The 12 Prettiest Places in Sierra Leone Beaches, Islands & Rainforest

This region contains its highest peak, Mount Bintumani, which stands at 1,948 meters (6,391 ft). There are four distinct geographical regions in Sierra Leone. In comparison, it’s larger than Togo but smaller than Benin.

Except in truly remote places such as Tiwai and the Turtle Islands, I always had phone reception and internet connection (sometimes very basic, sometimes actually fast!). At the time of writing, the exchange rate is about $1 USD to SSL 10,000. A large Lebanese community moved to West Africa at the end of the 19th century, and made itself at home there, so you are guaranteed excellent quality Middle Eastern food (trust me, I know my Middle Eastern fare!). The main airport is Lungi International Airport, located in a suburb of Freetown.

I have a point of view and I don’t let other’s opinions of my body define me. Women re-discover their bodies and express themselves through Pin-Up photoshoots and I think it’s beautiful to watch. I love the fact that I am able connect with a variety of people from all over the world, it’s so rewarding. I want my children and their children’s children to remember the images that go with my name. Under the moniker The Pin-Up Noire she has a great following on social media and in the retro scenes. The new impossibly proportioned gal is fashioned through plastic surgery and great expense and sometimes even greater peril.

Simply avoid wearing flashy jewelry; don’t flash out your belongings – ie your iPhone or your big camera, and especially don’t hang your phone out of the car to take photos as that is a direct call for opportunists. Believed to be hundreds of years old, it is said to have played a vital role in the city’s history, when impoverished black settlers rested in its shade after landing in Freetown in 1787. Freetown’s most famous landmark is an enormous Cotton Tree located in the centre of the city.

Nova Scotians

And located close to Tiwai Island is the fantastic Gola Rainforest National Park – another must see place in Sierra Leone. Hiking is also available on the island, with the chance to spot a ton of amazing butterflies, monkeys and birds (including hornbills that sound like helicopters!), as well as to admire the lush tropical landscape. As no one on Tiwai itself, except a small research team, it’s in nearby mainland villages that you’ll find accommodation (mostly camping) and food options.

Now lying in ruins, it’s nevertheless still deeply moving and poignant to visit. A former slave colony, Bunce Island is home to one of the most significant slave fortresses in West Africa. It’s also a gorgeous sandy spot – one which locals flock to at the weekend to enjoy a good time. To be totally transparent, I actually don’t eat fish (shout out to my fellow veggies), but my co-travellers in Sierra Leone were mad for it and told me it was some of the best they’ve ever eaten. Palm tree-fringed white sandy days, lapped gently by the Atlantic waves, are what life is all about in this peaceful spot and, if you’re anything near as much of a beach lover as am I, then this one is a must!

Tiwai Island

The Europeans made payments, called Cole, for rent, tribute, and trading rights, to the king of an area. Following Sintra, European traders established fortified posts, engaging primarily in the slave https://matrixglobalsummit.in/ trade, which shaped the socio-economic landscape significantly. This naming has been subject to historical reinterpretation, suggesting earlier European knowledge of the region. The introduction of Islam by Susu traders, merchants and migrants in the 18th century further enriched the culture, eventually establishing a strong foothold in the north.

Sierra Leone’s history is marked by continuous human habitation for at least 2,500 years, influenced by migrations from across Africa. Sierra Leone maintains membership in several international organisations, including the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Commonwealth of Nations, among others. Sadly, Lumley Beach in Freetown is a bit of a mess, with lots of rubbish, but the beaches on the Freetown Peninsula are beuatiful.

Under international pressure, Strasser announces plans for the first multi-party elections since 1967. Britain sets up a protectorate over the Freetown hinterland. C 500BC onwards – Sierra Leone is settled by successive groups of peoples, though its dense tropical rainforest partially isolates the region from other West African cultures. Media freedom in Sierra Leone has its limits; media rights monitors say high-level corruption is a taboo topic, with officials using libel laws to target errant journalists. But the country’s modern history has been overshadowed by a brutal civil war that ended in 2002 with the help of Britain, the former colonial power, and a large United Nations peacekeeping mission.

History

The settlement of Sierra Leone in the 1800s was unique in that the population was composed of displaced Africans, brought to the colony after the British abolition of the slave trade in 1807. Sierra Leone developed as an educational centre in West Africa, with the establishment of Fourah Bay College in 1827, attracting English-speaking Africans from across the region. Between the 18th and 19th century, freed African Americans, some Americo Liberian “refugees”, and particularly Afro-Caribbeans, mainly Jamaican Maroons, also immigrated and settled in Freetown. These Liberated Africans or recaptives were sold for $20 a head as apprentices to the white settlers, Nova Scotian Settlers, and the Jamaican Maroons.

