Why You Need to Visit Sierra Leone?
Empty beaches fringed by palms, enigmatic rainforests with hundreds of noisy monkeys swinging through the trees and friendly and hospitable locals, all these and more that can be found and experienced in Sierra Leone. Do you need more reasons to visit the country? Well, probably not but we will make sure to mention a few more wonderful things waiting for you in this small, but very beautiful country and we hope that all we mention will be more than enough to make you forget the troubled past of civil war and Ebola. The latter ones are the main reasons why Sierra Leone is not exactly the most crowded place with tourists, which means that a journey to the West African country will be even more exciting and special for you.
It’s now a safe and recovered place, Ebola-free and it needs tourists
Although going through a bumpy ride in recent years, Sierra Leone is slowly but surely recovering from all the issues and a bad reputation in the past. Graphically portrayed in the Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie Blood Diamonds, all the conflicts and problems are now in the past and Sierra Leone is a paradise of political stability, democracy, improved economy and a reminder that local people still stay strong, which makes the country’s future looks bright. However, while the economic situation of the country is ensuring peace and security, but the local people themselves are the most important and best feature of the country – warm, welcoming, hospitable, friendly and fun.
Some of the world’s rarest wildlife
Discovering a new, distinctive and unique culture is very exciting, but what Sierra Leone offers as even more exciting experience is discovering some of the world’s rarest wildlife. In case you want to see all that for yourself, make sure to head to Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary in the Moa River that is just 12 square kilometres, but it is a home to a number of rare species, from hippos to primates and so much more.
Get a taste of “Sweet Salone”
Called “Sweet Salone” by the locals, the cuisine of Sierra Leone is simply a result of rich culture, a variety of unique ingredients and a lot of distinctive dishes. Despite the fact that the capital Freetown is a rich and diverse international restaurants scene, we certainly recommend you experiencing all the pleasant surprises of the local cuisine. From friend plantain pancakes for breakfast, through thick steak of barracuda or whole tilapia for lunch, to delicious shellfish including lobster, crabs and oysters, you can definitely indulge yourself with what the local cuisine is offering.
Enjoy some of the world’s most peaceful beaches
Once you visit one of the many amazingly beautiful beaches of Sierra Leone, you will find it very hard to leave. There are many beautiful and peaceful beaches and coastlines around the world, but not many are as peaceful and not overcrowded as the palm-fringed paradise here. Stretches of white sand along the aquamarine coastline is just what you imagine a Bounty chocolate bar ad to be filmed at… and in reality, the ad from the 1970s is filmed exactly there! So make sure to enjoy your life for hours on the white sand, watch the fishermen in their daily routines and leave the extra beautiful sunsets to take your breath away.
Explore Sierra Leone’s slave-trade past
Although not the happiest and most positive thing you can do, when you are travelling abroad, but all aspects of the world’s history can teach us something for today’s life, so make sure to dive into as much history and culture as possible. With more than 50,000 people left the country’s biggest slave port on Bunce Island, Sierra Leone has a serious past related to slavery. However, everything that once reminded for this dramatic past of Sierra Leone is today lying in ruins you can explore in just an hour away boat ride from the capital.
Run in one of the world’s most worthwhile marathons
There is no part or thing of the country that represents the real spirit of Sierra Leone better than the annual Marathon that is also named the Best International Event in the Running Awards in 2017. In fact, the race is organised by the British charity organisation “Street Child” with the aim to contribute to raising funds for a number of projects across the country, including those that contribute to providing education for children, especially girls and protection to thousands of orphans suffering from Ebola from life on the streets. There is no wonder that while running along the 5km as a minimum or 42 km as a maximum marathon route around the lush and spectacular hills around the town of Makeni, a great number of en route children and adults will cheer you up and express their gratitude for your participation.
