a true hidden gem
Sierra Leone, a small nation on the West Coast of Africa nestled between Guinea and Liberia, is no bigger than Ireland, yet it bursts with diversity. Despite its modest size, Sierra Leone offers something for everyone, boasting 560 km of coastline with some of West Africa’s most stunning beaches, of which only 150 km is urbanized. The country features high peaks, extensive mangrove systems, swamplands, mudflats, lush green tropical rainforests, farmland, and bustling urban areas, all teeming with abundant wildlife that we will encounter on our tour.
Often referred to locally as Salone, Sierra Leone is one of the world’s most underrated hidden gems. Having enjoyed over two decades of peace since the end of the civil war, it is often dubbed the safest country in West Africa. On this Sierra Leone Tour, you will have the opportunity to deep-dive into the culture of this fascinating country, meeting the most welcoming locals and exploring white sand beaches and lush forests.
overview
The adventure starts the moment you land at Lungi Airport. I will be waiting there to greet and welcome you to Salone. After sorting you out with a local SIM card and some local currency, we will make our way to Freetown by boat!
As we drive to the dock, you will get your first glimpse of life in Sierra Leone. As one of our previous guests described Salone, it is “happy chaos”. Once at the port, we will board our small boat for a 45-minute commute across the waters to Aberdeen, where our Stafford Lodge Hosts will be waiting for us to take us to our home for the next few days.
Day 1: arrival in freetown
The 27th of April marks Sierra Leone’s Independence Day, so you can be sure of a good party atmosphere that night! But we will start our day with a much more serene activity! A visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Here, we will learn about the conservation efforts at play to educate and save this extraordinary primate. We will visit the various enclosures to understand the rehabilitation process chimpanzees go through. And if you have a good head for heights, you can finish the visit canopy overview.
For lunch, we will head to River No 2 beach. Gear up for an afternoon of relaxation at one of Sierra Leone’s most stunning beaches. With its shallow, turquoise waters and estuary-created sandbanks, it’s a visual treat and a swimmer’s paradise. The gentle waves and rock-free coastline make it the perfect spot to splash around and soak up the sun.
After enjoying the serene beauty of River No. 2, you’ve got two options:
For those eager to experience the local party scene, there’s an optional dinner visit to Jess Ka Mac on Lumley Beach, where great vibes and unforgettable memories await. Those who prefer a more relaxed evening can kick back at our accommodation, where you can unwind and enjoy a meal at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Independence Day Celebrations
Today’s adventure begins in the bustling heart of Freetown. Feel the pulse of the city as you weave through its lively streets on a Keh-keh (or tuk-tuk), Sierra Leone’s most popular mode of transport. Where are we heading? On a city tour!
Our city tour is designed for those seeking more than just a sightseeing trip. You’ll explore the nation’s colonial past, uncover the harrowing tales of the slave trade, and gain insights into the Civil War that shaped modern-day Sierra Leone.
After a brief stop for lunch, we will make our way to a vibrant local market, where we’ll buy fresh ingredients for this afternoon’s activity: a cooking class!
The day culminates with a hands-on cooking experience, during which you’ll learn to prepare staple Sierra Leonean dishes. Guided by local chefs, you’ll discover the secrets behind the rich flavours and traditional cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
If the weather permits, our tour will include a hike up to Leicester Peak, where we hope to be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sunset over the bay of Freetown. It’s the perfect way to end a day of history, culture, and adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 3: Journey Through History
Today will be a sobering day as we make our way to Bunce Island, the historic forte from where 30,000 Sierra Leonean slaves were shipped to plantations in America. We will spend the morning learning about this tragic chapter of history and how it still impacts society today.
Following this thought-provoking stop, we will head to Tasso Island for lunch and a dip in the sea before making our way back to Freetown in our local wooden speed boat!
In the evening, we have a very special meal planned for those who wish to join. Dinner will be in Sierra Leone’s only gourmet restaurant: Cole Street. Owned by a female lawyer, it employs single mothers. So not only will we enjoy a delicious meal, but we will also be supporting the local economy. Dinner here is a real treat!
