Tiwai Island
Tiwai Island is a forest sanctuary on the Moa River, known for chimpanzees and monkeys and for its quiet days far from Freetown.
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Tiwai Island is a wildlife sanctuary in the Moa River in southeastern Sierra Leone. Forest covers the island, which is home to chimpanzees, several monkey species and many forest birds. Most visitors come to walk the trails with a local guide and to look for primates in the canopy. Rapids surround the island, and the crossing by boat is part of the trip. Sightings are never guaranteed, so a second walk gives you a better chance.
Plan at least two nights so you can take more than one guided walk and a boat trip on the river. Stays are simple, with basic lodging and meals kept close to the trails. The dry season runs roughly November to April, when trails are easier to walk. From May to October, rain makes the paths muddy and the forest greener. Tiwai suits travelers who want wildlife and quiet over city sights, and who are comfortable with rustic conditions.
Tiwai Island in five
- Check whether you need a visaCheck whether you need a visa for Sierra Leone before you book flights. Confirm the requirements with the Sierra Leone embassy or consulate that covers your country.Visas and entry
- Carry leones in cashPlan to carry cash in leones (SLE) for the island stay, the boat and your drivers.Money and costs
- Confirm your island stay in writingTiwai is reached by boat, so confirm your lodge, the crossing time and meals before you leave. Get the name and phone number of the contact on the riverbank.
- Pack for rain, mud and insectsBring waterproof shoes with good grip, long trousers and a repellent with DEET. Forest trails turn muddy in the rainy season, and mosquitoes are active at dusk.
- Set up offline maps before you goExpect patchy signal on the island, so download offline maps and save your bookings and lodge contacts before you leave the mainland.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- Leone (SLE)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most visitors; check with the Sierra Leone embassy first
- Emergency
- Ask your lodge for the local emergency number before you travel
- Tipping
- Small tips for guides and boatmen are appreciated
- Time
- UTC+0, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, harmattan haze
- FebruaryDry, dusty, cool
- MarchDry, hot, dusty
- AprilHot, dry
- MayHot, rains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHeavy rain
- AugustHeavy rain
- SeptemberRainy, high water
- OctoberRains easing
- NovemberDry season starts
- DecemberDry, harmattan haze
Right now in Tiwai Island
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 86%
Tiwai Island
08:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°23°86%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Tue31°23°90%Tuesday: Rain. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Wed32°22°95%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Thu32°22°73%Thursday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Fri32°23°67%Friday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sat33°23°75%Saturday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun32°23°90%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 90%.
Updated 05:48 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 22.87 SLE
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Gola ForestAsk your lodge for the drive timeA large forest reserve in the region, with forest walks.
- Bo townAsk your lodge for the drive timeThe regional town for shops and places to eat.
- KenemaAsk your lodge for the drive timeA town in the east of the country with shops and transport links.
Before you go to Tiwai Island
Rules for Tiwai Island, checked
- Check the yellow fever certificate rule on the CDC travel page before you book, and carry proof of vaccination if it applies to you.Source
- Do not touch or feed the chimpanzees or other wildlife, and keep the distance your guide sets.
- Ask before you photograph people in villages, and follow your guide's instructions in community areas.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa for checks on the road.
Plan around Tiwai Island
Country overview, regions and routes for a Sierra Leone trip
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa and entry steps to finish before you book
Read the guideGetting aroundRoads, boats and drivers for the trip south
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, leones and what to carry to the river
Read the guideWhere to stayIsland and riverside stays for a wildlife visit
Read the guideTiwai Island FAQ
Where is Tiwai Island?
Tiwai Island is a wildlife sanctuary on the Moa River in southeastern Sierra Leone, reached by road and then by boat. Ask your lodge for the exact crossing point before you set out.
What wildlife can you see on Tiwai Island?
The island is known for its chimpanzees and several monkey species. Sightings are not guaranteed, so plan on more than one walk with your guide.
How many days do you need on Tiwai Island?
Two nights allow a morning walk and an evening walk, with time to rest between them. One night makes a short visit possible, but it leaves little time for more than one walk.
When is the best time to visit Tiwai Island?
The dry season runs roughly November to April, with easier trails. The rainy season from May to October makes walking muddy and slow.
Can you visit Tiwai Island on a day trip from Freetown?
Not comfortably. The road from Freetown is long, and the boat crossing takes time. Plan at least one night on or near the island.