Useful Information Airport Service Charge

All passengers must pay an airport service charge. For

more details contact your travel agent.
Sierra
Leone
Time Zone Sierra Leone is on GMT all year around.
Transfer to/from the Airport
Climate Lungi International Airport is the major entry point and

front
Sierra Leone has two seasons, the rainy season and the is located across the Sierra Leone River from the capital,
dry season. The rainy season starts in May and ends Freetown. Due to its location, there are various transfer
in October, while the dry season is between November
and April.
facilities - water taxi, speed boat and hovercraft services
operate directly to Aberdeen and the ferries cross to Kissy
The freedom to explore
on the east and Government Wharf in the centre of the
Travel city. Helicopter services will soon commence operations.
Sierra Leone is approximately six flying hours away by
direct flight so as a European visitor you have the luxury Driving
of arriving in a different world without the discomfort of In Sierra Leone they drive on the right. An International
jet lag. It is a world of tropical seas, pristine beaches, driving license is required to drive in Sierra Leone.
Above: Tiwaii Island Above: Outamba Kilimi National Park beautiful scenery and authentic African culture.
Electricity
Health Requirements 220 – 240 volts AC, 50Hz
A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is
13° 30' 13° 00' 12° 30' 12° 00' 11° 30' 11° 00' 10° 30' required. It is advisable to take anti-malaria Currency
The boundaries and names shown and the designations tablets and consult your doctor or Travel The Leone (Le) is the official currency in Sierra Leone.
Mamou
used on this map do not imply official endorsement or Agent on what other precautions may be Leones are available in coins of 50, l00 and 500, and bills
er
acceptance by the United Nations. N ig advised, from time to time. Bring plenty of of l000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000. Foreign currencies can
Ko mosquito repellant.
l be exchanged at any of the commercial banks, foreign
L ola

exchange bureaus and hotels. Credits cards (American

en
te

Travel Insurance Express, Master Card and Visa) can be used to settle
Kindia GUINEA SIERRA
LEONE
Faranah It is advisable for visitors to take out bills in some hotels and restaurants. Please confirm with
10° 00'
Médina
10° 00' comprehensive travel insurance covering, management before any transaction.
Dula injury, illness, death, delayed, lost or
Falaba damaged baggage and personal belongings. Official/Business Hours
Tabili ba Monday to Friday: 8.00 – 17.00 hours
Ka
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Dubréka
Entry Document and Customs
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Musaia Gberia
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Regulations
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Coyah Bafodia Fotombu Banks

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All visitors are required to carry a valid Banking hours in Sierra Leone are between 8:30 – 3:30
Kabala passport. With the exception of citizens pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks operate on
G re

Banian
Konta from ECOWAS states, visitors must also Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:00 noon.
Fandié Kamakwie carry a valid visa for entry. Visas can be
9° 30' Koinadugu Bendugu 9° 30'
Forécariah secured at Sierra Leone Missions Abroad. Communications
Kamalu Fadugu li
Kukuna Se The National Tourist Board and handling The main phone service providers are Sierratel, Comium,
Ba g b e Bambaya agents such as VSL Travel, KTI Travel and Airtel, and Africell who offer GSM services, that are mainly
Madina

er
Tours, IPC Travel and Tours and others prepaid. GSM sim card packs and recharging cards are
Jct. N O R T H E R N

N ig
ci es also assist in facilitating this process. available at authorized dealer shops all over the country.
car Karina Kurubonla
eS There are also a wide range of internet providers so shop
Mateboi Alikalia
tl

Handy Guide
around for the best deal.
Lit

Kambia Pendembu Bumbuna Yombiro

Batkanu Bendugu
M ab

9° 00' Rokupr 9° 00'

Binkolo
ole

Mange Gbinti
Kayima

M eli
Kortimaw Is. Mambolo Makeni Bendou
Bodou Courtesies/Social Etiquette Photography
Port Loko Magburaka Tefeya Yomadu Appointments must be made in advance. It Always ask permission before taking photos of nationals
Lunsar Masingbi Koidu-Sefadu is customary to shake hands on meeting and and private or state property. In most cases the locals Experience the breathtaking
Koundou
Lungi Pepel Se
l when leaving. Business cards are exchanged will be happy to oblige for a photo and especially if you natural beauty of Sierra Leone.
i

