3 day Tiwai Island Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Transfer from Freetown to Tiwai Island

A visit to this tropical rain-forest is undoubtedly one of Sierra Leone’s wildlife highlights. Enriched by the lazily flowing waters of the Moa River you are immersed in the sights and sounds of this safe haven. There is some of the most diverse chimpanzee and monkey populations and more than 700 species of plants life, not to mention the elusive pygmy hippo, a squat little nocturnal beast found only in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Depart Freetown for Tiwai Island, departing 8AM, taking an early lunch in Bo. Arrive at Tiwai Island c. 3pm, with time to rest at camp following transfer to Tiwai Island by boat from Kambama. After arrival and a bit of a rest, take a late afternoon/early evening boat trip up the Mao River in an engine-powered boat. Take in spectacular views of Tiwai Island and the neighbouring mainland, looking out for monkeys jumping between the trees, some 135 species of birds and, of course, the occasional crocodile and the very elusive Pygmy Hippo.

In the evening eat dinner cooked by camp staff and rest at camp. Night walks can be arranged at additional cost.

Day 2

Full day at Tiwai Island

In the morning, walk the forests of Tiwai Island accompanied by a local guide, experiencing the thrill of tracking the 11 different species of primates, 135 species of birds and some 800 species of butterfly, as well as the footprints of mammals such as mongoose, wild pigs and that Pygmy Hippo. Not to mention the incredible plant life.

Departing after an early lunch, take a boat back to the mainland and explore the fascinating culture and heritage of the rural villages of Kambama and nearby Nianiahun (20 min drive), including sites of traditional sacrifice, meeting points for the rituals of village elders, birth ceremonial sites and the ‘blood stream’ hiding place for the knives and weapons of ancient warriors.

In the evening take a stroll into the forest to watch for monkeys, birds and gaze at the treetops. Eat dinner cooked by camp staff and rest at camp. Night walks can be arranged at additional cost.

Day 3

Depart Tiwai for Freetown

In the morning, relax at camp or rise early to take a stroll into the forest to watch for monkeys and birds, with binoculars at hand. After your walk or at a time convenient to you, depart Tiwai Island and head to Freetown via Bo. If you wish, you can have lunch in Bo, before continuing your journey to Freetown.