Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature Tour by Intrepid Travel

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Freetown, Sierra leone

Ends

Freetown, Sierra leone

Highlights

Explore Freetown’s lively streets and markets, then visit Bunce Island to learn its slave trade history and the resilience of Sierra Leone's people.

Head to Boma Community Village and meet one of the few female chiefs in the country. Help plant or harvest rice, then join the locals for traditional storytelling and dancing around the campfire.

Visit Kenema and gain a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone’s diamond heritage and its ties to the community. Try your hand at sifting for stones, then sit down with miners over lunch to hear firsthand about their work and daily lives.

Set off on a river cruise down the Moa River, winding past lush jungle and into the remote wilderness of Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with untamed nature and wildlife.

Unwind on the Banana Islands, a cluster of lush isles off Yawri Bay. Walk shaded forest trails, wander along golden beaches, and soak up the wild beauty of Sierra Leone’s coast.

Itinerary

Discover the wild beauty, rich culture and complex history of Sierra Leone on this eight-day adventure. Hear traditional stories around the campfire in the Boma Community Village, learn about Sierra Leone’s slave trade history in Freetown and sift for diamonds in Kenema. Unwind on the beaches of the Banana Islands, cruise along the Moa River and set off on a jungle walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwai Island.

day 1 - Freetown

Cush! Welcome to Sierra Leone. Your adventure begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Freetown. If you arrive early, maybe visit the cotton tree (a symbol of freedom in the heart of the town) or simply relax at Lumley Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Freetown

This morning, set out on a city tour of Freetown with your local leader. Freetown is a major port city and the capital of Sierra Leone. Wander through the local market and visit important sites involved in the brutal transatlantic slave trade like the King’s Yard Gate on the waterfront, where former slaves walked to freedom. After, journey to Bunce Island where you’ll visit the slave fort and learn about the history of the country. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation for the night.

included:Freetown - City Tour, Bunce Island - Guided Tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Boma Village

Say goodbye to Freetown as you travel to Boma Community Village. When you arrive, you’ll meet the chief (one of the few female chiefs in the country) who will welcome you to the community. Then, take a short walk through the village and learn about the importance of rice and the community working together. Rice is pivotal for the entire population – there’s a local saying that if your meal does not include rice, you haven’t actually eaten! After, join the community members and help with either the planting or harvesting of the rice fields (depending on the time of year). Later, walk down to the campsite, built by the community, where you’ll spend the night. Join some of the locals by the fire tonight to learn traditional dances such as the Devil Dance.

included:Boma Village - Fireside Story Telling & Traditional Dancing, Boma Village - Rice Farming

accommodation:Camping (basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Tiwai Island

Travel to Tiwai Island, a community-led wildlife sanctuary known as the “Land of the Apes.” The island is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and other species, though sightings are rare due to the impact of past hunting and conflict. What makes Tiwai special is the sense of wilderness: towering trees, dense forest and the feeling of being far removed from the outside world. This afternoon, take in the scenery on a boat cruise along the Moa River before joining a community-led night walk through the forest to experience the island after dark.

included:Tiwai Island - Boat Cruise, Tiwai Island - Night Forest Walk

accommodation:Research Centre

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Kenema

This morning, set off on a forest walk through the heart of the Upper Guinea Forest before boarding a boat to Kenema. When you arrive, stop in at the local SK Mining Office where you’ll meet the owners and learn about diamond mining and its history and significance. From there, you’ll make your way to one of the diamond fields. Walk through the fields with community members who are still mining in the region. Try your hand at sifting for diamonds before heading to lunch with the miners. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kenema at your own pace. Your leader can give you their recommendations on the best markets or local restaurant options for dinner.

included:Tiwai Island - Morning Forest Walk, Kenema - Diamond Mine Visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 6 - Banana Islands

Depart Kenema this morning and travel to the Banana Islands – a group of islands that lie off the coast of Yawri Bay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Dublin Island and see the ruins of a historic church or simply relax at the beach.

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Banana Islands

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe go swimming in the cool clear waters or walk along the stone causeway to Ricketts – one of the three islands (along with Dublin and Mes-Meheux) that make up the Banana Islands. Tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with your group – a perfect way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

accommodation:Guesthouse

day 8 - Freetown

Say goodbye to the beautiful Banana Islands and return to the bustling metropolis of Freetown. On arrival, you’ll be dropped at your finishing point hotel (see the Essential Trip Information for details). If you would like to extend your stay in Freetown, please speak with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

included:Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Research Centre (1 night), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Meals

5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival TransferFreetown - City TourBunce Island - Guided TourBoma Village - Fireside Story Telling & Traditional DancingBoma Village - Rice FarmingTiwai Island - Boat CruiseTiwai Island - Night Forest WalkTiwai Island - Morning Forest WalkKenema - Diamond Mine VisitComplimentary Airport Departure Transfer

What's Excluded

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Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

Highlights