Things to do in Sierra Leone

25 things to do in Sierra Leone

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

  Walk through lush rainforest to spot rescued chimpanzees in one of Africa’s leading primate sanctuaries, set just outside Freetown.

  Freetown

• Tour Bunce Island slave fort

  Step onto the haunting ruins of an 18th-century British slave-trading fortress, perched on a remote island in the Sierra Leone River.

  Bunce Island

• Relax on River Number Two Beach

  Swim and sunbathe on one of West Africa’s most pristine white-sand beaches, backed by emerald hills and calm Atlantic waters.

  Western Area Peninsula

• Hike to the summit of Mount Bintumani

  Trek through cloud forest and montane grasslands to reach Sierra Leone’s highest peak for spectacular panoramic views.

  Loma Mountains

• Explore Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

  Paddle a canoe through riverine rainforest on an island teeming with rare primates, pygmy hippos, and exotic birds.

  Moa River, Eastern Province

• Surf at Bureh Beach

  Catch consistent Atlantic swells at a laid-back fishing village, now a favourite spot for surfers and ocean lovers.

  Bureh Town

• Discover the Gola Rainforest National Park

  Embark on a guided walk through one of West Africa’s last intact upper Guinean forests, home to forest elephants and Diana monkeys.

  Kenema District

• Wander through Freetown’s historic Cotton Tree district

  Begin under the centuries-old Cotton Tree, the symbolic heart of the capital, and explore colonial-era streets and colourful markets.

  Freetown

• Learn about Sierra Leone’s past at the National Museum

  See artifacts from ancient stone carvings to Temne and Mende cultural treasures, plus exhibits on the country’s independence.

  Freetown

• Observe the ruins of Old Fourah Bay College

  Ponder the remains of West Africa’s first university, a 19th-century stone building that once educated an elite generation.

  Freetown

• Enjoy live music at Lumley Beach

  Sip a drink and dance to local Afro-pop or palm-wine music as the sun sets over Freetown’s liveliest stretch of sand.

  Freetown

• Discover the hidden gem of Charlotte Falls

  Cool off in a natural rock pool beneath a cascading waterfall tucked into the forested hills above Freetown.

  Freetown

• Taste freshly caught lobster at Bureh Beach

  Feast on grilled lobster straight from the morning’s catch at a beachside shack, with your toes in the sand.

  Bureh Town

• Take a boat trip to the Banana Islands

  Cruise to two idyllic islands for snorkelling, historic slave-route relics, and a glimpse of the tiny fishing community of Dublin.

  Banana Islands

• Visit the Maroon community at King’s Yard Gate

  Stand at the entrance where freed enslaved Africans first settled in Freetown, now a vibrant community preserving Creole traditions.

  Freetown

• Climb the historic King’s Yard Steps to St. John’s Maroon Church

  Ascend a flight of worn stone steps to reach this 1820s church, a living monument to the Maroon settlers of Sierra Leone.

  Freetown

• Stroll through the bustling King Jimmy Market

  Weave through stalls piled with fresh produce, vibrant textiles, and handmade crafts in Freetown’s oldest bustling marketplace.

  Freetown

• Search for pygmy hippos at Outamba-Kilimi National Park

  Take a river safari through savanna-forest mosaic in a remote northern park to spot the elusive pygmy hippo and forest elephants.

  Bombali District

• Relax on Tokeh Beach

  Sink into powdery white sand at a crescent-shaped bay dotted with palm trees, a favourite escape from city bustle.

  Tokeh Village

• Discover the hidden Bumpetuk Waterfall near Bo

  Hike to a secluded cascade in the Southern Province, perfect for a refreshing swim in a lush forest setting few tourists find.

  Bo District

• Explore the historic King Jimmy Waterfront

  Walk along the quays where colonial-era ships once anchored, now a lively fishing harbour with views across the Sierra Leone River.

  Freetown

• Sample cassava leaf stew at a Kissy Road cookery

  Dig into a steaming bowl of Sierra Leone’s beloved cassava leaf dish, slow-cooked with palm oil and smoked fish, at a no-frills local eatery.

  Freetown

• Witness a traditional Bondo mask dance in a village near Bo

  Observe a secret-society performance with elaborately carved wooden masks, drumming, and vibrant costumes during a community festival.

  Bo District

• Take a day trip to Lakka Beach

  Unwind on a gentle arc of golden sand backed by lush vegetation, with calm waters ideal for swimming and a relaxed vibe.

  Lakka

• Explore the Turtle Islands by local canoe

  Paddle between tiny, ring-shaped islets in the Atlantic, visiting remote fishing communities and nesting sites for sea turtles.

  Turtle Islands