Swenson spends night in Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary before heading to Outamba-Kilimi National Park

(Editor’s Note: Sabrina Swenson, a 1986 graduate of Postville High School, is the daughter of Erma Swenson and the late Marlin Swenson. A world traveler, Sabrina is sharing her experiences in Sierra Leone. Printed below is the second of a three-part series.)

My second day I was once again greeted by the resident deer staring at me as I ate my breakfast. Shortly thereafter, my driver and guide arrived to pick me up. Since tourism is almost non-existent in Sierra Leone, local transportation to where I wanted to go in the country, was simply not an option. And so, I obtained a driver and guide. The roads also leave a lot to be desired, with only a small amount being paved. As such, a 4x4 vehicle is a must in Sierra Leone. Large, vehicle-sized potholes filled with water were commonplace.

Our first stop was Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Its purpose, to take care of rescued chimps and educate humans about primates. We set off down Sierra Leone’s bright-red dirt roads and eventually pulled into the sanctuary. It was beautiful. I walked into the reception hut and signed into my room for the night. Tacugama has the bonus of numerous tree houses that overlook the sanctuary that you can bunk down in for the night. Mine was a short walk through the thick jungle. A two level hut appeared. I walked in and it was adorable in a simple and rustic kind of way. 

Read the full article in the May 2 edition of the Postville Herald.