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Is Sierra Leone Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons I Love This Country!

Why is Sierra Leone worth visiting? It’s one of those rare places that’s still very much off the beaten path; however, I don’t think it should be!

The warm, welcoming people, stunning beaches, and delicious food create unforgettable experiences. If you love exploring new places, Sierra Leone is definitely worth visiting.

Luckily, I’ve had many opportunities to visit over the last decade, and I’ve always had a great time. Sierra Leone has a unique culture, making it a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. The stunning scenery and rugged landscape also make Sierra Leone a good place to visit for an adventure!

In this post, I’m sharing why I think Sierra Leone is worth visiting. I’ll discuss the top reasons for visiting and provide accommodation options.

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Why Is Sierra Leone Worth Visiting?

Sierra Leone is a world away from anything back home and a completely different experience from the typical backpacking haunts.

Although it’s not somewhere I would choose to live permanently (I like warm water and constant electricity), it’s 100% somewhere worth visiting if you’re after an offbeat travel destination.

If you’re looking for excitement, a place rarely touched by tourism, and warm, friendly people who always want to help, you’re going to enjoy Sierra Leone.

It’s a really beautiful country with lush rainforests, stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and remote islands that warm the soul.

That said, it’s hard to ignore the poverty when visiting Sierra Leone; you will notice it as soon as you step off the plane.

But the country’s economic situation, in my opinion, is just another reason for visitingโ€”you’ll be contributing to its growth and development, and since so few tourists visit, there are many opportunities to see the real, rugged beauty of the country.

โญ Pro tip >> Sierra Leone is not for the faint-hearted; you need to be adventurous, outgoing, and willing to take some risks. Health and safety in Sierra Leone are also questionable at best. However, this adds to the allure of the country for many people, especially if you want to learn more about the worldโ€”Sierra Leone will definitely be an eye-opener!

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for first-time backpackers?

Whether Sierra Leone is worth visiting for first-time backpackers is a question I get asked a lot. My honest answer? It’s not the most ideal destination.

Hereโ€™s why: the infrastructure is limited, there aren’t many organised tours, getting around can be challenging, and surprisingly, it can be quite expensive! Things like reliable transport and ATMs can also be hard to find, making independent travel even trickier.


10 Reasons To Visit Sierra Leone

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for you? Here are 10 reasons why I think it’s a fantastic country to visit.

1. Fantastic tropical beaches

Sunset over the mountains at River Number 2 beach.
Sunset over the mountains at River No.2 beach.

RIVER NO.2 BEACH

A visit to the stunning white-sandy beach only a couple of hours outside Freetown is one of the best things to do in Sierra Leone.

The beach (Google Maps) is a hot spot, much loved by locals and tourists alike. The beach is split by River No.2 (hence the name), which in turn is separated by a large sandbank, creating a calm lagoon perfect for swimming.

A really nice thing about this beach is that on the opposite side of the lagoon, there isn’t much there, so if you want to separate yourself from the busy restaurants dotted along the north entrance, which is where the car park is, you can.

It’s actually one of my favourite beaches in the world for this reason; you can have both a tranquil escape and an energetic vibe.

Just chilling in one of the beach bungalows.
Just chilling in one of the beach bungalows.

Once you’ve made the crossing to the south sandbank, you have the option of staying in small beach huts. Keep in mind these are very basic, and you will need bug repellent, but the sunset over the mountains is beautiful and well worth a few bites!

โญ Pro tip >> Be careful crossing the lagoon due to the undercurrent. It can be dangerous, especially at high tide. Luckily, small boats are available to take you across. It’s only a short distance, but it’s better to take a boat if you’re not a strong swimmer.

River No.2 beach in Sierra Leone is worth visiting.
Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for its beaches? River No.2 certainly has a stunning beach!

LAKKA BEACH

Lakka Beach (Google Maps) is a peaceful beach easy to reach from Freetown. The north tip of the beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and accommodations; bear in mind that the accommodations are very basic and sometimes haven’t been used in a while, so you might need to wait for them to arrange a room.

