If you are a history buff or adventurer looking for your next destination, pack your bags. Sierra Leone got you covered! Sierra Leone is a haven for anyone who has an ear and an eye for history. The Bunce Island air has a tinge of mystery that makes any traveller wonder if the island is the place where thousands of Africans living on the continent ended. While we aren’t sure about that, but one thing for sure is that Sierra Leone deserves a spot on your bucket list!
Your quest for Africa’s mysterious wonders, need not be squandered at an inclusive resort. Well, wait! Sierra Leone offers a perfect blend of both. Yes! And if you have time for a dip in Sierra Leone’s rich culture, it’s a pure double bonus.
But, if you are looking for adrenaline, then a holiday to Sierra Leone is also the right place to find it. The country’s mix of different adrenaline activities, beaches, historical attractions, and epic landscape means you can set your pulse into overdrive. Lakka beach provides a perfect opportunity for swimming. That’s just scratching the surface –snorkelling, hiking, diving, fishing, climbing, and ziplining, are other heart-pumping activities you can enjoy right across the country. On the Sierra Leone holiday, there is something for everyone of all ages!
Also, Sierra Leoneans are enveloped by beach and island tranquillity. Slow walks, a reflection of the sea, cemented into their broad smiles that indicate that everything is perfectly okay. You will probably enjoy it here. Locals are happy to chat with you, introduce you to their other half, children, and leave you in peace when you prefer that.
Sierra Leone History
Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, has a special significance in the history of West African captives. The capital, Freetown, was founded as a home for repatriated former slaves in 1787.
Highlights
Sierra Leone Capital: Freetown
Population: 7.98 million people
Area 71,740 km²
Major Religion: Islam
National Language: Lingua franca, and Krio
Official Language: English
Climate: The best time to visit Sierra Leone is in the dry season, which runs from October to May.
Dialling code: +232
Sierra Leone Currency
Currency: Sierra Leonean
Symbols: Le
DESTINATION AND CULTURE
Sierra Leone is diverse enough to offer an array of exotic locales, from brilliant islands, historical landmarks, ancient ruins, and golden beaches, thriving homegrown scenes and a buzzing capital.
Sierra Leone Cuisine
Sierra Leone is a hotbed of hospitality with diverse restaurants serving different food across the globe – at some of the best prices.
Notable, for almost all Sierra Leoneans, rice is the staple food, consumed basically with every meal/sauce made from a combination of hot peppers, peanut, beans, cassava leaves, potato leaves, beef, eggplant, onion, and tomatoes.
Sierra Leone clothing
Most Sierra Leoneans wear colourful African shirts and dress slacks.
Turtle Island
Whether you are a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan or not, there’s no excuse for anyone not to see the real deal of turtles in this dazzling, island archipelago in Sierra Leone. You will sure take this Island spirit with you and share it with the world.
Loma Mountains
The dramatic peaks of the Loma Mountains (the highest mountain range in Sierra Leone) have always amazed and left hikers spellbound with their raw power. Its breathtaking scenery is highly worthy of being photographed. You can jam-pack days filled with hiking, mountaineering, trekking, and much more. It is hard to find something that you can’t do on a trip to the Loma Mountains.
River Number 2
River Number 2 is the name of the river that flows into the ocean on the Western Area Peninsula. Its beauty does not only lie in its stunning beachside, but it also lies in its towering mangrove forest that flank the river flowing into the sea. Be prepared to fall under the tropical spell of River Number 2 on your visit to remember!
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
It is a chimp lover’s dream but only attracts a fraction of the visitors. You will wonder why somewhere so picturesque is “undiscovered,” you will be glad the Tacugama Chimpanzee sanctuary is still a secret. Fresh forest breeze, rainforest, Eco huts, extraordinary creatures, brilliant waterfalls, and surrounding locals’ villages all will keep you occupied for days.
Banana Islands
If you are an Island lover and want to escape from the hurly-burly of modernity, then Banana Island is the perfect jumping-off point for active diving, snorkelling and fishing adventure.
Outamba Kilimi National Park
Your perfect, prime, brilliant National Park. This dazzling tract of the jungle will have you spinning! Here you will spot primates such as colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, sooty mangabeys, hippos, antelopes, and much more.
Lakka Beach
This beach is ‘The Beach’, which will not only make you break some kind of record for word repetition but also tell you everything you need to know about the beach. It is undoubtedly a perfect spot to escape from the bustle and hustle of Sierra Leone city. Simply relax, rejuvenate, meditate, unwind, and reconnect. As the result; life is enjoyable here!
Bunce Island
Here is hard to shake off the eerie feeling of being transported back into one of the depressing history chapters. Located 30km from Freetown, this speck of land (Bunce Island) in the Sierra Leone rivers served as a major port for the transatlantic slave trade. The island’s “raw” history will have you spinning! Avid history buffs, this is once in a lifetime experience.
Tasso Island
Lying at the heart of one of Africa’s most precious wetlands, Tasso land is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and gaze at the serene Sierra Leone River. Here you can escape from the rat race and reconnect with your inner child.
Sierra Leone National Museum
Located at the centre of Freetown, Sierra Leone National Museum holds an outstanding collection of Sierra Leonean artefacts and artworks. The Museum has a blissful reputation, and a visit doesn’t disappoint.
How to get a visa to Sierra Leone
• Fill out and sign the application form. Attach your passport (2 coloureds) or travel document valid for at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. Also, hold proof of onward/return airline tickets, and documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit to Sierra Leone!
Helpful Travelling tips
• Book through an agent directly to save costs. Since OTA’s takes commissions
• Currency and Banking. The currency of Sierra Leone is Sierra Leonean Leone. Approximately 1Le= $ 0.00010.
• You need to bring an unlocked smartphone with you. You can get a sim card for your stay, which will allow you to add minutes and be able to call your family or friends.
• Dress Modest