Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Sierra Leone
‘Big Island’ in the Mende language, 12-sq-km Tiwai Island certainly packs a punch when it comes to its primate population. Set on the Moa River, the entire island is run as a conservation research project. There are over 700 different plant species, 11 species of primates – including Diana monkeys and chimpanzees – 135 bird species plus otters, sea turtles and the endangered, elusive pygmy hippopotamus.
Epic Sierra Leon Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound