Question 1

I. Vitals

Accepted Answer

The name Sierra Leone derives from Serra Leoa, Portuguese for Lioness Mountains, the name given by Portuguese colonizer Pedro da Sintra to the mountains of the Freetown Peninsula.

What’s the climate like?

Sierra Leone’s climate is tropical and relatively hot throughout the year, with maximum temperatures around 28/30°C (82/86°F) and minimum averages around 23/25°C (73/77°F) on the coast. Temperatures are usually a few degrees higher in the interior of the country, especially in the mountains.

Sierra Leone has two distinct seasons: the dry season, from November to April, and the dry season, from May to October, and torrential downpours are commonplace. December/February is also harmattan season, a hot wind blowing from the Sahara bringing haze and dry heat, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C (100°F).

What clothes should I take?

Lightweight, casual clothing can be worn throughout the year. In the interior, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, especially at dusk.

What is the voltage in Sierra Leone?

In Sierra Leone the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Is there electricity and Wi-Fi at all times?

Hotels in Freetown usually have reliable electricity and Wi-Fi, but destinations in remote areas may only have electricity on for a few hours a day. Wi-Fi connection outside Freetown can be quite good but usually ranges from spotty to non-existent.

What is the official language of Sierra Leone?

The official language in Sierra Leone is English, but the most common is Krio, an English-based Creole language. Every ethnic group in Sierra Leone also speaks a different language, the most common of which are Temne and Mende.

What kind of accommodation is available in Sierra Leone?

In Freetown you can find a range of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to hostels and budget guesthouses. In the interior and remote areas there may only be a few accommodation options available, which are usually quite spartan.

How expensive is accommodation in Freetown and around Sierra Leone?

In Freetown, accommodation ranges from $25 for budget guesthouses to $350 for a suite at the Country Lodge, considered to be one of the more luxurious hotel in town. In remote areas of the country accommodation prices also vary, but are usually offered in packages including guides, transport, activities and meals.

How much do I need to spend on a meal in Freetown and around the country?

A traditional Sierra Leonean meal including rice and accompaniments can be as cheap as $4 to $6, whereas a meal in an upscale restaurant can cost up to $50.

Question 2

II. Travelling to Sierra Leone

Accepted Answer

Do I need a passport or visa to enter Sierra Leone?

All visitors require a valid passport. It is also necessary to obtain a visa on arrival, at the cost of $25 for African Union nationals and $80 for passport holders of other countries. It is also possible to secure a visa online prior to arrival – visit this website https://evisa.sl/#/home to pay electronically and receive confirmation of your visa via email. Business travelers or those planning to visit Sierra Leone more than once can also apply for a multi-entry visa at their nearest consular office or enter Sierra Leone on a single-entry visa and apply for multi-entry after their arrival in the country. Nationals of the following countries are not charged for visas on arrival due to reciprocal agreements: Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, eSwatini, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis.All visitors require a valid passport. It is also necessary to obtain a visa on arrival, at the cost of $25 for African Union nationals and $80 for passport holders of other countries. It is also possible to secure a visa online prior to arrival – visit this website https://evisa.sl/#/home to pay electronically and receive confirmation of your visa via email. Business travelers or those planning to visit Sierra Leone more than once can also apply for a multi-entry visa at their nearest consular office or enter Sierra Leone on a single-entry visa and apply for multi-entry after their arrival in the country. Nationals of the following countries are not charged for visas on arrival due to reciprocal agreements: Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, eSwatini, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis.

How long can I stay in Sierra Leone?

Visas on arrival are valid for 30 days and can be extended for a further 30 days from the immigration department in Sierra Leone.

Where can I get more information once I arrive at the airport?

There is a tourist information booth at Lungi International Airport in Freetown, open from 10 am to 9 pm daily.

Are there any fees or taxes I will have to pay when I leave?

There is a $25 exit fee that can be paid via Orange Money, Afrimoney or via the online platform www.securipass.sl . The same fee is also charged upon arrival, and it can be paid in advance on the same website or on https://www.visitsierraleone.org/

What items are considered ‘personal effects’ by Sierra Leone Customs?

Under the customs regulation of Sierra Leone, personal effects are the personal baggage of visitors and articles contained therein, including clothes, accessories and other items for personal use that travelers may need during their time in the country.

What do I have to declare?

It is not necessary to declare personal effects. Visitors can also take 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco into the country, and 1 L of alcohol (no age limit). Weapons require a permit from the Police Head Office in Freetown and will be held until the permit is achieved, and pets can enter the country with valid health and vaccination certificates – please contact the nearest Sierra Leone Consulate or Embassy for information.