You’re Going to Need a Bigger Bag

This top thing to do in Sierra Leone actually makes for the perfect end to your trip here, but I’ve included it in at number 3, because it’s situated just down the road from Freetown. After that, don’t miss the National Railway Museum, where enthusiastic staff will share the tale of the railway’s peak in Sierra Leone, as well as its sad demise. The National Museum is a good place to start to learn more about the 18 ethnic communities that form the majority of Sierra Leone’s population, as well as the country’s history and development. After all, this is where most travellers are likely to begin their journey, given the country’s only international airport is located just beyond the city.

Most visitors need a visa

• But if it’s wildlife you want to spot in Sierra Leone, then one place you have to head for is Tiwai Island.
• Sierra Leone suffers from epidemic outbreaks of diseases, including yellow fever, cholera, Ebola, lassa fever and meningitis.
• Media in Sierra Leone began with the introduction of the first printing press in Africa at the start of the 19th century.

It exists, but it’s far from the polished, well-trodden paths you’ll find in other parts of Africa. Gently blow it off or pick it up carefully, then wash the area immediately with soap and water to reduce the risk of irritation. The sting isn’t immediate – it develops over a couple of days. If you accidentally brush against or squish one on your skin (as I did), it releases a chemical called pederin, which can cause a nasty burn. Other names I’ve heard it called include ‘Dragon Bug’ and ‘Acid Bug’ – see where I’m going with this? There is a small creature in Sierra Leone called the ‘Champion’.

It’s safer than you think

Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade as the departure point for thousands of west African captives. From prehistory to the earliest civilizations, nude female figures were generally understood to be symbols of fertility or well-being.

• These former slaves were called “Nova Scotians” as before settling in West Africa they had traveled to the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia after leaving the southern United States.
• Established in 1670, Bunce Island, an uninhabited island located around 20 miles up the Sierra Leone River from Freetown, was one of more than sixty slave-trading forts on the West African coast.
• Strasser was immediately flown into exile in a military helicopter to Conakry, Guinea.
• This beautiful, pristine sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and home to Sierra Leone’s highest concentration of primates and other animals, including western chimpanzees, black-and-white Diana monkeys, bush babies and 135 bird species.

Secure Payments

They began moving into Sierra Leone slowly and peacefully in the eighteenth century. The two largest mosques in Sierra Leone are the Freetown Central Mosque and the Ghadafi Central Mosque, both located in the capital Freetown. English is the official language, spoken at schools, government administration and in the media. The Western Area Urban District, including Freetown, the capital and largest city, has a population density of 1,224 persons per square km. The population is mostly young, with an estimated 41.7% under 15, and rural, with an estimated 62% of people living outside the cities. The burning of these sources has been reported to have adverse health effects on women and children.

As a result, in 1968, for the first time in human history, a World Constituent Assembly convened to draft and adopt the Constitution for the Federation of Earth. Sierra Leone Police was established by the British colony in 1894; it is one of the oldest police forces in West Africa. In the early 19th century, Freetown served as the residence of the British colonial governor of the region, who also administered the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and the Gambia settlements. The 15th century marked the beginning of European interaction with Sierra Leone, highlighted by Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra mapping the region in 1462 and naming it after the lioness mountains. Iron technology had been adopted by the 9th century and agriculture established by 1000 AD along the coast. So, if you hear either of these terms being called out (repeatedly and at high speed/volume) as you walk or drive by – usually by very excited children (and some adults) you now know why.

Sierra Leone is home to one of the last stretches of ancient rainforest in West Africa

One of the country’s top safari spots, and the first national park in Sierra Leone, you can again see monkeys (10 species including chimpanzees), hippos, birds and even potentially elephants in this epic spot. On the way to Tacugama, don’t miss the epic Leicester Peak lookout which gives amazing views over the whole of Freetown. You can even stay onsite to enjoy hikes and bird watching experiences too if you want to extend your time here. Staying with locals in simple accommodation within the park is the only option here, but it’s a real adventure for those who aren’t scared to rough it a little. If you missed the pygmy hippos in Tiwai, Gola provides your second chance to see them, as well as spot Colobus monkeys, birds (including the rare picathartes), reptiles and creepy crawlies.

