Things to Do in Sierra Leone

From the white-sand beaches of the Freetown Peninsula to the history of Bunce Island - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them.

Travel guide - last updated September 2026

Sierra Leone has rebuilt considerably since a civil war ended in 2002, and the Freetown Peninsula's beaches are increasingly drawing comparisons to the Caribbean for their quality, with a fraction of the visitor numbers. The country's role in the transatlantic slave trade is documented directly at Bunce Island, a short boat trip from the capital. Here are 4 places worth building a trip around.

Top attractions

The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.

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Freetown Peninsula Beaches

A string of white-sand beaches south of the capital, including River Number Two Beach and Tokeh Beach, regularly compared favorably to more famous Caribbean beaches.

📍 Freetown Peninsula

🚉 The peninsula road runs south from Freetown past Lumley, River No. 2 and Tokeh - poda-poda minibuses and shared taxis cover it, and the sea taxi from Aberdeen shortcuts the city traffic.

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Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A sanctuary in the hills above Freetown rehabilitating orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, with guided visits explaining the conservation work involved.

📍 Near Freetown

🚉 The sanctuary is 30 minutes from central Freetown in the Western Area forest, up a steep track that needs a 4x4 or a booked transfer - visits are by scheduled tour only.

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Bunce Island

A former British slave-trading post in the Sierra Leone River, with ruins that provide a direct, sobering look at the region's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

📍 Sierra Leone River, near Freetown

🚉 The slave-trading fort is on an island in the Sierra Leone river, reached by chartered boat from Freetown's Aberdeen or Government Wharf, about 90 minutes each way.

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Tiwai Island

A wildlife sanctuary on the Moa River known for exceptionally high primate diversity, including the rare pygmy hippo, in a community-managed conservation area.

📍 Moa River, Southern Province

🚉 The river island reserve is in the south-east near Potoru, six to eight hours from Freetown by road, then a canoe crossing - visits are arranged with the island's community-run office.

Mark Sierra Leone, get the stamp

🇸🇱SIERRA LEONEVISITED

🇸🇱SIERRA LEONELIVED

🇸🇱SIERRA LEONEWISHLIST

In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.

Open MyPassportStory

Planning questions

How many days do you need in Sierra Leone?

A week suits Freetown, its peninsula beaches and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary well, with an extension to Tiwai Island for those with more time.

What's the best time to visit Sierra Leone?

November-April is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. The wet season (May-October) brings very heavy rain, among the highest in West Africa.

Is Sierra Leone good for a first-time visit?

Yes - Freetown and its peninsula beaches are increasingly well set up for tourism, and English as the official language helps for independent travel.

Do I need a visa to visit Sierra Leone?

Most nationalities need a visa, though many can apply for an e-visa online in advance. Check the official visa information for your nationality: evisa.gov.sl.

What are some things to do in Sierra Leone on a tight budget?

The Freetown Peninsula's beaches are largely free to enjoy, local Sierra Leonean food is inexpensive, and shared poda-poda minibuses are a cheap way to travel around the peninsula.

Can I rent a car in Sierra Leone, and what licence do I need?

Rental usually comes with a driver, which most visitors take - the peninsula road is fine, but inland routes are laterite and the rainy season from May to November washes them out. A foreign licence with an International Driving Permit is accepted for visits of up to three months, and the minimum age is generally 25. A 4x4 is needed for Tacugama's access track and anything upcountry. Confirm current requirements with a Sierra Leonean embassy before travelling.