How can I find the contact details for the Sierra Leone Consulate or Embassy in my country?

Here are the addresses and contact details for the main Sierra Leone embassies in Europe and North America.

Sierra Leonean High Commission in London, United Kingdom & Ireland
Address:
41 Eagle Street, Holborn
London WC1R 4TL
United Kingdom

Telephone – (+44) 207 404 0140
Fax – (+44) 207 430 9862
Email – info@slhc-uk.org
Website – www.slhc-uk.org

Sierra Leonean Embassy in Berlin, Germany, also accredited to Austria & Italy
Address
Herwarthstrasse 4
12207 Berlin
Germany
Telephone – (+49) 30 772 058 50
Fax – (+49) 30 772 058 52 9
Email – info@de.slembassy.gov.sl
embassy@slembassy-germany.org
Website – www.slembassy-germany.org

Sierra Leonean Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States, also accredited to Canada & Brazil
Address
1701, 19th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
United States
Telephone – (+1) 202 939 9261
Fax – (+1) 202 483 1793
Email – info@us.slembassy.gov.sl
info@embassyofsierraleone.net
Website – www.embassyofsierraleone.net

Are there limits for currency?

Nationals are allowed to take 50,000 of local currency and up to $5000 worth of foreign currency, while non-residents are allowed up to 50,000 of local currency and an unlimited amount of foreign currency, that needs to be declared upon arrival.

How long does it take to reach Sierra Leone from Europe and North America?

Sierra Leone is located in West Africa, bordering Guinea and Liberia. Lungi International Airport in Freetown has direct flights to several European airports including Brussels, Paris and Istanbul – travel time is 6-8 hours. To fly from North America, it’s necessary to connect at one of the airports mentioned above, or via Casablanca, Dakar or Nairobi. Total flight time from the East Coast is between 16/20 hours, and 25/30 hours from airports on the West Coast.

Which are the major airlines that connect Europe and North America to Sierra Leone?

Airlines that fly into Sierra Leone include Air France (AF), Turkish Airlines (TK), Royal Air Maroc (AT), Brussels Airlines (SN), Kenya Airways (KQ), ASKY Airlines (KP), Air Senegal (SZN), and Air Peace (P4).

Question 3

III. Travelling Around Sierra Leone

Accepted Answer

What modes of transportation can I use to get around?

In Freetown, you can use rickshaws, poda poda (minibuses) or moto taxis. Between major cities you can take bush taxis and poda poda, but most visitors hire a 4×4 with a local driver to take them around the country. In Freetown, you can use rickshaws, poda poda (minibuses) or moto taxis. Between major cities you can take bush taxis and poda poda, but most visitors hire a 4×4 with a local driver to take them around the country.

Question 4

IV. Health & Safety

Accepted Answer

Are there any vaccinations that I need to get before travelling to Sierra Leone?

Vaccination against yellow fever is required to enter the country, and visitors may be asked to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. Malaria can be a concern in the wet season, so it is recommended to carry anti-malarial medication.

Is medical help available easily?

In Freetown and other major cities there are hospitals, but medical services in remote parts of the country can be hard to come by. All visitors are recommended to have travel insurance.

Some of the major hospitals in Freetown are:

· Choithram Memorial Hospital, Hill Station, tel +232 76 980000

· Life Care Hospital, 198 Wilkinson Road, tel +232 80 220220

· Freetown International Hospital, 28b Lumley Beach Road, +232 33 400400

What are the precautions for drinking water?

It is recommended to only drink bottled water, and take water purification tablets or equipment when heading to remote areas where there may not be bottled water readily available.

Are there any safety precautions that one must take in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is a very safe country and people are warm and welcoming. The roads are not always in good condition, so avoid travelling at night; hiring a local driver is also recommended.

Although crime is relatively low it is best to take the normal precautions you would when traveling abroad. Avoid petty crime by walking around Lumley Beach at night, especially if you’re a woman, and always pay attention to your belongings in crowded areas.

Question 5

V. Money & Costs

Accepted Answer

What’s the exchange rate? Where can I exchange my money?

Exchange rates may vary, but at the time of writing $100 was approximately equivalent to NLE 2,050. The best place to exchange money is the airport, offering the most competitive exchange rates, but you’ll also find exchange offices around Freetown. Most large hotels will also offer exchange services, but rates may not be as good.

Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in Sierra Leone?

In Freetown and other major towns in Sierra Leone there are various ATM machines in operation accepting Visa and Mastercards. They can be found at the following banks: UBA, GTBank, Eco Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Union Trust Bank, and Access Bank Sierra Leone.

