A stunningly beautiful country with wonderfully welcoming locals, Sierra Leone meaning Lion Mountains has enjoyed almost two decades of peace since the civil unrest in the 1990’s and that’s exactly how Sierra Leoneans intend to continue.

Gaining independence in 1961 and becoming a republic ten years later, Sierra Leone played an important part in upholding the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century when Britain established a naval base here to patrol the West Africa coast intercepting illegal slave ships. Its capital Freetown which was formerly known as Freedom and known earlier as Romarong meaning “place of wailers” is a vibrant, busy, and exciting city. More than 50,000 freed slaves settled in Freetown creating a multi-ethnic community. Sixteen ethnic groups are found in modern day Sierra Leone with the largest being Mende, followed by Temne, Limba and Kono all contributing to the wonderful cultural diversity which adds so much to the inquisitive travellers’ experience. Beautiful white sand beaches, exceptional birding and wildlife, stunning upper guinea rainforests and an intriguing historical past collectively make Sierra Leone the perfect location for a West African adventure.