R o k e l or Matotoka Yengema
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Int'l Airport after introduction. Visitors should be respectful promise to send them a copy of the picture.
mp

Freetown Ferry Masiaka Njaiama of local conventions and care should be

Mile 91 Njaiama-
Pa

8° 30' 8° 30'
Wellington Yele Sewafe Tongo Gandorhun taken to respect local, religious customs and Entertainment
oa

Yonibana Tungie Koindu practices. Goods and Service Tax (GST) in Sierra Leoneans know how to have fun so don’t miss a
M

Hastings
WESTERN Songo Bradford E A S T E R N restaurants and hotels is 15%. taste of the nightlife. Get your dancing shoes on and get
ready to boogie. There are many nightclubs in Freetown
AREA York Waterloo Mongeri Buedu
Falla Kailahun
Panguma BomiManowa
Rotifunk How to Dress and larger towns and cities that play a great blend of
Taiama Giehun Sierra Leoneans like to dress well especially African, European, West Indies and hip hop music. There
Taia

Moyamba
Bauya Dambara Boajibu Pendembu for official occasions. Formal wear is are also many casinos to immerse yourself in.
Yawri Njala
Banana Is. Bay Bendu appropriate for official engagements.
Mano Lago
Otherwise casual, lightweight and informal Official Holidays
Segbwema 8° 00'
Sembehun S O U T H E R N
8° 00'
Shenge Bo Daru clothing is appropriate during the day and Sierra Leone’s Government celebrates Islamic, Christian
Gerihun
Plantain Is. Sieromco Mokanje Kenema evening time and cotton is recommended. and National Holidays. Holidays marked with asterisk (*)
Bumpe Tikonko Bring rain gear for the rainy season and a are lunar and change every year.
Gbangbatok wa Blama Tokpombu light sweater or jacket during the harmattan
Se o
S he Kpetewoma Koribundu or period from November to February. Don’t Independence Day – 27th of April
Nitti
M

rbro forget beachwear, comfortable walking Good Friday and Easter Monday*
R iver
shoes and sports equipment. New Year’s Day - January 1st
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Turtle Is. i
Matru Sumbuya e
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Sherbro I. Christmas Day - 25th December

Ma

Bonthé What to Eat Eid-Ul-Fitri*

j
Waan

7° 30' Potoru 7° 30'

Gorahun M an o Enjoy the culinary delights of charming Boxing Day - 26th December
ait

ATLANTIC O CEA N restaurants with the warm Atlantic breeze Moulid Ul Nabi*
S tr

br Pujehun and illuminated by the African moon. From Eld Ul Adha*

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Sher Zimmi Kongo

n local African specialties to international
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Lake Ma cuisine, there is a restaurant to cater for

