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Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

From $ 4,525 AUD

Description

Discover the wild beauty, rich culture and complex history of Sierra Leone on this eight-day adventure. Hear traditional stories around the campfire in the Boma Community Village, learn about Sierra Leone’s slave trade history in Freetown and sift for diamonds in Kenema. Unwind on the beaches of the Banana Islands, cruise along the Moa River and set off on a jungle walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwai Island.

Trip Name
Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Freetown’s lively streets and markets, then visit Bunce Island to learn its slave trade history and the resilience of Sierra Leone's people.
  • Head to Boma Community Village and meet one of the few female chiefs in the country. Help plant or harvest rice, then join the locals for traditional storytelling and dancing around the campfire.
  • Visit Kenema and gain a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone’s diamond heritage and its ties to the community. Try your hand at sifting for stones, then sit down with miners over lunch to hear firsthand about their work and daily lives.
  • Set off on a river cruise down the Moa River, winding past lush jungle and into the remote wilderness of Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with untamed nature and wildlife.
  • Unwind on the Banana Islands, a cluster of lush isles off Yawri Bay. Walk shaded forest trails, wander along golden beaches, and soak up the wild beauty of Sierra Leone’s coast.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Freetown
Cush! Welcome to Sierra Leone. Your adventure begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Freetown. If you arrive early, maybe visit the cotton tree (a symbol of freedom in the heart of the town) or simply relax at Lumley Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Freetown
This morning, set out on a city tour of Freetown with your local leader. Freetown is a major port city and the capital of Sierra Leone. Wander through the local market and visit important sites involved in the brutal transatlantic slave trade like the King’s Yard Gate on the waterfront, where former slaves walked to freedom. After, journey to Bunce Island where you’ll visit the slave fort and learn about the history of the country. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Day 3 - Boma Village
Say goodbye to Freetown as you travel to Boma Community Village. When you arrive, you’ll meet the chief (one of the few female chiefs in the country) who will welcome you to the community. Then, take a short walk through the village and learn about the importance of rice and the community working together. Rice is pivotal for the entire population – there’s a local saying that if your meal does not include rice, you haven’t actually eaten! After, join the community members and help with either the planting or harvesting of the rice fields (depending on the time of year). Later, walk down to the campsite, built by the community, where you’ll spend the night. Join some of the locals by the fire tonight to learn traditional dances such as the Devil Dance.
Day 4 - Tiwai Island
Travel to Tiwai Island, a community-led wildlife sanctuary known as the “Land of the Apes.” The island is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and other species, though sightings are rare due to the impact of past hunting and conflict. What makes Tiwai special is the sense of wilderness: towering trees, dense forest and the feeling of being far removed from the outside world. This afternoon, take in the scenery on a boat cruise along the Moa River before joining a community-led night walk through the forest to experience the island after dark.
Day 5 - Kenema
This morning, set off on a forest walk through the heart of the Upper Guinea Forest before boarding a boat to Kenema. When you arrive, stop in at the local SK Mining Office where you’ll meet the owners and learn about diamond mining and its history and significance. From there, you’ll make your way to one of the diamond fields. Walk through the fields with community members who are still mining in the region. Try your hand at sifting for diamonds before heading to lunch with the miners. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kenema at your own pace. Your leader can give you their recommendations on the best markets or local restaurant options for dinner.
Day 6 - Banana Islands
Depart Kenema this morning and travel to the Banana Islands – a group of islands that lie off the coast of Yawri Bay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Dublin Island and see the ruins of a historic church or simply relax at the beach.
Day 7 - Banana Islands
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe go swimming in the cool clear waters or walk along the stone causeway to Ricketts – one of the three islands (along with Dublin and Mes-Meheux) that make up the Banana Islands. Tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with your group – a perfect way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 8 - Freetown
Say goodbye to the beautiful Banana Islands and return to the bustling metropolis of Freetown. On arrival, you’ll be dropped at your finishing point hotel (see the Essential Trip Information for details). If you would like to extend your stay in Freetown, please speak with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 4,525-
26-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 4,760-
10-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 4,760-
24-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 4,525-
07-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 4,920-
18-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 4,920-
11-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 4,920-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Research Centre (1 night), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat

Map