So you’ve decided you want to visit Sierra Leone or maybe you’ve already booked your ticket? Here is everything you need to know in advance to plan a successful trip (learnt from my recent press trip hosted by Sierra Leone Tourism Board):
Entry requirements:
- Visa – This is simple – if you have a green ECOWAS passport, you don’t need a visa. Everyone else does* and needs to apply online in advance https://evisa.sl/#/home, bringing a printed copy of your visa :
- Other African passports – it costs $25 USD
- Non African passports – it costs $80 USD
2. Aiport tax – Everyone * needs to pay for this both when entering AND exiting Lungi airport – it’s $25 USD each time – buy with securipass in advance and save the receipt on your phone.
* exemptions apply so check if they apply to you.
3. Yellow fever vaccine card
I would strongly recommend that you check the advice for other travel vaccines and also come prepared for mosquitoes (antimalarials and deet spray) before you arrive.
Once you’re in Sierra Leone:
The easiest way to get to Freetown from Lungi airport is by boat either with Sea Coach Express and Sea Bird Express – $45 inclusive of transfer to the dock. Book in advance so they can time your ferry with your expected flight arrival.
Cash is king – bring your USD/GBP to exchange into the local currency Leone. You can find atms in Freetown but it was much easier to have cash ready to exchange. Mobile money with Orange and Africell is another option.
Wifi works well in the hotels in the city but across the country you may have to go offline. So you have the option to get a sim or an e-sim in advance.
Other important things to note:
It’s hot all year round! Typically December to April is dry season (also high season) and low season is May-November aka rainy season (with July and August being the wettest).
As a first time tourist, it’s easiest to have a driver/guide to take you around the city and beyond as public transport is very limited and things change often.
Be mindful of who you book to fly with – most routes aren’t direct to Sierra Leone and some connections can be tight. If you are able to, prioritise hand luggage.
There is accommodation for all budgets – from 5* hotel to backpacker vibes. Here are the different accommodations we stayed in during our week to give you an idea:
- Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel – one of the best in Freetown – ensuite rooms with a wide spread of breakfast, a pool, cafe, 24 hr security and more amenities onsite.
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary – a cosy ecolodge in the forest with ensuite bathrooms, mosquito nets over the beds and hammocks on the balcony. There is electricity but no sockets to charge your devices inside the lodges.
- Bafa resort – camping site on Banana island. The resort provides fresh local food, hot running showers, a bar area and day bed plus the tents to sleep in – there is a fan provided inside.
- The Estuary resort – chalet style accommodation overlooking the river. It is tucked away and very relaxing with all the main amenities plus an onsite restaurant.
- The Place – 5 * hotel overlooking Tokeh beach. A beautiful resort and the perfect place to relax with the calming ocean waves in the background.
I hope this helps for planning your visit to Sierra Leone and check out the blog post before for a full 7 day’s itinerary!
J Xo
Road2Culturedom 