Sierra Leone

Situated on the West African coast between Guinea and Liberia, Sierra Leone boasts many natural features essential for a tourist destination under the tropical sunshine.

Over 300 miles (483km) of coastline with stretches of palm-fringed sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, verdant hills, and a wonderful blend of history and culture, offer many attractions and activities for visitors. However, with the brutality of a long civil war still too fresh in the memories of many, it may take some time before the hoards discover the hidden treasures of this beautiful little country, and until a formal tourism industry is recognised.

For those ahead of the pack, however, Sierra Leone affords a warm and friendly welcome. The main focus is on its stunning beaches where a variety of watersports, including diving, fishing and surfing, are on offer. The capital and commercial centre, Freetown, is rich in history, originally founded as a stopover for sea merchants and later becoming an important centre for slave trade in the mid-1500s. Eighteen miles (29km) from Freetown at the mouth of the Sierra Leone River is the historic fort on Bunce Island, established in 1670 as the biggest slave-trading fortress on the 'Rice Coast' of West Africa, where thousands of slaves were shipped to North America. In Freetown itself, there are plenty of historically significant landmarks relating to slavery, including the famous Cotton Tree, the Slave Gate, and the Portuguese Steps, while the hills overlooking the city are scattered with mountain villages built by resettled American slaves.

Sierra Leone's wildlife is diverse and protected within conservation areas such as Outamba Kilimi National Park, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown, and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary on the Moa River, which is renowned for its flora and fauna, boasting 11 different species of primate. The Tingi Hills are popular for hiking, with breathtaking mountain scenery and a variety of bird and animal life, while Mount Bintumani and Lake Sonfron offer various mountain activities.

Sierra Leone is a nation with enormous potential and a bright future in tourism if the situation remains stable and the economy strengthens. It encompasses a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and natural resources within its borders that will reward intrepid travellers seeking a largely unexplored gem within the African continent.

Climate

Sierra Leone experiences a hot and humid tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The summer rainy season is between May and October with most rain falling in July and August. Temperatures average 86°F (30°C) throughout the year with night time temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C). The Harmattan desert wind blows between November and February, relieving the high humidity in Freetown and making this period the coolest time of year in the city.

Money

The official currency is the Leone (SLL), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, foreign exchange bureaux or hotels and travellers cheques can be cashed at banks although they are not recommended. Banks are open on weekdays only. The use of credit cards is very limited, although a few top hotels and restaurants in Freetown might accept them for payment. ATMs do not accept foreign cards.

Passport Visa

A Landing Permit (visa) can be obtained on arrival by some countries if there is no diplomatic representation at point of origin and if a letter of invitation is provided. This can be organised by a sponsor or host with the Principal Immigration Officer in Freetown. The Freetown office of the visitor's airline must also receive a list stating flight number, date of arrival, name, nationality and passport number of each passenger 48 hours in advance. Visas must otherwise be obtained prior to arrival in country of origin. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
• UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
• Canadians require a visa and a valid passport.
• Australians require a visa and a valid passport.
• South Africans require a visa and a valid passport.
• Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

Health

Health policies require that all travellers arriving from a yellow fever area have a vaccination certificate, but yellow fever is a risk throughout the country and immunisation is recommended for all visitors. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio. Malaria and dengue fever are high risks and precautions against mosquito bites are advised, as well as prophylaxis for malaria, which occurs throughout the year. Outbreaks of Lassa fever is endemic in the east. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Diarrhoea and dysentery are common complaints and water should be treated before drinking. Cholera is also a concern. Travellers should bring adequate supplies of personal medication to the country, as supplies are often not available in pharmacies. Medical care is limited in Freetown and almost non-existent elsewhere. An emergency hospital is located near Freetown, but the bad road makes it difficult to get there; there is no ambulance service in the country. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised, which includes emergency evacuation.

Embassy Consulates

• Sierra Leone Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 939 9261.
• Sierra Leone High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7404 0140.
• Sierra Leone High Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (also responsible for South Africa): +251 (0)1 710 033.
• Sierra Leone High Commission, Beijing, China (also responsible for New Zealand): +86 10 6532 3752.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Freetown: +232 (0)22 515 000.
• British High Commission, Freetown: +232 (0)22 232 961.
• Canadian Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 (0)2 030 0700.
• Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +233 21 701 2961.
• South African Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 2244 5963.
• Irish Honorary Consul General, Freetown: +232 (0)22 222 017.