This article is for all of you who booked your first flight to Sierra Leone, and for all those who are currently thinking about visiting for the first time. A million questions will be going through your head right now – what’s there to see, what’s the best way to get around, what you need to be aware of, and most importantly, how to make the most of your time.It’s still hard to find updated information about Sierra Leone online (even though we’re doing our best!) and misconceptions are everywhere. That’s where we come in – our mission is to make sure all visitors love our country, and that no first visit to Sierra Leone is the last. Here are our 5 best tips for first time visitors!
The Best Things To Do In Freetown
1. Choose when to visit
Did you know that Sierra Leone has two distinct seasons, the wet and the dry season? The best time to visit is definitely November-March, the dry season, when the sky is blue and it’s sunny and dry. It’s the best time to enjoy the beach and travel around the country, as the rains often make backcountry roads impassable.
Be prepared for the heat, though, especially if you’re planning to visit at the start of the year, when the harmattan wind blows carrying heat from the Sahara.
2. Don’t try and do too much
Looking at Sierra Leone on the map, you might be tempted to plan a mad dash from north to south and from east to west in just a couple of weeks. It’s not a good idea! Sierra Leone might not be huge compared to some of our neighbouring countries, but it takes a long time to get around.
If you only have a week, we recommend focusing on Freetown and the surrounding areas, and with a few more days you could perhaps visit Tiwai Island or one of the national parks. Have a look at our itineraries for inspiration!
3. Read up before visiting
Our history is long and complex, and it includes some tragic recent events. We recommend reading some of our historical articles, or some books by Sierra Leonean authors like Aminatta Forna and Ishmael Beah. This leads nicely into the next point.
4. Go with an open mind
Visit Sierra Leone with an open mind. Be aware of what you may or may not find, but don’t expect the luxuries you give for granted back home, and understand you’re heading to a young, fast-growing, and incredibly friendly country.
5. Be adventurous
Last but not least: Sierra Leone is ideal for adventure lovers! The entire country is off the beaten path, tourists are still few, nature is untouched and adventure opportunities are endless. What about camping in the wilderness, swimming in pristine waters, climbing mountains and looking for wildlife in the forest? These (and a lot more) are experiences you can have in Sierra Leone!
