Introducing Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has largely stayed out of the news lately, which, considering how it earned most of its press in the 1990s, is a good thing. The decade-long civil war garnered regular headlines thanks to widespread atrocities committed by rebel soldiers; many of them not yet in their teens.
Advertisement
But oh, how things have changed. Peace was declared in 2002 and Sierra Leone has blossomed. Life has largely returned to normal and today it is one of West Africa’s safest destinations. Reconstruction continues apace, investors are arriving in droves and travellers are trickling in. With some of the most perfect palm-lined sands on the continent, it won’t be long before Sierra Leone takes its place in Europe’s packaged beach-holiday scene; but for now, visitors can have the surf outside the capital pretty much to themselves. And after a day in the sun, Freetown offers everything you need for a night out. Travel to the provinces, where roads are often abysmal and facilities usually basic, remains in the realm of the adventurous, but with vibrant culture and wonderful parks, the rewards are many. Wildlife-watchers will not want to miss Outamba-Kilmi National Park in Northern Sierra Leone.
To be sure, Sierra Leone still has problems. It ranked second last in the UN’s most recent Human Development Index, unemployment remains high and the education system hasn’t met expectations, but most locals hang on to their optimism.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Tips & articles
-
West Africa: travel books to read before you go
1 October 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s West Africa guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Importing a vehicle to Sierra Leone
by 4x4gs 14 September 2011
Haha yes, I'm assuming we spoke earlier. Once again thanks for your time, much appreciated!
-
Getting there and being safe!
by lucysafe 14 September 2011
Hello! I'm off to Sierra Leone in a few weeks and I've just scared myself silly by reading the FCO advice and convincing myself I'm walki…
-
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Sierra Leone
Browse more cities in Sierra LeoneFeatured property
See all hotels and hostels in Sierra Leone
Advertisement
Sierra Leone
Things to do
- All things to do (41)
- Activities (1)
- Entertainment (5)
- Restaurants (9)
- Shopping (7)
- Sights (19)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Sierra Leone
-
1 Beach bumming
Relax on the Freetown peninsula.
-
2 Tiwai Island
Primate-watching at the famous wildlife sanctuary.
-
3 Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Track big mammals at Sierra Leone’s only national park.
-
4 Freetown
Discover the anything-goes nightlife.
-
5 Bonthe
Explore the remote coastal waters and islands.
Fast Facts about Sierra Leone
- Visa
Available at airport and borders, but best bought before arrival.
- Area
72,325 sq km
- Capital
- Telephone code
232
- Famous for
Diamonds
- Money
leone (Le); US$1 = Le2925; €1 = Le3475; CFA1 = Le5.3
- Population
5.5 million (2005)
Our favourite Sierra Leone Blogs (beta)
-
Same Continent, Different Worlds: Part 2
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 2 January 2012
By Kiva Fellows in Africa, KF16 Compiled by Tejal Desai Ow de body! Are Sierra Leone and Rwanda still danger zones? What challenges do Ugandans most commonly face? Kiva Fellows from KF16 bring you another unique perspective from the diverse and vast continent of Africa! We patched together an overview of each of our placement countries that includes: basic socioeconomic stats, common stereotypes (and to what extent they are true or false), greatest challenges, most common loan products at our respective field partners, and the borrowers' most common use of their profits.
-
60 Tips from Kiva Fellows
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 30 December 2011
Compiled by Kate Bennett, KF16 Peru The sixteenth class of Kiva Fellows has all but left the field- but we're by no means done talking about our experiences. We've collectively spent 422 weeks in the field (just over 8 years!) and worked an estimated 16,650 hours at Kiva field partners around the world.
-
Update from the Field: Loan Officer Training, a Photographic Journey + Kiva Gift Cards
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 12 December 2011
Compiled by Kathrin Gerner, KF16, Rwanda December has long been the month of annual awards, looking back and frantic searches for presents. The Kiva fellows blog is no exception to this rule: Share the fellows' memories by taking a photographic journey through Sierra Leone and watching a video about a typical day of a fellow conducting loan officer trainings. Learn about some incredible women in Costa Rica, who received a Woman Entrepreneur Award from Kiva's field partner, Fundación Mujer.
