In case you weren’t within the know already, then let me inform you Sierra Leone’s seashores are among the world’s most lovely!
Who knew proper?!
Effectively not me both, till I visited this unimaginable nation and noticed for myself how attractive the white sands, blue Atlantic and palm tree-fringed shores of this nation’s shoreline had been.
And also you received’t be preventing any crowds to take pleasure in it both.
One of many world’s least visited international locations, but providing a lot, Sierra Leone goes to be making an enormous splash on the vacationer path simply you wait!
So in order for you my recommendation, it’s to get there earlier than everybody else!
And, to make issues even higher, Sierra Leone’s peak journey season falls between December and February, which means lapping up its superb seashores make for the right winter solar getaway!
With direct flights from Europe, the capital Freetown not solely boasts the nation’s airport, however can also be near all of Sierra Leone’s greatest seashores – which means getting your sea, sand and solar repair is simply a brief hop away.
to study extra?
Then learn on to find the highest 6 Sierra Leone seashores, how one can get there, the place to remain and what to anticipate out of your time on this West African shoreline…
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My journey to Sierra Leone was sponsored by the Sierra Leone Nationwide Vacationer Board, however as at all times, all views are my very own.
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Sierra Leone Seashores: The Fundamentals
In order I discussed within the introduction, there’s 2 sensible, sensible issues about Sierra’s greatest seashores.
Firstly, it pays to know that the right time to go to them is throughout Europe’s coldest months, i.e. December to February, which makes this West African nation the right adventurous winter solar getaway.
Simply 6 hours by direct flight, or an in a single day flight if it’s a must to transit (which can most definitely be in Morocco’s Casablanca), this nation just isn’t distant and the truth that you’ll stay in the identical time zone because the UK, makes all of the distinction.
No jetlag – hoorah!
Secondly, Sierra Leone’s greatest seashores all lie near the capital Freetown, which makes accessing them from the capital (the place the worldwide airport lies) fairly easy… no less than in West Africa phrases!
All of the seashores may be reached in max 3 hours from Freetown, with the closest of them being only a 30 minute drive away.
From Freetown to white sand tropical bliss in below an hour? Sure please!
And in terms of non-practical, however key particulars, I’ve to level out that Sierra Leone’s seashores actually are among the most lovely on this planet I’ve visited… and greatest, of all, there’s hardly anybody there!
Given how few vacationers come to this nation, you actually received’t be preventing anybody for a lounger, however as an alternative usually tend to have these white sands and beautiful blue ocean views all to your self.
And eventually, provided that Sierra Leone’s shoreline faces west – it’s the Atlantic Ocean right here you see – attractive ocean sunsets are yours for the taking, each night!
So if I’ve bought you on precisely why Sierra Leone’s seashores are so fab, then learn on to find my high 6 picks…
#1 Tokeh Seaside
Coming in at #1 on this listing of the highest Sierra Leone seashores, it’s my absolute favorite!
Token Seaside is located on the Freetown peninsula, about an hour drive’s away from the capital.
However let me inform you, this place feels prefer it’s 1,000,000 miles from town.
Splendidly peaceable, with an enormous, close to abandoned stretch of white sand, this place seems like an remoted slice of paradise… one which only some folks find out about!
And overlook high-rise lodges lining the shore, or any huge resorts for that matter, as a result of there’s only a few low-rise lodging choices right here (providing cabin-style lodging that blends in with the palm timber!), plus some native fishermen hauling of their each day catch.
The ocean is pleasant – calm and perfect for swimming – and the cool breeze that blows in at Token will hold you good and recent because the temperatures rise throughout this beautiful a part of Sierra Leone’s shoreline.
Grabbing a taxi from Freetown is one of the simplest ways to achieve Token Seaside and, when you’re right here, there’s no query it is advisable verify in to the marvellous Tokeh Seaside Resort.
Immediately behind the shoreline, with loungers and parasols arrange so that you can take pleasure in, this unimaginable spot affords beautiful clear and comfy lodging, with an onsite restaurant serving up the largest lobsters I’ve ever seen!
Vegetarian travellers (comme moi!) are catered for too and there’s additionally a bar, wifi, sizzling water and aircon (no less than between the hours of 7pm and 7am).
Do your self a favour and, in the event you come to Sierra Leone, don’t miss this unimaginable spot!
#2 No 2 Seaside
And simply up the highway from Tokeh Seaside (and after I say simply up the highway, I imply you may actually stroll all the way in which up the seaside to achieve it), No 2 Seaside is one other high hitter on my coastal Sierra Leone favs.
