Are you visiting Sierra Leone for the first time, and only have one week to spare? It’s probably not long enough to truly get off the beaten path, but it’s the right amount of time to get a taste of what our country is best known for – our buzzing capital Freetown, spectacular beaches and chimpanzees.
Here’s our 1-week Sierra Leone itinerary, focusing on Freetown and the nearby beaches!
Best Way to Spend a Week in Sierra Leone
Day 1-2: Explore Freetown
Your first day in Sierra Leone will be spent making your way to your accommodation from Lungi International Airport, crossing the Freetown harbour by ferry. Hopefully you’ll be able to do this journey in the daytime and will be able to enjoy your first glimpse of the capital!
Day 2 will be spent touring Freetown, our vibrant capital city. Spend the morning exploring the historic landmarks of the city, including the Sierra Leone National Museum, the Fourah Bay College, and the former Cotton Tree, a symbol of freedom and unity.
Make sure you also visit one of our bustling markets, such as the Big Market, to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs.Around sunset, head to Lumley Beach, Freetown’s very own urban beach. Grab a drink or a meal at one of many beachside restaurants and watch the sunset!
Day 3: Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
On day 3, embark on a day trip to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located just outside of Freetown. This sanctuary was established in the 1980s by Bala and Shamila Amarasekaran, and it has since grown into the country’s premier center for the rescue and rehabilitation of chimps. Join a guided tour of the sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts underway to protect these endangered primates and their natural habitat.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the sanctuary’s lush rainforest trails, climb to the treetop observation deck, and just soak the peace of this haven just outside Freetown. If you want, you can also spend the night here in treehouses.
Day 4-5: Discover the Banana Islands
Spend the next two days visiting the picturesque Banana Islands, a group of small islands off the southern tip of the Peninsula. Most people just spend a day, but staying overnight will give you the chance to explore the chilled island lifestyle.
There are three islands in the Banana Archipelago – Dublin, Ricketts and Mes-Meheux. The first two are joined by a causeway, making them easy to explore independently. Spend your time walking to pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun. Visit local villages and interact with the residents, many of which are the descendents of freed slaves who settled in Sierra Leone in the 19th century.
Day 6-7: Relax on the Freetown Peninsula Beaches
For your final two days, head back to the mainland to spend time on the stunning beaches of the Freetown Peninsula, River No.2 and Tokeh Beach. Spend your days lounging on the golden sands, swimming in the warm waters, and enjoying water sports.
If your budget allows, we recommend staying at one of the luxury resorts on Tokeh, and walking to nearby River No.2 for lunch or a drink.
