There are dozens of protected nature areas. For example, up in the remote northeast 4½ hours from Freetown, Loma Mountains National Park is a rugged, 128-square-mile expanse of lush rainforest features breathtaking views, stunning waterfalls, and great wildlife spotting, from a fabulous variety of bird species (including the rare white-necked rockfowl) to mammals most notably chimpanzees, various types of monkeys and pygmy hippos. You can also visit local tribal communities and hike up 6,391-foot Mount Bintumani – it´s a two day expedition which doesn´t need any particular expertise but does require a certain level of fitness. You can also camp overnight, but the park is relatively undeveloped, with limited infrastructure.
Another remote park called Outamba Kilimi, some nine hours from Freetown, is a 428-sq.-mi. woodland savannah also known for its diverse wildlife, also including birds (more than a hundred species) chimps, various monkeys, pygmy hippos as well as elephants, warthogs, hippopotamuses, and the rare bongo antelope. Visitors can go hiking and on canoe safaris, and simple huts are available for overnighting.
Other notable reserves: 1,350-sq-mi. Gola Rainforest National Park, Kambui Hills Forest Reserve, Kangari Hills Forest Reserve, Kuru Hills Forest Reserve, Mamunta-Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary, and Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve.
In pretty much all these cases, it´s advisable to book excursions with Freetown-based outfitters.
Read more in my post Why Sierra Leone Is an Up-and-Coming Destination.
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