places to visit in sierra leone

One of the oldest in the country, this cemetery is the final resting place of several former colonial masters. After all, this precious gem is something that played a big part in the countrys history. A rare draw away from the coast, the riparian land is home to some of the last remaining virgin rainforest in Sierra Leone. Consequently, the reserve faces several threats to its animals. It is also an important carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is a protected wildlife sanctuary with lush rainforests and a great concentration of endemic species. Set on the Moa River, the, There are two galleries inside the Sierra Leone National Museum one housing a collection of cultural and historical artefacts, including Temne Guerrilla, This wide sweep of beach has lost some of its atmosphere since the 2015 demolition of dozens of bamboo and thatch food shacks, and the numerous, ugly, You don't have to be a rail fan to enjoy this Clinetown museum, where enthusiastic staff guide you around a surprising collection of restored locomotives,, The State House, up on Tower Hill and overlooking the downtown area, is an example of Freetown's old Krio architecture, which features brightly washed, Gutted by fire in 1999, only the stone shell of the Old Fourah Bay College remains, but this 1848 building is graceful even in its decay. During your visit, you can also charter a boat to explore the nearby Turtle Island and Banana Island. You can do a downtown walk around and see the gate, the cotton tree as well as either the national museum or the Sierra. 5 cities, 1 goal: A Sierra Leonean's unconventional journey to study business, Chinese. How long is my Sierra Leone tourist visa valid for? Freetown is nicknamed the friendliest city on earth and is filled with friendly locals. Its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and majestic mountains create a breathtaking backdrop for your vacation. Now that the battles it fought have long been over, its time for people to slowly get acquainted with Sierra Leones untouched beauty once again. There are a variety of activities to enjoy while hiking the mountain. Most people are happy to help. Look out for The local people are known for their hospitality and handicrafts. Close to the geographical heart of Sierra Leone, the bustling, mercantile and industrial city of Makeni ticks over to the sounds of Krio chatter and cheers for the local Wusum Stars football team. Bunce Island is unique in several ways. The stadium is currently in poor condition, but Sierra Leones Minister of Sports has announced that the stadium will undergo two years of rehabilitation. The church was built between 1817 and 1828, and is one of the most . You can view a match here or even train there for yourself. A post shared by Kamal Moummad (@kamalmoummad) on Apr 7, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT. A cocktail of frantic port activity (the city is home to one of the largest natural deep-water harbors on the globe) and laid-back beachside living, its something of Sierra Leone writ small. Lake Sonfon is a freshwater mountain lake with cultural significance. Tasso Island is home to a small fishing village. You can even stay the night at nearby resorts to make the most out of your trip. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its also a pretty spot, peppered with low-rise bungalows and tin-roofed builds, imbued with lively local farmers markets and surrounded by bucolic swathes. This national park is home to more than 200 species of trees and 49 mammal species. And the wildlife is equally as totemic, with Diana monkeys and pygmy hippos, tool-using chimpanzees (a truly awesome feat) and curious pangolins all making the reserve their home. What is the best time to visit Sierra Leone? Bring your camera or sketchbook as youll be surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery everywhere you go! The beach is popular with surfers, and visitors will find it a relaxing and rejuvenating place to spend the day. Best Places to Visit in Sierra Leone Top Cities : Freetown Bo Kenema Makeni Koidu Town Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra Leone General FAQs for Sierra Leone What is the capital of Sierra Leone? The summit of this mountain provides a breathtaking view of the city. 15 Best Things to Do in New Carrollton (MD). Its rich in natural beauty, including tropical forests and beautiful beaches. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. That is how far Sulaiman Bayoh travelled to study Chinese in China. FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 26 May 2016 - It's antenatal care day . #1 of 1 things to do in Bure Town Beaches Write a review What people are saying By zpeller " Beautiful " Nov 2022 Real romance and adventure, with charming beaches. If youre a fan of the great outdoors, you may want to visit Sierra Leones Mamunta Mayosso Wildlife sanctuary. strives to protect the endangered population of chimpanzees, often hunted for meat or kept as pets by local families. The collection is comprised of steam engines and other historic vehicles, many of which were repurposed from abandoned trains. To add to that, the country also faced a deadly fight with Ebola which claimed lives in its wake. In fact, that cocktail of beautiful natural draws has made this one arguably the most popular weekend getaway from the big city, and there are now some good guesthouses in hotels in the fishing settlements of Dublin and Ricketts as a result. Donations are welcome. Down-to-earth and industrial by nature, the place is driven by diamond prospecting and mining. In the early twentieth century, they converted to Christianity. Before that, the town was known as Momimi. In the 1800s, the Maroons built St Johns Maroon Church. