Tiwai Island

Tiwai Island, a small forested island in the Moa River in Sierra Leone's interior, is one of the most important and rewarding wildlife destinations in West Africa, a community-run sanctuary protecting a precious remnant of rainforest. Despite its modest size, it boasts an extraordinary density and diversity of primates, with up to eleven species, including chimpanzees, the rare Diana monkey and colobus monkeys, alongside the elusive and endangered pygmy hippopotamus, over 130 bird species, and rich forest life. Explored on guided walks through the jungle and by canoe around the island, staying at a simple eco-camp, it offers a genuine and intimate rainforest wildlife experience.

History

Tiwai, Mende for big island, belonged to the Barri people until the late 19th century, when their chief, Queen Nyarroh, gave half of it to the Koya chief across the Moa River, and the two peoples have shared it ever since. Scientists studied its plants and animals through the 1970s and 1980s, and at the request of researchers and the Barri and Koya people it was made a game reserve in 1987, with community conservation, research and tourism; in the 1990s its funding stopped and researchers and visitors stayed away, and later the Sierra Leonean NGO Environmental Foundation for Africa rebuilt the facilities. In 2025 the island became a World Heritage Site as part of the Gola-Tiwai complex (Wikipedia, Tiwai Island).

The landscape

• The primates - the eleven species of monkeys and chimpanzees.
• The pygmy hippo - the rare, elusive forest hippo.
• The forest walks and canoe trips - the guided exploration.
• The birdlife - the rich variety of forest birds.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the best access and conditions, as the rainy season can make travel and river crossings difficult; wildlife, especially the primates, is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The island is reached by road and a canoe crossing, and visited on guided walks staying at the eco-camp.

Things to know

Tiwai is remote, reached by a long journey and a canoe crossing, with only a simple community-run eco-camp and basic facilities, so it is a rustic adventure rather than a comfortable trip, and wildlife, especially the shy pygmy hippo and chimps, is heard and glimpsed more than seen. As one of West Africa's most biodiverse and rewarding rainforest sanctuaries, though, with its remarkable primates and community-led conservation, Tiwai Island is a genuine highlight for nature lovers.

Nearby

The town of Bo and the southern rainforest are within reach.

Key facts