Gola-Tiwai complex
Gola-Tiwai complex is part of the Tentative list of Sierra Leone in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The Gola-Tiwai Complex represents one of the few remaining large forest blocks within the Upper Guinean Forest. Due to its high rainfall and limited deforestation, its moist tropical forest is mostly intact. The four components, across Gola Rainforest National Park and Tiwa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, are rich in plant species with over 10% endemics. Notable mammals that live here include the endemic pygmy hippopotamus, African forest elephant, zebra duiker, chimpanzee, Diana monkey, western red colobus and three species of pangolin. Its rivers and lakes are known for freshwater fish.
Community Perspective: the sole review so far concerns Tiwai Island and its dense jungle.
Map of Gola-Tiwai complex
Load mapThe coordinates shown for all tentative sites were produced as a community effort. They are not official and may change on inscription.
Community Reviews
Bill Maurmann
I visited Tiwai Island on a Lupine Travels tour in June 2023. The intent was to stay overnight at a community center dormitory in the middle of the island. Rugged road going in. Vehicle was parked and local guides loaded our luggage onto small boats. We drifted downriver about ten minutes before banking on the opposite shore. We followed a short trail to the center where we had dinner, were entertained by locals doing traditional dances and a role play involving a demon. The next morning a guide took us through island trails. The jungle was dense. Most impressive vegetation were the banyan trees. We didn’t see any animals other than a large impressive spider, but there were plenty of birds.
Site Info
- Full Name
- Gola-Tiwai complex
- Country
- Sierra Leone
- Added
- 2022
- Nominated for
- 2025
- Type
- Natural
- Categories
- Natural landscape - Forest
- Link
- By ID
Site History
2022 Revision
Successor to the TWHS of Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary and Gola Rainforest National Park (both 2012)
2022 Added to Tentative List
Site Links
Locations
The site has 4 locations
Visitors
6 Community Members have visited.