Tiwai Island Sierra Leone has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list This small island is only 12 square kilometers but it is full of life Rare pygmy hippos endangered chimpanzees and many species of monkeys live here.
Visitors travel from Freetown across long roads and then cross the Moa River by canoe to reach the island On arrival they find a quiet rainforest camp with simple huts where they can hear the sounds of nature at night.
The UNESCO award is a big step for conservation The island is home to more than one thousand plant species and fifty five types of mammals including the African forest elephant Guided walks and canoe trips give visitors a chance to see wildlife up close while local guides share stories about the forest and its history.
Tiwai Island has faced hard times in the past from war to storms but the local community and conservation groups worked to protect it Now the world is recognizing their efforts This honor brings pride to Sierra Leone and opens new doors for eco tourism.
