9 Day Sierra Leone Tour

Tour Overview

Experience the heart and soul of Sierra Leone on this unforgettable 9-day journey that blends vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Begin in the lively capital, Freetown, with a guided city tour showcasing the nation’s fascinating history and resilient spirit. Visit the National Railway Museum, explore the colorful craft market, admire the historic St. George’s Cathedral, and take a memorable day trip to Bunce Island, a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade and an important piece of Sierra Leone’s story.

From Freetown, travel inland through lush countryside to Makeni and onward to Robgbonko Village, where you’ll experience genuine community life — learning about traditional farming, weaving, and the rhythms of rural living. Continue to Kabala, known for its rolling green hills and relaxed atmosphere, where you can hike to panoramic viewpoints or simply soak up the beauty of the Wara Wara Mountains.

Your adventure then returns to the coast for a change of pace. Take a scenic boat ride to the idyllic Banana Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy freshly prepared seafood in a serene tropical setting. End your journey with some well-earned downtime at Mozza Beach, relaxing on golden sands and reflecting on the warmth, culture, and natural splendor that make Sierra Leone one of West Africa’s most inspiring destinations.

Tour Highlights

Explore Freetown’s historical heart: Railway Museum, Cotton Tree, Old King’s Yard Gate & more
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Private boat trip to Bunce Island, a powerful and historic former slave fortress
Community-led island lunch on Tasso Island
Immersive cultural experience at Robgbonko Village Retreat with dance, weaving & village life
Scenic journey to Kabala, the “Switzerland of Sierra Leone”
Optional hike up Gbawuria Hill for sweeping mountain and town views
Tokeh Beach with golden sands and warm ocean waters
Full-day adventure to the idyllic Banana Islands

Day Overview

Day 1 – Freetown

Arrive at Lungi International Airport, where you’re met by a local representative after customs and assisted to your private vehicle. Transfer to the dock and board a 45-minute boat across the Freetown Estuary, enjoying first views of the hills surrounding the city as you make a memorable arrival into Freetown, then continue on to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Day 2 – Freetown City & Tacugama

After a leisurely breakfast, explore Freetown with your guide, visiting key historical and cultural sites such as the Railway Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, National Museum, Peace Monument, Maroon Church, Cotton Tree, Old King’s Yard Gate and Fort Thornton, while also soaking up local life in the streets and markets. In the afternoon, head to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to learn about their vital conservation work, see rescued chimps in a semi-wild environment, and enjoy the surrounding forest, before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3 – Bunce Island & Tasso Island

This morning, take a private boat from Freetown to Bunce Island, once the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast and a powerful, moving reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. After exploring the atmospheric ruins and reflecting on its history, continue by boat to nearby Tasso Island for a relaxed, community-led lunch, before returning to the city and your hotel.

Day 4 – Makeni & Robgbonko Village

After breakfast, travel north to Makeni and check in at the welcoming Wusum Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Robgbonko Village Retreat, an eco-community where you can walk through the village, see how people live without electricity and modern conveniences, learn about traditional farming, watch cultural dance performances and observe local weaving, gaining an authentic insight into rural Sierra Leonean life before returning to Makeni for the night.

Day 5 – Kabala & Gbawuria Hill

Depart Makeni for the scenic drive to Kabala, known as the “Switzerland of Sierra Leone,” passing rural villages, rolling hills, and lush countryside along the way. On arrival, settle into your lodge amid green landscapes, then either relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or take an optional guided hike up Gbawuria Hill (around 2½ hours round trip) for sweeping views over Kabala and the Wara Wara Mountains.

Day 6 – Village Visit & Return to Makeni

After breakfast, visit a nearby village to learn about daily life and sustainable farming practices, seeing how crops are grown with methods that protect the land and highlight the important role women play in the local economy. Spend time interacting with community members, then return to Makeni for a relaxed afternoon at Wusum Hotel, where you can enjoy the pool, rest, and reflect on your experiences so far.

Day 7 – Tokeh Beach

This morning, leave Makeni and journey back toward the Freetown Peninsula, passing through villages and changing landscapes as you head for the coast. Arrive in Tokeh by early afternoon and check into your beachfront accommodation, then spend the rest of the day at leisure—swimming in the ocean, walking along the beach, or unwinding under palm trees as you soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Day 8 – Banana Islands Excursion

Set off on a scenic boat trip to the beautiful Banana Islands, enjoying views of the coastline and small fishing boats along the way. On arrival, explore this peaceful island setting of golden beaches, palm-fringed shores, and calm bays; visit local communities to learn about their history and mixed African–colonial heritage, and savour a freshly prepared seafood lunch. The afternoon is free to swim, snorkel, walk forest trails, or simply relax by the water before returning to Tokeh.

Day 9 – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some final time by the beach or relaxing at your lodge before your transfer. You’ll travel back across the bay on the Sea Coach Express (Sea Cat) to Lungi International Airport, reflecting on your journey—from historic islands and lively cities to rural villages, mountains, and coastlines—before checking in for your onward flight and bidding farewell to Sierra Leone.