Bintumani (Loma) Mountain

About this tour

Explore the wild heart of Sierra Leone with the ultimate trekking experience to Mount Bintumani—the highest peak west of Mount Cameroon (1,945 m). Located in the remote northeast, Loma Mountains National Park (LMNP) is a biodiversity hotspot and a true gem for hikers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists. Was established in 2012. Situated in the Koinadugu District in the northeast of the country (9° 12’ 46” N, 11° 08’ 39”), the park spans 288.5 square kilometers and is predominantly composed of closed moist tropical forest. The upland regions (915 1,945 meters) feature diverse vegetation, including submontane shrub savanna, montane grassland, gallery forest and dry forest. At lower elevations (below 1,000 meters), particularly in the eastern and northern parts of the reserve.

  Why Visit Loma Mountains NP?

• Pristine Ecosystems: From moist tropical forests to grassland savannas and montane shrublands.
• Wildlife Encounters: Home to over 1,000 chimpanzees, endangered birds like the White-necked Rockfowl, monkeys, buffaloes, and more.
• Cultural Depth: Engage with local communities and traditions, guided by expert native porters.

 Trekking Routes to Mount Bintumani

There are several challenging but rewarding trails:

• Sokurela Trail: Shortest and steepest; 9.5 km to the summit.
• Mansonia Trail: Diverse landscapes with waterfalls and forest camps; 15.7 km.
• Sinekoro Trail: Popular and scenic; 13.2 km with “The Wall” – an 80% incline challenge.
• Konombaia Trail: Longest route; 18 km through farmlands, chimp habitats, and dense forest.

   Have an idea about the routes and distances

• Kabala Route –

Makeni to Kabala – 115 km

Kabala to Sinekoro – 78 km

• Bumbuna Route –

Makeni to Bumbuna – 44 km

Bumbuna to Konombaia – 79 km

• Koidu Route –

Makeni to Yagbea – 127 km

Yagbea to Mansofinia – 60 km

Note: Each of these three routes will take a minimum of 10 to 12 hours to reach one of the starting points with a 4×4 or motorbike. Best time to visit: dry season (Dec–Mar).

Recommended route and duration of the trip

Due to the terrain and from our experience in this area we would recommend that you head for the mountain via the Kabala Township and you will need at least 4 days to do this trip. The best time is between January and April when the water levels would have subsided, this significantly cuts down the walking time.

Please find below a typical itinerary so you have an idea of what to expect, please note that we have the option of adding one day to go from Sinekoro to Camp 1 to lessen the impact of the trip on the group.

Day 1 – Transfer from Freetown to Sinekoro Village via Kabala Township (Overnight in the Village and sleep in tents)

Day 2 – Trek from Sinekoro Village to Camp 2, whole day (Overnight in tents)

Day 3 – From Camp 2, scale up to the MT Bintumani Peak and return to Sinekoro Village (Overnight in Tents)

Day 4 – Transfer back to Kabala Township

More Than Just a Trek

• Birdwatching Paradise: Over 300 species, including rare and endemic birds.
• Community Encounters: Visit vibrant markets, meet local chiefs, and camp in forest villages.
• Stunning Vistas: Breathtaking sunsets, mountain ridges, and panoramic views from the peak.
• You need to be both mentally and physically prepared for this trip. You must also be ready to walk for hours under hot conditions. If you attempt the trip outside the recommended time of the year you will walk even longer periods as the road to Sinekoro would have been cut off due to a stream.
• Be prepared to sleep in tents, which could be pitched in either an open field or in a school compound or community space. There will be no decent toilet or shower for the duration of the trip.

Recommended items to bring along

In other to prepare you well for the trip please find below a list of recommended things you need to bring along for the trip:

* Lightweight tent

* Lightweight sleeping bag

* Insect Spray / Repellents

* Water Purifiers (tablets, iodine, or filters)

* First aid kits

* Waterproof matches and a portable cooking gas stove

* Blister treatment

* Head torch

* Binoculars

* Walking or hiking boots and socks

* Long trousers, full-length sleeves, and Wind Breakers Jackets

* Food Items, bottles of drinking water, and snacks like (Sweet, Chocolate, and   Energy Chocolate Bars)

⚠   Tips for Trekkers

• If you want, we can handle/provide logistics such as tents, head-torch, first aid kits, and cooking gas provided sufficient notice is received.

Our charges typically include vehicles, tour guides, porters, tour directors, and community fees. Some negotiations will likely have to take place by tour guides as some communities have been known to hike up fees at short notice with no justification.