Updated 2016
If you’re primed for an African adventure, Sierra Leone should be at the top of your travel list. Torn by years of civil war, this small country on the coast of West Africa is now safe and full of beaches and national parks that beckon to any traveler looking to see a country off the beaten path without sinking past their bootlaces in adventure and uncertainty.
There is major travel credibility to be had in Sierra Leone and as long as you stay away from the roads near the borders of Liberia, Guinea, and outside of Freetown, the area is basically safe.
What to do
Sierra Leone is definitely an undiscovered destination and the popular tourist spots have yet to be decisively determined. The largest city is the coastal capital of Freetown, where you’ll find the nightlife and get a feel for what life is like for the average citizen, but Sierra Leone is not betting its economic future on its cities. The hills surrounding Freetown are full of mountains hiding beautiful natural scenery and the nation’s island destinations like the Turtle Islands and Banana Islands are under consideration among major cruise lines as port stops for a new line of African cruises.
Read: In the Rough: Sierra Leon’s Diamond Industry.
Getting there
Sierra Leone’s main international airport is in Lungi, near Freetown. Flights come in from London, Brussels and other European destinations and most major airports around Africa have daily flights to Sierra Leone.
Where to stay
Sierra Leone’s hotels are lagging behind the developmental curve for a country looking to make itself an international tourism destination, but there are local hostels and guesthouses available for travelers in Freetown. It may be wise to travel with a local if you want to venture out to the rest of the country.
If you’re still searching for an answer to a question about traveling to Sierra Leone, check out the message boards where you can read answers and ask questions about going to Sierra Leone.