The beach is long and has a steep sea shelf, which is not ideal for weak swimmers, but if you like to swim, the water is lovely. You will definitely get some waves, so just be cautious when getting in and out.

The soft yellow-sanded beach is a favourite among locals, but since the new road connecting Freetown to River No.2 was built, it hasn’t attracted as many visitors as it used to.

Lakka Beach is also one of the best places to grab a fresh lobster and watch the sunset, making it a great reason to visit while you’re in Sierra Leone. The lobster is so fresh that you can watch your waiter swim out and grab it from one of their lobster pots in the ocean.

Lakka Beach at sunset is worth visiting in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is worth visiting for its beaches.

LUMLEY BEACH

Lumley Beach (Google Maps) is like Marmite; you’re either going to love it or hate it. It’s certainly a unique place. On one hand, it’s full of trash and rubble, with stray dogs and lost souls, but on the other hand, it’s vibrant, exciting, and full of spirit.

Lumley beach in Sierra Leone is worth visiting for entertainment.
Lumley Beach in Sierra Leone is worth visiting for entertainment.

The beach is renowned for its evening entertainment, which is when it really comes alive. You’ll find small pop-up bars and food stalls dotted along the north end of the strip selling grilled fish, groundnuts (peanuts), and coconuts. Towards the south end, there are many cafes, restaurants and bars.

It’s very long, almost 5 miles; however, it’s not really a beach you’d want to swim at for the reasons mentioned above. You’ll likely get swamped by locals as well. That said, the north end near the Aberdeen neighbourhood is quieter if you want a quick dip.

The beach is a vibrant hub of activity. It’s the perfect place to grab a cold beer and watch the sunset. On weekends, the strip comes alive with locals and tourists gathering to enjoy food, music, and a fun, light-hearted atmosphere.

A Rasta man playing a guitar on Lumley Beach in Sierra Leone
Lumley Beach, in the early evening, lights up with song and dance.

BUREH BEACH

Bureh Beach (Google Maps) is located towards the southern tip of the Freetown peninsula and is one of Sierra Leone’s hidden gems. It’s a beautiful, long stretch of yellow-sanded beach backed by rainforest. At times, the waves are perfect for surfing, and you’ll find a couple of surf shops along the beachfront offering lessons.

The water can get a little rough at times, but it’s okay if you’re a strong swimmer. Along the beachfront, there is a nice set-up of restaurants and some accommodations. You’ll be able to stay the night for 100 to 300 leones (depending on how basic you can do!).

So, is Sierra Leone worth visiting for a beach holiday? Absolutely.

2. The weather is pretty great

Palm trees swaying in the blue sky at dusk.
Palm trees and coconuts are everywhere in Sierra Leone; it’s a perfect tropical island getaway!

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for its weather? As far as tropical destinations go, Sierra Leone is at the pinnacle! The climate is tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

You can visit during the rainy season (May to October), but for ideal conditions, it’s best to visit during the dry season (November to April). However, if you’re after waterfalls, it’s best to visit at the start of the dry season as they are likely to dry up towards the end of the season.

Choosing the right time to visit Sierra Leone is important as access can be limited during the heaviest rains, typically in August. I recommend avoiding visits between August and September.

โญ Pro tip >> Sierra Leone is blessed with a refreshing breeze between November and January. Itโ€™s known as the Harmattan and comes from the Sharara, which brings a cool wind. Due to this, planning a trip between November and January is the best time to visit Sierra Leone.

3. English is spoken in Sierra Leone

Another reason to choose Sierra Leone for your next adventure is its widespread use of English. If you’re apprehensive about visiting countries where English isn’t spoken, Sierra Leone is a good choice. English is spoken widely across the country, making it easy to communicate and get around.

This is especially helpful since you’ll have no trouble asking for directions, ordering a meal, or engaging in friendly banter with locals; the language barrier won’t be a hurdle.

While the official language is English, Krioโ€”a fusion of English, Indigenous West African, and other European languagesโ€”is the language commonly spoken. However, Sierra Leoneans effortlessly switch between English and Krio. Plus, picking up basic Krio phrases is quite easy.

