|
Christmas is fast approaching and before we get too busy, I thought I would share a few day trips that can be enjoyed with family and friends. From relaxing on beautiful beaches to discovering historical sites, Sierra Leone if full of hidden gems. Below (in no particular order) are a few I have stumbled upon.
1. Charlotte Falls
 These beautiful waterfalls are a must, tucked away just out of site from the dusty mountain road. From Freetown it only takes 30 minutes by car but you feel miles away. You have to take a short walk up to the waterfall and you pass beautiful little villages on your way with some old wooden colonial slat houses. We passed a few farmers working the land too. Through the gaps of the trees you will catch glimpses of the falls, but what amazed us most was that we had the falls all to ourselves, like it was our own private waterfall! Not many places could this exist. The water is so inviting we jumped in to the natural water pool below, it was so refreshing.
Getting there: You can go straight to Charlotte or take a guided tour from Tacugama Sanctuary (033 548 572 - Tacugama)
2. Florence's restaurant (Franco's) Sussex Beach
About a 45 minute drive from Freetown along the peninsula is a little haven called by most Franco's, an Italian restaurant with a villa where you can stay the night. It is situated right on the edge of a lagoon that goes out to the Atlantic. It is a beautiful spot and the food is by far the best in the whole of Sierra Leone. You find proper authentic Italian pasta (our Argentinean friends couldn’t get enough).
We have spent many Sundays down here relaxing over a long lunch- my favourite being the Carpaccio and Lobster. My only complaint is the service can be slow but its worth the wait! After lunch you can go for a swim in either the lagoon or the Atlantic. Please be careful of strong currents in this area. Contact number (07644406)
The villa is built in an old Italian style and is a perfect place if you want to unwind. We always feel totally relaxed after a day spent here. It was recently voted in the top 5 best beaches to visit in Africa!
3. Bunce Island
A short boat trip from Freetown. Bunce Island is a big part of Sierra Leoneans history and therefore a must visit in order to understand its fascinating past. The island was the largest British slaving station on the West African coast; a lot of the ruins are still standing. It is a wonderful place to wonder and discover. You can charter a boat from Aberdeen or Ferry Junction. Contact Visit Sierra Leone register your interest in a possible trip on the 23rd of December.
4. Freetown Tennis and Golf Club
The prestigious tennis and golf club is situated right next to Lumley beach in the West of Freetown. It is run by members but they do allow people to use the facilities and charge a daily rate tennis is 40,000 each and Golf is 50,000. If you or your children are in to sports then it’s a great way to spend your day and you can finish off by having a drink in the bar or a walk down Lumley beach. The ball boys at the club are a lovely group too and always good to have a few jokes with. The Golf Club is also the location for The Ma Dengn Beach Festival this year on the 16th, 17th and 18th of December so this would be a good time to look around.
5.Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Tacugama is a fascinating place not just because of its surroundings and the amazing chimpanzees but how it came about. It was founded in 1995 to provide a safe place to chimpanzees who had been victims of prey. It is an extraordinary place as it has 98 chimps in a 100 acre plot of land. It is a perfect place to take a stroll in the vast forests just behind Freetown and watch with fascination the beautiful chimpanzees. You can take guided tours (10am and 4.30pm) that last up to 1.5 hours. It also has facilities to cater for overnight stays. (033 548 572 - Tacugama)
|
