Tiwai Island & East
A jungle island adventure for wildlife lovers 🌿🦛
Safety Note: Exercise increased caution. Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. Roads can be hazardous and unlit; plan your journey to Tiwai to arrive well before sunset. Medical facilities in this remote region are extremely limited.
Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a magical destination for families who love nature and aren't afraid of a little adventure. Located on the Moa River in the southeast, this community-run sanctuary is one of the best places in West Africa to see primates. Children will be thrilled by the chance to spot the Diana monkey, Red Colobus, and potentially the elusive pygmy hippo, a rare species found only in this region.
The experience is immersive: accommodation consists of tents set on raised platforms with shared facilities, offering a "camping in the jungle" vibe that feels authentic but safe. Activities include guided forest walks, boat tours down the river to see birds and crocodiles, and visits to local villages to learn about Mende culture. The solar-powered facility means you are truly off the grid, allowing families to disconnect and focus on the environment.
Reaching Tiwai requires a long drive (approx. 5 hours) from Freetown via Bo and Kenema, followed by a short boat crossing. It is best suited for families with slightly older children who can handle the journey and the rustic living conditions. The reward is waking up to the call of hornbills and monkeys in a pristine rainforest setting that feels a world away from modern life.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Offers world-class primate diversity and rare pygmy hippo sightings in an authentic, high-biodiversity rainforest setting. Peak dry months (Dec-Mar) are critical for navigating the rugged interior and unpaved roads, which become impassable during the intense May-Oct rainy season.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides sophisticated families with unique insights into rainforest conservation and the historical impact of the diamond mining industry in Kenema. Seasonal access is strictly limited by the tropical climate, with the dry season offering the only viable window for reaching remote research sites and conservation hubs.
