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    [name] => The Best of Sierra Leone
    [code] => SLE01
    [slug] => the-best-of-sierra-leone
    [description] => 
Sierra Leone is a name that many people are familiar with; however, few are aware of the diverse range of wildlife that can be found in this less visited west African country. With habitat ranging from coastal estuaries to grasslands and lush forests, we can expect to find a superb variety of birds and mammals. Well over 600 species of birds have been recorded here, including all 14 of the Upper Guinea Forest endemics, along with over 200 mammal species, roughly 750 butterflies, over 2,000 higher plant species and around 100 species of reptiles and amphibians combined. Among the more unusual of these are the shy Pygmy Hippopotamus, the prehistoric- looking White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes), Rufous Fishing Owl, Gola Malimbe, Diana Monkey, Forest Elephant, rare wintering Pallid Harrier, Turati’s Boubou, Africa’s largest butterfly, the African Giant Swallowtail, and other endemic and regionally endemic species.

Visit less known national parks for a diverse range of species
Search for Picathartes and regional endemic birds
Abundant wildlife (over 600 bird species and more than 200 mammal species recorded in Sierra Leone!)
Primate hot spot, with over 10 species possible
Stunning beaches along the coast
Off the beaten track

    [introduction] => A 19-day holiday to this less visited west African country in search of birds and mammals, including some endemic and regional endemic species, taking in varied habitats from coast to forest and savannah to river.
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                    [name] => Africa
                    [description] => 
Unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa
There is no wildlife holiday more iconic than an African safari. Riding in an open-top jeep along dusty tracks and looking out across sun-baked, game-filled savannahs is arguably one of life’s best experiences.
 
 For the wildlife enthusiast, Naturetrek’s African safari holidays offer unparalleled opportunities. Arguably the greatest continent on Earth for wildlife, Africa holds a staggering variety of species, including some of the world’s most iconic mammals and birds. Many of these animals are incredibly abundant and relatively easy to observe, guaranteeing that our African safari tours are always packed with amazing sightings.
 
 From the Okavango Delta in Botswana to Namibia’s Etosha National Park, and from the vast Kruger in South Africa to Tanzania’s majestic Serengeti, Africa is home to some of the world’s wildest and most spectacular places.
Review
"We have travelled Africa many times with other tour operators and Naturetrek are by far the most professional and knowledgeable and we would highly recommend them to any nature lover who want the best"
J.B. & T.B. Leicestershire, May 20
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                    [description] => 
Sierra Leone contains some of the best rainforest sites in the whole of Africa, with an astonishing range of elusive species to be seen. Gola National Park, on the border with Liberia, protects such extraordinary mammals as Pygmy Hippopotamus and White-bellied Pangolin, alongside a remarkable diversity of primates including Chimpanzee, Diana Monkey and West African Potto. There is no more iconic West African bird than White-necked Rockfowl, and the supporting cast in Gola features many other sought-after species, from White-breasted Guineafowl and Brown-cheeked Hornbill to Long-tailed Hawk and the rare Gola Malimbe.
Rainforest wildlife can be frustrating to observe in many parts of the world, but Sierra Leone is frequently an exception. Here, secretive forest birds and mammals can often be seen more reliably than anywhere else. Nowhere is this more true than Tiwai Island, which is well-known for sightings of White-bellied Pangolin, Common Cusimanse, African Clawless Otter and African Palm Civet, amongst a plethora of other exciting mammals. The avifauna is no less impressive, with highly desired species like Rufous Fishing Owl, African Pitta, Olive Ibis and White-breasted Guineafowl all a strong possibility.
Away from the rainforests, savannah areas are home to still more regional specialities and endemics, from Togo Paradise Whydah and Turati’s Boubou to Sierra Leone Prinia and Copper-tailed Starling. Although West Africa’s savannah mammal communities are perhaps not as spectacular as those in the east and south of the continent, there are still important populations of African Savannah Elephant, Waterbuck and Common Hippopotamus. For its size, nowhere other than Sierra Leone offers such access to West Africa’s best wildlife.
 Read More 
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                    [title] => Accommodation
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A mix of accommodation is used on this tour. Hotels or guesthouses will be used on some nights, which will range from fairly basic, but comfortable to more upmarket, but all with en suite facilities. During the days at Outamba Kilimi, Gola and Tiwai we will be using tents and shared facilities; sleeping mats are provided, but sleeping bags and liners should be brought. 
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All meals from an evening meal on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 18 are included in the cost.
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Birds and mammals are the primary focus, although other natural history and some culture will be enjoyed too.
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                    [title] => Why Naturetrek?
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!
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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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The Best of Sierra Leone

