Sierra Leone’s National Parks: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
If you’re considering a trip to Sierra Leone, you’ll be pleased to know that this beautiful country is home to several national parks and protected areas, each offering unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, wildlife lover, or simply looking to escape into unspoiled natural surroundings, these parks are the perfect addition to your travel itinerary.
Here’s a guide to the top national parks in Sierra Leone that you should consider visiting.
1. Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Located in northern Sierra Leone, near the Guinea border, Outamba-Kilimi National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife. The park is divided into two distinct areas: Outamba, named after one of the highest peaks in the region, and Kilimi, named after the longest river in the area.
Outamba-Kilimi became a national park in 1985 and is home to an array of wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, pygmy hippos, and rare bird species. Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and even stay in jungle huts or camp within the park. For the adventurous, canoe trips along the Kabba River offer the chance to spot pygmy hippos, one of the rarest animals in Sierra Leone. The park is also a hiker’s paradise, with options like climbing Karangia Hill at sunrise for breathtaking views over the Guinea border or embarking on a two-day hike to Yomba Falls, the largest waterfall in Sierra Leone.
2. Mamunta-Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled within the remote rainforest of central Sierra Leone, Mamunta-Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a hidden gem, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich wildlife. Situated in Tonkolili District, near the towns of Magburaka and Yonibana, this sanctuary is one of the last strongholds for the dwarf crocodile, a threatened species that now survives in only a few isolated regions across West Africa.
Beyond the dwarf crocodile, Mamunta-Mayosso is a sanctuary for other rare species, including chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and red colobus monkeys, making it a vital part of the wildlife in Sierra Leone. Its secluded location ensures a tranquil escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in Sierra Leone’s pristine natural beauty, far from the usual tourist paths.
3. Kangari Hills Forest Reserve
Nestled in the heart of Central Sierra Leone, about 40 km from Mamunta-Mayosso, Kangari Hills Forest Reserve is one of the last remaining areas of the Upper Guinean Rainforest ecosystem. This reserve is a haven for protected plant and animal species, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors to Kangari Hills can encounter vulnerable species like chimpanzees, Diana monkeys, red colobus monkeys, pygmy hippos, and various duiker species. The forest is also one of the last places in Sierra Leone where forest elephants still roam freely.
4. Western Area Peninsula National Park
Freetown is one of the few capital cities in the world that boasts a national park right on its doorstep. The Western Area Peninsula National Park, covering 183 square kilometers, is located within the interior of the Freetown Peninsula and is primarily covered in semi-deciduous canopy forest.
The park is home to a variety of species, including western chimpanzees, Jenkins duikers, red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, sooty mangabeys, Diana monkeys, and even some leopards. A visit to the nearby Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned chimpanzees while promoting conservation efforts within the local community.
5. Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on an island in the middle of the Moa River, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique destination in Sierra Leone. The word “Tiwai” means “big” in the local Mende language, and fittingly, this is the largest inland island in Sierra Leone.
Visitors to Tiwai can stay at a rainforest lodge managed by the local community and enjoy activities such as guided nature hikes, sunset boat rides, and night walks to spot nocturnal animals. The island is home to a variety of species, including 11 primate species, such as chimpanzees, and the largest colony of pygmy hippos.
6. Gola Rainforest National Park
Located in southeastern Sierra Leone, near the Liberian border, Gola Rainforest National Park is one of the largest surviving areas of the Upper Guinean rainforest in West Africa. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 49 mammal species, including pygmy hippos, forest elephants, and endangered primates, as well as 327 bird species, such as the Nimba flycatcher and Gola Malimbe.
Tourists can take guided nature walks, but for those seeking more in-depth exploration, longer expeditions are recommended to increase the chances of spotting specific wildlife. The Sileti area, for example, offers a two-day itinerary where you may spot pygmy hippos, Diana monkeys, and red colobus monkeys. Gola is also culturally significant, with villages in the Lalehun area known for their masked devil dances, and the Belebu community renowned for their knowledge of medicinal plants.
These national parks in Sierra Leone offer a rich tapestry of wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making them essential stops for any traveler seeking to experience the country’s remarkable diversity.