12 Day Sierra Leone Insights

Sierra Leone is slowly making its mark on the travel map as a spectacularly scenic West African destination with plenty to offer the adventurous traveller seeking an off the beaten track getaway – exquisite beaches, verdant rainforests, breathtaking mountains and hospitable locals. Major natural attractions include the Gola Forest Reserve, Outamba Kilimi National Park and Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, while the capital Freetown is known for its vibrant culture and colourful markets. With some of the most pristine beaches in Africa, beautiful rugged scenery and a fabulously warm tropical climate, Sierra Leone won’t stay off the tourist map for long.

Currency 
Local currency: Leone 
Symbol: Le 
ISO code: SLL 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Leone) 
Banknotes: Le1,000, Le2,000, Le5,000, Le10,000 
Coins: Le50, Le100, Le500 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Limited outside major urban areas 
ATMs: Yes, mainly in larger cities 
Mastercard: Limited acceptance 
Visa: More widely accepted 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:30 – 14:30, Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Available at major banks 

Air: 
Main airlines: None based in Sierra Leone, international flights served by multiple African and European carriers 
International Airports: Freetown International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Limited services 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily in and around Freetown 
Gravel roads: Common throughout the country 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No operational passenger service 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, important for traveling between Freetown and the Lungi airport 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, but wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is thoroughly cooked 
Street food: Yes, but select reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Sierra Leonean cuisine is rich in seafood and uses a lot of spicy stews with rice as a staple. Popular dishes include cassava leaves stew, groundnut stew, and fried fish. These meals are often accompanied by "poyo" (palm wine) and ginger beer. 

Drinks: 
Local palm wine and ginger beer are traditional and widely enjoyed. 

Tipping: Not generally expected but appreciated for good service, around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Up to 3,000 mm in the southwest 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 23°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Sierra Leone is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier, ideal for wildlife viewing and visiting beaches. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Not typically needed 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, especially during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, available in major cities 
Accommodation options: Yes, with varying connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes