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Sierra-Leone-Destination
Sierra LeoneFrom £1,995

Sierra Leone Tours & Holidays

Experience the vibrant culture and pristine wilderness of Sierra Leone with our expertly guided tours and holiday packages.

  • Best timeNov, Jan & Mar
  • Time zoneGMT (UTC+0)
  • CurrencySierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
  • LanguageEnglish
Overview

An introduction to Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is one of West Africa's most extraordinary yet least visited destinations — a country shaped by a powerful history, resilient people, and landscapes that range from palm-fringed peninsula beaches to ancient rainforest and wildlife-rich river islands. Founded by freed slaves and once central to the transatlantic slave trade, it carries a depth of story that enriches every mile of travel here.

Our small group Sierra Leone tours bring together the country's defining experiences in eight thoughtful days. From the living history of Freetown to the haunting ruins of Bunce Island, rescued chimpanzees at Tacugama Sanctuary, rare primates on Tiwai Island, and island life on the Banana Islands, these are Sierra Leone holidays built around genuine discovery, not tourist circuits.

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Sierra-Leone
Explore

Sierra Leone

Why visit

What makes Sierra Leone worth the journey

Sierra-Leone-holidays
A place apart

Genuine off-the-beaten-path discovery

Sierra Leone remains one of Africa's least visited destinations. Travel here still feels exploratory — uncrowded beaches, unscripted encounters and very few other foreign visitors on the trail.

01

History with real depth

From the transatlantic slave trade to the founding of Freetown by freed slaves, Sierra Leone carries a history that adds meaning and weight to every site on the itinerary.

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02

Wildlife you won't find elsewhere

Pygmy hippos, wild chimpanzees, olive colobus monkeys and a remarkable density of primate species on Tiwai Island make this a surprising wildlife destination alongside its cultural appeal.

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03

A country on the rise

Sierra Leone is welcoming visitors with warmth and pride. The hospitality here is genuine, the pace unhurried, and the sense that you're arriving at a special moment in a country's story is tangible.

See itineraries
Highlights

The moments that make Sierra Leone unforgettable

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A 100-acre reserve in the hills above Freetown dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned chimpanzees. Encounters here are close, intimate and unlike anything else on the West African circuit.

Bunce Island

The ruins of a former British slave trading fort, set on a small river island and hauntingly preserved. One of the most significant and affecting historical sites in West Africa, with direct connections to communities in the American South.

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

A pristine rainforest island in the Moa River, home to wild chimpanzees, pygmy hippos and one of the highest primate diversities in Africa. River boat trips and guided forest walks bring the wildlife close.

The Banana Islands

A string of peaceful islands off the Freetown Peninsula, fringed with coral, colonial ruins and empty beaches. Snorkelling, eco-chalets and an almost total absence of other visitors make them a genuine highlight of any Sierra Leone holiday.

Freetown's Living History

Sierra Leone's capital wears its past openly — the Cotton Tree, National Museum, Maroon Church and Railway Museum trace the city's layered story from freed slaves to independence. Local guides bring the narrative to life.

Tokeh Beach

A wide arc of white sand on the Freetown Peninsula, calm and unhurried. A fitting last note before the journey home.

Sierra Leone rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

Sierra Leone has two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The dry season brings clear skies, lower humidity and excellent conditions for wildlife spotting and island travel — beaches are at their finest and river crossings straightforward. November and March–April sit at the shoulder of the dry season and offer a good balance of lower prices, lush landscapes and fine weather. The wet season turns the forest an intense green but road travel becomes considerably harder. Our Sierra Leone travel packages depart in November, January and March, all within the dry season and well suited to the coastal and rainforest itinerary.

Live weather
Sierra Leone

Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Sierra Leone tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

Trip to Sierra Leone to visit old friends and experience some new places and facilities. Well organised, professional, efficient and friendly.

Mrs C B 25

Sierra Leone

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Trip to Sierra Leone to visit old friends and experience some new places and facilities. Well organised, professional, efficient and friendly.

Mrs C B 25

Sierra Leone

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Sierra Leone journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip
Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your perfect Sierra Leone trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Sierra Leone's combination of coastline, rainforest and history makes it particularly well suited to a private itinerary. A tailor-made Sierra Leone holiday might extend time on Tiwai Island for deeper forest immersion, add days on the Banana Islands for diving and snorkelling, or spend longer in Freetown exploring the city's cultural layers at your own pace. Private travellers can also adjust the balance between wildlife, history and beach time to suit exactly what they're looking for. Undiscovered Destinations arranges private transport, expert local guides and a range of accommodation from eco-chalets to guesthouses. Speak to our team to start building your own Sierra Leone tour package.

Your dates
Travel when it suits you
Private group
Just you, family or friends
Your pace
Linger longer, skip the rest
Bespoke extras
Private guides, rare access

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

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How it works
  1. 1Tell us what you have in mind
  2. 2We build an itinerary + quote
  3. 3Refine until it feels right
Est. 2004
20+ years of
bespoke travel
Jason van der Wath
Meet your expert

Jason van der Wath

Travel Consultant

Born and raised in South Africa, Jason’s obsession with exploring the world began at age 21. What started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit, eventually leading him to move overseas to be closer to the heart of global travel routes.

After exploring the globe and taking on various roles that deepened his understanding of transformative travel, Jason settled in Newcastle and turned his passion into his profession. As a Travel Consultant for Undiscovered Destinations, he brings the same care, grit, and excitement to his clients' itineraries as he does to his own adventures. From designing complex overland journeys to advising on the world's most remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jason draws on a lifetime of personal exploration to craft unforgettable travel experiences.

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Sierra Leone?

  • Our Sierra Leone tour packages start from £1,995 per person, including accommodation throughout, all transport within the country, most meals, entrance fees, and the services of an expert local guide. A single room supplement of £255 applies for solo travellers who prefer their own room.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Sierra Leone Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of Sierra Leone that we visit on our tours.

Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.

For additional official guidance, travellers may also refer to:

Please note this information applies primarily to British citizens — nationals of other countries should check the current position with their respective government travel authority.

Ready when you are

Start planning your Sierra Leone adventure

Join a small-group departure, or let our Sierra Leone specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.

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