Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Southern Province, near Kenema, Sierra Leone

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Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Moa River in southern Sierra Leone near Kenema, is one of the country’s most important wildlife conservation areas.

Established in 1987, the sanctuary protects a rich section of the Upper Guinea rainforest and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. The island is home to more than 135 bird species, pygmy hippopotamuses, western chimpanzees, and one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, with 11 different species recorded.

Its forests, rivers, and wetlands provide a haven for wildlife and an outstanding destination for nature enthusiasts. Managed through community-based conservation and ecotourism, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided forest walks, boat trips, birdwatching, and cultural visits to nearby villages. Its combination of wildlife, rainforest scenery, and local community involvement makes it one of the premier ecotourism destinations in Sierra Leone.