Check the weather city by city, starting with Freetown.
Sierra Leone is a destination undergoing a tourism renaissance, with some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa still almost deserted. Freetown and its iconic Cotton Tree, Tiwai Island (sanctuary of the pygmy hippopotamus and colobus monkeys), the beaches of Tokeh and River No. 2, and the Tacugama chimpanzee sanctuary make up an exceptional natural itinerary.
Freetown, founded in 1787 to house freed slaves, has a unique history tied to abolition. The iconic Cotton Tree at the heart of the city, the National Museum, the Krio Cotton Tree district and Banana Island tell this singular story against a backdrop of vibrant African life.
Highlights : Cotton Tree — iconic kapok tree, symbol of the city, Sierra Leone National Museum, Bunce Island — former slave trading post, Freetown Market — Lumley Market.
The Freetown Peninsula is home to exceptionally beautiful, still little-visited white sand beaches. River No. 2 Beach, framed by palm trees and a lagoon, and Tokeh Beach rank among the most beautiful beaches in West Africa.
Highlights : River No. 2 Beach — lagoon and palm trees, a top African beach, Tokeh Beach — pristine white sand beach, Kent Beach at the tip of the peninsula, Bureh Beach — waves for surfing.
Tiwai Island, in the Moa River, is a private nature sanctuary home to one of the highest densities of primates in the world. Visitors can observe 11 primate species including the endangered Diana monkey, the sooty mangabey, and above all the pygmy hippopotamus in its natural habitat.
Highlights : Pygmy hippopotamus — an extremely rare species, Diana monkey and 10 other primate species, Canoe trip around the island.
Sierra Leone is affordable for travellers, even though prices have risen with the tourism revival. Freetown and the beaches remain cheap by international standards, and the quality of fresh fish and seafood is excellent.