How do you get to Tiwai Island?

Tiwai Island is reached by road to a landing on the Moa River, then by canoe or boat across to the island. Most visitors arrange transport and a guide in advance through a tour operator or the sanctuary's community administration.

What wildlife can you see on Tiwai Island?

The sanctuary protects one of the highest primate densities in the world, with species such as the Diana monkey and western chimpanzee. The surrounding river forests are also associated with the rare pygmy hippopotamus, and birdlife is abundant.

Photo: Dorothy Voorhees

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Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Eco · Moa River

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a 12-square-kilometre island reserve in the Moa River, in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. It protects a tract of Upper Guinean rainforest and is known for an exceptionally high density of primates, including the Diana monkey and the western chimpanzee.

The island has hosted a biological research station since the early 1980s and is managed in partnership with surrounding communities. The nearby river forests are also associated with the rare and elusive pygmy hippopotamus.

Visitors typically join guided forest walks, night walks, and river boat trips, with birdwatching a draw throughout. Basic community-run accommodation is available on the island, and access is by boat from the riverbank.

Opening hours

Days open: Daily
Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Note: Hours vary - confirm locally

Entry fees

Fees are not confirmed. Check locally before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Photos

Photo: Dorothy Voorhees (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Sources

Information on this page is paraphrased from the following public sources.