13-day Sierra Leone small group tour

Tour Overview

Sierra Leone is a vibrant and diverse country located on the west coast of Africa. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and friendly people, Sierra Leone offers a range of attractions and experiences for visitors. This introduction to Sierra Leone small group tour visits the true highlights of this picturesque yet relatively undiscovered country.

Start your tour in the capital city, Freetown, which is known for its lively markets, historic landmarks, and beautiful beaches. Visit the National Museum, explore the bustling streets of the city, and relax on the sandy shores of Lumley Beach. It is then on to the infamous Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is located just outside Freetown. This sanctuary is dedicated to the ethical protection and rehabilitation of chimpanzees. Take a guided tour and learn about these incredible primates while supporting conservation efforts.

One of the highlights of this tour is a trip to Banana Islands. These are a group of serene and picturesque islands off the coast of Sierra Leone. Enjoy pristine beaches, snorkeling, fishing, and cultural interactions with the local communities.

Throughout your tour, immerse yourself in Sierra Leonean culture, engage with local communities, try your hand at traditional crafts, visit authentic villages, and sample the delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like cassava leaves, fried plantains, and fresh seafood.

Tour Highlights

Guided city tour of Freetown’s historic landmarks and cultural sites
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Bunce Island, a major historic slave fort
Community-led lunch on Tasso Island
Immersive cultural encounter at Robgbonko Village Retreat
Kabala the “Switzerland of Sierra Leone”
Optional hike up Gbawuria Hill with panoramic mountain views
Insightful visit to a rural farming village highlighting sustainable practices
Tiwai Island, a pristine rainforest wildlife sanctuary
Guided forest walks and river excursions to spot rare primates and birdlife
Relaxation on Bureh Beach
Full-day exploration of the tropical Banana Islands with lunch and beach
Visit to York fishing village to experience authentic coastal life
Leisure days unwinding on the white sands of Tokeh Beach

Day Overview

Day 1 – Arrival in Freetown

Arrive at Lungi International Airport and meet your local representative after customs. Transfer by private vehicle to the jetty, then enjoy a scenic 45-minute boat ride across the Freetown Estuary, offering beautiful views of the city’s surrounding hills. Upon arrival in Freetown, continue to your hotel to settle in and rest after your long journey.

Day 2 – Freetown City Tour & Tacugama Sanctuary

Begin the day exploring Freetown’s historic heart, visiting major landmarks such as the Railway Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, National Museum, Cotton Tree, Peace Monument, Old King’s Yard Gate, and Fort Thornton. After lunch, visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to learn about Sierra Leone’s vital conservation work and see over 100 rescued chimpanzees in a semi-wild forest setting. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Day 3 – Bunce Island & Tasso Island

Take a private boat trip to Bunce Island, a former British slave fortress central to the transatlantic slave trade. Explore the haunting ruins and reflect on its powerful history before continuing to Tasso Island for a community-prepared lunch. Later, return to Freetown for the evening at leisure.

Day 4 – Makeni & Robgbonko Village

Travel north to Makeni and check into your hotel before heading to Robgbonko Village, an eco-community showcasing traditional rural life. Spend the afternoon learning about sustainable farming, village customs, and local weaving, and enjoy a cultural dance performance. Return to Makeni for the night.

Day 5 – Scenic Drive to Kabala

Depart Makeni for the beautiful drive to Kabala, known as the “Switzerland of Sierra Leone,” passing through rolling hills and rural landscapes. Settle into your lodge and either relax or join an optional guided hike up Gbawuria Hill for panoramic views of the Wara Wara Mountains. Enjoy a peaceful evening in this tranquil region.

Day 6 – Village Visit & Return to Makeni

Visit a nearby village to learn about daily life, sustainable farming, and the important role women play in local agriculture. After engaging with the community, return to Makeni for a restful afternoon at Wusum Hotel, relaxing by the pool or unwinding at your own pace.

Days 7–8 – Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel south to Tiwai Island, a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot on the Moa River. Spend two nights immersed in pristine rainforest, exploring nature trails, taking guided wildlife walks, and enjoying peaceful river excursions. Encounter rare primates, vibrant birdlife, and the sounds of untouched jungle—an unforgettable immersion in Sierra Leone’s natural heritage.

Day 9 – Bureh Beach

Return toward the Freetown Peninsula and continue to stunning Bureh Beach, framed by lush hills and the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive by early afternoon and enjoy free time to swim, walk the beach, relax under palm trees, and take in the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Day 10 – Banana Islands Excursion

Take a scenic boat trip to the Banana Islands, a tropical paradise of golden sands and calm turquoise bays. Explore the island’s communities, learn about their unique heritage, and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing in this serene island setting before returning to the mainland.

Day 11 – York Village & Transfer to Tokeh Beach

Visit York, one of the oldest fishing villages on the peninsula, and observe daily coastal life as fishermen bring in their catch and families prepare fish for market. Meet locals and learn about their strong maritime traditions. Afterward, transfer to Tokeh Beach to enjoy a couple of days of coastal relaxation.

Day 12 – Relaxation in Tokeh

Spend the day unwinding on Tokeh Beach, one of Sierra Leone’s most beautiful coastlines. Swim in turquoise waters, stroll along the soft white sands, or relax in the shade while enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the Atlantic surf.

Day 13 – Departure

Enjoy a final quiet morning before transferring to the Sea Coach Express for the scenic boat journey across the bay to Lungi Airport. Reflect on your journey as you prepare for your onward flight, carrying with you warm memories of Sierra Leone’s people, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.