Travel in Sierra Leone – Hotels, Sierra Leone Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide

Sierra Leone: Discovering West Africa

The Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa and shares its borders with Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean. Sierra Leone has a diverse landscape ranging from rainforests to savannahs. The country is home to many tribes and cultures giving it a rich and diverse history.

Bunce Island is located on the Rice Coast of Sierra Leone. The island was home to the largest British slave castle. Bunce Island was founded in 1670, primarily with the intent of trafficking slaves to America and the West Indies. This island is a must when visiting Sierra Leone. A tour of Bunce Island gives the visitor a chance to understand the true meaning behind this tragic event in human history.

Old Fourah Bay College is the oldest learning institution in West Africa. The college is located in the city of Freetown and scholars came from all over Africa to Old Fourah Bay College to further their education. The college was known as the “Athens of Africa”, in its early days as a university. Samuel Adjai Crowther was the first student to attend Old Fourah Bay College, and later became the first African to become the Bishop of West Africa.

The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in the city of Freeman. The sanctuary was founded in 1988 and continues to flourish thanks to donations from local citizens and tourists. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is dedicated to the ethical treatment of these primates and to educate the residents on the role the Chimpanzee plays in the delicate ecosystem . A visit to the sanctuary is highly recommended for those who wish to glean insight into the plight of Chimpanzees in the Sierra Leone.

Outamba Kilimi National Park is in the extreme north of Sierra Leone. The park has extended areas of savanna woodland and grass savanna and nine species of primates, including four threatened species. The Red Colobus monkey, Western Chimpanzee, Sooty Mangabey, and the Black and White Colobus monkey find refuge here in this protected park. There are over 200 species of birds in the park, with Lake Idrissa supporting a majority of the bird population. Some of the birds found at the lake are sand pipers, herons, wintering plovers, and egrets. The Wildlife Conservation Branch offers organized tours and canoe trips with an experienced guide accompanying. The park offers basic camping facilities and has plans of expansion in the future to allow for more comfortable arrangements.

The Loma Mountain Reserve is located within the northernmost outlaying forest in Sierra Leone. The Loma Mountains is home to a rich bird population. For this reason, it has attracted the interest of many ornithologists. There are also many different animals to see in the reserve. The Pigmy hippo, leopard, Forest elephant, and the Savanna buffalo just to name a few. The reserve with its impressive collection of birds and animals makes it a favorite among visitors in Sierra Leone.

The Banana Islands are a group of islands just off the coast of Sierra Leone. The first settlers on the island were freed slaves that came to the island chain just after the abolishment of slavery. The islands were just close enough to Freetown but far enough away to give a sense of peace to the newly freed slaves. The Banana Island chain is home to many small villages and churches to and the snorkeling here is a popular pastime. Visitors can usually find a guide in the adjacent town of Freetown. With everything the islands have to offer, they are considered to be a true gem of West Africa.

The Hotel Bintuamni is located at the peak of the hills in Freetown. The hotel offers two restaurants, one offers Chinese cuisine and other offers Western foods. The Hotel Bintuamni is also a short distance to Lumley Beach. The Cape Sierra Hotel is also just a short walk from Lumley Beach. This hotel has a great entertainment complex that offers a night club and casino.

The country of Sierra Leone offers visitors a variety of attractions. The great national parks and historical points of interests give Sierra Leone something for everyone to enjoy and makes it necessary for repeat trips again and again to see everything this island truly has to offer.