Walk the Tiwai Island Heritage Trail

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The Tiwai Heritage Trail

• Meet, Learn, Live Make a difference

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The Tiwai Heritage Trail, launched in 2013, is a
community-created and managed experience that
will introduce you to the everyday life of the
communities that surround Tiwai Island Wildlife
Sanctuary. It provides the opportunity to learn
about and experience Sierra Leone, with the
people who make this region of the country so
special... the local communities themselves.
Experience South-Eastern Sierra Leone's
cultural, historical and natural heritage.
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The Experience

• Visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• Immerse yourself in everyday life of the
  communities
• Explore ancient settlements and learn about
  fascinating local cultural and historical sites
• Enjoy the areas relaxing pace and appreciate the
  natural environment.
• Travel the traditional way by hiking along bush
  paths, through rice fields and over bamboo
  bridges.

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Vision for the Tiwai Heritage Trail

• A tourism experience that is meaningful,
  authentic and life-changing for both hosts
  guests.
• A tourism experience that develops using
  responsible and sustainable tourism principles.
• A way for local communities around Tiwai to share
  their stories and their connection to the
  wildlife sanctuary in their own way.

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Objectives of the Tiwai Heritage Trail

• Uplift communities through responsible tourism
• Differentiate Sierra Leones tourism offer
• Showcase what makes Sierra Leone unique
• Diversify the Tiwai Wildlife Sanctuary tourism
  offer
• Inspire visitors to stay longer and spend more
  money in local communities.

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• Next steps
• Seek support to take the trail to the next level
  of development
• Develop good quality, low impact and immersive
  tourism accommodation in key communities
• Partner with tourism companies that are looking
  to offer this experience.
• Attract responsible travelers who want their
  holiday to have a positive impact on people and
  nature.
• Develop on the success of the trail so far (see
  testimonial) for next season.
• Build Tiwai Community Committees management
  capacity.
• Continue building local capacity to provide good
  quality customer service, meals and activities.

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Some ideas for accommodation design
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This selection of photos was taken by the most
recent visitors to the heritage trail. They spent
3 days and had a wonderful time. Communities are
fully engaged in tourism development!
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Sande Mask Devil Performing

• Kambama Village

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Cleaning of Local Rice

• Kambama Village

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Blacksmith preparing farm tools

• Kambama Village

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Relaxing on a Hammock

• Pa Ansu
• The Hammock Maker

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Palm Wine Tapping

• Kambama Village

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Worshiping inside a mosque

• _at_ Gengbe Village

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TESTIMONIAL