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Day 4: The Land of No Return
Grab your binoculars as we will start our day with an early morning birdwatching session from the veranda of our accommodation.
After breakfast, it is time to conclude our Sierra Leone tour and start the next leg of the adventure. For those continuing on with Street Child, we will transfer you to Makeni. This 3-hour drive passes through lively market towns – so there will be no time to get bored!
For those going home, we will arrange a transfer back to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Farewell with a Feathered Twist
We have selected a very special lodge for our stay: Stafford Lodge. Owned by Dori and Desmond, this family-run business epitomises everything we love about Sierra Leone: big smiles and warm welcomes!
stafford lodge
- Big comfortable beds
- Hot showers
- A back up generator for when the electricity inevtably cuts out!
- The kitchen staff will keep you well-fed, while the rest of the team will ensure you always feel at home.
- Located at the top of Hill Station, away from downtown's chaos, it enjoys fantastic views across the valley
Key Amenities:
Where will we stay?
Leopard's Lair Bush Lodge is the perfect destination in Hoedspruit for us to unwind and relax in the tranquillity of nature. This hidden gem is ideally situated along the Mohlabetsi River in the exclusive area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and within driving distance of the world famous Blyde River Canyon.
Leopairs Lair Lodge, Hoedspruit
- All rooms are very spacious with en-suite bathrooms.
- Free wi-fi in all rooms and communal areas.
- All suites are free-standing units that sleep 2 guests and have small verandahs overlooking the river or garden, where you can sit back and indulge yourself in the natural beauty.
- The lodge has a large communal kitchen and fireplace
- Spectacular pool overlooking the Mohlabetsi riverbed.
View Next Accomodation
Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
Resting comfortably under a canopy of indigenous trees in the southern stretches of the Sabi Sand, sits the inimitable and understated Umkumbe Bush Lodge. This luxury tented camp offers all the creature comforts from home, and is the first of its kind in the reserve. The build of the lodge is based on the idea of glamping, but with a luxurious twist.
Umkumbe Bush Lodge, Sabie Sands
- Dubbed ‘The Tree House’, the main communal facility is built around an ancient Weeping Boer-Bean. Overlooking a variety of habitats, the raised deck area is ideal for spotting game as they traverse the winding drainage line or cool down at a nearby watering hole.
- Adjacent to the deck is a lapa (a traditional thatched-roofed structure), an inside lounge and bar, and an outside swimming pool area.
- Reed-fenced Boma: After the evening game drive, guests gather in the boma, exchange chronicles of the day and dine under the African stars.
- Luxury Glamping accommodation: Experience a blend of safari-esque charm and modern luxury in our Meru-style tented camp suites.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Open air bush gym
View Next Accomodation
Where will we stay?
Key Amenities:
What is not included?
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s Included?
→ All accommodation and stated
→ All Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner
→ All transport for the activities outlines in the itinerary
→ Expert English speaking guide
→ All mentioned activities
→ Transfers to and from the airport for those arriving in line with the itinerary
→ Contributions to local communities
→ Flights
→ VISA
→ Additional drinks or meals
→ Souvenirs
→ Tips
→ Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you are a Citizen of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), you will need a visa to enter Sierra Leone. Although you can obtain the visa on arrival, we recommend purchasing it in advance through the Government’s E-Visa Platform. The cost of a single-entry visa will be $80 for non-African Union members.
In order to make the most of the trip, you will need to find a flight that arrives in Freetown on the 26th of April. Early arrivals can also be accommodated at an extra cost.
We are more than happy to offer guidance and support in finding the best flights for you, but please note that, ultimately, we would not be responsible for your flight connection.
I always recommend reading your government’s advice before travelling to a country, as these highlight potential hazards their citizens might experience. For example British citizens should read the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s advice.
Sierra Leone has been conflict-free since 2002 and is considered one of the safest countries in West Africa. However, it is a developing country, and opportunistic crimes do occur. Travelling as a group while using expert local knowledge is the best way to explore Sierra Leone.
For tips on staying safe read “The Ultimate Guide to Staying Safe When Travelling to a Developing Country“.
