With its palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking mountains, tropical rainforests and vibrant culture, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most seductive destinations. Whether you want to escape the winter to some of the best beaches in Africa for some fun in the sun, to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and traditions or have the freedom to explore the beauty and charm of this undiscovered paradise, Sierra Leone offers an exciting and inspiring adventure to remember. Experience the unrivalled friendliness and hospitality of our people. Relax at a beach-front bar as you watch the sun set over the Atlantic. Lose yourself in the bustling and colourful streets of Freetown. Journey back in time to the dark past of the slave trade. Hike the highest mountain in West Africa. Eat sweet fresh mangos plucked straight from the tree. Wake up to the calls of chimpanzees and monkeys in the rainforest.

1. AGuideto
ExploringFreedom
Freedom calls...
Tel: +232 76 627335 | +232 78 347810
Address: Lumley Beach Road, Freetown P.O. Box 1435
Email: info@ntb.gov.sl
Web: tourismsierraleone.com
Tourist Information Centre
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RIVERS INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES
IBRD 33478R1 | OCTOBER 2018
This map was produced by the Map Design Unit of The World Bank.
The boundaries, colors, denominations and any other information
shown on this map do not imply, on the part of The World Bank
Group, any judgment on the legal status of any territory, or any
endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.
Top Attractions
Sierra Leone is a largely undiscovered, multi-dimensional
destination that offers a range of unique natural, historical,
cultural and coastal experiences. Here are some of the top
attractions:
Nature
1 Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, close to Freetown,
is a 100-acre sanctuary for rescued and rehabilitated orphaned
chimpanzees.
2 Gola Rainforest National park is the largest-remaining block of
Upper Guinean Forest and home to 49 mammal species (including
the pygmy hippo, forest elephant and the world’s second-largest
population of Western chimpanzee), 327 bird species and over
200 species of tree.
3 Mount Bintumani, part of the Loma Mountains, is West Africa’s
highest mountain and a popular option for keen climbers, hikers
and trekkers.
4 The Outamba-Kilimi National Park offers sanctuary to
such wildlife as chimpanzee, colobus monkey, sooty mangabey
and hippo.
5 The Wara Wara Mountains offer various possibilities for
interesting walks and hikes in the hills that spread out to the
north-west of Kabala.
The rustic forest escape of 6 Tiwai Island is set deep within
Sierra Leone’s Upper Guinea Rainforest on the Moa River and
offers visitors the chance to see colobus monkeys, chimpanzees
and many bird species.
History
At 7 Bunce Island, the remnants of an 18th-century slave fort
stand as a testament to the island’s horrific past as one of West
Africa’s most prolific slave-trading centres.
8 Historical sites in Freetown city, related to the journey
of the first freed slaves include the majestic 300-year-old cotton
tree, the ruins of Old Fourah Bay College, the Old Wharf Steps
and Guard House, St John’s Maroon Church and the Gateway
to the King’s Yard, through which almost all rescued slaves
passed on their return to Africa.
Guided tours of the 9 Sierra Leone National Museum reveal
Sierra Leone’s rich history even before its colonial past and
position as a slave trading hub.
Coastline
The Western Peninsula beaches, from 10 Lumley Beach on the
edge of Freetown to the 11 Banana Islands, offer beach lovers
a choice of beautiful sandy beaches such as 12 River No 2
Beach (run by the local community), 13 Tokeh, Black Johnson,
14 Bureh (for surfing), Kent and 15 York.
Further afield Bonthe, 16 Sherbro Island and the 17 Turtle
Islands provide for untouched beach relaxation and a fascinating
cultural experience, as visitors get to know the tiny fishing
communities.
Culture
There are many village and community tourism initiatives to
choose from, such as the 18 Rogbonko Village Retreat near
Makeni and the Sherbro Island community experience.
Local hikes through the hill villages around Freetown, such as
Regent, Bathurst, Leicester (including the 19 Leicester Peak
viewpoint) and Gloucester allow visitors to experience the old
Krio-style houses and reward them with stunning views over
the city.
