How To Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone | Guide, Activities & Tips

One of the top attractions in Sierra Leone is a visit to the wonderful Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. If you’re heading to this incredible country, don’t skip this place!

Sierra Leone is a place that I love to visit, although it took me a while to understand the country and its people. It’s wild and nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. However, one of the best memories I have is of visiting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. 

I’ve been to the sanctuary twice, about 10 years ago and just recently. We have family ties in Sierra Leone, and over the years, I’ve visited the country a handful of times, spending months at a time exploring its best (and worst) parts; Tacugama is certainly one of the best parts!

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, including how to plan your visit, which activities they offer, personal insights, and why I think it’s such a fantastic place to visit. 

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Short On Time? How To Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary at a Glance 

• Location of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Google Maps)
• Get a safe and reliable taxi and pay the right fare! 
• Stay overnight at one of the Eco Lodges 
• Enjoy an afternoon hike and a morning sanctuary tour
• The cost for an overnight visit, incl. a sanctuary tour and hike, is $150 per person.

*I visited Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary on a sponsored visit; however, all opinions are my own.

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Why I Love To Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone

Are you wondering if you should add Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to your itinerary? It 100% absolutely is. It’s one of my favourite attractions and makes a trip to Sierra Leone worthwhile, but let me tell you why I love it so much. 

It’s the only place of sanctuary for Sierra Leone’s national animal in the entire country. But they don’t only care for over 120 chimps; they work hard to educate, raise awareness and provide jobs for the local community. 

The sanctuary has been diligently expanding its outreach programme and, as of now, employs over 160 people. For more details on their incredible work, check out my comprehensive guide to my favourite chimpanzee sanctuary in West Africa!

It was lovely to see the growth of this organisation, and in comparison to my very first visit, a lot has changed. Today, you can not only visit Tacugama for their popular sanctuary tour but also stay overnight immersed in the forest and partake in a range of activities, such as waterfall hiking.

It’s the whole experience that makes Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary one of the best attractions in Sierra Leone. This is even more true if you love wildlife and nature, which I do, so it’s the perfect activity for me—and if you’re anything like me, you too.

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How To Get From Freetown To Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Location: Sierra Leone Wildlife Rescue Centre (Google Maps)

Getting to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is quite straightforward. Most taxi drivers and tuk-tuks will know exactly where the sanctuary is as it’s a popular tourist attraction. 

From Freetown (Sierra Leone capital) to Tacugama, you should look to pay around 40 leones max.

Getting around Freetown is quite chaotic, but after a few days, you’ll be able to navigate with a lot more ease. I suspect the majority of you reading this and considering a trip to Sierra Leone are seasoned travellers. I don’t recommend visiting the country if otherwise, unless on a tour, as it is an offbeat destination which can get quite overwhelming at times. 

If you decide to make your own way to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, I recommend jumping in a tuk-tuk—in Salone (as the locals call the country), it’s called a Kay Kay. I just love them; it’s an authentic and fun way to navigate the city. 

We have a family friend who generally drives us around; he’s great and will ensure you a safe trip. 

• Contact: Alhaji +232 7420253

The only thing is that the road to the sanctuary is a little steep, and you will have to walk the last 100 meters or so. Even the local taxis won’t be able to get up the hill; only a 4×4 vehicle will. 

The Road to the Sanctuary 

I took a lot of photos on this last visit because I wanted to show the condition of the road. It’s actually improved considerably since my first visit, and they are currently doing some work to it, so it might well be a paved road by the time you visit.

Otherwise, expect a long, dusty track winding up the mountain to the sanctuary. As I mentioned, the last section is really steep, so depending on your transport, you might need to walk. 

⭐ Pro tip >> There is a short trail veering off to the right as you climb, which meanders through the forest. It’s a much nicer walk than going straight up the hill, and I won’t take you too much longer! 

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Where To Stay at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

One of the best things about Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary (chimpanzees aside, obviously) is to stay at one of their Eco Lodges.

When I first stayed here, there were only a few lodges, but today, there are more, all offering a unique immersive experience. Each eco-lodge is secluded, surrounded by forest, and solar-powered. It is by far one of the most relaxing and beautiful places to stay. 

I recommend visiting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary by combining a trip with an overnight stay.

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Top Activities at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary | Sierra Leone

Visiting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is not only about seeing the rescued chimpanzees. It’s also about learning and raising awareness while enjoying Sierra Leone’s natural environment.

Therefore, the sanctuary offers a selection of activities which allow you to explore the surroundings. Below are a few of the most popular activities I would consider adding to my itinerary.

Sanctuary Tour

By far, the most popular activity at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is walking around the enclosures and snapping photos. Some people visit for a day trip. 

The sanctuary tour is great, educational and fun, especially when you get to see the chimps playing; however, it’s quite a short tour, and I think just visiting alone for the tour isn’t enough.

However, if you’re strapped for time, it’s certainly worth doing, but a visit is best as an overnight immersive experience. 

During the tour, you’ll hear an introductory talk about the sanctuary, the chimpanzees, and the current threats and issues Sierra Leonean chimps face.

Afterwards, we walked around the enclosures. We heard stories about rescued chimps. One chimp named Tom was held in captivity for years and finally handed over to the sanctuary. He is too traumatised to even mingle with the others; he has to be kept separate.

It’s a really sad tale since chimpanzees are social animals and thrive in families. That said, recently, after many failed attempts to introduce him to other chimps, there was one chimp who was able to befriend Tom, and they are now living together. It’s still not ideal, but it’s the best of a bad situation. 

What To Expect From the Tour

The Tacugama Sanctuary Tour goes around the enclosures. First up is the quarantine area, where newly received chimps have to stay for 30 days before joining other groups. It’s important that the rescued chimps are quarantined to ensure they are free of disease and to maintain the health of the others. 

