- Geography
Sierra Leone is located on the West Coast of Africa between 7 and 10 degrees N, and longitudes 10.5 and 13 degrees W. The Republic of Guinea is to the north and northeast; Liberia is to the east and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south. It has 300 miles of coastline.
- Geography
From an approximate 70-mile costal belt of low-lying land, the country rises to a mountain plateau near the Eastern Frontier rising 4000 to 6000 feet with a rich timber forest region. The Western area encompasses the Freetown peninsula on which the capital and main commercial centre of Freetown stands; is 24 miles long and 10 […]
- History
The name Sierra Leone dates back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There seems some dispute whether it was the shape or climatic conditions that influenced Pedro da Cintra to come up with “Sierra Lyoa” meaning Lion Mountains. Some say the coastal regions looked like “lion’s teeth”. Others […]
- Historical and Heritage Sites
The Sierra Leone National Railway Museum was established by Col. Steve Davies MBE, Deputy Commander of the International Military Advisory Training Team (IMATT) in Sierra Leone, working in his spare time with a team of fifteen young unemployed Sierra Leoneans. Together they have transformed a shed of locomotives, abandoned since abolition of the State railway […]
- Historical and Heritage Sites
Old Fourah Bay College is probably Freetown’s most famous institution , it is the oldest university in West Africa. In it’s former splendor, Sierra Leone became known as the “Athens of West Africa” as scholars from all over Africa would travel to Sierra Leone to further their education. Samuel Adjai Crowther, the college’s first student, […]
- Historical and Heritage Sites
Bunce Island was the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa. Founded around 1670, it exported tens of thousands of African captives to North America and the West Indies until the British Parliament finally closed it down in 1808. During its long and tragic history, Bunce Island was operated by four […]
- Beaches and Islands
Banana Islands – Dublin, Ricketts and Mes-Meheux
The Banana Islands lie southwest of the Freetown Peninsula in Sierra Leone. The Islands are about a 20 minutes boat ride from Kent, and offer good opportunities for snorkeling and fishing or if you fancy it, a canoe trip around the Island. The Banana Islands are comprised of three Islands: Dublin, Ricketts and Mes-Meheux. The […]
- Beaches and Islands
This is between the Moa and Mano Rivers. Access is not great and is believed to be easier from Liberia side of the border. They are also believed to offer surf-quality waves. About 11km in length.
- Beaches and Islands
Probably offering the greatest potential in the tourism industry, the beaches along the Freetown Peninsula are a sight to behold. Beautiful and breathtaking, on a clear day they offer a clear representation of colours of the Sierra Leone flag. The green backdrop of mountains, coupled with the white sand at Number Two beach and clear […]
- Before you travel
Foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Sierra Leone
It is advisable (though not compulsory) that you register with the diplomatic office responsible for your nationality. You can find the details of these diplomatic offices in Freetown on this page. If you have telephone number, email or website address for any of the following please email them to us so that their details can […]