Pygmy hippo are extremely rare – even in areas where they occur in relatively high densities, they are seldom ever seen. Their shy nature, nocturnal feeding habits and impenetrable habitat mean that they are amongst the least-observed wild animals in Africa.
There are a few spots, however, where intrepid visitors might just become one of a select few to see these charismatic animals. One such location is deep in the rainforest of Sierra Leone, where patches of suitable habitat still remain.
This unique itinerary takes clients deep into prime pygmy hippo habitat in the Gola Rainforest National Park, spending nights staking out the riverside and salt-licks for signs of hippo activity. Guests even have the chance to encounter other rare species, including zebra duiker, water chevrotain and possibly bongo. In addition, guests spend several nights on the remote Tiwai Island where numerous primate species, and red river hog, roam freely. This is a chance to glimpse one of the last intact ecosystems in West Africa, and we definitely recommend visiting before it is too late.
Day 01: Arrive Free Town
On arrival into Freetown you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your local hotel. There will be a pre-tour briefing in the hotel this evening, but the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 02: Lalehub
Today will be dominated by the long drive to Lalehun, situated in the north of the Gola Rainforest National Park. The time spent on the road is dependent on road conditions, but we aim to have plenty of time to stop for lunch and breaks as needed. On arrival into Lalehun this evening, there will be a chance to settle in to our very basic accommodation and grab some dinner. We will then head out into the rainforest for a spotlighting session, aiming to locate some of the forest species that can be found here. Poaching pressure has been intense here in recent years but, with a bit of luck, we hope to locate species including African palm civet, West African potto, white-bellied pangolin and giant pangolin. After several hours spotlighting, we will return to our accommodation for some rest.
Day 03: Lalehun
We have a full day to explore the area around Lalehun on foot today, seeking out the rare species that call this forest home. Our key targets will be the numerous species of forest duiker seen here, including Maxwell’s duiker, black duiker, yellow-backed duiker, Ogilby’s duiker and even Jentink’s duiker. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a pre-dawn, late morning and evening walk will give us the best chance possible of memorable sightings.
Day 04: Sileti
After a final chance for a morning walk in Lalehun, we will head south to Sileti this morning. Sileti is the finest area in Sierra Leone for pygmy hippo sightings, with several individuals known to inhabit the nearby stretch of the Moa River. After a brief break to settle in to our new surrounds, we will make the two and a half hour walk to the Mahoi Bridge this afternoon. The trail to the bridge is one of the few slightly open areas in Gola, and is a great area in which to spot forest duikers, as well as royal antelope and water chevrotain. On arrival at Mahoi, we will have an hour or so to view the incredibly loud lek of hammer-headed fruit bats under the bridge, and we will get our first view of the Moa River. Rather than bivouac near the bridge this evening, we will instead head back to Sileti. This extended night walk is a great opportunity to spotlight for pangolin and forest duikers. Rest assured that our contacts within the park will be elsewhere, looking hard for signs of pygmy hippo along the Moa River, and our search for these rare animals will start in earnest tomorrow.
Day 05: Moa River
Early this morning, we will leave the relative comfort of Sileti behind and head directly to an isolated spot on the banks of the Moa River. We will be bivouacing here, with no creature comforts, but what it lacks in luxury this spot makes up for in the potential for pygmy hippo sightings. The shallow banks allow for easy access to the river for the hippos, and further upstream the overhanging banks knotted with roots make great refuges during the day. Tonight, we have the choice of remaining at our camp overlooking the river, or patrolling the network of hippo trails throughout the forest. Both methods have a chance of success, so we recommend doing a bit of both. Our use of spotlights and thermal monoculars give us the best chance possible of spotting one of these elusive mammals as they leave the river to feed.
Days 06-07:Moa River
These two days will be spent camped out on the banks of the Moa River searching high and low for pygmy hippo and the other rare mammals of the Gola Rainforest. Days will be split into forest walks and stake-outs, depending on which method seems most likely to reveal a pygmy hippo.
Day 08: Seleti
This morning we will return to the basic and rustic comfort of Sileti, for some rest and better food. There will be the chance to walk the areas around camp this afternoon and this evening as desired.
Day 09: Tiwai Island
Following a final brief morning walk around Sileti, we will set out on the long, bumpy drive to Tiwai Island. It will likely be dark by the time we arrive, but after dinner we aim to head upstream by boat, before slowly floating downstream in silence. With spotlights and thermal monoculars, there is the chance of a rare pygmy hippo sighting as we drift.
Days 10-11: Tiwai Island
The next two days will be spent walking the forest on Tiwai Island, as well as navigating the river by boat. With luck, whilst on foot, we may spot a number of entertaining primate species, including chimpanzee, diana monkey, sooty mangabey, olive colobus, western red colobus and king colobus. Other mammals often seen here include water chevrotain and red river hog. Each evening, we will float down the river with our engine cut, with the aim of spotting an elusive pygmy hippo.
Day 12: Depart Freetown
This morning we transfer directly to Freetown for your homeward flights.
| Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
| Freetown | 01 | Sierra Palm Resort |
| Lalehun | 02 | Paloma Guest House |
| Sileti | 01 | Camp |
| Moa River | 03 | Camp |
| Sileti | 01 | Camp |
| Tiwai Island | 03 | Hotel Albertson |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 11 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per Itineary
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