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. Since then, the museum has been collecting and preserving historical objects and artifacts from the Sierra Leone region. Bo This is the second-largest city in Sierra Leone by the landscape, located in the southern part of the country. You can even go canoeing, partying, drinking, or just relax as you watch its crystalline waters glimmer under the hot sun. 7. 208. Night time temperatures rarely drop below 24C and daytime temperatures reach 30C throughout the year. Sierra Leone Travel Guide. Nevertheless, it is still a fascinating place to visit and experience the wonders of nature. Two Monkeys Travel Group Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. Sierra Leone, as a country off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, has some of the best places for surfing. Required fields are marked *. The ornate Law Courts have been beautifully restored following considerable war damage. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. That avian biodiversity is mirrored on the ground too, where duikers and forest elephants tread their own paths through the forest. To get to Dublin Island, you will need to make your way (best by car) to Kent Village, which is about one hour drive from Freetown, and then hire a boat (about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions). If youre looking for an adventure holiday thats filled with beauty and adventure, you might want to consider visiting Sierra Leone. Tokeh Beach Heritage Sites Bunce Island National Parks Outamba Kilimi National Park Read more Read more Read more Read more Leisure in Sierra Leone You wondering what to do during your spare time in Sierra Leone? The museum is open for visits Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and on Saturday by prior appointment. It is drained by the Mogbai river, which flows into the River Mano along Sierra Leones border. Freetowns party playground is Lumley Beach its white sands fringed by cool cafs, bars and eateries, hotels and swaying palms. John Small remembers watching foreign surfers unload their boards from their vehicles. Sierra Leone has a variety of street food which you can choose from if you want to get your fill of the local food. The Kangari Hills Forest Reserve is a non-hunting forest reserve. Its located off the southern coast and is accessible by mining road or tiny boat from Yagoi. This railway museum was opened in 2005. The World, Sierra Leone's most visited natural reserve is home to over 700 different plant species, 135 bird species (including eight species of hornbill), plus, This is a beautiful tract of savannah and jungle, with very diverse wildlife. 5 Ways to Travel and Study at the Same Time, Ultimate Travel Checklist: From Essentials to Adventure, Master the Magic of Video Background Removal: Top Tricks to Try. The area around Freetown is home to many of Sierra Leones beautiful beaches, and the mountain is a fantastic place to experience the countrys breathtaking landscape. The museum also features photos, documents, and guided tours. For the traveler, Sierra Leone is still West Africa's secret beach destination. You are at liberty to visit at any time with options to do many activities. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Despite its remote location, the island doesnt have much tourist infrastructure. The stadium, also known as Siaka Stevens National Stadium, is located in the capital city. Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel Freetown. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Sierra Leones National Animal is the Chimpanzee. Gola Forest Reserve is a natural wonderland located along the Sierra Leone-Liberia border. A vast mangrove forest protects coastal communities and prevents erosion by acting as a natural barrier. A nation of abundant wildlife, Sierra Leone was one of the top destinations for tourists back in the day, until political instability took it off tourists list for quite some time. Overall, Siera Leone is a wonderful place to visit. Despite its rich biodiversity, illegal mining of gold continues in the area. Just be sure to steer the boat away from Hoong, which is barred to visitors and used for coming-of-age religious rituals. The Banana Islands are moderately windy, with April and March experiencing the windiest months. Best surf spots in Sierra Leone. Among the islands most famous landmarks is the Fourah Bay College Building, which opened in 1827 as a pioneer educational institution. If you want to see a truly beautiful part of the world, visit Man of War Bay in Sierra Leone. Ataya, a strong variety of tea is often served among the young male population in Sierra Leone. Is Africa a Safe Destination for Female Travelers? You can also head up towards the old Creole villages in Freetown to get to know more about the resettlement area for liberated slaves back in the day. How long is the tourist visa application process? The museum is located in the Cline Town neighborhood in Freetown. The museum is supported by Friends of Sierra Leone National Railway Museum in the UK, which helps maintain the museum. The Banana Islands are made of three islands: Dublin and Ricketts are inhabited (around 800 people currently live in Dublin Island) and connected by a causeway; Mes-Meheux is the smallest of the three and nobody lives there. Visitors can enjoy sport fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, scenic boat tours, and excursions to nearby islands. This beautiful country is home to a number of stunning natural sights, including the lake. 8 Things To Do in Sierra Leone [Best Places to Visit in Sierra Leone]. When visiting Man of War Bay, make sure to bring along your camera. Beyond their beautiful beaches, the dense tropical forests and tiny Krio settlements complete the rustic island retreat that is the Banana Islands. COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. It is located in the former Special Court for Sierra Leone facility. If youre