Sierra Leone Travel Information

Sierra Leone is a West African country known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. From exploring natural wonders to experiencing local cuisine, there are many exciting things to see and do in Sierra Leone. Here are ten top activities to consider when visiting this fascinating country:

1. Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

This sanctuary is home to over 80 chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet trade and other harmful situations. Visitors can take a tour of the sanctuary and learn about the chimps and the work being done to protect them.

2. Relax on Banana Island

Banana Island is a secluded island off the coast of Sierra Leone with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

3. Take a Tour of Freetown

As the capital city of Sierra Leone, Freetown is a hub of activity and culture. Visitors can explore the city's bustling markets, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife.

4. Go Hiking in the Gola Rainforest

The Gola Rainforest is a lush, tropical paradise that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can take guided hikes through the forest to spot monkeys, birds, and other animals.

5. Learn about the Slave Trade in Bunce Island

Bunce Island was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade, and today visitors can tour the island and learn about its dark history.

6. Explore the Outamba-Kilimi National Park

This park is home to elephants, baboons, and many other species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park to spot wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

7. Visit the Sierra Leone National Museum

Located in Freetown, the Sierra Leone National Museum houses a fascinating collection of historical artifacts and cultural exhibits.

8. Taste Local Cuisine

Sierra Leone is known for its delicious food, including dishes like cassava leaves, groundnut stew, and jollof rice. Visitors can try local cuisine at restaurants and street vendors throughout the country.

9. Attend the Bintumani Festival

The Bintumani Festival is an annual celebration of Sierra Leonean culture, featuring music, dance, and traditional performances.

10. Visit the Sierra Leone River Estuary

This stunning natural wonder is where the Sierra Leone River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can take a boat tour of the estuary and see the mangrove forests and diverse wildlife.

Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The best time to visit depends on what activities you plan to do.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Sierra Leone. The weather is sunny and warm, with low humidity and little rainfall. This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, beach visits, and wildlife viewing.

Rainy Season (May to October)

The rainy season in Sierra Leone is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. While this season may not be ideal for outdoor activities, it can be a good time to visit if you're interested in cultural events or lower prices.

Overall, the best time to visit Sierra Leone depends on what you want to do and see. If you're interested in outdoor activities, the dry season is the best time to go. If you're more interested in cultural events or looking for a budget-friendly trip, the rainy season could be a good option.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Sierra Leone has a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury, that offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. Most hotels are concentrated in Freetown, but there are also options in other cities and towns.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a good option for budget-conscious travelers, and they can offer a more local experience. They typically offer fewer amenities than hotels but may provide a more personalized experience.

Lodges

Lodges are a great option for travelers looking for a more secluded experience or who want to stay in nature. There are several lodges throughout Sierra Leone, including in the interior and near national parks.

Homestays

Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and hospitality of Sierra Leone. There are several websites that connect travelers with local families who are willing to host guests in their homes.

Camping

For travelers interested in camping, Sierra Leone has several campgrounds and beachside areas that offer camping facilities. However, it is recommended to check with local authorities before camping in any area.

Taxis

Taxis are the most common mode of transportation in Sierra Leone, and they can be found in most cities and towns. Taxis are generally affordable and convenient, but it is recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Public buses

Public buses are a budget-friendly way to travel around Sierra Leone. They can be crowded and uncomfortable, but they are a good option for travelers looking to experience the local culture.

Private hire vehicles

Private hire vehicles are available for rent and are a good option for travelers who want more flexibility and control over their itinerary. However, it is recommended to rent from a reputable company and to negotiate the price before agreeing to the rental.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are a common mode of transportation in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas. They are affordable and convenient, but it is important to wear a helmet and to exercise caution while riding.

Ferries

Ferries are available to transport passengers and vehicles across the Sierra Leone River. They are a good option for travelers visiting the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.