The war also caused the displacement of more than 2 million people – around one-third of Sierra Leone’s population at the time. Sierra Leone has a simple horizontally striped green, white and blue flag. Established in 1670, Bunce Island, an uninhabited island located around 20 miles up the Sierra Leone River from Freetown, was one of more than sixty slave-trading forts on the West African coast. Sierra Leone is located in West Africa on the Atlantic coast and bordered by Guinea and Liberia. The most interesting facts about Sierra Leone, from a history intertwined with slavery to a giant cotton tree in its capital city. First local elections in more than three decades; war crimes trials begin into atrocities committed by both sides during the fighting.

Peace Process

Sierra Leone has a painful history – but its people know how to celebrate life. Let’s take a quick look into the history of The World Factbook. Let’s go through this long and fascinating history of the pin-up girl. When most of us think about Pin-up Girls, your mind most likely goes to vintage vixens from World War II, and the famous women who made the genre popular. Despite the War-time economy, women were encouraged to keep buying lipsticks and to send letters to the front, covered in lipstick-kisses to boost the moral of the soldiers. Both the extended family and the community participate in the upbringing of children.

Sierra Leone is located in western Africa next to the Atlantic Ocean. But at the equivalent tournament in 2006, Division Three of the African region of the World Cricket League, it finished as runner-up to Mozambique, and just missed promotion to Division Two. Many Sierra Leonean youth, children and adults follow the major football leagues in Europe, particularly the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga and French Ligue 1. The Sierra Leone national football team, popularly known as the Leone Stars, represents the country in international competitions. The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) ran one of the most popular stations in the country, broadcasting programmes in a range of languages. Print media is not widely read in Sierra Leone, especially outside Freetown and other major cities, partially due to the low levels of literacy in the country.

You’re Going to Need a Bigger Bag

In some places, they are called ‘Pumwe’ (I think that’s how it’s spelled). Locals also sometimes quote prices in the old format, so don’t be surprised if you hear amounts in the thousands! They are located on opposite sides of a lagoon and have incredibly fine, white and and clear waters, and both are equipped with sun loungers, restaurants and bars. Avoid drinks containing ice unless you are certain that ice is prepared using purified water, and likewise, don’t eat salad unless you know it’s been washed in purified water. Fourah Bay College opened in 1827 and at the time was the only alternative to Europe and America for British colony West Africans who wanted a university degree.

Lucky visitors might glimpse forest elephants, chimpanzees, or the elusive pygmy hippopotamus. Discover the vibrant culture and history of Freetown as you stroll through its bustling streets People-watching here becomes its own entertainment as locals and visitors dance to West African beats against spectacular ocean sunset backdrops. The symbolic Cotton Tree in the city center has witnessed centuries of history since returning freed slaves first gathered beneath its branches. Most visitors find themselves extending their stay, captivated by the island’s simple magic.

Sierra Leone has some incredible beaches, the best I have seen in West Africa for sure. Either way, the moral of this story is… make sure you always ask to see the top chief first (whichever one that may be at that time) and seek his permission before you do anything. We heard the words ‘big mistake’ numerous times as they argued in Krio. When we visited the remote Turtle Islands, home to the Sherbro people, we stayed on an island called Bakie and visited another island called Sei. I love to travel solo and don’t mind my own company, but I don’t think I would have enjoyed it half as much in Sierra Leone had I not travelled in a group.

The national football team of Sierra Leone is called the Leone Stars. Football is the most popular sport in Sierra Leone. Afropop, rap, reggae, Grime, R&B, and Dancehall styles of music and dance are also popular in the country, especially among the youth.

Take care on the roads – and look out for your valuables

During the Civil War (1991–2002), many soldiers took part in atrocities and many children were forced to fight. For every 100 liveborn children, one mother dies due to complications of giving birth. Sierra Leone suffers from epidemic outbreaks of diseases, including yellow fever, cholera, Ebola, lassa fever and meningitis. The Sierra Leone Civil War resulted in the destruction of 1,270 primary schools, and in 2001, 67% of all school-age children were out of school. In Sierra Leone, normally, men are automatically positioned as household heads; and their status does not change if their marital status changes over time.

This time of year is best avoided as some roads can become completely impassable, mudslides are common and the mosquitoes are at their worst. It’s pretty humid all the time, but less so December to March! Most visitors to the country travel between December and February. The term is named after the Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra, one of the first European visitors to the area and the person who named the country ‘Sierra Leoa,’ meaning ‘Lion Mountains.’