A true jungle escape, Tiwai Island is set deep within Sierra Leone’s Upper Guinea Rainforest on the Moa River, in the southern part of the country.

The Upper Guinea Rainforest is one of the last examples of the ancient rainforests that once covered the whole of West and Central Africa, still retaining rich levels of biodiversity.

Tiwai Island is home to the rare and elusive pygmy hippopotamus, more than 135 birds including endemic species, and it’s the best place in the country to see primates – 11 resident primate species make Tiwai Island the protected area with the world’s highest concentration and diversity of primates.

The island also houses one of the country’s first ecotourism projects. Guests have the opportunity of spending the night in a camp surrounded by rainforest, managed by the national NGO, Environmental Foundation for Africa – Sierra Leone (EFASL). All tourism revenue is reinvested into Tiwai Island, contributing to a Community Development Fund that supports various programs.

Explorers venturing to Tiwai Island have the opportunity to spend time in nature and join an array of activities. These include guided forest walks, immersive community visits, captivating boat tours, and refreshing swims along Tiwai’s sandy beaches, particularly delightful during the dry season.

Tiwai Island has also been on the tentative UNESCO list, hoping one day to join the full UNESCO World Heritage List.