The 20 Big Markit in Freetown is one of the oldest markets in
Sierra Leone and today visitors will find an incredible array of arts
and crafts for sale, from wooden carvings, drums and jewellery to
paintings and woven craft.
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2. Welcometo
Sierra Leone
The best-kept secret in West Africa, Sierra Leone
captivates visitors with her vibrant culture, lush rainforests
and wildlife reserves.
Find your freedom along her palm-fringed peninsula, in the
radiant smiles of her people, or swaying to the beat of the
gumbe drums.
Routes to Explore
With so much to discover and explore, visitors can
experience the best of Sierra Leone along four
extraordinary routes.
Route 1: Mountains and Villages
Freetown --> Makeni --> Kabala --> Kono (300 km)
Start your journey in Sierra Leone’s vibrant capital, which rises
up from Africa’s largest natural harbour before spilling out in a
colourful cacophony of shops, stalls and street markets.
Learn more about the history of Sierra Leone, enjoy
sundowners in the party playground of Lumley Beach, or
shop till you drop in Big Markit before heading inland to the
bustling trading town of Makeni. Then it’s north to Kabala and
the magical Wara Wara Mountains and Mount Bintumani, the
highest mountain in West Africa!
Perfect for the active and adventurous, this route offers great
opportunities for walking, hiking, and learning more about
local life in the surrounding villages.
Highlights include: Outamba Kilimi National Park, Tacugama
Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Hydro Waterfall, Lake Sonfon, local art
and crafts (for example, tie dying and weaving).
Route 2: Rainforest and Culture
Freetown --> Bo --> Kenema --> Kailahun (310 km)
Visit the 300-year-old Cotton Tree at the centre of Freetown,
the Wharf Steps and Old Guard House, and nearby Bunce
Island for a fascinating glimpse into the history of Sierra Leone
before heading south-east to the diamond centre of Bo. Called
Bo Town or Sweet Bo by locals, this natural trading hub is
known for its palm oil, coffee, cocoa and rice. Soon Kenema
is calling, your base for the Gola Forest Reserve, the South
Kambui Hills Forest Reserve and Gola National Park.
This is the route if you want to revel in the history and culture
of Sierra Leone before exploring one of West Africa’s most
important biodiversity hotspots.
Highlights include: Pygmy hippos in the Gola Rain Forest,
Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, the Gola Malimbe bird, Congor
Waterfalls, palm oil plantations, Gara Tie Dying Centre.
Route 4: Freedom Route
Freetown --> Western Peninsula --> Bunce Island
(32 km by boat)
Explore Sierra Leone’s Western Peninsula, which boasts long
stretches of golden sand, palm trees, dense tropical forests
and tiny Krio settlements, before heading back to Freetown
and boarding a boat or ferry to Bunce Island. Here you’ll find
the remnants of an 18th-century slave fort which stands as a
testament to the island’s horrific past as one of Africa’s most
prolific slave-trading centres.
The highlight of the Freedom Route, a walk around Bunce island
will take you past its old holding cells, chapel and historic graves,
their remains slowly being swallowed by the island’s jungle-like
vegetation.
Highlights include: Banana Islands, Tasso Island, Freedom
Churches, Wanpole Market, National Museum, Railway Museum,
Gateway to Old King’s Yard, Fort Thornton, Bunce Island.
Route 3: Oceans, Beaches and Islands
Freetown --> Moyamba --> Bonthe (280 km)
Soak up Sierra Leone’s laidback tropical lifestyle on
Freetown’s most beautiful beaches, including Lumley Beach,
River No 2 and the Banana Islands, before journeying south
to the sleepy fishing village of Bonthe, on Sherbro Island.
Take in the island’s traditional Krio board houses, discover its
abolitionist history, and fish, surf or scuba in the waters off
both Sherbro and the Turtle Islands.
