Diverse Tourism Attractions
Sierra Leone presents investment opportunities across four (4) tourism segments with distinct, but complementary characteristics:
Sun & Sand Tourism
Is the main segment for tourism in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leonean beaches is internationally reputed for their natural beauty, pristine waters, and winter sun. The proximity to Europe (<6hrs travel) acts as a major catalyst for tourism in the European winter months. Popular beaches in Sierra Leone include Lumley, Tokeh, Sussex, Bureh, and River Number 2.
Eco-Tourism
Sierra Leone has an extremely diverse wildlife which includes thousands of species of flora & fauna.
Presently, it has over 31 protected areas which offer investors an untapped potential in ecotourism. These protected areas are host to pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, and multiple species of birds.
Cultural Tourism
Sierra Leone has an incredibly rich history and has potential in the back-to-roots tourism segment.
There are several opportunities for investors across the value chain such as history museums, boat cruises, and eco lodges during excursions to islands such as Bunce, Tasso, Banana and Plantain.
Business Tourism
The Business Tourist segment has enjoyed rapid growth over the past decade growing at 9% p.a. to reach a market size of $70m+ in 2019. In the business travel segment, Sierra Leone attracts a fair share of foreign businessmen for its agribusiness & mining sectors. Sierra Leone has also been marketed as a conference hub by major hotel chains in the country.
Top 5 Places to Visit
Tacugama Chimpanzee Reserve
Located in the outskirts of Freetown, the sanctuary was founded in 1995 and hosts over 100 chimpanzees. It contributes to conservation, research and environmental education.
Tokeh Beach
Famous for white sands, straw beach huts and long pier, Tokeh Beach hosts some luxury resorts and is one of the top beach destinations close to Freetown.
Turtle Islands
A group of 8 remote islands renowned for natural beauty, sandbars and coconut trees. Accessible by a 3-hour speedboat trip from Freetown.
Bunce Island
A British slave trading post in the 18th century and the first protected historic site in Sierra Leone (designated 1948). It is a key stop for heritage tourism.
Gola Rainforest National Park
Located near the Guinea border, the park is home to elephants, bongo antelopes, hippos, birds and chimpanzees.
No. 2 River
Relax on one of Sierra Leone’s plentiful beaches such as River No.2, Tokeh, Lakka, and Bureh Beach.
Tourism and Experiences
- Explore the countries famous heritage sites such as Bunce island, the Old Fourah Bay College and the Sierra Leone National Museum.
- Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and witness Sierra Leone’s national animal, the Chimpanzee in the wild.
- Take a trip to Gola Rainforest National Park, a catalyst for sustainability and environmental protection in Sierra Leone.
- Relax on one of Sierra Leone’s plentiful beaches such as River No.2, Tokeh, Lakka and Bureh Beach.
Quality of Life
- Sierra Leone offers a vibrant mix of cultures, dance, cuisine and friendly communities.
- Safe and welcoming with activities in Freetown and surrounding regions.
- Government health spending is 16% of GDP — among West Africa’s highest.
- 33% of the national budget is allocated to education.
- Year-round tropical climate with average temperatures around 27°C.