Gola Rainforest National Park

Gola straddles Sierra Leone's border with Liberia just east of Kenema and is described by the national tourism board as one of West Africa's most important biodiversity hotspots. Declared a national park in 2010 from the Gola North, East and West reserves, it holds the largest tract of rainforest in the country.

The forest shelters pygmy hippos, a remnant forest elephant population, western chimpanzees and more than 300 bird species. Trails and community stays are run from sites such as Lalehun, Sileti and Belebu.

A 4WD vehicle is needed. Contact the park headquarters in Kenema before travelling; visitors must be accompanied by park staff and a community guide.