If you’re looking for the best things to do in Sierra Leone, you’ve just hit the jackpot!
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of this country, and with so many activities, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this off-the-beaten-path travel destination, too. Even though this is such an offbeat country, there are still a number of Sierra Leone attractions that are well worth visiting.
These days, I visit Sierra Leone more as a local than a tourist, having spent months in the country and having family ties there; however, if it’s your first time visiting, there are a number of things I absolutely recommend you to do.
In this guide, I share the best attractions in Sierra Leone and places to visit. I’ll be covering the top tourist activities and including a few personal recommendations, best beach days and day trips.
The Best Attractions & Things To Do In Sierra Leone
Although Sierra Leone is a relatively small country, it’s full of amazing sites, including stunning beaches, cool attractions in Freetown, rare wildlife, the highest mountain on the West African coast, and breathtaking scenery.
There is plenty to keep you busy while you’re exploring the country!
1. Visit The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
It’s one of the top-rated Sierra Leone tourist attractions and is not to be missed during your trip, especially if you love animals!
A visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has always been one of the main things to do in Sierra Leone, and I absolutely love visiting this place.
The Tacugama Sanctuary cares for over 120 rescued chimpanzees and opens its doors every day to tourists and locals alike who want to learn more about the animals through a guided sanctuary tour.
The sanctuary also runs an outreach programme that aims to educate the public, raise awareness, and provide jobs, as well as numerous events and activities to raise funds.
Check out my post >> How to visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to plan a visit.
⭐ Pro tip >> I highly recommend staying overnight at the sanctuary in one of their Eco Lodges. It’s an immersive forest experience; there are also a number of hiking treks you can sign up for, but make sure you attend the 10:30 am sanctuary tour to see the chimps at their most active.
2. Spend A Weekend On Banana Island
A visit to the Banana Islands is another one of the top things to do in Sierra Leone, and you’ll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
The Banana Islands are a group of three islands just off the southern tip of the western area of the Peninsula (about an hour’s drive from Freetown). They are perfect for watersports.
The largest island is Banana Island, which gives the group its namesake, and you’ll stay on this island. I suggest at least two nights at Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse (a budget-friendly accommodation, a bar and a private beach), although it doesn’t necessarily have to be over the weekend.
What I loved most about this place was its tranquillity. There are no cars on the island and no roads; you can access it via a boat from Kent Beach. I’ve written a fully comprehensive guide on how to visit the Banana Islands here.
⭐ Pro tip >> Depending on your preferences, head to the Banana Islands on the weekend for a more upbeat vibe or during the week for a more peaceful retreat. Both options will still be chill, though.
3. Head To River No.2 Beach
Are you wondering what to do in Sierra Leone on the weekend? River No.2 Beach is probably one of the best places to visit in Sierra Leone come the weekend!
It gets its name from the No.2 River, which runs through the beach into the ocean. At this meeting, a lagoon forms, cutting the beach in half. This means one side of the beach is much quieter than the other.
It’s one of my favourite beaches in the world, although it is very busy on the weekends when many locals, expats, and tourists enjoy their days off. You can expect fluffy white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking scenery.
The beach is backed by palm-fringed jungle, so it’s really stunning, especially if you take a walk northward away from the cafes and restaurants which line the beach. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Sierra Leone!
There’s also a small market near the car park which sells a variety of local crafts and clothing. If you’re looking for more things to do in Sierra Leone, a stroll around these stalls is also a fun addition.
⭐ Pro tip >> To cross the river, you can either swim or jump in a rickety boat. The crossing can be quite rough, and depending on the season, there is a strong current, so only swim across if you’re a strong swimmer.
4. Visit Central Freetown
Sierra Leone tourist attractions don’t get better than the capital! It’s literally an attraction in itself. The chaos, the people, the markets and even the traffic jams are what make this city such an experience.
Did you know Freetown was named after free slaves who relocated to the peninsula after the slave trade was abolished? It is a melting pot of all things Sierra Leone, and there are loads of things to do.