With this in mind, immersing yourself in the culture and lively markets and unwinding on sandy shores in this offbeat destination becomes even more enjoyable when you can easily find English speakers should you need assistance.

4. Wildlife at your fingertips

A Chimpanzee sits in a tree in Sierra Leone.
A Chimpanzee sits in a tree in Sierra Leone.

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for its wildlife? It’s one of the best places to see chimpanzees! If you truly want to make a trip to Sierra Leone worth it, then a visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a must.

This sanctuary is located in the Western Area Peninsula National Park and was founded in 1995 by conservationist Bala Amarasekaran. I’ve been staying in eco-lodges a couple of times, which are charming treehouses in the canopy. 

The sanctuary tour around the facility was great. You will go with a member of staff, and they will tell you all about the sanctuary and the chimpanzees living there, how they came to be there, and their rehabilitation program.

The tour was very informative. You’ll see the chimps in their natural habitat, as the sanctuary also has a large forest enclosure where they spend most of the day.

I highly recommend an overnight stay in one of the tree houses. It’s a beautiful experience to listen to the forest around you while swaying in your hammock. The overnight stay really makes the experience unique, and the whole trip to Sierra Leone is worth it.

โญ Pro tip >> Although I haven’t used them, a tour operator with good reviews is Sloane Hidden Gems. You can find them on Facebook; you should send them a message and open communications. That said, a visit to Tacugama doesn’t require a guide.

5. Remote tropical islands

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for its island getaways? They may not be your typical luxury island escapes, but visiting these islands is a wonderful experience in the rural life of Sierra Leoneans!

THE TURTLE ISLANDS

Freedom at the Turtle Islands in Sierra Leone.
Freedom at the Turtle Islands in Sierra Leone.

Just off Sherbro Island in south Sierra Leone, you’ll find a group of tropical islands known as the Turtle Islands. These are some seriously remote islands: no electricity, mud huts, and very unique traditions.

The communities on the islands, much like elsewhere in Sierra Leone, are ruled by the village chiefs, so going there requires negotiations – if you’re going independently.

We visited independently, and it was a massive effort on everyone’s part to reach these isolated yet stunning islands. Unless you have insider knowledge, the only way to reach them will be on a tour, and it can get pricey.

Exploring the villages on the Turtle Island.
Exploring the villages on Turtle Islands was an interesting few hours.

โญ Pro tip >> I know that Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse is offering tours from the Banana Islands, but I’ve also heard that Rainbow Tours offers tours at negotiable rates.

My Experience At The Turtle Islands

The adventure kicked off with a few days of intense preparationโ€”gathering food, water, and sleeping gear. Then, we set off on a scenic 4-hour drive through the rural countryside, heading towards the quaint fishing village of Shenge. Upon arrival, we met the village chief, exchanged some money and food, and arranged for a small boat to take us to the islands the next morning.

As we reached our intended island, we were unexpectedly bombarded by locals, and their reception wasn’t exactly warm. Feeling uneasy, we spoke with the chief, but his demands for a hefty fee left us unsettled. Determined not to let this dampen our spirits, we decided to set sail for another island, hopeful for a better experience.

Abi and Zaneta on a fishing boat in Sierra Leone approaching a tropical island.

Even though we had a rocky start, everything changed when we reached the second island. We were greeted by a friendly community and adorable children, which was an unexplainable difference from our first stop! The chief warmly invited us to stay for three nights.

One of the village girls, Fatima, was showing us how to make their local curry dish.
One of the village girls, Fatima, was showing us how to make their local curry dish.

What followed was nothing short of magical. As there are no accommodations on the island, we camped on the beach under the stars in makeshift tents crafted from mosquito nets. This added to the adventure, but it meant we had to be fully prepared and bring everything we needed for a few rough nights. Despite the challenges, the experience was unforgettable.

THE BANANA ISLANDS

I’ve been to the Banana Islands a couple of times now. The first time, we stopped by while sailing a catamaran around the bay, choosing to anchor just off the shore and swim to the island. The second time, I stayed at Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse with my dad overnight. On both occasions, I had a fantastic time!

