Sierra Leone - The Hidden Gem of Africa

Sierra Leone is a forgotten paradise with its white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear coastline. Yet when most people think of Sierra Leone, they think of civil war, “bloody” diamonds, and frequent conflicts. However, this destination deserves a chance.

Sierra Leone has one of the most beautiful coasts in West Africa and amazing wildlife, including over 11 species of primates and a rare pygmy hippopotamus.

Sierra Leone used to be a favorite destination for foreigners.

In the 1980s, the coastline around the capital Freetown in Sierra Leone was full of top-notch resorts, hosting thousands and thousands of tourists every week. Over 100,000 tourists come there annually from France alone.

When the civil war broke out in 1991, Sierra Leone disappeared from tourist brochures, tourists stopped coming, and private pre-war resorts became desolate and ruined. The civil war ravaged the country for more than 10 years and finally ended in 2002. At the end of the conflict, it is estimated that almost two-thirds of Sierra Leone's population has been displaced.

In the last 20 years, Sierra Leone has made enormous efforts to recover, but luck has not been on its side. From 2014 to 2016, Sierra Leone was hit hard by the Ebola epidemic, so tourists continued to avoid this area. When it finally got back on its feet, Covid-19 happened, which stopped its dreams of tourism.

Is Sierra Leone safe today?

It is now almost 20 years since the end of the civil war and 5 years since the country was declared free of the Ebola virus. Although the country has made great progress in becoming safe for visitors, it has not yet attracted the same number of tourists as before.

Today, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of foreign countries will tell you that "Sierra Leone has made a significant step forward after 4 democratic elections since the end of its civil war in 2002, and that the political situation is stable." They also give you advice common for any tourist destination about pickpockets and open displays of wealth.

What are the best areas to visit in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is on the southwest coast of West Africa, between Guinea and Liberia. It is about an eight-hour flight from Europe. The capital, Freetown, is located on a peninsula in the west of the country and is the most popular destination. It offers plenty of sandy beaches and average year-round temperatures of around 28 ° C.

All hotels along the Freetown coast are new and purpose-built, and local tourism workers hope to particularly attract visitors from all over the world.

By: Deya - Gossip Whispers