SIERRA LEONE Mabesi
Bendaja LIBERIA everybody’s needs. (See our Directory for
Below: Entrance to Gola Forest
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
details). Website: www.welcometosierraleone.sl
Lake Mape fa
Lo Bopolu
National capital
Where to Stay Supported by the Enhanced Integrated
7° 00' Provincial capital 7° 00'
Good hotels and guest houses guarantee
ul Framework Tier 2
Town, village Sulima tP
a visitors excellent services, whether you are
Bomi-Hills S ai n
International boundary in Sierra Leone for business or pleasure.
Bong (See our Directory for details)
Provincial boundary Lake
Major road Robertsport Piso Kle Conference Facilities
Secondary road Many hotels have conference halls for
hosting workshops, seminars, meetings,
Railroad 0 20 40 60 80 km parties, wedding receptions etc. Bigger
6° 30' 6° 30' © National Tourist Board, Sierra Leone 2012
Airport halls can host around 1,500 people. (See Photography Caroline Thomas
0 10 20 30 40 50 mi our Directory for details) Edit and design Stephanie Malyon
13° 30' 13° 00' 12° 30' 12° 00' 11° 30' 11° 00' 10° 30'
Sierra Leone Sightseeing
Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most Historical Sites
seductive destinations. Its contrast of Bunce Island
palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking Bunce Island is located at the mouth of the Sierra Leone
mountains, vibrant culture and tropical River, 18km from Freetown and is the site of a former slave
rainforests offer an exciting and inspiring castle built by the British in the 18th century. In the 17th
adventure in undiscovered Africa. and 18th centuries the Island was controlled by the British
who sent thousands of slaves from there to Europe and
the Americas. See the old fort wall, the slave quarters, the
Location
ruined fort, the ancillary buildings, the grave sites and the
Sierra Leone is nestled between Guinea and Liberia on the Above: Sunset at Lumley beach remains of the canons. Above: Slave fort remains, Bunce Island Above: Women selling local food. Below: Banana Island
south-west coast (the ‘hump’) of Africa, 900 kilometres
north of the equator. It covers an area of 73,326 square
Mountain Villages
kilometres (27,925 square miles), including some 360
Villages such as Regent, Bathurst, Leicester and
kilometres (212 miles) of North Atlantic Ocean coastline
Gloucester, situated along the hills overlooking the city,
offering some of the best beaches on the continent.
are well worth a visit. Interesting Krio-style houses
(wooden board walls), some dating from the early 19th
Population
century, still remain intact. From Regent walk through
The population of Sierra Leone is 5.6 million and is
Krio villages to Charlotte Falls or climb Sugar Loaf
home to 16 ethnic groups.
Mountain, one of the highest points on the peninsula.
Contact the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone for
Political Status
assistance with planning hiking routes.
Sierra Leone operates a multi-party democracy with
a stable political climate that is tolerant and fosters
For a taste of rural Sierra Leone, a trip to see some of
peaceful co-existence amongst its citizens.
the villages in the provinces is a must. Stop at any village
on the journey ‘upline’ to experience the genuine warmth
Religion
and hospitality of Sierra Leoneans and gain an insight into
The two dominant religions are Islam and Christianity.
Above: Village scene. Below: Arts & crafts their way of life. Venture to Rogbonko Village Retreat near Above: Bathurst villaage. Below: Central Freetown Below: One of Sierra Leone’s many rare butterflys
Sierra Leone is a leading example of religious tolerance.
Magburaka for a clean comfortable accommodation in a
beautiful village in the rain forest.
Language
While English is the official language, Krio is the lingua
franca, . Sierra Leoneans will be thrilled to hear a visitor Freetown
use some basic Krio words such as: ‘kusheh’ meaning
hello and ‘tenki’ - thank you. Freetown is a vibrant and energetic city with colourful
markets and a maze of streets and alleyways. Don’t
Culture miss the original Fourah Bay College ruins (which earned
Sierra Leoneans have a unique blend of cultural Sierra Leone the title of ‘the Athens of Africa’), Big Market
traditions. They are vibrant, exuberant and expressive (a crafts market), the Cotton Tree (a spectacular and
people and their cultural values, traditions and belief iconic cotton tree in the centre of Freetown), the National
systems are widely practiced and respected. Museum, and the Sierra Leone Railway Museum.

