Things to Do at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary stands as one of West Africa's most important wildlife conservation centers, nestled in the lush Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve just outside Freetown. Established in 1995 by Bala Amarasekaran, this remarkable sanctuary serves as a haven for orphaned, injured, and rescued chimpanzees, providing them with rehabilitation and care while working tirelessly to protect Sierra Leone's endangered chimpanzee population. The sanctuary spans over 100 acres of pristine rainforest and currently houses more than 80 chimpanzees across various stages of rehabilitation. Beyond its conservation mission, Tacugama plays a crucial role in environmental education, community outreach, and ecotourism development in Sierra Leone. Visitors can witness the incredible work being done to protect these intelligent primates while learning about the challenges facing wildlife conservation in West Africa and the importance of preserving Sierra Leone's natural heritage.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located approximately 45 minutes from central Freetown by car. The sanctuary provides organized transport from major hotels in Freetown, or visitors can hire a taxi or rent a 4WD vehicle for the journey. The final stretch involves a scenic drive through the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve on a well-maintained dirt road. Public transport options are limited, so pre-arranged transportation is highly recommended. The sanctuary can assist with transport arrangements when booking visits in advance.