Accommodation at Tiwai is very basic: we use the Research Centre accommodation which has three double rooms (one has en-suite bathroom) and 4 single rooms. There are three modern, shared bathrooms (with shower and flush loos) and a communal, outdoor dining area. Rooms are equipped with desk, fan and mosquito netting.
There is a communal kitchen with gas hub, cooking utensils, water supply, loo and bathroom. Please note that electricity supply is intermittent.
Local dishes are prepared by community members for guests who wish to order meals. European dishes can be catered for if requested in advance. (Your meal plan is full board so all meals will be included in your tour price).
Be sure to take a good torch (with spare batteries) and a hand towel. Also, pack insect repellent.
Rates:
Sierra Leonean meals:
Lunches and dinners: Le 35 (Approximately £4)
European dishes such as fries/chips or rice with fish or chicken:
Lunches and dinners: Le 45 (Approximately £5)
You may appreciate these responsible travel guidelines as set out by the resident community:
" As traditional Mende communities, we value our cultural, historical and natural heritage, and its continuation from generation to generation.
We therefore ask that you respect this when you come and visit our communities.
We appreciate it when our visitors bear the following points in mind:
* Bring a small offering for our town chiefs and village elders (Kola Nuts are a traditional gift that we have accepted from visitors from times past) - your guide will assist you with obtaining this.
* Please ask our community members whether they are happy for their photo to be taken; and if you can, kindly share the photo with us so that we can print and laminate it as a gift for the people whom you photographed.
* We appreciate it when guests learn a few words of the Mende Language before visiting us. Your guide will be very happy to teach you.
* Please respect the environment. Try and keep your non-biodegradable waste to a minimum when visiting us, and keep it with you until you are able to dispose of it responsibly.
* Please interact with us, but be aware that your behavior can influence the behavior of our younger generations.
So when you are about to smoke for example, please do so away from the most vulnerable members of our community.
* Bargain on prices by all means, but please be aware of the time and effort that arts & crafts makers, fruit & snack vendors, etc, put into making their products. Fair trading means more opportunities.
* If you disagree with our behavior, or the way that we treat you, we do apologise. We are quite new at tourism so we are still learning. Please tell your guide about your thoughts, and he will make sure that this is fed back to the community.
* If you have any questions about our heritage, we will be very happy to share our knowledge with you, but please bear in mind that there are certain sensitivities around specific subjects (i.e. secret society practices). If you have any questions about those, your guide will be able to direct you in the best way to gain the knowledge.
* Please respect the cultural do's and don'ts of our region of the world such as formal greetings, not using your left hand when eating or greeting, and the respect for our elders. We are polite and will not say anything, but we could take offense. If you have any questions, your guide will help you. "
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Tours staying at this accommodation
Tiwai Island Rearch Station
All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
