Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Sierra Leone - Complete Travel Guide

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a pristine 12-square-kilometer island sanctuary located in the Moa River in southeastern Sierra Leone. This remarkable conservation area is home to eleven species of primates, making it one of the most important primate sanctuaries in West Africa. The island's dense tropical rainforest ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the Diana monkey, red colobus monkey, and various species of chimpanzees. Established as a community-based conservation project, Tiwai Island represents a successful model of sustainable ecotourism that directly benefits local communities while protecting critical wildlife habitat. Visitors can experience authentic African wilderness through guided forest walks, canoe trips along the Moa River, and overnight camping under the forest canopy. The sanctuary offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe primates in their natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts and local livelihoods in one of Sierra Leone's most biodiverse regions.

Top Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Primate Tracking and Wildlife Observation

start guided forest walks to track and observe eleven different primate species including Diana monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Expert local guides help visitors spot and identify various species while sharing knowledge about primate behavior and conservation efforts. Early morning and late afternoon tracking sessions offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Booking Tip: Book primate tracking through the sanctuary's community guides for $15-25 per person per walk. Best times are early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (3-6 PM) when primates are most active. Choose guides certified by the sanctuary for the most knowledgeable experience.

Canoe River Excursions

Navigate the pristine waters of the Moa River in traditional dugout canoes, exploring the waterways that surround Tiwai Island. These peaceful river journeys offer opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species while enjoying the serene natural environment. Canoe trips can be combined with fishing experiences or sunset viewing sessions.

Booking Tip: Arrange canoe trips through local boatmen for $10-20 per person for 2-3 hours. Morning trips offer better wildlife viewing, while evening excursions provide impressive sunset views. Ensure life jackets are provided and verify the canoe's condition before departure.

Forest Camping and Night Walks

Experience the African wilderness through overnight camping in the heart of the rainforest, sleeping in basic eco-friendly accommodations or tents. Night walks reveal the sanctuary's nocturnal wildlife including bush babies, fruit bats, and various owl species. The sounds of the forest at night create an unforgettable immersive experience.

Booking Tip: Book overnight stays for $20-35 per person including basic meals and accommodation. Bring mosquito nets, flashlights, and insect repellent. Best during dry season (November-April) when forest paths are more accessible.

Bird Watching and Nature Photography

Discover over 135 bird species recorded on Tiwai Island, including hornbills, kingfishers, and various forest specialists. The diverse habitats from riverine forests to dense canopy provide excellent opportunities for bird photography and observation. Professional guides can help identify species and locate the best viewing spots.

Booking Tip: Hire specialized bird guides for $20-30 per day who know prime locations and bird calls. Bring binoculars and telephoto lenses for photography. Early morning hours (5:30-9 AM) offer the most active bird watching opportunities.

Community Cultural Experiences

Engage with local Mende communities who manage and protect the sanctuary, learning about traditional conservation practices and local culture. Participate in village visits, traditional cooking demonstrations, and storytelling sessions that highlight the relationship between local people and wildlife conservation. These experiences directly support community-based conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Arrange community visits through the sanctuary office for $10-15 per person. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people. Consider purchasing local handicrafts to support community income from conservation activities.

Getting There

Reach Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary by first traveling to Bo, Sierra Leone's second-largest city, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Freetown via a 4-5 hour drive on paved roads. From Bo, take a local taxi or hired vehicle for the 45-minute journey to Potoru village, the gateway to Tiwai Island. The final leg involves a 10-15 minute canoe crossing of the Moa River to reach the island sanctuary. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators in Freetown or Bo, as public transport options are limited and the canoe crossing requires advance coordination with sanctuary staff.

Getting Around

Transportation on Tiwai Island is entirely on foot via forest trails and footpaths maintained by the sanctuary. All movement around the island requires local guides who are familiar with the trail system and wildlife locations. Canoe transport is used for river excursions and accessing different parts of the sanctuary via waterways. The island covers only 12 square kilometers, making most destinations accessible within 1-2 hours of walking. Visitors should be prepared for forest hiking with appropriate footwear and should always be accompanied by certified local guides for safety and wildlife tracking expertise.

Where to Stay

Tiwai Island Eco-Lodge

Forest Camping Sites

Potoru Village Guesthouses

Bo City Hotels

Community-Based Accommodations

Riverside Camping Areas

Food & Dining

Dining options on Tiwai Island focus on simple, locally-sourced meals prepared by community members, featuring traditional Sierra Leonean dishes with rice, fish from the Moa River, and locally grown vegetables. Most meals are included in accommodation packages and reflect authentic Mende cuisine. Visitors can participate in traditional cooking experiences using local ingredients and cooking methods. In nearby Potoru village, basic local restaurants serve traditional fare, while Bo city offers more diverse dining options including Lebanese and Indian restaurants popular in Sierra Leone. It's advisable to inform guides of any dietary restrictions in advance, and bringing some supplementary snacks is recommended for longer forest excursions.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is during the dry season from November to April, when forest trails are more accessible and river crossings are safer. December through February offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making wildlife tracking and camping more enjoyable. The wet season (May to October) brings heavy rains that can make forest paths muddy and difficult to navigate, though this period offers lush green scenery and increased bird activity. Primate viewing is generally good year-round, but dry season visits provide better trail conditions and more reliable transportation access to and from the sanctuary.

Insider Tips

Bring a good quality headlamp and extra batteries for night walks and early morning activities, as there is no electricity on the island

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in earth tones to blend with the forest environment and avoid bright colors that might disturb wildlife

Contribute to conservation efforts by purchasing locally-made crafts and paying fair wages to guides, as tourism revenue directly supports the community-based sanctuary management