Wildlife Lovers Guide to Sierra Leone

There are two main things Sierra Leone is known for – beaches and wildlife! Read on to find out what animals you’re likely to see in Sierra Leone. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Primates

Sierra Leone harbors 15 primate species including chimpanzees (the national animal) and cute little bush babies, the red and western red colobus, olive and Guinea baboon, and rare species like the Diana monkey and lesser spot-nosed monkey.

Other Mammals

Other than champs, the nation’s most iconic mammals are endangered species like the pygmy hippo and African bush elephant. Sierra Leone’s national parks also shelter typical African animals like the warthog, wild dog and serval cat. Another interesting mammal you might see is the bongo, a medium-sized antelope with a striking striped coat.

Birds

With are over 600 bird species, Sierra Leone is heaven for twitchers. Ten of them endangered including the rufous fishing owl and Gola malimbe. Tasso Island is home to a successful project to reintroduce the Timneh’s grey parrot, which was teetering close to extinction.

Reptiles

You may get the chance to see three different crocodilians species — the Nile, slender-snouted and dwarf crocodiles. Keep your eyes open as you go snorkeling for marine turtles – the green and leatherback turtle are known to nest on Sherbro Island. Those are just a few of the 67 reptile and amphibian species found in Sierra Leone.