The capital is the country’s centre of trade and a bustling port town filled with history. If you’re wondering what to do in Freetown, these are the top 5 attractions.
- Big Market: One of the biggest markets I’ve ever witnessed can be found at the bottom of Siaka Stevens Street. Well, it encompasses many other streets as well since it’s so huge! You’ll find a selection of items from spices and fresh fruit to fabrics, jewellery, rip-off designer fashion, local crafts and household products. If you need something, you’ll find it here.
⭐ Pro tip >> You’ll need to negotiate like a pro to get a good deal. As soon as they know you’re a tourist, you’ll be given a ridiculously high rate, so be ready to barter big time!
- Sierra Leone National Museum: It’s been a while since I last visited the national museum, but I remember it being an interesting space filled with African artefacts. Location: Google Maps
- The Cotton Tree: Sierra Leone’s Cotton Tree was a symbolic landmark; however, it has recently been damaged and now sits split in half. It’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. Location: Google Maps
- National Railway Museum: I have yet to visit the museum; trains really aren’t my thing. However, if you are interested in trains and the history of the British Railway in Sierra Leone, it might be worth a visit! Location: Google Maps
5. Go Bar Hopping Along Lumley Beach
Another one of my favourite things to do in Sierra Leone is to head to Lumley Beach on the weekend and enjoy a lively night out.
The urban beach is one of the coolest I’ve been to. It’s backed by bars, restaurants, and clubs, and it’s the place to go for evening sundowners – sunset is over the water.
It’s got a fun and upbeat atmosphere, and there is a selection of pop-up bars, from cheap, no-fuss spots to top-end establishments where you can dance the night away.
⭐ Pro tip >> The beach is not really somewhere you’d want to go for a swim, as there is a lot of trash and stray dogs around. It gets very busy on the weekend, with plenty of activities like volleyball, football, and boot camps being held.
6. Enjoy Fresh Lobster At Lakka Beach
Looking for unique things to do in Sierra Leone? Head to Lakka Beach.
Lakka is brilliant; however, it’s usually missed in most people’s itineraries. It used to be quite busy, but since the main road was built along the peninsula, most locals now head to River No.2 Beach, skipping this gem.
Location: Google Maps.
The beach is home to soft golden sand and a handful of beach bars on the northern end; however, most of the beach is empty. Therefore, if you’re searching for a relaxing place to chill out for the day, this is a good spot and closer to Freetown.
Lakka’s crowning glory is the lobster. Hands down, this is the best place for lobster. It’s a novelty, really, as if you choose to buy one, it will be directly from the lobster pot in the sea; you’ll see the young lad swim out to grab one for you, grill it and serve it with chips and salad. It costs about $12 and is totally delicious.
⭐ Pro tip >> Entering the sea can be quite dangerous as the water drops suddenly a meter or so after entering. If you’re not a strong swimmer, be cautious when getting in and out.
7. Grab An Ice Cream At Gigibonta
One of the newer additions to Lumley Beach is Gigibonta, an Italian cafe restaurant. Although it’s on the opposite side of the road from the beach, it’s still a great place to visit and has become quite a popular tourist attraction in Sierra Leone since fresh ice cream like this is a rarity there.
The highlight is the ice cream shop, which serves a variety of delicious flavours, from tangy-sweet bissap (a juice made from the flowers of the Roselle plant) to everyone’s favourite, salted caramel.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Sierra Leone come evening, this is a bustling hangout!
⭐ Pro tip >> In the past, it’s actually been really hard to find fresh ice cream like this in Sierra Leone, so it’s a huge treat and one of the most popular places to visit in the evenings. You’ll usually find a queue of people waiting outside for their scoop!
8. Spend 2 Nights At The Turtle Islands
Another one of my favourite things to do in Sierra Leone was visiting the Turtle Islands.
They are a group of stunning tropical islands off the southern coast of Sierra Leone and one of the best places to visit if you want to experience a blissful escape.
