Northern: Discover nature, mountains and culture
Accommodation in Northern
The endangered pygmy hippopotamus and striking mountain landscapes offer two different perspectives on Northern. There is also a lake with cultural significance and textile dyeing in Makeni. The range of topics therefore extends from wildlife and mountain ranges to local cultural traditions.
Protected area and birdlife
Mamunta Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few areas in Sierra Leone that protects the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. Despite its small size, the sanctuary is home to 252 bird species. A look at Mamunta Mayosso therefore brings together two aspects: protecting an endangered animal and the diversity of birdlife.
Mountain landscapes and wildlife habitats
The Wara Wara Mountains lie in Koinadugu District, immediately northwest of Kabala. Their distinctive, sharp-edged hills reach heights of up to 1,000 metres. The Loma Mountains in Koinadugu District offer a range of wildlife habitats, including habitats for pygmy hippos and viviparous toads. The two mountain landscapes thus highlight different natural features: striking hills on the one hand and habitats for unusual species on the other.
Mount Bintumani is part of the Loma Mountains. It rises through dense rainforest and grassy slopes to a rocky summit at 1,948 metres. In the wider travel region of Sierra Leone, Mount Bintumani is described as the highest mountain in West Africa. Together with the elevations of the Wara Wara Mountains, it provides a clear comparison in scale between hills reaching 1,000 metres and Bintumani at 1,948 metres.
Hike to Mount Bintumani
The summit climb is a non-technical hike that can be completed in two days. Non-technical does not mean it requires no preparation: the trek calls for preparation and fitness. Permission must also be obtained from the local chief. The duration, physical preparation and this approval are all part of the planning.
Kabala can serve as a starting point for the Loma Mountains. To begin the Mount Bintumani hike, travellers can drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle along unpaved roads to one of the villages of Sinekoro, Sokurala or Yifin. The hike starts from there. Road conditions and local access arrangements may change; check these conditions before travelling. The two-day estimate refers to the summit climb, not the drive from Kabala.
Cultural connections at Lake Sonfon and in Makeni
Lake Sonfon is located in Diang Chiefdom in Koinadugu District, Northern Province. It is regarded as a place associated with traditional beliefs and local cultural ceremonies. There is also a historical connection to birdlife: an IBA survey recorded 115 bird species at the lake and in the surrounding vegetation in 1994. This figure is a historical survey result, not a current species list.
Women in Makeni are known for their skill in Gara textile dyeing. The cultural themes are therefore quite distinct: traditional beliefs and ceremonies are central at Lake Sonfon, while textile dyeing is associated with Makeni. The timing is also relevant when planning a visit to Lake Sonfon: its cultural associations are enduring, while the figure of 115 bird species specifically refers to the 1994 survey.
Discover more destinations: Port Loko, Lungi, Tagrin, Makeni. Discover more regions: Eastern Province, Western Area.
Return to the main travel overview: Sierra Leone.