After passing along the quarantine enclosure there is a short walk to the learn and play enclosure, this is where I saw the juvenile group playing. They were amazing; you’re going to be on a platform looking down on them, and you’ll get some great views. There was even a monkey in the tree eating a mango; the chimps were curiously looking at it, probably waiting to see if it would fall so they could have some extra grub!

We stayed on the platform for about 10 minutes as everyone was excited to watch them. 

Afterwards, the tour heads back down and around the back to another enclosure, where a large group is inside the cages. Since the protected forest isn’t large enough, the staff have to alternate the release of the groups. The keeper was feeding them fruit, but if I’m honest, they looked rather bored. Seeing them in the cages wasn’t ideal, but it’s currently the only solution.

The chimp sanctuary is in the process of purchasing more land to expand its protected forest. Currently, it has 100 acres, but it hopes to acquire 500 acres soon. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Lastly, and depending on which time you take the sanctuary tour you’ll be able to watch them for a forest feeding. This generally happens on the 10:30 am tour, so I recommend the morning tour for the overall best experience. 

Forest Hikes & Waterfalls

The sanctuary tour aside, Tacugama also offers other activities such as forest bathing, waterfall hiking, and bird watching. It’s like the sanctuary has created a full nature and wildlife experience for its visitors.

Currently, there are two hiking routes available, although I was told a third trail to Sugar Loaf Mountain is being worked on. Once complete, the summit of this hike will provide breathtaking views over the forest.

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind that waterfalls are better visited during the start of the rainy season or the start of the dry season. This is anytime between May and July and November through early January).

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HIKE?

I was all set for a morning hike during my visit, but just before heading out, I was told to stay in my room due to an escape—a chimpanzee was on the loose!

While it’s rare, these intelligent chimps often watch the keepers and learn how to open the locks!

The staff spent most of the morning locating the escapee, so all guests had to stay inside. I spent the time lounging in my hammock.

Unfortunately, I missed the hike. By midday, the chimp was safely back in the enclosure, but it was time for me to leave. What a shame! I half-hoped I’d see him dashing across the forest while I lay swinging in my hammock.

Events 

Oddly enough Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has also started holding events to raise additional funds. One of the reasons for this is many grants come with stipulations and therefore there are limitations on what can be done. These events, which include jazz nights and yoga days, allow financial freedom and the centre is able to use the money how they choose.

⭐ Pro tip >> Although I haven’t attended any of the events, I do receive odd messages about upcoming events, and they look like a lot of fun. You can contact the sanctuary directly at +232 31 777777 to enquire if there are any events scheduled during your trip.

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Budgeting For Your Trip To Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

How much money will you need to visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary? It’s a common question, and it depends on what kind of visit you’re planning, but one thing I will say is that as a tourist visiting Sierra Leone, it isn’t an affordable country.

However, for Tacugama, it’s not going to break the bank! For example, if you’re visiting for the sanctuary tour only it’s going to be more affordable than the overnight visit. 

To help you decide how best to plan your visit, here are some questions to ask yourself.

• How much time do you have to spend at the sanctuary?
• Are you interested in only seeing the chimps or would you prefer a more immersive experience?
• Do you like nature and hiking?
• What kind of budget are you on?

I think the overnight stay is what makes the whole trip worthwhile but it might not be for everyone. However, if you decide to visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, I’ve listed some of the associated costs below for you.

• Sanctuary Tour only: adults 300 leones (about $15) / Child 150 leones
• Overnight stay in Eco Lodge (with or without breakfast) $90 to $150
• Waterfall/viewpoint hike with guide: 300 leones per hike
• Bird Watching: 300 leones (+100 leones for breakfast)
• Yoga on the deck: $55 one day pass / $100 two day pass
• Salone music night: $35

⭐ Pro tip >> If you want to know how I would do it, I would recommend an overnight stay at one of  the eco lodges with breakfast included and a morning tour of the sanctuary. I would also suggest an afternoon guided hike into the forest on your arrival day. For this visit, you’d need to budget 

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What to Pack for Your Trip

Deciding on what to pack for your trip to Sierra Leone and the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be challenging. Although the country experiences both a monsoon and dry season, you can visit all year round.

There are a few essentials I highly recommend packing though, mostly items to keep the trip comfortable. 

• Bug Spray | Mosquitos are everywhere; don’t let them ruin your trip!
• Sunscreen | Make sure you protect your skin.
• Water Bottle | We always leave the hotel with our water bottle; it is our favourite.
• Hiking Boots | I have these boots, and they are the most comfy for all-day walking.
• Rain Jacket | If you’re visiting during the rainy season, have a waterproof jacket.

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Essential Sierra Leone Travel Resources

I’ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Sierra Leone.

Below are some of our most popular articles:

• Will it be your first time in Sierra Leone? I’ve written this guide to help you navigate Lungi Airport when you arrive!
• Another of my favourite attractions is a weekend trip to the Banana Islands.
• Do you like the sound of the Banana Islands? I’ve also written this guide explaining the most practical way to reach the island.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.

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Final Thoughts | How to get to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

I know I keep saying it but an overnight visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone will be a highlight of your trip. It was amazing and I just loved my time relaxing in the hammock looking out into the trees, listening to the wildlife. 

I wish I had been able to go on the hike as the photos looked great and I might have seen some rare birds that live in the area. You have to do the sanctuary tour but be sure to book the morning one as this is feeding time!

Did you know they share 98.8% of our DNA? It’s a magical place, and by visiting, you’ll not only get to see chimpanzees but also contribute to the sanctuary’s goal of protecting wildlife, people and the environment.