Situated on West Africa’s southwest coast, The Republic of Sierra Leone is a tropical paradise, with a climate to match. Exceptionally diverse it offers world travellers an extensive range of unique environments to select from.
The Republic of Sierra Leone – Those seeking an urban adventure will find the country’s capital Freetown a hive of activity. Here, you can meet the warm and welcoming people of this fine nation and encounter their traditional dishes, music and custom.
Travellers after the optimum beach experience will not be disappointed either. The Republic’s Western Region’s salt-sprayed sands meet the Atlantic Ocean where palm trees bend in the breeze. Further inland savannah woods and Guinean forests can be found filled with an abundance of rare species, including colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. However, lovers of history will also find much to learn at the ruins of colonial fortresses from times gone by.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what’s in store for those visiting this wondrous country and explore some of the sights that await when they arrive.
Freetown – Welcome to the capital
Inset in the Western Area’s green hills, the capital city of Freetown slopes down until it meets a horseshoe bay buzzing with activity. Home to one of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbours, the capital combines bustling port business with chilled-out beachside living for the best of both worlds.
From its powdery sand beaches at Lakka to Aberdeen, the city’s party district there is a wide range of different urban experiences to discover in Freetown from sunbathing and shopping to clubbing and pubbing. However, the capital is also home to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary where you can see the endangered apes in full swing from the protective cover of a four-by-four.
In terms of accommodation, you’ll find no shortage of options designed to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a basic board when backpacking or a luxury air-conditioned suite at Mamba Point, you’re sure to find somewhere to suit your needs.
A taste of Africa – what you’ll eat and drink
The Sierra Leone people are passionate about food. Freetown has an abundance of international restaurants so you can always find a taste of home, but tasting traditional dishes is essential.
Pancakes with fried plantain or fresh juicy mangos and pineapple are ideal to start the day but lunchtime favours more coastal treats. Based on the coast, fish and shellfish are fresh and fantastic in Freetown. Barracuda steaks or whole tilapia are sold from beach shacks but also crab, lobster, and oysters.
Street corners and markets serve just-cooked Fulla loaves that look like baguettes, while meat dishes like goat and chicken are served with rice, cassava leaves and chilli. Those keen for drinks in Freetown and other parts of the Republic will find spirits affordable and the local brew “Star” easy to find, served icy for maximum refreshment.
Get historical – visit the crumbling fortresses at Bunce Island
Those looking to step back into Sierra Leone’s past on their travels can visit Bunce Island.
Once the nation’s biggest slave port, Bunce still has the remains of a fortress and prison. Now in ruins, the castle and its canons have been reclaimed by nature.
However, those wishing to pay tribute to the women and men who worked the country’s rice fields before they were sold into slavery and ensure they are remembered forever will find this haunting island in Tagrin Bay a unique opportunity.
Rare wildlife at Tiwai – witness elusive species in their natural habitat
While it might be small in scope (12km2) the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Sierra Leone is loaded with life. Situated on the Moa River, it preserved the life of over 80 rare pygmy hippos and an astonishing 11 different types of primates.
The Republic’s first-ever eco-tourism enterprise, its profits benefit the communities that live close to the island. Deep forest walking trails take intrepid travellers to the home of chimpanzees, and Diana and red colobus monkeys. Over 135 bird species can be found here and caves are waiting to be explored and inhabited by bats.
Endless sand and sea – beautiful beaches that are impossible to leave
The Republic is renowned for its white sand beaches framed by verdant palm trees against the majestic aquamarine of the Atlantic Ocean. Tokeh and River Number Two are among its best-known beaches, the second of which provided the idyllic location for a Bounty chocolate bar commercial in the 70s.
Laid-back and ideal for beach nuts, these unrivalled areas promise the perfect spot for sunsets and sunrises, watching local fishermen pull in the catch of the day or enjoying some cool ocean breeze.
Whether you’re looking to connect with a new culture, explore off the beaten track or relax and rejuvenate by the Atlantic, be sure to consider Sierra Leone as the top destination for your next African adventure.