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tiwai_island_wildlife_sanctuary

potoru, sierra_leone

Image of tiwai_island_wildlife_sanctuaryImage of tiwai_island_wildlife_sanctuaryImage of tiwai_island_wildlife_sanctuary

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Moa River in Sierra Leone, is a 1,200-hectare rainforest reserve known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to 11 primate species, including the rare Diana monkey and chimpanzees, as well as pygmy hippos, over 135 bird species, and diverse plant life. Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks, canoe trips, birdwatching, and cultural visits to nearby communities. The best time to visit is November–April (dry season) for better wildlife spotting. Entry fees start at $10–$20 per person, and the sanctuary is accessible via a 6-hour drive from Freetown, followed by a short boat ride to the island.

Geographical Details

Location: remote

Coordinates: 7.5500° W, -11.3000° N

Time Zone: UTC ±0

Tourism Info

Category: naturalwildlife

Primary Attractions: rainforest, island, game_reserve

Annual Visitors: 10000

Travel Information

Nearest Airport: freetown international airport (300 km)

Best Time to Visit: dry_season

Entry & Safety

Entry Cost: 0 CFA ($60 USD)

Safety Index: 1.99 / 10

Facilities

Amenities: guided_tours

Accessibility: vehicleBoatfoot

Connectivity

Mobile Network: limited