Sierra Leone is a West African country with a population of approximately 6.1 million as of 2007. The official language is English with Krio being widely spoken. Other local languages include Mende, Limba and Temne. A few years ago, Sierra Leone would attract thousands of tourists every year mainly from Europe. The country's natural beauty, secluded beaches, unspoilt rainforests and the beautiful and refreshing waterfalls are the main attractions. Although the country went through a hard time of civil war, nothing has changed, the people are still welcoming and the landscape is still a tropical paradise. On account of the ten-year civil war that ended in 2002, the tourist facilities in the capital, Freetown are limited and where they are available, they are ruined but the government has embarked on a vigorous reconstruction of all of the attractions that used to be. Since the declaration of peace in Sierra Leone, the country has really blossomed. Life has returned to normal and today, it is one of West Africa's safest travel destinations. Reconstruction is still underway and investors and visitors are still flocking the country.



The most accessible part of Sierra Leone is the Freetown Peninsula. Here, you can have a fantastic view of the city and the mountains. A narrow steep road through the mountains leads to the old Creole villages which date from the 18th century. This is where liberated slaves stayed and they built the villages of Hastings, Kent, Sussex, Waterloo, Wellington and York. The capital of Sierra Leone is surrounded by thickly vegetated hills. The places to visit here include a 500 year-old cotton tree, the museum, the De Ruyter Stone, Government Wharf and King's Yard, where slaves were given a place to settle, Fourah Bay College which is the oldest university in West Africa, Marcon's Church, put up in 1820, and the City Hotel. For the travelers who are seeking super bargains, the Jimmy Market and the bazaars offer a colorful spectacle and interesting shopping. For an excursion tour, a boat ride in the Rokel River to Bunce Island, one of the first slave trading stations of West Africa is a perfect place. Those who love wildlife will enjoy the Outamba-Kilimi National Park in northern Sierra Leone. You can access it from Freetown by road or air; there are game animals such as elephants chimpanzees and pigmy hippos.

Nightlife in Sierra Leone is diverse and you will definitely have time to sample something you are familiar with and discovering some new things in relation to the country. Dancing and local entertainment is arranged by the hotels along Lumley Beach in the Cape Sierra district. Some beachside clubs organize concerts by local pop bands. Just like the other African countries, the Sierra Leonean diet is very healthy. The staple food is rice which is often accompanied by soup. These stews may sometimes include a flavorful and often spicy mix of meat, fish, seasonings, greens which usually take hours to prepare. There is also a wide selection of restaurants offering international and local dishes. Accommodation in Sierra Leone is mostly provided by hotels which have international standards, and booking in advance is always advised. There are also government rest houses for which application must be made to the ministry of the Interior Affairs; guests must bring their own linen.

The general climate of Sierra Leone is tropical and humid all year. Between November and April, it is very hot and dry, although the coastal areas are cooled by sea breezes. In December and January, the dry, dusty Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. During the rainy season between May and November, rainfall can be torrential. However, Sierra Leone is a splendid getaway.