The islands are very remote, and access is very limited. There are no facilities either, so you will have to go with everything you need. You’ll be camping under the stars and digging holes for a toilet; there’s no electricity and no shops. It’s, therefore, not going to be for everyone, but the sand is soft, the waters are crystal clear, and the serenity of the islands makes it worthwhile.
To reach the islands, your best option is to go through a tour company, although you can make the trip independently; however, it’s not straightforward.
When we visited, we did go independently. However, it was a mission! We drove down from Freetown to Sherbro Island and took a local boat from the village across to one of the islands. However, unless you’re familiar with Salone customs I don’t recommend doing this trip independently. You need to meet with village chiefs and make sure you provide gifts to both the tribe leaders on Sherbro and the islands you visit.
⭐ Pro tip >> A better option is to go on an organised trip. Earlier, I mentioned the Banana Islands, and the owner, Greg, at Dalton’s Banana Guesthouse, offers a multi-day trip over to the Turtle Islands, which includes everything.
9. Visit The Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
For nature lovers, a visit to Tiwai Island is one of the most amazing things to do in Sierra Leone. The island is in the eastern province and rather remote since it’s nestled in the middle of the Moa River, cut off from the mainland. This has allowed nature to thrive, making it a unique and exciting place to visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.
⭐ What can you see? You can expect to see many birds like hornbills and the rare white-breasted Guinea fowl, mammals like river otters, duikers and monkeys, and if you’re lucky, even the elusive pygmy hippopotamus! The forest is ancient, and there are over 50 km of walking trails to be explored.
Tiwai Island is uninhabited, apart from a handful of researchers and staff. It’s home to a community-led eco-tourism camp; you’ll be staying in tents or in one of the lodges if you want a little more comfort. However, the tents were quite fun, although very basic. This was the place where I tried the local palm wine for the first time—Salones’ local boozy drink!
- Find out more about the tours and activities here.
It’s been a long time since I visited, and I’m certainly due for another visit soon; however, I remember having a wonderful experience. The island is run by the national NGO, the Environmental Foundation for Africa. To access the island, you’ll need to arrange a guided visit using the online form here.
10. Head To Bureh Beach
Bureh Beach is another fantastic beach located near the southern end of the Freetown peninsula. It’s quite close to Kent Beach, where you catch the boat to the Banana Islands.
The beach is brilliant, and if you can, I suggest combining these two attractions on your itinerary for the ultimate trip!
On Bureh Beach, expect to find small local restaurants dotted along the otherwise palm-fringed beachfront and fewer crowds; since it’s further away from Freetown, it’s less busy. This is also a top spot for surfing activities in Sierra Leone if you want to give it a go.
Sierra Leone has some epic beaches, and you might find yourself on a beach-hopping extravaganza. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, check out Tokeh Beach too.
I think Sierra Leone has some of the best beaches in the world, so ticking them off is one of the ultimate things to do in Sierra Leone; you might need to plan a longer trip, though!
Essential Resources Sierra Leone
I’ve also created a packing list to help make life easier for you and to relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Sierra Leone.
The ULTIMATE Sierra Leone packing list
This is a FREE PDF download.
Below are some of my most popular articles:
- I absolutely love Sierra Leone, but it’s not an easy place to travel to; read this post to find out what it’s really like to visit.
- Read this article if you want to learn the best reasons for visiting Sierra Leone.
- Need more help planning your trip? Here’s the down low on how to get to Freetown.
- If you’re struggling to work out how much money to take, this money post on Leones might help!
Final Thoughts | Things To Do In Sierra Leone
These are the absolute best things to do in Sierra Leone, but there are tons more activities. It’s honestly one of the most interesting places to visit if you’re in search of a unique culture and an off-the-beaten-path destination.
It’s not an easy life in Salone, but the people are friendly, welcoming and always ready to help. If you’re planning on visiting, I’m sure you’ll have a great time, but make sure you’re cautious and never leave valuables lying around. It’s a safe country, but things tend to go missing.
Overall, Sierra Leone is a fun and beautiful country bound to leave the most unique and magical memories. I hope my list of the best things to do in Sierra Leone has been useful, if you do go, I’d love to hear about your trip!
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