The lesser-visited African destination of Sierra Leone provides the perfect alternative sunny winter break for UK travellers.
Customers can enjoy world-class beaches, a warm local culture, fascinating history and excellent watersport opportunities.
Two newly developed itineraries from Rainbow Tours and KE Adventures are making it even easier for guests to visit Sierra Leone this winter.
- Sierra Leone’s dry season: Between November and April.
- Activities: Beaches to surf, snorkel or simply relax and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
- Average temperatures: 31°C, very low chance of rainfall.
- Enhanced probability of spotting the hundreds of species of birds and animals that call Sierra Leone home.
- Highlights for sun-seeking visitors: The surfer’s haven of Bureh Beach and the off-grid Banana Islands, well-known for exceptional snorkelling and swimming.
No visit to Sierra Leone would be complete without delving into the country’s sobering past at Bunce Island, visiting rescued cheeky chimpanzees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and hiking the ascent of Mount Bintumani, the tallest mountain in West Africa.
A new international airport terminal in Freetown opened in 2023 and the country’s first-ever Hilton Hotel and eco-tourism circuit is in the works.
Read on for two new tours to book this winter to enjoy a truly alternative sunny break on the shores of West Africa.
A guided group expedition into the heart of Salone with KE Adventure
Guests will ascend 1,945 metres to the summit of Mount Bintumani, trek through the rainforest at Tiwai Island in search of elusive pygmy hippos and learn about chimp rehabilitation at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Travellers will be immersed in local culture through visits to local villages to learn about rural Sierra Leonean life, with an exploration of the country’s buzzing capital, Freetown, and a guided visit to Bunce Island to learn about the dark history of the transatlantic slave trade.
Cultural discovery is balanced with the chance to relax on some of Africa’s most scenic beaches, such as the scenic River No.2 Beach at Tokeh, as well as to soak up Sierra Leone’s tranquillity by camping under the stars on the idyllic Banana Islands.
Throughout the trip, guests will have frequent opportunities to sample fresh West African flavours as well as visit traditional markets and perhaps even pick up a couple of Christmas gifts to bring home.
NEW: KE Adventure’s new 14-night Ultimate Sierra Leone trip is priced from £4,695pp, including flights, B&B accommodation, most meals and all listed transfers and activities.
Maximum group size is 15 pax. Departure on Sunday 1 December 2024.
A tailormade tour of Sierra Leone’s highlights with Rainbow Tours
This ten-night adventure sees guests discovering Sierra Leone’s history, ecology and culture with a private guide; highlight itinerary suggestions include a guided tour of Freetown, a historical journey at Bunce and Tasso Island, encountering endemic wildlife at Tacugama and Tiwai and a free day to explore the Freetown Peninsula’s top beaches, from the breathtaking Banana Islands to the Caribbean-like sands of Tokeh Beach.
As with all Rainbow Tours’ Sierra Leone itineraries, this trip can be tailored to guests’ personal requirements.
NEW: Rainbow Tours’ ten-night Sierra Leone Discovery trip is priced from £3,992 per person, including flights, accommodation, meals and transfers as specified, activities and excursions as listed and a private guide throughout.
For more information, visit www.rainbowtours.co.uk; or call 0203 131 5311
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