The Banana Islands, which are three islands, are a hot tourist destination. Although they’ve been set up with guesthouses, water sports, bar facilities, and much more, they’re still relatively quiet most of the year, making them a great place to unwind.

The island, similar to Bunce Island mentioned below, has a lot of history. It was used as a stopping point on the slave trade route during colonial times, and ruins can be found while trekking around the dense forest.

โญ Pro tip >> The most appealing aspect of the island is its tranquillity. A boat departs from Kent Beach, about an hour south of Freetown, and the Banana Islands are easily reached. There are a handful of accommodations on the island; however, I suggest Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse.

6. Jungle and wildlife expeditions

Canoe ride around Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone is worthwhile.
A canoe ride around Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone is worthwhile.

TIWAI ISLAND

If you truly want to make your visit to Sierra Leone worth it, then heading out of the city is a must, and there’s no better place to spend a few nights than Tiwai Island.

Tiwai Island is an incredible, beautiful, and peaceful haven on the Moa River, covering just 12 square kilometres. Thanks to its high population of primates and other wildlife, it’s a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, environmental researchers, and university students.

The island is home to 11 species of primates, including the rare Diana Monkey. While we didn’t spot any during the day, I was thrilled to hear their calls at night. We did encounter other monkeys and snakes and even caught a glimpse of the elusive Pygmy Hippopotamus through the trees. It was a fleeting sight but enough to make the trip truly special.

Pygmy Hippopotamus
A Pygmy Hippopotamus basking in the sunshine.

The island is cut off from the mainland, which has allowed the wildlife population to thrive! It’s managed and maintained by the Tiwai Island Administrative Community (TIAC), which is a collection of individuals from the local community, the government, and national conservation organisations.

My Experience On Tiwai Island

I stayed on the island for two nights while visiting my dad, who was living in Sierra Leone. Both of us loved the tripโ€”it’s a nature lover’s paradise bursting with wildlife and flora to discover, long winding trails, and beautiful sounds.

One of the highlights was a canoe trip around the island. Gliding through the water, we spotted monkeys and birds in their natural habitat. The evenings were calm and relaxing, and I got to try the local palm wine. It comes straight from the tree, with a slightly sour and tangy taste and a hint of woodiness.

Honestly, I don’t really like palm wine, but I always give it a try in hopes that I might change my mind. It does vary slightly depending on where you are in the country, so there’s always a chance to find a version you enjoy.

7. Freetown (the capital) has interesting attractions

Wondering if Sierra Leone’s capital is worth visiting? It is, and here’s why…

THE CENTRAL MARKET

Many markets showcase Sierra Leone’s colourful culture, from the Big Market located on Siaka Stevens Street in the city centre to smaller, more local markets. The markets are great places for shopping, full of arts and crafts made by locals.

You can find all kinds of things, such as colourful fabrics, woven baskets, spices, wooden sculptures, and accessories, while also supporting the local community with each purchase you make.

โญ Pro tip >> The markets are fun places to visit. They are always busy and full of energy. You must haggle and never accept the first price you are given, as this is generally ridiculously high. The vendors expect you to and will not take offence, so don’t worry that you will offend themโ€”it’s all part of the experience.

The colourful market in Sierra Leone are worth visiting.
The colourful markets in Sierra Leone are worth visiting.

THE COTTON TREE

The Cotton Tree, located just outside the museum, is a historic symbol of Freetown. It symbolizes freedom, hope, and renewal, reflecting Freetown’s unique history. It is also a symbol of resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.

Unfortunately, the Cotton Tree has recently been damaged and now sits split in half. Itโ€™s a shame, as it was a symbol of peace and freedom and has stood in the centre of Freetown for over 400 years. However, you can still visit the site. 

๐Ÿ“Location: Google Maps

SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL MUSEUM

The small museum, founded in 1957 by the Sierra Leonean Society, was renamed the Sierra Leone National Museum after the country gained independence.

The museum features numerous artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of Sierra Leone’s history, from ancient times to the present day. Although entry is meant to be free, a donation was requested when we visited.

Despite this, I believe it’s well worth a visit. The exhibits provide fascinating insights into the Sierra Leone Civil War, the country’s role in the slave trade, and its rich history before those periods.