Tour Code: SLE01

A 19-day holiday to this less visited west African country in search of birds and mammals, including some endemic and regional endemic species, taking in varied habitats from coast to forest and savannah to river.

£7,295

Flight Inclusive

£6,395

Land Only

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Why Choose Naturetrek?

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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary

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Alison Steel

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Carbon Footprint

3166kg CO2e

With International Flights

1272kg CO2e

Tour Only

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Highlights

• Visit less known national parks for a diverse range of species
• Search for Picathartes and regional endemic birds
• Abundant wildlife (over 600 bird species and more than 200 mammal species recorded in Sierra Leone!)
• Primate hot spot, with over 10 species possible
• Stunning beaches along the coast
• Off the beaten track

Summary

Sierra Leone is a name that many people are familiar with; however, few are aware of the diverse range of wildlife that can be found in this less visited west African country. With habitat ranging from coastal estuaries to grasslands and lush forests, we can expect to find a superb variety of birds and mammals. Well over 600 species of birds have been recorded here, including all 14 of the Upper Guinea Forest endemics, along with over 200 mammal species, roughly 750 butterflies, over 2,000 higher plant species and around 100 species of reptiles and amphibians combined. Among the more unusual of these are the shy Pygmy Hippopotamus, the prehistoric- looking White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes), Rufous Fishing Owl, Gola Malimbe, Diana Monkey, Forest Elephant, rare wintering Pallid Harrier, Turati’s Boubou, Africa’s largest butterfly, the African Giant Swallowtail, and other endemic and regionally endemic species.

Focus

Birds and mammals are the primary focus, although other natural history and some culture will be enjoyed too.

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Outline Itinerary

Day

1

Fly Freetown & overnight

Day

2

Bunce & Tasso Islands

Days

3 - 5

Makeni & Bumbana region

Days

6 - 8

Outamba Kilimi National Park

Day

9

Transfer to Bo

Days

10 - 12

Gola National Park

Days

13 - 14

Tiwai Island

Days

15 - 17

Coast & Freetown area

Days

18 - 19

Overnight flight to UK

Itinerary Map

What's Included?

Food

All meals from an evening meal on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 18 are included in the cost.

Accommodation

A mix of accommodation is used on this tour. Hotels or guesthouses will be used on some nights, which will range from fairly basic, but comfortable to more upmarket, but all with en suite facilities. During the days at Outamba Kilimi, Gola and Tiwai we will be using tents and shared facilities; sleeping mats are provided, but sleeping bags and liners should be brought. 

Documents

Itineraries

Itinerary

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Dates & Prices

2027

Fri 15th Jan - Tue 2nd Feb

6 SPACES £7,295

Book Now

Flight Inclusive

£7,295

Land Only

£6,395

Single Supplement

£595

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Book Now

2028

Sat 15th Jan - Wed 2nd Feb

6 SPACES £7,495

Book Now

Flight Inclusive

£7,495

Land Only

£6,595

Single Supplement

£695

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Book Now

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

• The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
• Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
• Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

Why Choose Naturetrek?

50+ Trustpilot Reviews

45+ Google Reviews

Click any badge to read more reviews

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