eager to keep company with chimpanzees and swinging mangabeys, then there can really be no substitute for the vast reaches of the Outamba Kilimi National Park. Your email address will not be published. Kenema is also known to be the hometown of Sierra Leones best international soccer players. To reach Leicester Peak from Freetown, drive about 40 minutes, passing the United States Embassy. Makeni is also known to be the home of the Temne people who mainly speak the Krio language. The beach is a popular destination during weekends but retains its wild beauty during the week. Its also commonly known as Bo Town, although this term particularly refers to the urban center of the city. Wondering where to go this holiday? And you should not have to surf in anything but your board shorts to keep warm. Explore a land without limits, open for discovery intrepid, uplifting and earnest. All rights reserved. The wind speeds are not dangerous but are considered moderate. A post shared by ?? Find below more as there are many things to do at day time and pure night life altogether as a melting pot. Located in the North, Makeni is Bombali provinces largest city and is overall the 4th largest in the country. The island was once a major slave trading post for the British. Lumley Beach Road, Freetown P.O. The museum will also convert a part of its open office space into a reading and research room. It also features 316 different bird species, including the critically endangered White-breeded Rockfowl. You can even stay the night at nearby resorts to make the most out of your trip. Locals consider Lake Sonfon sacred and hold ceremonies and religious rites there. What currency is used in Sierra Leone? Get inspiration for the best things to do if you would like to go travelling, backpacking or take a gap year in Sierra Leone. You can even see the graves of the colonial masters who once ruled the island. Tourism in Sierra Leone is the unifier to every spheres of life: which blends cultures, dance, food, people and acceptance. There is a small $0.50 USD fee to access River Number 2 Beach. The museum is open Monday to Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. Sierra Leone is a wonderful place to visit for many reasons. In Yiffin, the chiefdom headquarters, you can find a modern missionary compound and a government clinic. Banjul Beyond the Beach: 10 Gambian Secrets, 5 Reasons Why Lake Retba Outshines the Dead Sea. Well make sure you get there safely and on time. Sulima is a town in the extreme south east of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a wonderful place to visit. 9 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sierra Leone Updated June 30, 2023 Share Tweet Email Attractions Map . It pays tribute to the people who suffered during the civil war. Therefore, Sierra Leone still keeps our friends closer, to avoid extinction, the chimpanzee hub Tacugama Sanctuary is set to ensure their protection and sustainable rehabilitation process continues day by day, to maintain stable growth and then discharge.. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. Travel back in time and learn about the countrys history, 6. This lake is also a hotspot for mining. Find your freedom on her palm-fringed beaches, in the radiant smiles of the locals and beyond the depths of the lush rainforests of its tropical interior. If your travel plans in Sierra Leone include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Pygmy hippos are some of the most sought-after animals on this side of the planet, aside from hundreds of species of insects and butterflies. The town is home to the Krio people. Visitors can learn about the history of the country by visiting the Sierra Leone National Museum, which has two galleries featuring a vast collection of historical and cultural artifacts. Oh, and dont miss the amazing Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where mind-boggling primates will swing above your 4X4! It has lots of beautiful beaches. Will you choose the salt-sprayed beaches of the Western Region, where palm trees bow to the Atlantic Ocean and old colonial fortresses crumble on the clifftops? Will I need a translator in Sierra Leone? Youll experience the culture of the local people and experience the beauty of Sierra Leone natural beauty. Generally, Sierra Leone is a pretty safe place for travelers to visit. At low tide, the island features beautiful sandbars. Founded in 1995 in Tacugama Forest Reserve, just outside of Freetown, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuarystrives to protect the endangered population of chimpanzees, often hunted for meat or kept as pets by local families. As Sierra Leones last remaining swathe of Upper Guinean Tropical Rainforest, the Gola Reserve commands the attention of nature lovers and conservationists the world over. Its a sleepy and rustic place, with just a smattering of small towns like Bonthe and pint-sized San, mainly inhabited by the indigenous Sherbro people contented, bucolic and curiously westernized fishing types. There you will find a good beach break lying at the mouth of the Moa River. (@hellosierraleone) on Jan 15, 2020 at 2:09am PST. If you want to see them for yourself, you can go and travel out to Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary or Outamba-Kilimi National Park. However, sailings may be limited during the rainy season. living at the sanctuary at the moment, divided in various enclosures based on their age, and separated in enlarged families to recreate the social structure they follow in nature. 12,623 kilometres. The museum also features the Truth and Reconciliation Commission exhibition, which tells the story of war, peace, and healing. