitor lizards, kingfishers and a good chance of palm-wine tappers working the trees. It functions equally as a day excursion from the Kombo hotels and as a two-night change of scene.
When to go
November to May for the boat trips and the walking. Book the day programme in advance; it runs to a schedule and drop-ins are not always accommodated.
Most people stay 1-2 nights.