Exploring the Best Traditional Villages in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a beautiful and culturally rich country, home to numerous traditional villages that offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse heritage and traditional ways of life.Far from the urban bustle of Freetown, these villages provide visitors with an authentic experience of Sierra Leonean culture and the opportunity to relax and explore nature. Here are some of the best traditional villages in Sierra Leone that you should explore.
1. Rogbonko Village Retreat
Rogbonko is a traditional village located in the Northern Province, near the town of Makeni. British-Sierra Leonean author Aminatta Forna was the mind behind Rogbonko Village Retreat, an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience authentic village life.Visitors have the chance to stay in traditional thatched-roof huts and participate in daily village activities such as farming, cooking, and weaving. Alternatively, they can also visit on day trips and enjoy guided tours of the village, learning about local customs, and the history of the Temne people who inhabit the area.
2. Villages on Tiwai Island
While primarily known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife sanctuary, Tiwai Island is also a great destination to get a glimpse into traditional Sierra Leonean village life.Located on the Moa River, Tiwai Island is home to eight small villages that have preserved their traditional way of life. A great way for visitors to explore these villages is walking parts of the Tiwai Island Heritage Trail, a 50 km itinerary that includes all eight Tiwai communities.On the Tiwai Island Heritage Trail, visitors will get the opportunity to interact with the local Mende people, learning about their customs, folklore, and traditional practices. Meanwhile, they can explore nature and biodiversity while hiking or travelling by dugout canoe between one village and the next.
3. Villages in the Gola Rainforest
The Gola Rainforest National Park, located in the southeastern part of Sierra Leone, is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also home to several traditional villages. These villages, inhabited by the Mende and other ethnic groups, offer a unique opportunity to experience rural life in the rainforest.
Visitors can stay in eco-lodges or with local families, and participate in activities that vary from village to village. For instance, visitors to the village of Vaama in the northern part of the rainforest can learn how to wave rattan to make baskets; while in Lalehun it’s possible to see the traditional masked devil dance unique to this part of the country.Regardless of where you decide to go, we warmly recommend including one of more traditional villages in your Sierra Leone itinerary!
