SIERRA LEONE-A BLOSSOMED COUNTRY
Sierra Leone had been a favorite destination for many tourists who came to enjoy the natural beauty or to sit on the isolated white sandy beaches. This country is located in West Africa bordered by Guinea, Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest. The country was devastated during the decade long civil war but has blossomed abruptly after the declaration of peace in 2002. Reconstruction is on the move and today Sierra Leone is one of the safest destinations of West Africa. It will very soon become a favored destination in the Europe’s packaged beach holiday scene.
Being close to the equator, the country has a tropical climate with a sundry environment ranging from savannah to rain forests. 43% of the country’s land area is occupied by forests, bush and farmland providing beautiful surroundings. The northern region of the land is also categorized as the World Wildlife Fund as part of the Guinean Eco region. The attractive coastline along the Atlantic provides massive tourist potential with low lying mangrove swamps. There are two main seasons in Sierra Leone: the dry season from December to May including the cool dry harmattan winds blowing in off the Sahara Desert and the rainy season from May to November. The average temperature is 26 degree Celsius and can go as low as 16 degrees.
ECONOMY
The economy of Sierra Leone is based on the abundance of rich minerals found in the country. Its main economic base has relied on mining of diamonds which is a rich natural resource. Sierra Leone is ranked in top 10 diamond producing countries in the world due to its top quality gem producing diamonds. The main source of foreign currency is through mineral exports although exploitation and money laundering also happens on a great deal. Apart from diamonds, the country also has one of world’s largest deposits of rutile which is a titanium ore used in welding and as paint pigment. More than half of the population of the country is employed in subsistence agriculture accounting for 52.5% of national income. The national currency of Sierra Leone is the Leone. The dollars can also be accepted in main hotel reservations and other business purposes.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Sierra Leone unlike other African nations has no major ethnic or religious divisions. Inter tribal and inter religious marriages are common here. Mende and Temne are the two largest and dominant ethnic groups here each comprising of 30% of the population. The official language is English widely used in education, media and for administrative purpose. The other most commonly spoken language in all parts of the country is Krio which is a blend of English and several other African languages spoken by 95% of the population. Sierra Leone is mainly a Muslim country and Islam is the main religion followed by 65% of the people. The rest 30% of the population is of Christians and the 5% of those practising indigenous African beliefs. The constitution of Sierra Leone is secular providing freedom of religion to all its citizens.
Sierra Leone has a vibrant culture which entices many foreign travellers to visit this country for its unique cultural diversity. The people here are noted for their entrepreneurial skills including arts and crafts work especially wood carving. The music is a blend of native and French influence. Palm wine music also known as Maringa is the most popular music here. Western style rap, R&B and dancehall have huge impact on the young generation of the country.
FREETOWN
Along with being the capital, Freetown is the largest city and the hub of the economy, commercial, educational and civilizing core of the country. Tourists can enjoy the nightlife in several nightclubs and casinos to enjoy music, dancing and the local entertainment. Some concerts are also organised by local pop bands at the beachside clubs. This area was chosen as a resettlement area for liberated slaves and was thus home for formerly enslaved African Americans. Tourists interested in the history of Sierra Leone can visit the National RailRoad Museum, National Museum and the 500 year old Cotton Tree casting its shadow on the museum. It is located in the heart of the town and is the main landmark of the city. The old wood framed Krio Houses are scattered all over giving a great insight of the local people. The King’s Yard Gate is another interesting place to see from where the ancestors of all present day Krios have passed through this gate. Tourists should also visit the St. George’s Cathedral and St. John’s Maroon Church to admire their ancient architecture. Other places of attraction are the Tower Hill from where tourists can get the stunning view of the entire city and the Parliament Building located here, State House and the Old Wharf Steps which are also known as the Portuguese Steps set in 1818.
ATTRACTIONS
• Bunce Island
This is one of the first slave trading stations of West Africa. Tourists can take a boat trip up the Rokel River to this island and spend a day in this interesting excursion.• Lumley Beach
This is a famous beach in Sierra Leone well equipped with bodyguards and beach wardens. Though the beach is beautiful, but it’s very crowded with visitors.• Outamba-Kilimi National Park
The wildlife watchers would love to visit this only national park of the country and track out big mammals here like elephants, pygmy hippos and chimpanzees along with splendid scenery.• Sakanbiarwa
Tourists must visit this fascinating plant reserve early in the year to admire the extensive collection of beautiful orchids.• Shopping
the King Jimmy Market and the local bazaars are full of colour and vibrancies offering interesting shopping to the tourists.• Old Fourah Bay College
This graceful building has decayed after being caught in fire in 1999 and is the oldest university in West Africa. It is listed as one of 100 most endangered historic sites in the world by the Worlds Monument Fund.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
There are several restaurants in the capital Freetown serving multi cuisines including English, Armenian, French and Lebanese food. Tourists can also enjoy the unique African food served in many hotels. Sierra Leone is known for its seafood which includes fish, lobster and prawns. Exotic fruits and vegetables also form other national specialties. Pal wine is the main drink enjoyed by the locals here along with famous palm music.
There is a range of hotels available in the capital Freetown having international standards with swimming pools, casinos, disco, tennis court and AC. There are also few luxury hotels situated on the cape at Lakka and Tokay. There are also some hotels at great seaside location near the light house offering splendid views. Some tourists can also find cheap accommodation with YMCA in Freetown offering clean rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities at very economical rates. Travellers can also opt for government owned rest houses though they have to bring their linen along.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Sierra Leone has one international airport located in the coastal town of Lungi which serves as the main airport for domestic and international travel. It caters to several flights to Europe and other countries of Africa. Prior to entering the country, a certificate of vaccination of yellow fever is required by all travellers. The country’s highways are also well connected to its neighbouring countries Guinea, Monrovia and Liberia through bush taxis and other mini buses. There is also a ferry service between Freetown and Conakry to enter the country where the third largest natural harbour is located. For travel within the country, chauffer driven cars can be hired though they are expensive. All major and minor towns are well linked by bush taxis and poda podas which are very convenient for tourists to use.
The communications network is quite good with the rapid popping up of many internet cafes especially in Freetown. The mobile telephone coverage is good in the capital although it can be little unclear in other areas. The postal services are well developed taking about five days to reach Europe by airmail. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of speech and press in Sierra Leone, the government maintains a strong control on the press especially when it comes to reporting corruption. There are both private and state run TV and radio services broadcasting mainly in English. There are also some local newspapers including The Democrat, Awoko and Concord Times.
The government of Sierra Leone has been putting in great efforts for rebuilding tourism infrastructure which has decayed after the civil war in 2002. A new tourism development act has been established and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is working hard to create a solid and stable tourism climate. Sierra Leone still remains a lush tropical paradise with its ever so welcoming people and the best destination for travellers who want to experience adventure to this small corner of Africa. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable journey.
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