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [emailprotected]. If you want to experience rural life and interact with native tribes, you can visit the Rogbonko Village Retreat in Sierra Leone. The capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, is usually the first stop during a trip to this West Africa country. The island has many activities for visitors, including scuba diving and sport fishing. Although best-known for the bustling international airport (the Freetown International Airport) that it hosts, Lungi is actually a magnet for travelers who are eager to be in the action, but dont want to bed down right in the midst of frenetic Freetown. Take a walk along with the stalls and find yourself amazed by woven baskets, colorful textiles, accessories, and other clothing articles just to name a few. Allocations were also made for new introductions in Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda . And there is an all-new clock tower in the works, lots of infrastructure investment in play, and easy access to the greater region of Bombali the home of the aforementioned Outamba Kilimi National Park! They usually serve this with spaghetti, eggs, and bread. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 7.56M. Thanks to its gorgeous coastal stretches, this little town east of Freetown and in the heart of the Western Area Rural District has grown up with countless luxury hotels and guesthouses. During your stay, dont forget to take a COVID test if youre unsure about the language or dont speak any Spanish. Sierra Leone is located in between Senegal and Liberia where you find world class waves. Its also commonly known as Bo Town, although this term particularly refers to the urban center of the city. Goats and Soda Sunday On The Beach With Sierra Leonean Soccer Players For families living in crowded informal settlements like Dworzak in the Sierra Leonean capital, getting enough clean water. On the south of Freetown there is a surf spot at River No.2 Beach. Although admission to the museum is free, you are encouraged to donate to support its upkeep. Home Travel Guides Sierra Leone 15 Best Places to Visit in Sierra Leone. The sanctuary is helping to eliminate the pet trade in the country, which has decimated chimpanzee populations. You get the bigger swells here from March to October. Youll find plenty of animals and birds to see on this game reserve in Sierra Leone, ranging from monkeys and elephants to dwarf crocodiles. Finally, Siera Leone is safe to visit. 4. Sierra Leone is a wonderful place to visit. Probably the most visually pleasing and popular beach among them all is River No.2. Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality ratio in the world, making it one of the most dangerous places to give birth. The forests are abundant with wildlife. Each year, the sanctuary saves up to ten chimps. Freetown Source: flickr Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Cascading down the green hills of the Western Area, right to the edge of its own horseshoe bay, the capital of Freetown is a fine place to begin your travels in the country. Sierra Leone is one of the best places to visit in Africa. Bo Town is connected with the capital by a long, paved road, and journeys here from the city on the coast take around four hours from start to finish. Bo, together with the UK government established the said programs aiming to improve the lives of Sierra Leone citizens. ); and for the effects of an Ebola epidemic between 2014 and 2016. This small fishing village has become a surfing destination in recent years. You can spot pygmy hippopotami, dwarf crocodiles, rufous fishing owls, and numerous primates. Get to know more about this hidden gem deep within the confines of West Africa. It also has a beautiful capital city called Freetown. However, there are some lively (thanks largely to the student crowds of the Njala University) spots to settle for a drink and a bite to eat, along with some great natural attractions on the edge of the city not least of all the Kangari Hills Forest Reserve to the north. They use GPS equipment to monitor wildlife, and camera traps have helped identify leopards and African forest buffalos in the area. Set out in the lapping swells of the Atlantic Ocean, this archipelago of eight is made from a patchwork of swaying palm blooms and mangrove, carved out by gorgeous white-sand beaches and empty bays of water so blue youll need to pinch yourself to believe it. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic . Tour operators include Visit Sierra Leone and Daltons Banana Guesthouse. Literally in front of the Cotton Tree, the Sierra Leone Peace and Cultural Monument first opened in 2013, on the grounds of the Special Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL). Just a short drive north from the capital, the coastal stretch that runs to the south here is actually home to oodles of luxurious resort hotels. Others who enjoy reading can visit Sierra Leones beautiful beaches to learn about African history or to relax. Founded in 1792 as a settlement for freed slaves coming from North America (hence its name), the port city, which now counts around 1.2 million people, is perched on the hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is a beginners friendly spot but can be fun for advanced surfers as well. This where basically everyone visits to celebrate, play, or just relax. The country is divided into five administrative regions, which are subdivided into 16 districts. Why Do Flights Get Cancelled and What To Do? The Tacugama Chimpanzee sanctuary is located in Sierra Leone and is home to 111 chimpanzees. Its mission is to protect primates, forests, and communities. Bamboo parasols rustle in the Atlantic breezes; sands shimmer in gleaming yellow-golden hues; the salty whitecaps of the ocean buffet the palm-peppered shore: Welcome to Tokeh Beach arguably the single most accomplished seaside resort in the entire of Sierra Leone. The emergency number for the ambulance service is 999.

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