Referred to as Quantity 2 Seaside, as a result of it sits on the mouth of the Quantity 2 River (sure, that’s what it’s referred to as), this nice strip of sand took me about half-hour to stroll to alongside the shoreline from Token Seaside – and collectively they make the right coastal mixture.
Whereas Tokeh feels just like the spot to loosen up and get away from all of it, Quantity 2 Seaside is certainly a bit extra occurring, with some small bars, cafes and eating places lining the sand, in addition to a neighborhood crafts market and village behind.
That mentioned, it’s nonetheless all very lowkey right here – suppose wood seaside hut bars – and brilliantly, the entire space is owned and run by the neighborhood as a tourism growth initiative.
Quantity 2 Seaside additionally is legendary after Bounty’s iconic ‘Style of Paradise’ advert was filmed there within the Nineteen Eighties!
Barely nearer to Freetown than Token Seaside, Quantity 2 Seaside is the right place to flee town for a day and revel in lunch with a view of the ocean.
In any other case, keep for the night and watch issues get full of life, particularly on the weekend, as this place is a neighborhood fav!
Lodging right here is supplied in easy lodgings within the village, and once more, it’s greatest to catch a taxi to Quantity 2 Seaside from Freetown, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in just a few native beers whilst you’re there.
#3 Bureh Seaside
However transferring away from Freetown now, we come to Bureh Seaside, greatest often called the surf capital of Sierra Leone.
And belief me, this seaside is ready for giant issues, with its location and choices completely primed for the backpacker market as soon as they begin arriving in West Africa.
With a surf faculty that provides classes, in addition to a yoga studio that provides courses, this spot is certainly extra tailor-made in the direction of the finances finish of the market, with lodging accessible in easy beachside cabanas.
Keep the night time nevertheless and also you’ll be rewarded with having the ability to roll away from bed within the morning, run throughout the white sand and leap straight into the fantastic Atlantic Ocean for a swim – what a strategy to begin the day!
At then, as soon as night arrives, it’s time to seize dinner at a neighborhood beachside café and revel in a sundowner infront of a tremendous ocean sundown.
Rinse and repeat based on the size of your keep.
Funds journey in West Africa at its easiest I’d say!
#4 Banana Island – Dublin
And from Bureh Seaside, you may then take an organised tour to the incredible Banana Island.
An thrilling boat experience away from the Freetown Peninsula, journeys to Banana Island can be organized from the capital itself, or contact an lodging supplier on the island to rearrange your boat voyage, most of which depart from the settlement of Kent, simply alongside the coast from Bureh Seaside.
The very best place to remain on Banana Island for my part, is the quirky Bafa Resort, which boasts snug and spacious safari-style tents perched proper above the water.
With a fan and energy factors inside, you’ll go to sleep right here to the sound of the waves that lap on the shores of this peaceable island.
A welcoming local people on the island additionally signifies that taking a stroll via the village on the principle Banana Island, Dublin, is a should to discover native historical past and see how villagers stay among the many multitude of papaya, mango, coconut and, shock shock, banana timber.
This place completely jogged my memory of my time spent in Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, as a result of with no automobiles, few retailers and restricted facilities, it truly is the right escape!
Banana Island energy may be patchy, so deliver your headtorch, however Bafa Resort affords sizzling showers care of unpolluted communal loos and scrumptious meals and cocktails from its beachside bar / restaurant.
There’s additionally kayak, pedal boats and snorkelling gear accessible to lease.
The shoreline on the principle Banana island of Dublin (as a result of there’s really 3 on this archipelago) is made up of small coves, however the orange sand and picturesque setting is a delight and the right spot to take pleasure in a digital detox.
Robinson Crusoe, eat your coronary heart out!
#5 Tasso Island
And whereas we’re on the island theme, one other of the highest Sierra Leone seashores you need to go to is that of Tasso Island.
Located nearer to Freetown – you may motor out from the boat membership within the capital direct to Tasso Island in about an hour – this superb island is the right place to move for a tropical, beachside lunch.
The good eco neighborhood tourism initiative on Tasso serves up recent seafood caught by native fishermen and is completely washed down with a neighborhood beer and a swim.
You may as well keep the night time in fundamental, beachside stilted huts right here, that are additionally run by the neighborhood, in any other case proceed your day by heading on to Bunce Island, only a quick boat experience away.
