Eco-retreat in Tiwai rainforest, Sierra Leone

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important rainforest conservation areas in West Africa. It's part of the larger Gola-Tiwai forest system, one of the last major surviving areas of the ancient Upper Guinean rainforest, which once stretched across much of West Africa. 

 

The island and the nearby Gola Rainforest National Park together form the Gola-Tiwai Complex, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site - the first in Sierra Leone. The designation reflects both the environmental importance of the forest and the fact that it remains one of the most intact rainforest systems in the region. The forests have very low rates of deforestation compared with many other parts of West Africa and are considered critical for protecting rare species and maintaining biodiversity​

​

A centre for scientific research since the 1980s, Tiwai Island is considered a biodiversity hotspot. It's home to around 9,000 vascular plant species, more than 135 bird species and roughly 320 mammal species. It has one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, with 11 different species. including the endangered Diana monkey.​ It's also one of the few places where the rare pygmy hippopotamus may still be seen in the wild. Although sightings are uncommon, the species remains one of the most important symbols of the area’s conservation value.​

​

You can find out more about Tiwai Island here. And the Gola Tiwai complex here.