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Sierra Leone

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Beach In Sierra Leone

©Fabian Plock/EyeEm/Getty Images

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Overview

For the traveler, Sierra Leone is still West Africa's secret beach destination. Sweet sands rise from the soft waters of the Atlantic, with the backdrop dressed in sun-stained hues, rainforest green and the red, red roads of the north.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

    Sierra Leone

    In the dense rainforest of Western Area National Park, Sri Lankan founder Bala created Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a leafy, waterfall-framed hideaway…

  • Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

    Sierra Leone

    'Big Island' in the Mende language, 12-sq-km Tiwai Island certainly packs a punch when it comes to its primate population. Set on the Moa River, the…

  • Sierra Leone National Museum

    Sierra Leone

    There are two galleries inside the Sierra Leone National Museum – one housing a collection of cultural and historical artefacts, including Temne Guerrilla…

  • Lumley Beach

    Sierra Leone

    This wide sweep of beach has lost some of its atmosphere since the 2015 demolition of dozens of bamboo and thatch food shacks, and the numerous, ugly…

  • National Railway Museum

    Sierra Leone

    You don't have to be a rail fan to enjoy this Clinetown museum, where enthusiastic staff guide you around a surprising collection of restored locomotives,…

  • State House

    Sierra Leone

    The State House, up on Tower Hill and overlooking the downtown area, is an example of Freetown's old Krio architecture, which features brightly washed…

  • Old Fourah Bay College

    Sierra Leone

    Gutted by fire in 1999, only the stone shell of the Old Fourah Bay College remains, but this 1848 building is graceful even in its decay. The World…

  • Outamba-Kilimi National Park

    Sierra Leone

    This is a beautiful tract of savannah and jungle, with very diverse wildlife. You'll find primates such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and sooty…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

This marvelous country has many ways to get into nature and up close to wildlife. Museums, great restaurants and cultural activities also beckon.

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Best Places to Visit

Tropical islands, remote nature sanctuaries, historic sites and more.

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Best Time to Visit

A season-by-season guide on the best times to visit this West African country.

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Things to Know

Before you set off on your trip to Sierra Leone, read our nine essential tips to visiting the West African country.

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