UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has 1 site on the UNESCO World Heritage List (1 natural), the first inscribed in 2025 (Gola-Tiwai complex). The map below plots it alongside the rest of the List, and each site is written up in full further down the page.
- World Heritage Sites
- 1
- Cultural
- 0
- Natural and Mixed
- 1
- First Inscribed
- 2025
Map of World Heritage Sites in Sierra Leone
CulturalNaturalMixedIn DangerLarge dots are in Sierra Leone. Click a dot to read about the site.
Gola-Tiwai complex
Sierra Leone · 7.8000° N, 10.6667° W · 712 km² · 58 km from Kenema
This serial property includes the Gola Rainforest National Park and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Part of the Greater Gola Landscape, it lies within the Upper Guinean Forest, a biodiversity hotspot. The area hosts more than 1,000 plant species (113 endemic), 55 mammals (19 globally threatened), and key species like the African Forest Elephant and Pygmy Hippopotamus. It also supports up to 448 bird species, including the endangered White-necked Rockfowl. Rich in freshwater fish, butterflies, and dragonflies, the site provides vital habitats and ecosystem services, reflecting high conservation value and ecological integrity.
Description from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre (CC BY-SA IGO 3.0).
Why Gola-Tiwai complex Is Listed
- (ix)
- An outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes.
- (x)
- The most important natural habitats for conserving biodiversity.
World Heritage in Sierra Leone: Quick Answers
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Sierra Leone?
- Sierra Leone has 1 World Heritage Site: 1 natural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Sierra Leone?
- Gola-Tiwai complex, inscribed in 2025.
- What are the natural World Heritage Sites in Sierra Leone?
- Gola-Tiwai complex.
- Are any World Heritage Sites in Sierra Leone in danger?
- None of the World Heritage Sites in Sierra Leone is on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.