Overview
Sierra Leone’s unique West African natural beauty once attracted 100,000 visitors annually. After a bloody civil war, tourists are beginning to rediscover the sheltered white sandy beaches, pristine rainforests and refreshing waterfalls. In many ways nothing has changed. Sierra Leoneans are still open to visitors and the landscape remains a tropical paradise, but much of the country, including tourism infrastructure, is still being rebuilt after years of conflict. Sierra Leone finished 2002 with the help of more than 17. 000 UN soldiers in his ten-year rebel war. It was the greatest success of the UN peacekeeping forces in Africa up to that point. The government is now trying to create the basic conditions for international tourists to return to this small piece of Africa. A development law similar to that in The Gambia has been passed and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture aims to build a solid and stable environment for tourism and to showcase the country’s cultural diversity in the best possible way.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, there are no non-stop flights to Sierra Leone from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Air France (AF) flies via Paris and Brussels Airlines (SN) via Brussels to Freetown from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna and Zurich. Feeder flights to Paris and Brussels are also possible with the respective national airlines, Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Freetown: 9 hrs 25 mins; Vienna – Freetown: 11 hrs 25 mins; Zurich – Freetown: 11 hours 20 minutes
Departure fee
Approx. €34 (US$40); Transit travelers and children under the age of two are exempt. For flights to non-African countries, the fees are usually included in the ticket price, for flights within Africa they have to be paid in cash.
Arrival by car
Well-developed connecting roads lead from Guinea (Conakry) and Liberia to Sierra Leone. Buses and taxis run daily between Conakry and Freetown. Tolls: The Masiaka-Yonibana highway is a toll road between Masiaka and Wellington. The fees are to be paid at toll stations. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There are currently no rail connections with passenger transport.
Arrival by ship
Freetown is the largest natural harbor in Africa, where cruise ships also dock. Ferries connect Freetown to Conakry.
Cruise ships
Silversea offers cruises from Africa to Europe calling at Freetown.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are no scheduled domestic flights in Sierra Leone. Charter flights with private operators are available between Hastings, Bo, Kenema, Yengema and Freetown airports. Local travel agencies provide information; sometimes large hotels arrange charter flights.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network of Sierra Leone has a total length of about 12,000 km; it is generally well developed and reaches all localities. Tolls: The Masiaka-Yonibana highway is a toll road between Masiaka and Wellington. The fees are to be paid at toll stations. Gas stations are numerous.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The larger cities are connected by well-maintained, paved roads; smaller and more remote towns and villages are connected by dirt roads. During the rainy season (May to October) many roads are impassable. Roadblocks can sometimes be expected at night on major routes near residential areas.
Road classification
The road network is divided into A, B and F roads as well as through roads. – A roads are trunk roads connecting Freetown to provincial capitals and other major locations. – B-roads primarily connect smaller towns with each other and create a connection to the A-roads. – F-roads are smaller unpaved connecting roads. – Local thoroughfares are roads in built-up areas that are rarely paved.
Car rental
Rental cars are available primarily in Freetown, for example from Sierra Leone Car Hire, a rental car company with offices in Freetown and Makeni. Rental cars are generally relatively expensive and are usually offered with a chauffeur. Due to the poor condition of the roads, it is advisable to rent an off-road vehicle.
Taxi
Taxis and shared taxis can be found in cities. Motorcycle taxis (okadas) are also widespread, with passengers and luggage being transported on the back seat. Fares are based on distance.
Coach
The Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation provides local and long-distance connections. Buses are fast, cheap and run between all major cities.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system; – Children under 5 years old must be transported in the back seat; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. Speed limits: – urban: 40 km/h
Roadside Assistance
In the event of accidents and breakdowns, the rental car company must be contacted.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
The Road Transport Corporation operates scheduled bus services in Freetown. However, much of the public transport is minibuses and shared taxis.
Locally on the way by train
There are currently no rail connections with passenger transport.
Traveling by ship
Ferries operate between the various coastal ports. More information on site or from the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone (see addresses).
