Visiting Gola
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: In order to prevent negative impacts on the park and to ensure availability of accommodation and services for all guests, visitors are required make an advanced booking prior to their trip to arrange for permits, food, accommodation, camping equipment and guides. All visitors must hold a valid entrance permit before entering the park and on all camping trips must be accompanied by a national park staff and community guide. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Entry Points (listed north to south)
There are currently three main areas at Gola open to visitors: Lalehun, Belebu and Sileti.
Lalehun
Lalehun is located 40 km (approx. 1.5 hours) from Kenema in Gola Central. Here there is a network of trails that offers opportunities for trekking and camping in the forest and viewing rare wildlife such as the White-necked Picarthartes, Gola Malimbe and African Buffalo, as well as various primate species. Visitors are also able to visit an ancient gravesite of the original Gola people.
Belebu
Belebu Community is located 40 km from Kenema (1.5-2 hrs.) just south of Lalehun in Gola Central. The landscape is notable for its mountain climbs and panoramic views. Belebu village guides have extensive indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants and will help you to spot wildlife, including a Picathartes nesting site and various monkey species. Chimpanzees are perhaps more common here and may be seen with some luck. The Belebu community guesthouse is owned and managed by the villagers and all fees go back to the community. All visits to Belebu include a least one night stay at the community guesthouse, which can accommodate eight people, and has a fire pit for relaxing under the stars.
Sileti
Sileti Substation is located in Gola South and is the most convenient area to visit for those travelling to/from Liberia, situated 75 km south of Kenema (approx. 3 hours). There are two half-day nature trails accessible from the park substation that provide an opportunity to see a habituated group of Diana Monkeys and other primates such as the Red Colobus and Black and White Colobus. A 2-day/1-night camping trip along the Mahoi River is also available that requires easy to moderate walking and is combined with a dug out canoe trip in an area known to have the rare and elusive pygmy hippo. For those looking for a more rugged adventure that combines camping and a village homestay, a 3-day trek through the Gola South to Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is available. Accommodation and food are also available at the Sileti Lodge, which has three rooms and is surrounded by the sounds of the forest and prime Diana Monkey habitat.