Things to do in Sierra Leone
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Mt Bintumani
Loma Mansa, as Sierra Leone's highest peak is also known, rises 1945m (6380ft). In clear weather, views from the summit are excellent. The Loma Mountains Forest Reserve protects the highland rainforest covering the lower slopes. There are several species of monkey here and you have a fair chance of seeing elephants and bongos as you approach the mountain.
In the rivers, you may be lucky enough to see pygmy hippopotamuses, dwarf crocodiles and rufous fishing-owls; all endangered species. Above 1500m (4920ft) the forest gives way to grassland where you can spot baboons, wart hogs, duikers, porcupines and even buffaloes.
The most scenic and wildlife-rich approach to the…
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Outamba-Kilimi National Park
This is a beautiful tract of savanna and jungle, with very diverse wildlife: primates such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and sooty mangabeys; hippos, bongo antelopes, buffalo, elephants and perhaps even lions can be seen, along with 260 bird species.
The park has two sections. The northern Outamba section consists of rolling hills, grasslands, flood plains and rainforests, dissected by several rivers. The Kilimi section is much flatter and not as interesting. By the park headquarters, there are thatch huts overlooking the Little Scarcies River and guides can be hired to track elephants, visit bird-watching towers, or canoe out to see hippopotami.
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Banana Islands
Diving and snorkelling are superb at the Banana Islands, which are off the southeastern tip of the peninsula that Freetown is on. There is some coral and one of the shipwrecks left a pile of Portuguese cannons in shallow water. In Dublin, on the northern tip of the main Banana Island, there are the remains of an 1881 church, and the old slave docks.
Pay your respects to the chief before going off exploring and the locals will happily provide a guide.
The easiest way to get to the Bananas is to hire a local fishing boat at Tokeh Village. It's a two-hour round trip and you should allow at least an hour to explore the ruins in Dublin.
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Alex's
From under the palm trees you have a wonderful view west over Man of War Bay at what is easily Freetown's loveliest dining room. Seafood is the speciality, but the large global menu includes enchiladas, lasagne, shepherds pie, jollof rice (rice and vegetables with meat and fish), falafel and Cajun chicken. The adjacent sports bar has a wide-screen TV and a pool table.
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Lumley Beach
With every patch of beachfront property purchased and many construction projects underway, it's not hard to imagine what Lumley Beach will look like in a few years, but for now development is pretty much limited to a few bamboo and thatch beer-shacks. Life guards and beach wardens are on duty and the public toilets and showers are kept clean, but the beach is not.
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Old Fourah Bay College
Gutted by fire in 1999, only the stone shell of the Old Fourah Bay College remains, but this 1848 building is graceful even in its decay. The World Monuments Fund lists it as one of the world's 100 most-endangered historic sites. There is talk of turning it into a community arts centre.
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Paddy's
No longer the den of iniquity it once was, Paddy's is still Freetown's most famous nightspot and the only place were everyone, no matter what their stripe, can really let their hair down at the bar or on the dance floor. The food is pretty good too. Paddy's never closes.
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Fourah Bay College
On Mt Aureol is Fourah Bay College, founded in 1827. It later became one of the first universities in sub-Saharan Africa. On the edge of campus is a botanical garden and you can follow the walking path through the forest down to the waterfall you passed on the drive up.
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Sierra Leone Parliament Building
Sierra Leone's Parliament Building sits atop Tower Hill, close to downtown. If MPs are in session the police might take you in for a look. Next to the entrance is the foundation of the Martello Tower, built in 1805 to defend Freetown against Temne attacks.
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Cotton Tree
The massive Cotton Tree, perhaps 500 years old, in the heart of town, is the city's principal landmark. Thousands of bats fly out en masse at dusk and return in the morning. This beloved tree casts its shadow on the Sierra Leone National Museum.
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Old Wharf Steps
The Old Wharf Steps, sometimes erroneously called the Portuguese Steps, lead up from Government Wharf. The stones were set in 1818. Many of the new arrivals brought here by the British to start a new life climbed these steps.
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Big Market
The top floor of the Big Market, or Basket Market, in Downtown, has a larger selection than markets in Lumley. What makes this the best place to shop for souvenirs is the traditional household goods on the ground floor.
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King's Yard Gate
The ancestors of nearly all present-day Krios passed through King's Yard Gate. Now the site of Connaught Hospital, this is where the British brought rescued slaves to begin their new lives.
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Sierra Leone National Museum
The Sierra Leone National Museum has a small but fascinating collection of jujutrinkets and historical artefacts, including Temne Guerrilla leader Bai Bureh's drum, clothes and sword.
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Krio Houses
Many wood-framed Krio houses are scattered west of Tower Hill. A walk down Pademba Rd presents many good examples. Most date from the late 19th century and a few are even older.
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Jovana
Popular with business people, Jovana serves tasty African dishes, pizza and the usual meat and seafood choices. The patio is shady and the air-con is turned up inside.
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Angel's Delight Restaurant
Angel's Delight, part of the Family Kingdom hotel complex, serves tasty Lebanese dishes, seafood and good pizzas. After the meal you can enjoy a hookah on the patio.
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National Railway Museum
Visitors to the National Railway Museum are rare, but the short tour around these restored engines and cars is fairly interesting.
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Crown Bakery
Besides being a delicious bakery, this expat favourite has a broad and expensive menu spanning pancakes to pizzas and curries to fajitas.
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Tower Hill
Freetown's beauty, and potential, shows clearly when seen from above. The views are especially good from Hill Station and Leister Peak.
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Lumley Beach Arts & Crafts Market
The Lumley Beach Arts & Crafts Market is one of the main places people pick up woodcarvings, baskets and other tourist bric-a-brac.
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Buggy's
This is a wild place on Man of War Bay. It has a dance floor and snooker tables. Many album launches by local artists take place here.
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St John's Maroon Church
St John's Maroon Church is a squat white building with big windows built around 1820. Located two blocks southwest of the Cotton Tree.
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Law Courts
The ornate Law Courts have been beautifully restored following considerable war damage. Located immediately east of the Cotton Tree.
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Korean Restaurant
Attached to the Korean Guest House, Sierra Leone's small Korean community gathers here for Korean, Chinese and European dishes.
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