Outamba-Kilimi National Park

Outamba-Kilimi National Park is a protected area in northwest Sierra Leone featuring savanna woodland, grasslands, and gallery forests. The park comprises two sections separated by the Little Scarcies River, each with distinct ecosystems.

The area was originally established as a game reserve in 1974, then became Sierra Leone's first national park in 1986. Official recognition through gazette publication followed in 1995.

The Susu community living in the buffer zone maintains traditional practices and shares environmental knowledge with park management. Their presence shapes everyday life around the reserve.

The park is reached after a 6-hour drive from Freetown to Kamakwie, followed by a ferry crossing at Kabba to reach the entrance. Plan your journey in advance and check ferry schedules before traveling to avoid delays.

The park is home to nine primate species, including western chimpanzees that inhabit the forest areas. Lake Idrissa retains water year-round, attracting hippos and elephants that regularly visit this water source.