The Tiwai Island Heritage Trail was set up in 2013 by Karma Cola, a soft drink company that wanted to empower the communities they buy kola nuts from. The trail is 50 km long, and visits all eight communities living in Tiwai Islands. It can be covered in about 4 to 5 days, partly walking and partly by dugout canoe, and accommodation is in rainforest camps or in Mende villages. It’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in the nature of this corner of Sierra Leone and experience the culture of Mende people, who lived in this part of the country for over a thousand years

1. The Tiwai Heritage Trail
Meet, Learn, Live & Make a difference

2. The Tiwai Heritage Trail, launched in 2013, is a community-created and managed
experience that will introduce you to the everyday life of the communities that surround
Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. It provides the opportunity to learn about and experience
Sierra Leone, with the people who make this region of the country so special... the local
communities themselves.
Experience South-Eastern Sierra Leone's cultural, historical and natural heritage.

3. ● Visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
● Immerse yourself in everyday life of the
communities
● Explore ancient settlements and learn about
fascinating local cultural and historical sites
● Enjoy the area’s relaxing pace and appreciate the
natural environment.
● Travel the traditional way by hiking along bush
paths, through rice fields and over bamboo bridges.
The Experience

5. ● A tourism experience that is meaningful, authentic
and life-changing for both hosts & guests.
● A tourism experience that develops using
responsible and sustainable tourism principles.
● A way for local communities around Tiwai to
share their stories and their connection to the
wildlife sanctuary in their own way.
Vision for the Tiwai Heritage Trail

6. ● Uplift communities through responsible tourism
● Differentiate Sierra Leone’s tourism offer
● Showcase what makes Sierra Leone unique
● Diversify the Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary tourism offer
● Inspire visitors to stay longer and spend more money
in local communities.
Objectives of the Tiwai Heritage Trail

7. Next steps
● Seek support to take the trail to the next level of development
● Develop good quality, low impact and immersive tourism
accommodation in key communities
● Partner with tourism companies that are looking to offer this
experience.
● Attract responsible travelers who want their holiday to have a
positive impact on people and nature.
● Develop on the success of the trail so far (see testimonial) for
next season.
● Build Tiwai Community Committee’s management capacity.
● Continue building local capacity to provide good quality
customer service, meals and activities.

8. Some ideas for accommodation design

9. This selection of photos was taken by
the most recent visitors to the heritage
trail. They spent 3 days and had a
wonderful time. Communities are
fully engaged in tourism development!

10. Sande Mask
Devil Performing
Kambama Village

11. Cleaning of
Local Rice
Kambama Village

12. Blacksmith
preparing farm
tools
Kambama Village

13. Relaxing on a
Hammock
Pa Ansu
The Hammock Maker

14. Palm Wine
Tapping
Kambama Village

15. Worshiping inside
a mosque
@ Gengbe Village

16. TESTIMONIAL