Tiwai Island Heritage Trail – 3 days
Details
Karma Cola is a soft drink brand who got their cola nuts (used in producing the drinks) from Sierra Leone and they set up a Foundation with the sole aim to develop the communities where they purchase their cola nuts from. The Heritage Trail was introduced to Karma Cola in 2013 and since then, its Foundation have been working relentlessly in ensuring these communities are developed.
The Heritage Trail was set up in collaboration with communities are the island and Karma Cola Foundation. Karma Cola is a soft drink brand who got their cola nuts (used in producing the drinks) from Sierra Leone and they set up a Foundation with the sole aim to develop the communities where they purchase their cola nuts from. The Heritage Trail was introduced to Karma Cola in 2013 and since then, its Foundation have been working relentlessly in ensuring these communities are developed.
The purpose of the trail was to create opportunities for Tiwai’s eight ‘host communities to generate additional income from tourism, attracted to Tiwai, an island on the Moa River that traditionally belongs to them. The trail was designed around the heritage of the eight forest edge communities and includes experiences linked to the cultural, historic and natural heritage of the Mende people that are its stewards.
There is a 5 day variation of this trail. If you are interested in this, do let us know.
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Freetown to Boma
Today we will pick you up for the trip to Tiwai Heritage Trail. There are 8 communities surrounding Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary and the Trail was designed around the heritage of these eight forest edge communities and includes experiences linked to the cultural, historic and natural heritage of the Mende people that are its stewards. Karma Cola, a leading soft drink brand got their cola nuts (used in making the drink) from these communities. Due to the limited time you will visit 2 of these communities during your trip.
Depart Freetown for Boma, departing 8AM, taking an early lunch in Bo. Arrive at Boma at 3pm, with time to rest at camp. After a bit of a rest, take a late afternoon walk into the community to visit the heritage site and meet the community people.
In the evening eat dinner cooked by camp staff and rest at camp.
Overnight in a tent at the campsite
Day 2
Transfer from Boma to Nianiahun & Kambama
Wake up to the sound of the stream and birds. After breakfast, you will then walk off the breakfast over the 1.5hr walk from Boma to Nianiahun. You will interact with community members to understand their culture & you will also visit the Heritage site ‘Koto-wule‐hun’ which looks like a formation of stones.
After lunch, you could make a quick stop at the waterfall before continuing your journey to Kambama where you will pass the night.
You will be welcomed at Kambama with a cultural performance.
Overnight in a tent at the Campsite
Day 3
Day trip to Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary and depart to Freetown
After breakfast, take 5-minute walk to the dock at Kambama and another 5-minute boat ride to Tiwai island Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival at the island, you will 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.
After the Forest walk, you are transferred back to Freetown.