You will have a chance to savour local Sierra Leonean dishes. Most meals revolve around rice paired with flavourful stews or sauces, often made with chicken or fish. You'll get to try some national favourites like cassava leaf stew, groundnut soup, and jollof rice. For those seeking a gourmet experience, you will have the option to visit Sierra Leone's only gourmet restaurant! Please note, international food choices are limited, so we encourage you to embrace the local flavours; it's all part of the adventure!
I always recommend visiting your physician to discuss your individual needs. However, the Fit to Travel website is a great resource for finding out what you might need to keep yourself healthy in Sierra Leone.
There is a risk of malaria in Sierra Leone, so we recommend taking antimalarials. A yellow fever certificate is also required for all travellers.
This Sierra Leone tour is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a culturally immersive experience in one of West Africa’s most beautiful countries. If you like travelling off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying authentic experiences, then this tour is for you.
It is also ideal for anyone taking part in the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon as it will give you much more context to Street Child’s work and help you get the most out of your time with Street Child. Previous Street Child participants have always regretted not having spent more time exploring Sierra Leone.
We like our tours to be intimate, and for that reason, there will be no more than 10 guests on this tour.
Yes! In fact, we would encourage you to stay longer and we can always help you plan your extension.
No! Our trips attract predominantly solo travellers, so you will be in good company! And unlike on other tours, you won't even need to share a room!
Hot and humid!! You can expect temperatures of 28-34 degrees Celsius most days, with a humidity of around 70% in Freetown. Freetown does benefit from a gentle breeze, which helps make the heat and humidity more manageable. If you are taking part in the Sierra Leone Marathon, it is a great idea to come out early, as it will help you acclimatise and prepare for the event.
It will unlikely rain during the day, but storms and heavy downpours are possible in the evenings, so remember to pack a light waterproof jacket!
Yes! I have written several blogs on Sierra Leone and Street Child. You can read them all here:
The Complete Guide to Visiting Sierra Leone
Everything you need to know about tipping in Sierra Leone
Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon: Is this the craziest Marathon in the world?
If you are interested in learning more about the Civil War, there are two books that we would recommend:
How Tennis Saved My Life: Play Tennis not War – by Sam P Jalloh
A Long Way Gone: The True Story of a Child Soldier – by Ismael Beach
Both books offer firsthand accounts of the Civil War. Sam shares how he avoided the Civil War thanks to tennis, while Ismael shares his story as a child soldier.
Stafford Lodge does have wifi, but throughout Sierra Leone, wifi can be unreliable. Therefore, I recommend getting a SIM card upon arrival. We can do this together at the airport. The cost of a SIM plus 2 GB of data is around $5.
If you don’t wish to mess around changing SIM cards, you can also opt for an eSIM. I use Airalo for all of my travels.
This trip is run in conjunction with Inspired Ventures. Inspired Ventures connects inspirational people, charities, and companies with communities around the world to make a positive impact through travel.
Inspired Ventures handles all the behind-the-scenes operations required to deliver an exceptional trip.
Other Questions
If you have other questions regarding the trip or simply want to chat about it on the phone, please email me at bea@bea-adventurous.com. I love nothing more than talking about travel, and I would be happy to discuss all things Sierra Leone with you.
Booking Conditions
Please click the following link to view the terms and conditions for booking this trip.
Booking Terms and Conditions
About your host
Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Bea, the founder of Bea Adventurous, and I couldn’t be more excited that you’re considering joining me in Tanzania – a place that holds a special spot in my heart. Since my first visit in 2022, I’ve returned four times, and every trip has only deepened my love for the incredible country and its people.
With over 60 days spent on safari across five African countries, I can confidently say that Tanzania offers one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences. But for me, travel is more than just highlights – it’s about diving deeper, engaging with local communities, and giving back to the people and places we visit.
On this journey, we’ll go beyond what’s ordinary, challenge preconceptions, and explore the true essence of Tanzania. Together, we’ll connect with locals, gain a deeper understanding of the culture, and leave with lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. My goal is for you to leave not only with a new appreciation for Tanzania but also with experience that changes how you see the world – and maybe even yourself!
I can’t wait to see you in Tanzania!
