Tiwai Island is a river island and wildlife sanctuary in Sierra Leone.

Understand

The Moa River at Tiwai Island

Tiwai Island is located on the Moa River, 60 km (37 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean and 15 km (9 mi) from the town of Potoru. The island has area of 12 km² (4.6 sq mi) and is between 80 and 100 m (260 and 330 ft) above sea level.

History

Tiwai belonged to the Barri people until the late 19th century when Queen Nyarroh, the Barri Chief, gave half the Island to the Koya Chief, whose territory was on the opposite side of the Moa River. From then on both peoples shared ownership of the island. Numerous natural scientists visited the island during the 1970s and 1980s. Subsequently, some researchers along with the Barri and the Koya requested that it became a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1987 it was officially designated a game reserve. Then, in 1991 the civil war broke out and financial support for Tiwai ended. Researchers and tourists were unable to reach the Island. After the civil war the Environmental Foundation for Africa, a Sierra Leonean NGO, rebuilt both the tourist and research facilities on the island.

Landscape

The island is covered by tropical rain forest and surrounded by the slow-moving Moa River. It is one of the last remaining tracts of the Upper Guinea Rainforest, one of 25 "biodiversity hotspots" in the world.

Flora and fauna

The island is full of pygmy hippopotami, one of the densest concentrations in the world. There are chimpanzees and monkeys and antelope – you'll see them. More than 100 bird species call the island home, and do over 700 species of plants.

Climate

The climate on the Tiwai Island is tropical, with a rainy season lasting from May to October and a dry season from December to March. The average temperature is 27 °C (81 °F). The island receives approximately 3,000 mm (120 in) of rain per year.

November is the best month to visit. From December on, dry winds from the Sahara can cloud the air and make wildlife viewing difficult. During the rainy season, well, you probably won't get there.

Get in

It is not possible to reach Tiwai Island by public transportation. You can hire a 4WD vehicle and a driver in Freetown or Bo. From Bo, drive south to Potoru, then take the Potoru-Tiwai road to Village. From there you'll board a boat to access Tiwai Island. You will need to pay to park your vehicle overnight.

Fees and permits

The island entrance fee is US$10 for Sierra Leoneans and US$15 for others. This also covers the boat ride to the island. There have been some complaints about prices not being "clear". There is a price list posted online, so you may want to take that with you.

Do

• Guided walks. Short walks, long walks, beach walks and night walks are available. Le30-100 per person depending on the walk. (updated Nov 2023)
• River tour. Le100 per person for canoe; Le600 per person for speed boat. (updated Nov 2023)
• Go to the beach. Yes, there is a beach at the northern end of the island. You might see otters. (updated Nov 2023)
• Tiwai village cultural tour. Visit one of the 8 Tiwai villages in the area (off the island). (updated Nov 2023)
• Tiwai Heritage Trail. A 5-day expedition covering all 8 Tiwai villages. (updated Nov 2023)

Eat

Food is supposedly available on the island. However, it has been advised that you bring your own food and water, because it may not be there when you get there.

Sleep

Lodging

• Vistors Center. Dorms: US$15/night (Sierra Leoneans), US$25/night (others); Single rooms: US$25/night (Sierra Leoneans), US$35/night (others); Double rooms: US$35/night (Sierra Leoneans), US$45/night (others). (updated Nov 2023)
• Research Lodge. Dorms: US$25/night; Single rooms: US$35/night. (updated Nov 2023)

Camping

• Island campsite. (updated Nov 2023)
• Eco Camp in Ghiuba. Off the island, in the village of Ghiuba. (updated Nov 2023)

Go next

• Robertsport, Liberia