“Whether chatting with Freetown’s market vendors or visiting Krio settlements on the Banana Islands, every experience feels genuine and unfiltered.”

Partnership

As world travelers look for new places to visit, one criterion increasingly stands out: meaningful connections with local communities. Closely tied to this is another desire — a travel experience unspoiled by the trappings of mass tourism. According to destination trends, Africa has emerged as a popular choice with growth in bookings hitting an impressive 33 percent since 2019. This increase extends well beyond the traditional safari. Travelers now appreciate the variety of cultural and eco-adventures possible in such a diverse continent, including those found in Sierra Leone.

On a map, Sierra Leone appears as a relatively small dot on Africa’s western coast. Blessed with miles of shoreline, its neighbors are Guinea to the north and east, and Liberia to the south. Untouched beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and West African food traditions offer a rugged adventure that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path and catch a boat to Freetown.

Here are ten reasons why Sierra Leone should be on the intrepid traveler’s bucket list.

1. Immersive Experiences

Sierra Leone remains a destination largely untouched by mass tourism. Visitors can immerse themselves in genuine cultural and wildlife experiences, free from the commercialization and overdevelopment often found in heavily visited areas. Whether chatting with Freetown’s market vendors, hiking up Mount Bintumani, or visiting the small Krio settlements of the Banana Islands, every experience feels genuine and unfiltered. 

2. Wild Coastlines and Beaches

Sierra Leone’s coastline features exceptional beaches that rival the best in the world. At Number Two Beach just outside the capital, you’ll find rainforest-covered hills that slope down to the coast, forming a series of bays and sandy beaches where Freetown locals swim on weekends. For cafes, bars, and lively eateries, head to Lumley Beach. Surfers will want time at Bureh Beach, a tiny resort town on the Western Peninsula known for fishing and relaxing – and catching waves. 

3. Deeply Rooted Food Traditions

Sierra Leone’s cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultures and local ingredients. Traditional dishes combine bold flavors, fresh seafood, and tropical spices. Cassava leaf stew, a hearty dish prepared with finely chopped cassava leaves, palm oil, and smoked fish or meat, stands out. Groundnut soup, a peanut-based favorite, pairs with rice. Local markets overflow with tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, while street food options like puff puff (fried dough balls) and grilled fish with attiéké (fermented cassava couscous) provide a window into daily life. For a fine dining perspective on regional foods, book dinner in Freetown at The Cole Street Guest House.

4. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Located just outside Freetown, the Tacugama animal sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates endangered western chimpanzees. Thanks to the work of Tacugama, government officials named the indigenous primate the national animal of Sierra Leone in 2019. Guided tours introduce visitors to these social and intelligent creatures while highlighting the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. Eco-friendly accommodations allow travelers to immerse themselves in the lush natural environment.

5. Understanding the Slave Trade from the West African Perspective

For many, Sierra Leone offers the singular opportunity to explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade from the African side. Sierra Leone was the departure point for thousands of enslaved west African people. Coming full circle, Freetown was established as a home for repatriated former slaves in 1787. Sierra Leone has preserved several monuments to help visitors understand the country’s tragic past. In Freetown, that includes the 300-year-old “Cotton Tree,” the Wharf Steps and the Old Guard House. Nearby on Bunce Island, travelers can visit the remains of the largest slave fort in Sierra Leone turned into a national monument in 1948.

6. Freetown’s Historical Significance

Freetown, the capital, stands as a melting pot of cultures and holds profound historic significance in the context of slavery, abolition, and the African diaspora. After Britain outlawed the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, the Royal Navy patrolled the Atlantic to intercept illegal slave ships. Over 50,000 freed captives, known as “recaptives” or “liberated Africans” were resettled in Freetown. Black Loyalists, West Indians, and liberated Africans from various ethnic backgrounds settled in Freetown, blending their cultures, religions, and languages which have come to define the city and its people today.

