Gola Rainforest National Park

Gola Rainforest National Park is a world heritage listed national park in Sierra Leone. == Understand == The park is in three parts; North Gola, Central Gola and South Gola. Across the border in Liberia there is also a Gola National Park. The park, 71,070 ha in size protects the largest areas of rainforest in Sierra Leone, which are part of the Upper Guinean forests. Together with nearby Tiwai Island it was listed as a natural world heritage site in 2025. === Flora and fauna === The park is home to over 330 bird species, 650 butterfly species and 49 mammal species, the latter including western chimpanzees, pygmy hippopotamuses forest elephants. === Visitor information === Gola Rainforest National Park, ☏ +232 78858055. (updated Jul 2025) == Get in == The Gola Conservation Centre at Lalehun is the quickest entry point into the park from Freetown or Bo. It is 40 km (approx. 1.5 hours) from Kenema in Gola Central. == Fees and permits == Visitors are required to make a booking prior to their trip to arrange for permits, food, accommodation, camping equipment and guides. All visitors entering the park and on all camping trips must be accompanied by a member of staff and community guide. == Get around == == See == == Do == From the Gola Conservation Centre there is a network of trails that lead into the forest offering opportunities for trekking and camping in the heart of the National Park. Visitors are also able to visit an ancient grave site of the original Gola people. From Diana Monkey Lodge there are two half-day nature trails that provide an opportunity to spot resident groups of Diana Monkeys and possibly other primates such as the Red Colobus and Black and White Colobus. A 2-day/1-night camping trip along the Mahoi River involves easy to moderate walking only. A more rugged 3-day trek through Gola South to the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is also possible. The nearby Nemahungoima Village offers visitors an opportunity to experience Mende village life. Belebu Community is 40 km from Kenema (1.5-2 hours), just south of Lalehun in Gola Central. The landscape is known for its mountain climbs and panoramic views, which offer great opportunities for trekking. Belebu village guides will help you to spot wildlife, including a Picathartes nesting site and various monkey species. == Buy == == Eat == == Drink == == Sleep == === Camping === Camping trips can be arranged or added to your stay at any of the lodges below upon request. Tents can be provided which sleep two people each. All camping trips include food. === Lodges === The Gola Conservation Centre at Lalehun a 3-bedroom visitors’ lodge and two 10-bedroom dormitory blocks. Diana Monkey Lodge at the Sileti substation in Gola South is the most convenient area to visit for those travelling from Liberia. It is 75 km south of Kenema (approx. 3 hours). The lodge includes two 3-bedroom cottages, each with double beds, and a shared kitchen and common space. Belebu Community is 40 km from Kenema (1.5-2 hours), just south of Lalehun in Gola Central. The Belebu community guesthouse is owned and managed by the villagers and all fees go back to the community. The community guesthouse can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. In the evening, traditional Mende games and cultural dancing can be enjoyed in the village. == Stay safe == == Go next ==