Sierra Leone has risen from the ashes of slavery and Ebola to become one of the latest growing tourist destinations in Africa with pristine tropical beaches & an amazing culture. There is also amazing wildlife in this country to experience, from chimpanzees to amazing bird & plant species.
Sierra Leone is an undiscovered paradise that has been a dealt a poor hand. Tourism and investments were blossoming after the end of the civil war in 2002 and then, just as it was finding its feet, Ebola struck. However, the World Health Organisation has now declared it officially Ebola-free and Tailormade Africa is spearheading the campaign to develop eco-tourism in the country and reintroduce intrepid travellers to this truly beautiful corner of West Africa.
Furthermore, by travelling to Sierra Leone you will be helping directly with the rebuilding process and as an added bonus Tailormade Africa will donate a portion of each booking to UK education and child welfare organisation Street Child that provides shelter and education for the 13,000 children orphaned by Ebola. We actively encourage anyone travelling to Sierra Leone to see the work they do.
We are one of only a handful of companies in the world who offer tailormade trips to Sierra Leone and Rob Morley, one of our co-founders, is one of the only true Sierra Leone travel experts with extensive first-hand knowledge of the country. Sierra Leone is not Africa for beginners, but with our strong local connections, superb guides and first-hand experience you will be well looked after and come back with memories to last a lifetime!
Sierra Leone Holidays FAQs
Sierra Leone is not the quintessential or traditional safari destination in Africa and for the safari purests it may not meet these standards. But Sierra Leone is an exceptional destination in so many ways as it offers a great mix of traditional culture, history (museums), islands and white sandy beaches to relax on. But if a safari is what you are looking for then Outamba-Kilimi National Park is where you can get your fix. You can catch a glimpse of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, hippos, elephants and an array of bird species.
Sierra Leone has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Its capital, Freetown, was founded in 1787 as a home for repatriated former slaves from London and the Americas. Sitting on a coastal peninsula, the city overlooks the Sierra Leone Harbor, the world's third largest natural harbor. There are many stories that can be heard from those inconceivable days.
It is also home to the Sierra Leone Marathon described by many as 'the world's most worthwhile marathon' and also voted in 2017 as 'Best International Event', it is a few days that really makes you evaluate the importance of life, while getting some exercise.
There is just so much history in terms of the slave trade to see, as well as culture experiences and then some really printing tropical beaches for relaxing. In addition, there are a number of places to visit like the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown (the capital) and the Western Peninsula. A visit to Bunce Island Forest and Gola Rainforest National Park are highly recommended. Then a great place to get close to the wildlife and natural forest is at Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. We also have a very special bond with Street Child our charity partner in Sierra Leone and a visit to one of the schools built by this organisation and its supporters and volunteers will be an experience to remember.
CHOOSE FROM EIGHTHIGHLIGHTS
There are several tourist attractions that are located in the different parts of the country and some of the top tourist destinations in Sierra Leone that you should not miss out on.
Makeni
Makeni in Sierra Leone is home to the famous Sierra Leone Marathon. More so it's also known as the home to Street Child which is a charity organisation with several projects in Sierra Leone.
Bo
Bo is the second-largest city in Sierra Leone and the main city in the southern region. Bo is one of the only cities that was untouched in the war, as a citizens militia kept rebel soldiers out, so the infrastructure is still intact with some great historical features. Here you will also find great quality ginger, coffee, cocoa and rice produced in the area.
Gola Rainforest
Gola Rainforest National Park is a catalyst for peace, prosperity and national pride in Sierra Leone. It also ensures that its globally important habitats, biodiversity, environmental services and wider landscape are conserved and that the neighbouring communities are active environmental stewards of these natural resources so that the proceeds can help benefit and enrich their lives.
Beaches & Islands
The beaches & islands in Sierra Leone are a little hidden piece of heaven right in Africa. Tourism hasn't taken over the beaches in Sierra Leone so they are still in pristine condition with many activities on offer.
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
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Western Area Peninsula Forest
The Western Area Peninsula, which is part of the Upper Guinean Forest Ecosystem, is located on the west coast of the country and is also home to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary founded in 1995.
Bunce Forest
Bunce Island Forest is steeped in ancient history. It is located off the coast of Sierra Leone and was one of the largest slave forts along the West African coast. Although having fallen into ruin, it still remains a popular tourist destination.
Freetown & Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Today, Freetown is a buzzing capital and is lively by day or by night. In Freetown, you can see the sea from almost any point in the city and you are never far away from the beach!
Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
There are countless trails that weave through the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary forest, allowing visitors and researchers to explore up to 50 km of walking paths. If you move silently through the forest, you can glimpse some of the rarest & most colourful primates in the world, such as the Diana & Colobus monkeys.
Why Tailormade Africa?
Sierra Leone Specialists
With our well established, strong personal relationships with all of our ground operators, National Park Authorities and Conservation Management teams in Sierra Leone, we are always kept up to date on the most recent information of wildlife & conservation projects, ensuring you get to see wildlife viewings like never before.
Sierra Leone Holiday Experts
Clyde & Rob are two of the most knowledgeable experts in the world on Sierra Leone safari holidays and have travelled extensively to most of Sierra Leone's National Parks, camps and lodges. Rob is also instrumental in the running of the Sierra Leone Marathon.
Bespoke Sierra Leone
With Tailormade Africa, no two safari holiday itineraries are ever the same. The combination of our in-depth knowledge of the country and taking the time to get to know all of our clients' travel personalities ensures truly bespoke itineraries and a trip specifically tailored to you.
Experience Sierra Leone
Relatively small by African standards, Sierra Leone is packed with travel highlights and stunning beaches, making it an ideal alternative winter-sun destination for 7-10 nights. In place of the ‘Big Five’ are chimpanzees and the elusive pygmy hippo; its rainforests – with over 330 species of bird – are a haven for twitchers; its communities are steeped in traditional beliefs; and its palm-fringed islands and miles of pristine sugar-sand beaches – one of which even featured in a Bounty chocolate bar advert – are ideal for those seeking to wind down at the end of an adventure.
Book Your Sierra Leone Holiday Today!
We offer bespoke holidays in Sierra Leone to travellers all over the world, from the UK to America. Unlike most safari operators, we specialise in bespoke trips based on a combination of your desires and our team’s expertise. They’ve travelled all of Africa, and know from experience how to craft the best safari experience for you. Contact Rob or Clyde today to start planning your next adventure in Africa!
