Plizio Visual Lab

Tingi Hills

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Tingi Hills, also known as the Sankan Biriwa massif, are located in eastern Sierra Leone near the border with Guinea. This is the second highest mountain range in the country after the Loma Mountains, reaching an elevation of 1,853 meters at the northern Sankan Biriwa peak. The area was designated as a forest reserve in 1947 and covers an area of approximately 11,885 hectares. The landscape is characterized by rugged granite peaks, deep gorges, and a distinct vegetation zonation ranging from tropical rainforest to montane grasslands. The Tingi Hills are a significant watershed, where several tributaries of the Niger and Sewa rivers originate. Botanically, the area is noted for its diversity of orchids and ferns, while the wildlife includes rare primates and numerous endemic bird species. Due to its remote location and difficult terrain, the massif has remained largely undisturbed, offering experienced hikers one of the most challenging landscapes in West Africa.

Location: Sierra Leone
Nearby: Koidu (31 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	26	28	28	27	25	24	23	24	25	25	24
Rain mm	1	4	9	30	101	277	442	539	350	149	40	3

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Tingi Hills are located in eastern Sierra Leone and are best accessed from Koidu via unpaved roads leading to the villages at the base of the mountains.

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Best season

The well-suited time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, when the trails are passable and views of the peaks are not obscured by heavy rainfall.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain features steep ascents, dense rainforests on the lower slopes, and open grasslands in the higher elevations around the Sankan Biriwa peak.

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What to bring

Trekkers need sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, good rain protection, insect repellent, and full camping gear for overnight stays in the wilderness.

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Parking

There are no official parking areas; vehicles are typically left securely in surrounding villages such as Kurubonla after consulting with local village elders.

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Safety

The region is very remote; it is strongly recommended to hire a local guide, carry sufficient medical supplies, and accurately assess your own physical fitness.

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Time needed

An ascent of the Tingi Hills typically requires a two- to four-day trekking trip, depending on the chosen route and the amount of time you wish to spend on the peaks.