๐Ÿ“Location: Google Maps

8. Historical & cultural significance

BUNCE ISLAND

Bunce Island is somewhere you have to visit to make your trip to Sierra Leone worth it. It has a very dark and sad past, being home to one of the most lucrative slave trading operations in West Africa.

As you walk around the island, you can see the ruins of the ancillary buildings, referred to as the slave castles, bastions, walls of the merchantsโ€™ quarters, the gunpowder magazine, and the gate to the slave house.

Even though nature has taken back many parts of these buildings, there is still a lot to see. Sierra Leone is worth visiting if you love history; this is certainly a country that will interest you!

The National Railway Museum

Sierra Leone National Railway Museum showcases a selection of British locomotives and coaches, which were believed to have been lost for 40 years after the railways shut down in 1974.

Amazingly, the collection was saved and can now be seen on display. A lot of work has gone into restoring the old stem engines and other artefacts, including a Royal Coach for the late Queen Elizabeth 2nd that was never used.

The museum has been through a lot, with its opening delayed due to the Ebola crisis back in 2015. However, since then, the country has been working on building its tourism. The National Railway Museum is a key tourist attraction and certainly makes Sierra Leone worth visiting if you love trains!

โ“’ Sierra Leone National Railway Museum
โ“’ Sierra Leone National Railway Museum.

St. Georges Cathedral

St Georgeโ€™s Cathedral, completed in 1828, is a legacy of colonised Sierra Leone. It is now known as the Anglican Diocese of Freetown and was built as a place of worship. It’s still used for worship, and you can visit during the day. It is open to all and holds Sunday morning service.

If you’re lucky, you might even hear the choir practice, which resonates wonderfully through the building, which still has an old organ and stained glass windows. The original pews have been replaced, but there is still an element of charm in this historic building.

St Georges Cathedral hasn't changed much in almost two centuries. It's a wonderful place to visit if you're exploring Freetown.
St George’s Cathedral has remained unchanged for almost two centuries. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re exploring Freetown.

Bonthe ISLAND

It’s probably somewhere I should have visited by now, and it would have been good to visit while I was on my way to the Turtle Islands. However, I haven’t, and so it’s still on the list!

Bonthe is said to have a rich historical past where visitors can see the old colonial buildings. There is not much tourism infrastructure in place on either Bonthe Island or Shebro Island, so it would be quite an adventure to make the journey.

9. The food is different but delicious

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for its food? I enjoy the food, although the variety is limited; if you’ve never had it before, the staple dishes are generally crowd-pleasers!

The staple dish in Sierra Leone is Plasas. It’s a rich, leafy green stew typically made with vegetables like spinach, potato leaves, or cassava leaves, cooked with palm oil, onions, and various seasonings. Often, it’s enriched with fish or meat, giving it a hearty and flavorful taste.

CASSAVA LEAF CURRY

My favourite is the cassava leaf curry (or stew), but there is so much fresh seafood and local produce in the markets that there are a few takes on this dish.

Cassava Leaf stew is traditionally made with dried fish, lots of fresh palm oil from the local area, and cassava leaf in a big pot. It is typically cooked over an open fire and served with rice.

Cassava leaf curry at its best.
Is Sierra Leone worth visiting? Just for the food, I’d say yes! The cassava leaf curry is best.

Groundnut Soup

Another one of my favourites is the Groundnut Soup, which is peanut soup, although it’s more of a curry than a soup. The sauce consists of ground peanuts, spices, and lots of palm oil.

It’s typically served with rice, and you’ll sometimes get meat thrown in, like chicken or dried fish. It’s yummy, although at times it can be quite spiceyโ€”similar to a panang curry in Thailand.

The fresh Groundnut Soup made in Sierra Leone is worth trying.
The fresh Groundnut Soup made in Sierra Leone is worth trying.

STREET FOOD DELIGHTS

As soon as you arrive in Sierra Leone, you’ll notice roadside stalls and ladies walking around carrying buckets on their heads filled with all sorts of goodies. I just love trying new dishes, and the street food in Sierra Leone is pretty epic.