Major hotels and restaurants in Freetown accept credit cards. If you are planning to explore outside the capital, it is best to withdraw and carry cash from Freetown, as ATMs can be a little hard to find and they may not always work with debit/credit cards issued abroad.

Are there any alternative methods to withdraw cash?

Yes, you can also get cash through Bank Transfer via MoneyGram, Orange Money, Western Union, AFRI money and RIA.

Question 6

VI. Conveniences

Accepted Answer

Where can I get a local SIM card?

You can easily pick up a local SIM card at your arrival at Lungi Airport. Sellers will approach you offering SIM cards from various companies, and you can also pay them to add airtime. There are four mobile phone operators in Sierra Leone: Orange, Africell, Sierratel and QCell.

Can I get laundry done in Sierra Leone?

Most hotels offer laundry services.Most hotels offer laundry services.

Are there convenience stores in Sierra Leone?

Yes, in Freetown you’ll find well-stocked supermarkets and convenience stores with all the essentials you might need (including toilet paper, sanitary towels, tissues, snacks, etc.). In smaller towns and remote areas, you’ll find small shops, but they usually only carry a few basic food items, so be sure to stock up before leaving home or before leaving Freetown.

Question 7

VII. Activities & Culture

Accepted Answer

What sorts of activities are available to me during my stay?

Depending on the length of their stay, visitors can engage in a number of activities. Here are some suggestions:

Visiting historic landmarks in Freetown and enjoying its vibrant nightlife
Exploring beaches in the Freetown Peninsula and surfing, kayaking, scuba diving or simply relaxing
Wildlife watching in protected areas such as Tiwai or Gola Rainforest
Learning about colonial history in Bunce and Bonthe Islands
Exploring the Banana Islands and Turtle Islands
Seeing chimpanzees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Trekking to the summit of Mount Bintumani

What festivals are held in Sierra Leone each year?

Several festivals take place in Sierra Leone throughout the year, which may be of interest to tourists. Here are some examples:

Ma Deng Beach Festival (December)
Afro- Caribbean Festival (December/January)
Monument and Relics Commission Citizenship Conference Ceremony/Tracing of DNA/Roots Tourism (April)
Eco Fest Sierra Leone (December)

Which are the best places to go birding in Sierra Leone?

You can see over 600 bird species in Sierra Leone, including 14 species endemic to the Upper Guinea Forest. The best birdwatching opportunities in Sierra Leone can be found in the country’s national parks and reserves, such as Gola, Kambui Hills, and Kangari Hills Forest Reserve.

Which are the best places for wildlife spotting in Sierra Leone?

In Sierra Leone it’s possible to see a variety of animals, including chimpanzees and other rare species such as pygmy hippos and Western red colobus monkeys. The national parks offering the best chances to see wildlife are Gola, Loma Mountains, Outamba-Kilimi, Mamunta Mayosso and Tiwai Island.

Lakka Beach

Lakka Beach

Kent Beach

Kent Beach

John Obey Beach

John Obey Beach

Black Johnson Beach

Black Johnson Beach

Tokeh Beach

Tokeh Beach

Bureh Beach

Bureh Beach

Aberdeen Beach

Aberdeen Beach

River No. 2 Beach

River No. 2 Beach

York Beach

York Beach

Lumley Beach

Lumley Beach

Tasso Island

Tasso Island

Turtle Islands

Turtle Islands

Sherbro Island and Bonthe

Sherbro Island and Bonthe

Banana Islands

Banana Islands

Bunce Island

Bunce Island

Loma Mountains & Mount Bintumani

Loma Mountains & Mount Bintumani

Gola Rainforest National Park

Gola Rainforest National Park

Kambui Hills Forest Reserve

Kambui Hills Forest Reserve

Kangari Hills Forest Reserve

Kangari Hills Forest Reserve

Outamba-Kilimi National Park

Outamba-Kilimi National Park

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Western Area Peninsula Forest

Western Area Peninsula Forest

Village & Community Tourism

Village & Community Tourism

Music & Arts

Music & Arts

Shopping & Dining

Shopping & Dining

Historical Sites

Historical Sites

Monuments to Slavery

Monuments to Slavery

Bird Watching

Bird Watching

Fish & Marine Mammals

Fish & Marine Mammals

Explore Wildlife

Explore Wildlife

Getting There & Around

Getting There & Around

Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials

Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Accomodation

Accomodation

Local Travel Trade

Local Travel Trade

FAQs

FAQs

Events Calender

Events Calender

Sports Events

Sports Events

Music Events

Music Events