Brimming with heritage and culture, this route takes in the
charming seaside villages and fishing communities dotting
Sierra Leone’s endless coastline.
Highlights include: Banana Islands, Turtle Islands, Turner’s
Peninsula, Sulima Beach, Mahera Beach, Tobanda Beach,
York, scuba diving, surfing, sport fishing.
Experiences not to miss
Take in the View
Visit Leicester Peak, the highest point in Freetown, for a
spectacular view over the city – and its many inlets and
waterways. Routes 1 – 4.
Eat fresh seafood on the beach
From a bowl of jollof rice to the freshest mangoes, food in Sierra
Leone is simple and tasty. Make sure to tuck into barracuda,
lobster, crab or snapper on a beach in Sierra Leone – a bottle of
Star beer in hand. Routes 1 – 4.
Live like a local
Learn more about the traditional art, music, culture and customs
in inland villages on a unique village tour. Shop for cloth,
ceramics, baskets and more. Routes 1 and 2.
Hike the mountains
Hiking to the summit of Mount Bintumani requires a fair amount
of preparation and fitness level, including seeking permission
from the local chief, but the mountain is home to a rich array
of birdlife and wildlife. Other areas to hike include the Kambui
Hills and Kangari Hills Forest Reserves as well as the Wara Wara
Mountains. Routes 1 and 2.
Catch the big one
Fishing enthusiasts with their eye on reeling in the catch of
the day could arrange for big-game sportfishing for tarpon,
barracuda, giant mackerel and grouper. Route 3.
Enjoy a bucket-list birding adventure
Some of the world’s most rare and vulnerable bird species,
including the white-necked picathartes, the Gola Malimbe and
rufous fishing owl, are found in Sierra Leone. Grab a guide and
head into the Gola Rain Forest, the Kambui Hills Forest Reserve,
and the Kangari Hills Forest Reserve – or many other parks and
reserves. Routes 1 and 2.
Try your hand at surfing – or lace up your soccer boots
The west coast of Africa has some of the best and least-
populated surf beaches in the world. Visit the Bureh Surf Club,
hire a board for the day, or enrol in a surf school. Alternatively,
pick up a game of beach soccer (booted or barefoot) for an
unforgettable Salone experience. Route 3.
Spot the elusive pygmy hippo
The rich variety of plant and animal life in Sierra Leone is
unmatched by almost anywhere else in the world. Many visitors
come to see the chimpanzees and huge variety of monkey
species, but spotting a rare pygmy hippo in their natural habitat is
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many.
Routes 1 and 2.
Useful Information
Location: Sierra Leone is on the west coast of Africa, bordered
by Guinea and Liberia.
Capital: Freetown
Climate: Sierra Leone enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct
seasons: rainy from May to October, and dry from November
to April. August is the wettest month when the country can
experience flooding. Expect hot and humid conditions throughout
the year, with temperatures ranging from the low- to mid-20°s C
(70°s F) on the coast, to the high 20°s C and above (80°s F)
inland.
Population: At last count, the population of Sierra Leone is
7.5 million (2021).
Language: English is the official language of Sierra Leone, but
you’ll also hear Krio, an English-based creole spoken in Sierra
Leone and parts of West Africa.
Political status: Sierra Leone gained independence from the
United Kingdom on 27 April 1961. It is a multi-party democracy
and the current president, Julius Maada Bio, was elected in
March 2018.
Religion: Sierra Leone is officially a secular state, although Islam
(60%) and Christianity (30%) are the two main religions in the
country.
Culture: Sierra Leone enjoys rich cultural diversity and centuries-
old traditions which are generously shared with visitors. The
Salone people are family oriented, and proud of their origins and
heritage.
Travel insurance: All visitors should purchase comprehensive
travel insurance, including medical evacuation.
Health: There are 80+ hospitals, both private and public,
operating in Sierra Leone. Note that there are fewer
opportunities for health care outside of Freetown, particularly
in remote regions. Yellow fever and malaria are endemic to
Sierra Leone. Please speak to your doctor about anti-malarial
medication before travelling.
