Beaches might indeed be the big attraction for wannabe visitors to Sierra Leone, but our country has so much more to offer – nature, mountains and hiking trails are other very good reasons to come and visit!
Hiking is an up and coming activity in Sierra Leone, with new trails around the country being mapped year after year. It’s a great way to leave the hustle of Freetown behind and discover nature just steps away from the capital, or to immerse yourself in nature for a few days, learning about Sierra Leone’s culture and biodiversity.
Here are 3 of the best hiking trails in Sierra Leone – two of them are an easy escape from Freetown, while the third is a real adventure.
Top 3 Hiking Trails in Sierra Leone
1. Picket Hill
Picket Hill is a wonderful adventurous day trip from Freetown! This hiking trail is in the Western Area Peninsula Forest, about 1 hour from the capital.There are two different itineraries to reach the top – most tours will take you up from one way, and down the other, to appreciate different viewpoints and ecosystems. The first hour you’ll be hiking through the rainforest, then the trees become sparse and you’ll start to appreciate the sprawling views over the surrounding hills, forest and even Freetown and the coast on clear days.The Picket Hill hiking trail takes the best part of a day, and should never be attempted without a guide.
2. Leicester Peak
Most people drive up Leicester Peak to see the sunset or just admire the view over Freetown, but it’s also possible to walk up!There’s a hiking trail to the top of Leicester Peak from the US Embassy, taking about 40 minutes to reach the top, following narrow mountain roads and trails. Be careful as you may encounter the odd car.The view from the top of Leicester Peak will take your breath away, with the entire city of Freetown and the Atlantic Ocean at your feet, and the rainforest all around you.
3. Tiwai Heritage Trail
The Tiwai Island Heritage Trail is a wonderful way to discover the diverse ecosystem of Tiwai Island, away from the beaten path.The trail is 50 km long, and you’ll be visiting the eight communities living in Tiwai Islands. It takes between 4 and 5 days to cover this hiking trail, including some crossings by dugout canoe, while staying in rainforest camps or in Mende villages.Most people just visit Tiwai Island for a day or two, but hiking the Tiwai Heritage Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Mende culture while empowering local communities.
