Under the leadership of tourism minister Nabeela Tunis, who has launched an ambitious 10-year National Strategic Tourism Plan emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable development, the country is actively courting international visitors while ensuring local communities benefit from tourism growth.
The signs of transformation are everywhere, from a new solar-powered international airport in Freetown to actor Idris Elba’s sustainable smart city project on Sherbro Island (Elba’s father was born in Sierra Leone). For adventurous travelers, this creates a unique window of opportunity: a chance to experience one of Africa’s last undiscovered destinations before the crowds arrive.
Sierra Leone’s roughly 250 miles of coastline remains largely unexplored by international visitors. The Banana Islands, a short boat ride from Kent on the Freetown Peninsula, offer a perfect introduction to the country’s coastal charm. This trio of islands, where cars and electricity are scarce, provides an authentic off-the-grid experience. The stylish Old Turtle Bay Guesthouse or the budget-friendly Daltons Banana Guesthouse, both offering direct beach access and opportunities for snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Travelers can immerse themselves in local life by joining fishermen for traditional net fishing, learning to extract palm wine or enjoying evening beach barbecues with freshly caught fish grilled over open fires.
Local flavors
For food enthusiasts, Sierra Leone offers a great culinary offering. Local markets burst with fresh catches from the Atlantic, including barracuda, snapper and lobster, often served with traditional jollof rice or cassava leaves. Street food in Freetown introduces visitors to pepper soup, grilled meat skewers called “chop sticks” and fresh coconut water sold by local vendors. The country’s signature dish, plasas (a type of stew), represents the unique fusion of African and Creole influences that characterizes Sierra Leonean cuisine.
Sierra Leone is a biodiversity hotspot. Tiwai Island, a sanctuary for one of the world’s highest concentrations of primates, including 11 different species, draws wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Comfortable eco-lodges and camping facilities managed by the Environmental Foundation for Africa enable visitors to immerse themselves in the rainforest, waking up to the sounds of hornbills and the rustle of pygmy hippos.
For a deeper jungle experience, head to the Gola Rainforest National Park, a Unesco-listed reserve protecting chimpanzees, forest elephants and other rare species. Community-run guesthouses provide basic but comfortable accommodations, enabling visitors to contribute to conservation efforts. Explore the rainforest through night safaris, guided canoe expeditions along the Moa River, specialized photography tours or multiday hiking expeditions with local guides.
Cultural pursuits
Culture-seekers and those interested in responsible tourism will find particular appeal in the traditional villages surrounding these natural areas. The Rogbonko Village Retreat, near Makeni, offers an authentic glimpse into rural Sierra Leonean life, with visitors staying in traditional thatched-roof huts and participating in daily village activities.
Festival-goers should time their visits to coincide with events like the Tangains Festival, celebrating Sierra Leone’s traditional masked devils, or the vibrant December-January holiday season when Freetown comes alive with street parades and music performances. The annual Lantern Festival, held every April to mark Independence Day, transforms Freetown’s streets into a spectacular display of illuminated art and cultural pride.
While the country’s tourism infrastructure is still developing, this adds to its charm for adventurous travelers seeking experiences rather than luxury. The country offers something increasingly rare: the chance to explore a destination before it becomes a tourist cliche. As Sierra Leone embraces sustainable tourism, this window of opportunity won’t stay open for long. Be among the first to witness the rise of West Africa’s next great travel destination.
To learn more about the country and everything it has to offer visitors, go to the Visit Sierra Leone website.
