Quick Guide to Sierra Leone

The 60-second guide to Sierra Leone

Is it safe?

In spite of its reputation, the Foreign Office does not advise people against travelling to Sierra Leone. According to the FO website, most problems experienced by travellers involve pickpocketing or robbery. It does advise caution at all times: travelling at night is not recommended, and it strongly suggests having a hotel pre-booked when you arrive. It also advises against sea-transfers between Lungi and Freetown after dusk, and that driving can be hazardous. The Lonely Planet website recommends avoiding the area bordering Liberia and Guinea.

When should I go?

Sierra Leone tends to be hot and humid all year, but the wet(ter) season stretches from mid-May to November, meaning the best time to go is December and January, when the weather is cooler and drier. July to October, when it can get unbearably hot and sticky, are the definite months to miss.

What are the health risks?

Medical care is sparse and unreliable in Sierra Leone, so it's advisable to take as many precautions as you can to avoid illness while there. The NHS Fit For Travel (fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk) website advises vaccinations against yellow fever and Hepatitis A. Malaria is endemic in this area and we strongly recommend to take tablets to prevent it. Inoculations against cholera and rabies - both prevalent - should also be considered. HIV/Aids is also a serious problem in Sierra Leone.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. Tourists need a visa, which must be obtained before travelling from the Sierra Leone High Commission in London or at Sierra Leonean embassies and consulates across Europe and the US. The application form can be downloaded from the High Commission's website (slhc-uk.org.uk) and can be submitted by post. Tourist visas are valid for three months, and cost £50. For more information, call 020 7404 0140.

Getting there

Flights can be booked through Sierra Leone travel experts Kevin McPhilips Travel (01293 822922; sierraleonetravel.com). Until May, Astraeus (flystar.com) will fly from Gatwick, with return fares from £425. After that the route will be taken over by BMI (flybmi.com), departing Heathrow. SN Brussels (brusselsairlines.com) also flies to Freetown.

From Lungi Airport to Freetown

UTAir operates flights from and to Lungi by helicopter. At the moment tickets are now $70 one way. Tickets can be purchased at the airport. There is also an hovercraft connecting Lungi to Freetown but the service issuspended at the moment.

Where to stay

Stay at: Country Lodge Hotel, Freetown (00 232 22 235589; countrylodgesl.com); Cape Sierra Hotel, Freetown (00 232 22 272266); Lakka Sunshine Resort, Lakka Beach (00 232 76 602280); Florence's Resort (aka Franco's), Sussex Beach (00 232 76 744406); Bonthe Holiday Village, Sherbro (00 232 22 230055; bontheholidayvillage.com).

Hire a boat from the Aqua Sports Club (00 232 22 272463) for around $100 a day including crew.

Key Facts

Numbers

Provinces of Sierra Leone and Districts of Sierra Leone

The Republic of Sierra Leone is composed of three provinces and one area; the provinces are further divided into twelve districts.

The Western Area

• Comprises Freetown, the nation's capital, and its surrounding countryside. It covers an area of 557 km² and has a population of 1,286,624.

The Western Area is divided into two districts:

• Western Area Urban District

• Western Area Rural District

Major cities

Other major cities are Port Loko, Kailahun, Moyamba, Kabala, Kambia.

Map

Visualizzazione ingrandita della mappa