Things to Do in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, Sierra Leone

Outamba-Kilimi National Park is Sierra Leone's largest national park, encompassing 1,109 square kilometers of diverse wilderness across two distinct sections - Outamba in the north and Kilimi in the south. Located in the Northern Province near the Guinea border, this pristine protected area represents one of West Africa's most important wildlife sanctuaries, featuring dense tropical rainforests, savanna grasslands, and the meandering Great Scarcies River that connects both sections of the park. Established in 1986, the park serves as a critical habitat for endangered species including forest elephants, chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and over 135 bird species. The park's remote location and challenging accessibility have helped preserve its untouched wilderness character, making it a premier destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and eco-adventurers seeking an authentic African safari experience away from crowds. Outamba-Kilimi offers visitors the rare opportunity to witness West Africa's unique biodiversity while supporting vital conservation efforts in one of the region's last remaining wilderness strongholds.

Top Things to Do in Outamba-Kilimi National Park

Wildlife Safari and Game Drives

Embark on guided game drives through both sections of the park to spot forest elephants, chimpanzees, buffalo, and various antelope species. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active. The diverse habitats from dense forest to open savanna provide excellent photographic opportunities and chances to observe West Africa's unique fauna.

Booking Tip: Book through Sierra Leone's National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) or reputable eco-tourism operators in Freetown. Costs range from $50-80 per day including guide and vehicle. Best visited during dry season (November-April) when animals congregate near water sources and roads are more accessible.

Chimpanzee Tracking Expeditions

Join expert guides on foot to track and observe wild chimpanzee communities in their natural habitat. These intimate encounters offer insights into chimpanzee behavior, social structures, and conservation challenges. Tracking expeditions typically last 2-4 hours and require moderate fitness levels as you navigate forest trails and river crossings.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits in advance through NPAA or conservation organizations like Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Permits cost around $30-40 per person with mandatory guide fees of $20-30. Limited to small groups of 6-8 people to minimize impact on chimps.

Great Scarcies River Exploration

Navigate the Great Scarcies River by canoe or boat to explore the park's aquatic ecosystems and spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. The river journey offers unique perspectives of the park's landscape and opportunities to observe wildlife coming to drink at the water's edge. Fishing excursions can also be arranged with local guides.

Booking Tip: Arrange through park headquarters or local community guides. Boat trips cost $25-40 per person for half-day excursions. Bring sun protection and waterproof bags. Best during dry season when water levels are optimal for navigation.

Bird Watching and Nature Photography

Discover over 135 bird species including hornbills, kingfishers, and various endemic West African species across the park's diverse habitats. Specialized birding guides can help identify species and locate prime viewing spots near rivers, forest edges, and savanna areas. The park's pristine environment offers exceptional opportunities for nature photography.

Booking Tip: Hire specialized birding guides through ornithological societies or eco-lodges for $15-25 per day. Bring quality binoculars and telephoto lenses. Early morning starts (5:30-6:00 AM) are essential for optimal birding conditions.

Community Cultural Immersion

Visit local Temne and Susu villages surrounding the park to learn about traditional lifestyles, conservation partnerships, and cultural practices. Participate in traditional ceremonies, craft workshops, and community-based tourism initiatives that directly support local livelihoods while promoting conservation awareness.

Booking Tip: Coordinate visits through community tourism coordinators or park management to ensure respectful cultural exchange. Contributions of $10-20 per person help support community projects. Bring small gifts like school supplies and respect local customs and photography restrictions.

Getting There

Reaching Outamba-Kilimi National Park requires careful planning as it's located in a remote area approximately 350 kilometers northeast of Freetown. The journey typically involves flying into Freetown's Lungi International Airport, then traveling overland via Makeni (the nearest major town) which takes 6-8 hours by 4WD vehicle during dry season. The final 50 kilometers to park headquarters requires a sturdy vehicle and experienced driver due to rough terrain and river crossings. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles in Freetown, as public transportation doesn't reach the park directly.

Getting Around

Movement within Outamba-Kilimi National Park is exclusively by 4WD vehicle or on foot with guides, as no public roads traverse the protected area. Park rangers and authorized guides provide transportation for game drives and wildlife viewing activities using specially equipped vehicles suitable for rough terrain and river crossings. Walking safaris and hiking trails require mandatory guide accompaniment for safety and navigation. Canoes and boats are available for river exploration along the Great Scarcies River, typically arranged through park headquarters or local community guides.

Where to Stay

Park Headquarters Guesthouse

Eco-lodges near Kamakwie

Community-based tourism accommodations

Camping sites within the park

Guesthouses in Kambia town

Makeni hotels as base for day trips

Food & Dining

Dining options within Outamba-Kilimi National Park are limited to basic meals provided at the park guesthouse or camping facilities, typically featuring local Sierra Leonean cuisine including rice dishes, cassava, and locally sourced vegetables and proteins. Visitors should bring supplementary food supplies from Freetown or Makeni, as no restaurants or markets exist within the park boundaries. Community-based tourism initiatives may offer traditional meals prepared by local families, providing authentic cultural dining experiences. Most organized tours include meal provisions, but independent travelers should plan carefully and bring non-perishable supplies, water purification tablets, and camping cooking equipment.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Outamba-Kilimi National Park is during the dry season from November to April when roads are more accessible, wildlife congregates around water sources, and weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities. December through February offers the coolest temperatures and clearest skies, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. The wet season (May-October) brings heavy rainfall that can make roads impassable and wildlife more dispersed, though it offers lush green landscapes and fewer visitors. Serious wildlife enthusiasts may prefer late dry season (March-April) when animals are most concentrated near permanent water sources, though temperatures can be quite hot.

Insider Tips

Bring a satellite phone or GPS device as mobile coverage is non-existent in most park areas, and inform others of your detailed itinerary for safety

Pack comprehensive first aid supplies and any required medications as medical facilities are hours away, and consider travel insurance that covers remote area evacuation

Respect local customs and always ask permission before photographing people in surrounding communities, and consider bringing small gifts like school supplies to support local children

Things to Do in Outamba-Kilimi National Park