Full Description
Thoroughly updated by a resident journalist, this new fourth edition of Bradt's Sierra Leone remains the only English-language guide dedicated to this unique West African destination, one of just three countries where the uber-elusive pygmy hippo can be found. One of Africa's last 'hidden gems', where coastal mountains and secluded beaches are the stuff of daydreams, Sierra Leone lives up to its nickname of 'Sweet Salone'. This welcoming country offers much natural beauty and culture, yet remains unsullied by mass tourism. In many places, local people are happily surprised each time they get visitors, and strive to make your stay the best possible.
The country continues to be one of West Africa's best beach destinations and trekking zones, the latter thanks to varied topography and the presence of Mount Bintumani, the region's highest peak. Then there's Ma Dengn (a beach music festival); sanctuaries for rescued chimpanzees; tours of traditional wooden-board homes of the Krio people, descendants of repatriated enslaved people; and the UNESCO site of Bunce Island, a former fort for trading enslaved people, as a destination for heritage tourism. You can also visit the infamous diamond mines and rainforest-covered mountains; search some of the burgeoning ecotourist sites for those pygmy hippos; explore the transboundary 'peace park' of Gola Forest to track down the cave-dwelling picathartes birds; or simply relax on beach-blessed islands.
The country has seen a heartening recovery since emerging from civil war and the subsequent Ebola outbreak. Following the Covid pandemic, there has been considerable investment in the tourism sector, which has resulted in a surge of new tour operators and hotels alongside improved roads connecting key towns - all of which is reflected in this fourth edition.
Although the country's devastating past still informs many aspects of daily life, Sierra Leone is proudly back on the tourism map for the discerning, adventurous, beach-loving, jungle-exploring, mountain-scaling traveller, volunteer or international worker - and all those curious of heart. Offering significantly more coverage than any other guide, Bradt's Sierra Leone is the ideal travel companion to this up-and-coming African destination.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Education, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights and suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Travelling with a disability, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Opening hours, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Freetown
History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Festivals and events, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 4 Western Area
The interior, Bunce Island, Along the coast
Chapter 5 Southern Province
Southwest of the Bo road, Bo and around, Southeast of Bo
Chapter 6 Eastern Province
Kenema, Gola Rainforest National Park, Koidu, The far east
Chapter 7 Northern Province
Makeni and around, The centre of Sierra Leone, The far northeast
Chapter 8 North West Province
From Freetown to Lunsar, The northwest coast, To Kambia and the Guinean border, Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
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