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 402 km of coastline.
From an approximate 100km coastal belt of low-lying land, the country rises to a mountain plateau near the eastern frontier rising 1200m to 2000m with a rich timber forest region.
The peninsula, on which the capital and main commercial centre of Freetown stands, is 40km long and 17km wide with a mountainous interior.
Sierra Leone is recovering from several years of a brutal civil war which killed and maimed many thousands. The war ended in 2001. The government, with considerable international assistance has put in place measures which have stabilised the country politically and economically. While the government sector still suffers from chronic shortage of resources, the private sector is booming. The potential for tourism is vast, but currently unrealised. Tour operators are looking closely at what the country has to offer and if the newly democratically elected (Summer 2007) government can maintain the current momentum, Sierra Leone potentially has a very bright future.
HOW TO REACH
Passport and Visa - All persons entering Sierra Leone must have a valid passport or travel document. Citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require a visa to enter the country. All other nationalities will require a visa, which are issued at Sierra Leone's overseas missions. Visas are not too hard to get, it is unlikely that anyone will be refused unless there is a very good reason for the government not to want them in the country.
By plane - The international airport is at Lungi, the other side of the estuary from Freetown. A short helicopter ride is required to the Aberdeen part of Freetown. A hovercraft also runs to Aberdeen. Alternatively an often overloaded ferry runs to the main part of Freetown, which can take 3+ hours and has been known to take 8 hours. By road it is 5+ hours to the city, via Port Loko using some poor roads. Safety concerns have been expressed over all of the different transport options from the airport to Freetown. The British Embassy only permits its staff to travel by road in a convoy of at least 2 vehicles (in case of breakdown).
BMI is well established, with four flights per week to London Heathrow. African airline, Bellview flies to Heathrow via Lagos. Brussels Airlines flies to Brussels. Flights to Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc) and many Western African countries are available.
By car - Currently Sierra Leone can be accessed by road from Guinea(Conakry). Special permits are required if transiting the border with a private vehicle. Private taxis, buses and trucks commute daily to and from Conakry/Freetown.
By bus - There are buses which can be used in Sierra Leone called poda poda. They are run by private companies and can cost between 2500 and 5000 leones (£0.50-£1). There are no designated bus stops and so one can stand on a street and when they notice a 60's style mini van stretch out you arms to make it stop otherwise it will continue on its journey. However, be careful with personal belongings as petty theft is common on these buses.
By boat - Sierra Leone has the 3rd largest natural harbour in the world and is looking forward to the arrival of cruise ships. Cargo and Passenger ships berth at the Queen Elizabeth II quay, while some passenger/Cargo and private crafts can land at the Government Wharf in central Freetown, arriving most times from Conakry and Banjul. Enquiries should be made to Cargo Shipping Agencies.
STAY SAFE
Sierra Leone was for many years on the list of countries to avoid (as published by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office). With this obstacle lifted, tourism and investment are starting to take off. Whilst petty crime is fairly common - watch personal property carefully - violent crime is very rare. It is safe to walk the streets, even at night, although the lack of lighting can be a problem.
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