A former slave colony, Bunce Island is now UNESCO listed, and heading right here with a information to study concerning the West African slave commerce is an important a part of travelling Sierra Leone.
Understanding this nation’s troublesome previous, and the function the British colonisers, particularly, performed in it, is a key a part of exploring this nation.
#6 Lakka Seaside
And final however not least on this listing of greatest Sierra Leone seashores, it’s time to move again to Freetown, or no less than to the outskirts, as a result of in at quantity 6, it’s Lakka Seaside.
Only a quick drive from the Freetown district of Aberdeen, the place you’re more likely to be staying within the capital (and the place the airport sea ferry service arrives into – study extra right here), Lakka Seaside is the perfect place to move for a sundown beer and a seafood dinner – particularly on the weekend.
A neighborhood favorite, this place is massive on the vibes (and the loud audio system), but additionally very real and genuine with its rustic beachside bars and welcoming service.
Comprising an important lengthy stretch of sand, you can too get some fab images right here, particularly throughout golden hour, so bringing your digital camera, in addition to your smile, is a should!
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Mini Journey Information to Sierra Leone
How Lengthy to Go to For?
1 week is an effective period of time to see lots that Sierra Leone has to supply, together with Freetown, the encircling seashores and islands, plus among the closest wildlife locations too, like Tiwai Island.
Be taught extra about visiting Sierra Leone right here.
The way to Get There?
Most travellers arrive into Sierra Leone through the capital’s worldwide airport.
Flights from Europe are direct with Brussels Airways and Air France, or through Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc.
Kenya Airways and Turkish Airways additionally function flights right here from different locations.
As at all times, I take advantage of Skyscanner to seek out the perfect costs on airplane tickets.
To get from the airport to Freetown, it’s then greatest to take the ferry service, which is timed to run with arriving flights.
Sea Hen Categorical are the principle operator and tickets value $45 USD.
The ticket workplace is positioned exterior the airport, simply throughout the road from the arrivals corridor.
Be taught extra in this put up I wrote all about arriving into, and navigating, Sierra Leone’s airport.
The way to Get Round?
It’s greatest to get round Sierra Leone care of a tour firm or an organized driver.
Go to Sierra Leone can assist with each, in addition to Sierra Leone visas, and are available extremely beneficial.
The place to Keep in Freetown?
It’s probably you’ll keep in Freetown for no less than one night time earlier than you hit up your chosen Sierra Leone seaside, so right here’s my high picks for lodging within the capital:
All of those beneficial choices are located within the Aberdeen district of Freetown, the place the ocean ferry from the airport arrives into.
Journey Insurance coverage for Sierra Leone
World Nomads affords easy and versatile journey insurance coverage. Purchase at residence or whereas travelling and declare on-line from wherever on this planet.
Alternatively, in the event you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent distant employee searching for journey well being cowl, try Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance coverage insurance policies.
Journey Cash in Sierra Leone
Money is king in Sierra Leone, so I counsel bringing a lot of USD, Euros or Pound Sterling with you, which may then be exchanged in banks, or on the road, in Freetown.
Don’t depend on ATMs on this nation, as they’re a) skinny on the bottom b) typically not working and c) have low limits on money withdrawal quantities.
Paying by card in Sierra Leone is de facto solely accessible in high finish lodges, eating places and bars in Freetown and the fast surrounds, comparable to Token Seaside.
On the event you could pay by card (and as again up possibility), I extremely suggest travelling with a Clever card to Sierra Leone.
The straightforward strategy to spend overseas with actual alternate charges and no sneaky transaction charges, I by no means journey wherever with out mine. Signal as much as get yours right here.
Journey Well being
You want a Yellow Fever certificates, in addition to a Covid-19 vaccination certificates, to be granted entry to Sierra Leone.
Carry paper copies of each to indicate officers at your level of entry.
At all times seek the advice of a well being practitioner earlier than you journey to West Africa.
They may advise you about different beneficial vaccinations to get forward of your journey, in addition to about any anti-malaria remedy you might want.
The place to Journey After Sierra Leone?
After Sierra Leone, I travelled north to Senegal.
Be taught extra about travelling with incredible West African nation right here.
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So there you will have it, my listing of the highest 6 Sierra Leone seashores.
I hope I’ve proven you simply how beautiful the shoreline of this West African nation is and, in the event you’re in search of a slice of untamed winter solar with a twist, that Sierra Leone could possibly be the right answer!
Have you ever visited this nation?
What did you consider its superb seashores?
Inform me all within the feedback field under…