7. Gola Rainforest National Park

Gola Rainforest National Park, a UNESCO-listed site in southeastern Sierra Leone, is considered a biodiversity hotspot with over 300 species of birds, 200 species of trees, and nearly 50 species of mammals including forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and chimpanzees. Guided eco-tours and treks allow visitors to explore its ecosystems while learning about conservation and community building efforts. Located about 4 to 5 hours from Freetown by road, the park is accessible via a well-traveled route to Kenema, followed by a 1.5-hour drive on unpaved roads. Visitors are required to make an advanced booking prior to their trip to arrange for permits, food, accommodation, camping equipment and guides.

8. Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Moa River, operates as a community-led ecotourism initiative. Managed by the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), the project collaborates closely with the island’s eight host communities. All tourism revenue is reinvested into Tiwai Island and supports a Community Development Fund, which finances programs within these local communities. Visiting the island provides travelers a glimpse at rare and endangered species in their natural habitats. Spot the elusive pygmy hippopotamus, several species of monkeys, and an array of birdlife. Guided river tours and nature walks introduce visitors to the sanctuary’s flora and fauna.

9. The Tasso Ecotourism Project

Located just an hour’s boat ride from Freetown, the Tasso Ecotourism Project offers a rustic retreat with timber chalets overlooking a sandy beach and estuary views. During the transatlantic slave trade, Tasso Island served as a plantation supplying food for captives and British troops stationed at nearby Bunce Island. Today, this agricultural heritage continues with cashew, coconut, and pineapple cultivation. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, bird watching, and engaging with local communities. Visiting helps support the economies of four villages, blending relaxation with meaningful contributions to local communities.

10. Adventure Sports

Sierra Leone offers thrilling adventure opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can tackle Mount Bintumani, the country’s highest peak in the Loma Mountains, or explore treks like Sugarloaf Mountain and the Mambo Waterfall trail. Surfers enjoy year-round swells along Sierra Leone’s coastline, with peak waves from March to October. For scuba divers, Banana Island provides excellent visibility and marine wildlife spotting, while kayakers can paddle scenic spots off the Freetown Peninsula at Bureh Beach and River No. 2.

What to Know Before You Go to Sierra Leone

Language: English (official), Krio (most widely spoken)

Religion: 78.5% Muslim, 20.4% Christian, 1.1% traditional African religions or other beliefs

Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)

Population: Approximately 8 million

Capital: Freetown

Largest Cities: Freetown, Kenema, Bo, Koidu, Makeni, Waterloo, Port Loko

Key Tourism Destinations: Freetown, Bunce Island, Banana Island, Tiwai Island, Turtle Islands, Tokeh Beach, Gola Forest Reserve, Bo Town, Outamba-Kilimi National Park, Kenema, Makeni, Lungi, Kabala

Visa Requirements: Visa on arrival

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Sierra Leone

For travelers who love tropical weather, Sierra Leone fits the bill. The country has a warm, wet climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. November, during the dry season, is often considered the best month for travel. However, “dry” is relative. While the dry season in Sierra Leone offers better travel conditions, with more accessible roads, clearer skies, and a lower risk of weather disruptions, overall, you’re still visiting a tropical country. Humidity levels are still high, though less so than during the rainy season.

Climate: One of Africa’s warmest and wettest countries, making it a tropical destination

Average Temperature: 80°F

Rainy Season: Mid-May to mid-November (extreme humidity)

Dry Season: December to April.

Best Time to Travel: November to January

Peak Month: Early November

How to Get to Sierra Leone

To reach Sierra Leone, travelers can fly into Lungi International Airport (FNA) which is served by airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Air Senegal, Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Asky Airlines. Upon arrival, travelers heading to Freetown will book a scenic 35-minute water taxi ride across the Sierra Leone River. Services like Sea Coach Express or Sea Bird Water Transfer provide fast and convenient connections from the airport to the capital.