Relaxation Banana Island

Enjoy one of five chilled out beaches, take a break in Adventure Outamba Kilimi National Park
Located north-east of Kamakwie in the Bombali district,
one of the low-key restaurants, take a walk in the ‘bush’ Outamba Kilimi National Park contains a mixed landscape
or visit historical sites such as the Portuguese ramparts, of hills, grasslands, rainforests and rivers to be explored
Beaches the canons from 1813 and the church ruins. The strip Mountains and Hills on foot or by boat. Track rare elephants and buffaloes
of water between Ricketts and Mes Mieux is great for through dense bush, hire a canoe and observe hippos
Relax on Lumley beach in Freetown, explore the gold snorkeling. Other activities include fishing with the local Sierra Leone offers great opportunities for walking and relaxing in their pools, or listen to the songs of the rich
sand beaches of Lakka, Hamilton and Sussex, or enjoy fishermen, visiting a bat cave or bird watching on land hiking. Climb Bintumani Mountain, walk in the Tingi bird-life (over 100 species) and the alarm calls of the
the clean white stretches of palm-lined beach at River or sea, where water fowl nest on a small nearby island. Hills or take a dip in Lake Sonfon. The Bumbuna Falls, various primates while silently paddling along the river.
No. 2 and Tokeh. Black Johnson is a black-sand beach with its huge volume of water rushing over rocks into Simple accommodation is available on site. Make enquiries
followed by Bureh Town, Kent, York and Mama Beach. a pool below, are a dramatic and inspiring sight. There before you travel.
Walk along deserted stretches of idyllic palm tree-lined are also many forest paths and walks in the area and
beach, sunbathe, frolic in the ocean or, for the more hiking routes into the Sula Mountains.
Above: Turtle Island. Below: Wara Wara mountain Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
adventurous, go surfing or take a boat trip.
Tiwai Island is part of the Upper Guinea Rainforest and is
Wara Wara Mountains in Kabala situated 50km south of Kenema on the Moa River. The island
River No.2 – Community Based Eco-tourism The Wara Wara mountains are a magical place and is covered in rainforest and is host to eleven primates making
River No.2 is one of Sierra Leone’s finest white sand an ideal spot for the adventurous at heart. Located it the second most densely populated area for primates in
beaches backed by luscious tree-covered mountains in Koinadugu District around five hours drive from the world including the rare Black and White Colobus, the
that slope down to the sea. There is solar-powered Freetown, Wara Wara offers endless possibilities for Olive Colobus, Diana Monkeys and Chimpanzees. The island
accommodation and a restaurant, all run entirely by the interesting hikes and walks in the hills that spread out is also host to a large variety of other rare and endemic
community as a tourist facility. All proceeds from tourist to the north-west of Kabala. Ask your host, hotel, or species including 135 known bird species and the elusive
revenue go into a community fund for development. handling agent or contact the National Tourist Board to Pygmy Hippopotamus. Simple accommodation is available
arrange a unique experience to this enchanting place. on the island.
Fishing
Gola Rainforest National Park
Sport fishing is an ideal pastime in Sierra Leone. Wildlife Some 40km east of Kenema is the Gola Rainforest National
Thanks to the rich Atlantic Ocean where Barracuda, Park. The forest is home to the most interesting and
Bonita, Salmon, Lobster, Crab and Catfish are plentiful. There is a wonderful diversity of wildlife in Sierra spectacular diversity of wildlife in West Africa including
Join the local fishermen in popular fishing villages such Leone with a total of twenty-one protected areas. The over 330 bird species, over 650 species of butterfly and 49
as Lumley Beach, Murray Town, Funkia, Tombo, and Above: River No. 2 Beach. Below: Chain fishing Below: Hippos at Outamba Kilimi National Park following are some of the most compelling and special species of mammals including over 300 Chimpanzees. It is
Konakri-Dee to observe how they do it. Charter a boat places: also home to the pygmy hippopotamus and a small forest
from any of the beaches to go out on a fishing trip. elephant population. Accommodation is available on site in
Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary local community guesthouses.
Islands Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated in 100
acres of rainforest within the Western Area Reserve Lake Sonfon
Sierra Leone has some of the most un-spoilt and exotic about 30 minutes drive from Freetown and is home to Surrounded by hills, forest and savannah, Lake Sonfon
islands in the World. Covered with green jungle and more than 100 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. The is in Koinadugu district, in the north of Sierra Leone, and
skirted by white and golden sands, their breath-taking sanctuary is a leading advocate for wildlife and habitat serves as a water source for different species of birds.
scenery and relaxed island vibe are something special conservation in Sierra Leone. Take one of their scheduled More than 110 bird species have been identified in the
to be experienced. tours to view the chimps or stay overnight in one of their area including the Emerald Starling (native to Sierra
beautiful self-catering eco-lodges surrounded by pristine Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast) Herons and Egrets. No
rainforest. accommodation is available for overnight stays but visitors
can stay in nearby Kabala.