Courtesies/social etiquette: Always ask permission before
taking pictures of Salone nationals. In most cases they will be
happy to comply, especially if you promise to send them a copy!
Dress: Shorts and flip-flops are perfect for the beach, but
it’s best to wear lightweight trousers or skirts in the city and
upcountry. Think loose, airy, comfortable clothing; throw in a
pair of walking/trekking pants with pockets for everyday use;
and bring rain gear for the rainy season.
Entertainment: Locals love to have fun, so pack your dancing
shoes! There are many nightclubs in the larger towns and cities
with a great selection of African, European, West Indian and
Hip Hop music.
Accommodation: Some International chains, like the
Radisson Blu and Golden Tulip, and are operational in
Freetown. There is a good selection of 3- and 4-star hotels
as well as guesthouses, lodges and B&Bs available. Check our
directory for details.
Conference facilities: Events spaces and conference venues
are easily available through hotels in Freetown. Check our
directory for details.
Currency: The official currency is the Leone (LE or SLL), which
is available in coins of 100 and 500 and bills of 1,000, 2,000,
5,000 and 10,000. It is easy to exchange foreign currency at
commercial banks, foreign bureaux de change, hotels and
supermarkets.
Credit cards: Cash is king in Sierra Leone. While some hotels
and restaurants will accept credit cards to settle bills, please
check beforehand.
Tourist visas: All visitors must have a valid passport and visa
for entry. Visas can be secured from Sierra Leone consulates/
embassies abroad, the National Tourist Board, and handling
agents like VSL Travel, KTI Travel & Tours, and IPC Travel & Tours,
among others.
Yellow fever: All visitors require a yellow fever vaccination
certificate. Carry it with you while travelling.
Airport transfers: Lungi International Airport and Freetown
are separated by the Sierra Leone River. You will need to book
a reliable boat service to facilitate your transfer to Freetown.
Options include water taxis, privately-chartered speedboats or
ferries.
Driving: Vehicles can be hired through local companies, hotels
and private individuals (with or without a driver) and collected
once in Freetown.
Public transport: Both public and private bus services operate
between major towns and cities across the country. Local taxis
and mini buses (poda-poda), autorickshaws (keh-kehs) and bikes
(okada) are also available for travellers on a very tight budget – or
interested in immersing themselves in the local culture.
Communication: The five main mobile network providers are
Celtel, Millicom, Africell, Datatel and Comium. Buy a local sim
card to avoid roaming charges and a local data package for when
free Wi-Fi is not available (outside of hotels).
Electricity: Sierra Leone is still one of the least developed
countries in the world, and only about 23% of Sierra Leoneans
have access to electricity. Freetown has a reasonable supply,
but further out the supply may be unpredictable. The standard
frequency in Sierra Leone is 50Hz /230 V. Always double-check
your device voltage before plugging it in. Plugs/points are D and
G. It’s a good idea to travel with a standard/generic adaptor.
Food: Rice is the staple food in Sierra Leone, and it’s served with
stews, cassava leaf, potato leaf or peanuts. Make sure to try the
country’s fresh seafood, as well as barbecued skewers of beef,
mutton or chicken. There are plenty of local restaurants serving
both traditional West African and international cuisine.
Banks/ATMs: Banking hours are from 8:30am to 3:30pm
Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on a Saturday
between 8:30am and 12:00 noon. There are a few ATMs in the
main centres, but they are not widely available. Expect to have
to carry cash.
Business hours: Official business hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm
Monday to Friday.
Public holidays: Sierra Leone celebrates Islamic, Christian
and National holidays. Public holidays include New Year’s Day,
the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, Armed Forces Day,
International Women’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Eid
al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Annual
highlights include The Lantern Festival (April), The Tangain
Festival (Easter) and the Ma Dengn Beach festival (December/
January).