Sierra Leone

Welcome to Sierra Leone

Capital of Sierra Leone: Freetown
Population of Sierra Leone: 6.3 million - 34th in Africa
Size of Sierra Leone: 71,740 km2 - 40th in Africa
Languages in Sierra Leone: English (official); the most widely spoken language is Krio

Rich in history, natural wonders, and picturesque landscapes, Sierra Leone remains an unappreciated destination largely thanks to the impact the civil war of the 1990s had on the country's international reputation. The coastal areas offer easy access to fine sand beaches and offshore islands, little explored by foreign visitors and therefore unspoiled by commercial tourism. The capital, established by freed slaves from the Caribbean, represents a popular starting point for trips to Sierra Leone, with a colorful look to it, a lively atmosphere, and good onward connections to the mountains of the north and mangrove swamps and rainforest to the east.

Highlights

Get to know the capital Freetown; vibrant nightlife in bars overlooking the sea, plus beautiful Creole houses and great views from Hill Station
Flake out on Sierra Leone’s beaches. No 2 Beach on the Freetown Peninsula is idyllic
Visit the fortress on Bunce Island – once used to process over 50,000 slaves on their way to Europe and the Americas
Ooh and aah over the chimps at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary set in a semi-wild rainforest
Walk on the wild side at Tiwai Island where butterflies flitter above your head in the rainforest