Gola Forest National Park

Gola Forest National Park protects a block of Upper Guinean rainforest on Liberia's northwestern border, running directly into Sierra Leone's Gola park on the other side so the two form a single transboundary forest. Forest elephant, pygmy hippopotamus, chimpanzee, and the white-necked rockfowl live in it, along with a very long bird list. Community forests buffer the park on the Liberian side. The Liberian side covers around eighty eight thousand hectares, which together with Sierra Leone's makes a substantial block.

What you actually see

• The transboundary forest - protected woodland continuous with Sierra Leone's Gola.
• The pygmy hippopotamus - the rare forest species present in the park.
• The white-necked rockfowl - the bird specialists come for.
• The community forests - the buffer zones around the park.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the practical window. The heavy rains from May make access impossible. Wildlife is heard rather than seen in any season.

Honest expectations

Infrastructure is minimal and access needs a guide and arrangement in advance. Large mammal sightings are very unlikely. Mining and logging pressure on the boundaries is significant.

Nearby

The Sierra Leonean border is west, and Bopolu is southeast.