Outamba-Kilimi is the only extensive area of Savannah woodland and grass Savannah, which has no protection in Sierra Leone. Its primate population, especially the chimpanzee population, is exceptional, and it has considerable potential for education and ecotourism development.

The two areas, Outamba (74,100 ha) and Kilimi (36,800 ha), that constitute the park are separated by a stretch of land 1000 km 2 in size. The vegetation is characterized by a mosaic of grassland, closed woodland, and gallery forest. Whereas Outamba has a predominance of tall grasses and woodland, and patches of closed-canopy forest, Kilimi has more grassland and more open woodland. There are traces of Raffia swamp vegetation and riverine grassland in both areas. Outamba has a perennial lake, Lake Idrissa. The land in general is agriculturally poor. The region is drained by several streams, which flow into large rivers of national importance such as the Mongo and Little Scarcies at Outamba and the Great Scarcies at Kilimi.

The 1994 IBA survey recorded 158 and 175 species of birds at Outamba and Kilimi respectively; the two areas having 45 and 39 species exclusive of the other respectively. The total number of bird species recorded in the whole park so far is 220 including 11 (40%) of the species considered dependent on the Guinea-Sudan savannah biome that occurs in OKNP holds four species of global conservation concern one of which is Pallid Harrier (NT), is a rare migrant. Lake Idrissa and river courses seasonally support a good population of wintering plovers, sandpipers, herons, and egrets. Thousands of Cattle Egrets visit the area.

There are nine species of primates in the area, including four threatened species; Western Chimpanzee (En), Red Colobus Monkey (Vu), Black and White Colobus Monkey (NT), and Sooty Mangabey (NT). A small population of Western Elephant (En) occurs at Outamba. Other large mammals include Leopard (Vu), Pigmy Hippopotamus (Vu), Water Chevrotain (NT), Maxwell Duiker (NT), and Savannah Buffalo (NT).

Size of Outamba –kilimi National park

Outamba (74,100 ha) and Kilimi (36,800 ha), which constitute the park are separated by a stretch of land 1000 km 2 in size.

Location of Outamba –kilimi National park

Outamba-Kilimi National Park is located in northwest Sierra Leone near the border with the Republic of Guinea. The park is divided into two areas, Outamba and Kilimi. The area became a game reserve in 1974 and was formally gazetted as a National Park in October 1995.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park (OKNP) is found in the extreme north, about 296 km north of Freetown. It lies adjacent to the border with the Republic of Guinea, in the Tambakha Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern Province.

How to get to Outamba –kilimi National park

The two areas occur along Sierra Leone’s northern border with the Republic of Guinea. Kamakwie, 15km to the south, is the nearest town. The main highways into the region cross the Little Scarcies River by two old ferries which occasionally break down, halting traffic for days, especially during the rainy season.

Things to do in Outamba –kilimi National park

Wildlife Conservation Branch staff can organize guided tours, including canoe trips. Trails are marked and labeled and there is one viewing platform. Rebels invaded the park during the civil war and destroyed facilities, but these are being rehabilitated.

When to visit Outamba –kilimi National park

October to July is the best time to visit Outamba-kilimi national park

Where to stay in Outamba –kilimi National park

The park currently has no electricity or tap water system, but there is a well-organized camp with rudimentary, but decent facilities for visitors, including tented accommodation, cooking facilities, and a visitor center.