Sierra Leone
All You Need To Know
Sierra Leone is an African country that has made the headlines frequently in the past because of the civil war and Ebola breakout. However, it is to note that the war ended more than fifteen years ago. That is why you should not judge the country based on its past.
Meanwhile, the country was rid of Ebola in 2016 and has been safe since then. That is why it is back on the travel map and offers tourists various opportunities. The white sand beaches are just one of the many attractions of this country.
Sierra Leone has many things to offer, such as a tropical climate and beautiful scenery. Here is all that you need to know about this African country.
Sierra Leone: A Brief Look into The Landscapes
The country has a diverse landscape that includes savannah and rainforest. However, the wow factor of this location is the numerous beaches that span the Atlantic coast. Besides that, some small islands also add to the appealing aspect of this country.
Apart from that, the rest of Sierra Leone is known for being green and lush. Rainforests and hills are found on the east side of the country. The border with Liberia is also on this end.
Meanwhile, the Loma Mountains are the highlight of the north and located around the border with Guinea. Mount Bintunami, Sierra Leone’s highest peak, is also found on this end.
Moving Around in Sierra Leone
Traveling in Sierra Leone is relatively difficult due to undeveloped roads and blocked pathways. There are only a few highways that you can use to reach different places. The top way to move around the town is by getting a shared taxi. Otherwise, the fare would be too high and can affect your savings.
Besides that, minibuses also operate in some towns and can be used for transportation. If you want to visit a remote area, you will have to rent a vehicle and hire a private driver. They can be arranged in the capital city of Freetown with ease.
Another key thing to note is that internal flights are not available in Sierra Leone. That is why traveling by air to different cities is not an option. The country is small so visiting different places would have been fast if not for the poor roads.
Best Time to Visit Sierra Leone
November to April is the best period to visit this country because of the dry season. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and mosquitoes are less prevalent. This is a benefit for travelers because of two primary reasons.
In the dry season, rainfall is negligible, so the roads do not become blocked or flooded. Traveling is relatively easy in Sierra Leone from November to April. Meanwhile, malaria is prevalent in the region, but fewer mosquitoes in the dry season reduce contracting chances.
However, the Harmattan wind starts to blow from December to early February. They result in a dusty atmosphere and affect sightseeing to some extent. It would be advisable to carry tissues with you. This is because you will require them to clean your camera if you’re into photography.
March and April are the worst times to visit Sierra Leone because of the intense heat. However, May is a good month for a trip to this country as the rainfall is low. Aside from that, you can experience the Sierra Leone Marathon that takes place during May.
Living Facilities In Sierra Leone
Large and high-end hotels are low in number in this African country. Not only that but all of them are located in Freetown. You should also note that hotels in this region are pretty expensive.
Besides this city, others have guesthouses for travelers that have limited facilities. There are no designated campsites in this small country, but there is ample space for people to set up camps. However, safety from animals cannot be guaranteed.
Food And Drink In Sierra Leone
If you are traveling along the coast, you will find many seafood options, such as lobsters. The food of this country is delicious and relatively safe to eat. The primary dish in the region is rice, and so you will find many options for that. Typically, various sauces and additional items are available to have with rice.
Apart from that, the local Star beers are the prevalent drinking option in Sierra Leone. Palm wine is the second-best liquid you can enjoy in this country.
Famous Places To Visit In Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone may be a small country, but it has many locations for you to visit. Here are the top places you can enjoy in this region:
Banana Island
Banana Island is one of the best places that lie on the Freetown Peninsula. This island comprises three islands that are connected to each other through a stone causeway. You can enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, surfing, diving, and much more. Short walks around the site are also a favorite pastime for many tourists.
Bunce Island
This is one hour way from Freetown and is accessible by boat. It represents one of the darkest times of Sierra Leone. That is because the island was used as a slave-trading fortress in the past. The castles and cells remain there in ruins which are travelers love to visit.
Freetown
The capital city of Sierra Leone is the most developed one in this country and has many things to offer. Roads in this city are better than in other regions and traveling is relatively easy. On one side there are mountains while on the other you can experience beaches.
Wrapping Up
This is all you need to know about one of the smallest countries in Africa. Politically Sierra Leone is stable and safe for travelers. The crime rate is not relatively low, but the issues can be faced in many other well-developed countries too.
Sierra Leone is small, but it is one of the best places to visit. This is because of the clean white sand beaches and green valleys. For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to this place is a must.
