Visiting Gola
Welcome to the Gola Forest, Sierra Leone’s largest and most untouched rainforest that stretches 110km from the rugged Malema hills in the north to the flat swamps and rivers of the south, ending at the beautiful Tiwai Island.
Birdwatching in the Gola Forest - Alex Hipkiss/ RSPB
The Gola Forest has a spectacular range of wildlife and forest landscapes to see and explore. Visit and experience the hospitality and culture of the local communities between trekking deep into the forest, and along its rivers. Trails and forest campsites take in the best landscapes including waterfalls, rivers, rocky outcrops over the forest canopy, areas where the forest has never been touched.
Access to the Gola Forest is better than it has ever been before. There are a growing range of campsites and trails to explore. Remember to visit this website regularly to get updates as the options develop!
Wildlife Highlights
There are a range of wildlife highlights to see and search for in Gola. Those who are persistent, patient and respectful (quiet and light footed) to the wildlife will often be rewarded with some excellent wildlife viewing.
With over 300 species of bird, 18 of which are rare or threatened, bird lovers will not be disappointed. Ask to visit the mysterious colonies of the White-necked Picathartes if you are visiting in the breeding season, but also look out for the large mixed flocks of weavers, flycatchers, thrushes and hornbills that will pass over you and around you – make sure you have your binoculars at the ready!
Many of the mammals are hard to see, particularly the duikers (forest antelopes), as most are nocturnal. You will have better chance of seeing the 10 species of primate, such as the Diana Monkey and the Sooty Mangabey. You will hear them crashing through the forest or calling before you see them.
One of the 600 species of Butterfly in Gola - Jim Wardell/RSPB
The butterflies are a spectacular sight in Gola with over 600 species to be seen. Trek along the old access and logging roads through Gola and where the sunlight reaches through to the forest floor you are more than likely to be rewarded with some beautiful specimens.
Over the next few years it is our hope that we can habituate a troop of Diana Monkeys to allow for easier viewing. It is also our hope that we can make inroads into habituation of the Pygmy Hippo, but this has never been done and may take many more years!