I’ve got a few favourites (excuse the spelling): Kinidriver is a sesame cake I love, and there are also deep-fried potato chips and the Cana peanut cake, which is a salty-sweet snack.

You’ll find fresh fruit like pineapple, and I also love the fried prawnsโ€”typically sold coated in a hot sauce (although I’m pretty sure these were the culprit of the last bad tummy incident, they were still delicious, lol).

โญ Pro tip >> I will just note that you’ll likely get an upset stomachโ€”it’s happened to me on various occasions. So, if you are going in on the street food, don’t have any day trips planned the following day!

10. The National Parks are quiet!

Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for a unique nature experience? Absolutely! Itโ€™s one of the best places to go. Since tourism is still developing, many sites and attractions remain refreshingly crowd-freeโ€”especially once you leave Freetown and explore the countryside and national parks.

These rural areas are remote, and the communities rarely have contact with foreigners, offering a truly authentic experience untouched by mass tourism. Visiting these genuine and unspoiled places provides a unique and immersive glimpse into the real Sierra Leone.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park

Outamba-Kilimi National Park (Google Maps) lies in the northwest of Sierra Leone and slightly west of Kabala, quite near the Guinea border. It is the place to spot incredible wildlife on a Sierra Leone Safari, where the savanna meets the rainforest.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park, near Kabala, warrants an expedition if you love hiking and spotting wildlife. Kabala is a good place for a base, too; I suggest staying at Tec-1 Guesthouse and talking to Lamtec, the owner, for tours to the National Park if you want to visit independently.

โญ Fun Fact: My dad actually got a litter of pups from Kabala when he was there, and we kept one, aptly naming her Kabala.

Tec-1 Gueshouse In Kabala, Sierra Leone
Tec-1 Gueshouse In Kabala, Sierra Leone.

Mount Bintumani

Although I haven’t visited yet, Mount Bintumani is the highest peak in Sierra Leone and is worth visiting if you like trekking and panoramic views. For more information on hiking Mount Bintumani, check out this website.


Where To Stay In Sierra Leone

Accommodation in Sierra Leone can be hit or miss, and the rates don’t always reflect the quality of the room. Prices are set by the individual, and with little competition, they can be quite high despite the often low standards.

Tourism infrastructure is lacking in much of Sierra Leone, so it’s important to manage your expectations regarding accommodation. You might encounter limited electricity, no air conditioning, old furnishings, and bucket showers. In Sierra Leone, “basic” truly means basic!

However, there are a handful of top-rated hotels that offer more comfort, though you’ll need to pay a premium for these amenities. I’ve stayed in all the accommodations listed below (excluding the Stafford Lodge), and they are the best of the bunch for a more comfortable stay.

Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse

Located in the Banana Islands, the guesthouse offers a budget-friendly place to stay. The amenities are basic, but its beachfront location more than makes up for it.

You’ll find a selection of double-bed bungalows and tents available, all equipped with running water and mosquito nets. While there’s no fan, as the rooms run on solar power, the refrigerator is powered, ensuring cold drinks are always available at the bar. It’s an ideal spot to visit and unwind when all you need is the beach, sun, and sea.

The Place Beach Resort, Tokeh Beach

The Place is Sierra Leone’s premier resort, and it’s the place to stay if you want luxury. It has a fantastic reputation, with villas overlooking the pool and just moments away from the beach. The rooms are stunning, featuring modern furnishings and impressive shower rooms. The onsite restaurant is a highlight, serving some of the most delicious seafood dishes in Sierra Leone, along with mouthwatering cocktails.

Toma Boutique Hotel

Toma is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel nestled in the Aberdeen neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from Lumley Beach. With a distinct African theme and distinguished interior design, it offers a unique and memorable experience.

Toma isn’t just a place to stayโ€”it’s also a fantastic dining destination. Their cuisine is top-notch, offering excellent dishes for dinner. And when the sun sets, the atmosphere comes alive with a vibrant lounge and bar area, live music, and an exciting vibe. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in Freetown.

Tiwai Eco-Lodge

It’s been quite a few years since my last visit to Tiwai Island, but from what I remember, accommodation options include tents or small huts with bunk beds for larger groups.

It’s about as basic as it gets: bucket showers, mosquito nets, and no electricity means no fans or Wi-Fiโ€”there’s simply no signal at all. However, being in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature and completely detached from civilization, is an unparalleled experience.

Tacugama Eco-Lodge

One of my favourite places to stay in Sierra Leone is at Tacugama’s eco-lodges. While I wouldn’t necessarily choose to spend my entire trip here, combining a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary with a night or two at these lodges is a fantastic way to break up your time in the capital – which can be very chaotic.

You have two options: the treehouses or the round houses. Both are nestled within the forest, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Despite being basic, they provide a wonderful opportunity to unwind amidst nature and wake up to the soothing sounds of birdsong. It’s a peaceful retreat that adds a special touch to your Sierra Leone experience.

The Stafford Lodge

While I haven’t personally stayed at this one yet, it comes highly recommended as a good mid-level accommodation. Its central location makes it a convenient choice, and coupled with friendly staff, good Wi-Fi, clean and comfortable rooms, and air conditioning, all at reasonable prices, it’s definitely worth considering during your time in Sierra Leone.

Tec-1, Kabala

We stayed at Tec-1 Guesthouse in Kabala, and it was a surprisingly wonderful hostel/guesthouse. If I’m honest, it becomes harder and harder to find good accommodations the further you get from Freetown, and those that you do find are questionable at best, usually in disrepair.

Tec-1, however, was the complete opposite. It was clean and fresh, the maintenance was top-notch, everything worked, more or less, and it was comfortable and secure with parking. It’s still bucket showers, but the fan came on in the evening as they said it would. The staff were helpful, and the owner, Lamtec, was a friendly guy offering tours to the national parks.

This is a new guesthouse and is not showing up on maps just yet, I also forgot to drop a pin when I was there so I can’t share the location. However, if you’re going, ask around. Everyone seems to know Lamtec and will happily direct you to the accommodation.

โญ Pro tip >> Outside of Freetown, electricity from the generator is usually reserved for the evenings, between, say, 7 pm and 6 am. But not every hotel has a generator; if they do, they don’t always turn it on.


Is Freetown Worth Visiting?

As a first-time visitor, Freetown will likely be your baseโ€”it is, after all, the capital. Freetown holds a special charm for me; it’s vibrant and bustling, with a certain pizzazz that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s home to some of the best markets in the country.

The city itself is visually captivating, with its eclectic mix of stilted houses, concrete Creole block buildings, dirt roads, and bursts of vibrant colours. But Freetown isn’t just about its aesthetics; it boasts a thriving food culture, hosting some of the finest restaurants in Sierra Leone and a buzzing nightlife scene. It is dirty, yes, and chaotic, but it has a soul that makes it fun and energetic.

If you’re keen to explore Freetown further, consider taking a tour with Freetown Ke-Ke Tours. They offer an excellent city tour led by locals who know the ins and outs of the city, ensuring your visit to Sierra Leone’s capital is truly memorable.


Essential Resources For Sierra Leone

Iโ€™ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Packing list

The ULTIMATE Sierra Leone packing list

This is a FREE PDF download.

Below are some of our most popular articles:

  • One of the things I struggled with most when visiting Sierra Leone was the money. I’ve written a money guide as an introduction to spending in SL.
  • I’m also a huge fan of the Tacugama Eco Lodges and recommend staying a night.

โญ Pro tip >> If youโ€™re going to be using your phone, donโ€™t forget about overseas data roaming. Youโ€™ll get charged for using your data. Try Airaloโ€™s eSIMs and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.


Final Thoughts | Is Sierra Leone Worth Visiting?

After reading all that, what do you think? Is Sierra Leone a good place to visit? I hope you’re still excited to visit!

It will take some planning and careful logistics, especially if it’s your first time, but that’s part of what makes it so special. I promise it will be unlike any place you’ve visited beforeโ€”a true adventure off the beaten path.

Sierra Leone is stunning and absolutely 100% worth visiting. Go with an open heart and open eyes, and while you shouldn’t expect luxury, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your experience.

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Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, shoot me a message.