Keypoints:
- Sierra Leone offers authentic, crowd-free beach e
scapes - Locals are eager to welcome tourists and promote cultural exchange
- Best time to visit is November to April; basic tourism infrastructure is in place
AFRICA’S better-known holiday spots—like Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania—often top travel itineraries. But tucked along West Africa’s coast lies a destination still under the radar, promising visitors an unfiltered and unforgettable adventure: Sierra Leone.
For travel blogger Claudia Tavani, the country delivered a raw, rare kind of charm that’s become increasingly hard to find. Writing on her blog My Adventures Across the World, Claudia described Sierra Leone as one of the most remarkable places she’s visited—despite, or perhaps because of, its rustic edge.
In a feature for the UK’s Daily Express, she explained: ‘It’s very rugged. It’s the real Africa. It’s very genuine.’
Rugged beauty meets genuine hospitality
Claudia, who grew up surrounded by the pristine beaches of Sardinia, was left awestruck by Sierra Leone’s untamed coastlines. Her journey began in Freetown, the capital and the gateway for most international visitors. The city houses Sierra Leone’s only international airport, Lungi, making it the natural starting point for adventure seekers.
Despite being early in its tourism journey, Sierra Leone surprised Claudia with how much infrastructure was already in place. ‘There are good hotels, restaurants—many of them run by the Lebanese community—and even cultural museums that document the country’s complex past,’ she shared with the Express.
Locals, she noted, were exceptionally warm and eager to share their culture. Unlike parts of Europe grappling with overtourism, Sierra Leone’s communities are inviting travellers in, hoping that tourism will provide sustainable growth.
‘They understand the positive impact tourism can bring. They want the opportunities, and they’re ready to welcome guests with open arms,’ Claudia said.
A coastline to rival the world’s best
Just 10 miles from Freetown lies River Number Two, a slice of paradise with white sands and clear turquoise waters. It’s one of several stunning beaches that rival those in Mauritius or the Seychelles—but without the crowds or commercialisation.
Yet, the most soul-stirring part of Claudia’s trip came further afield, on the remote Turtle Islands, a cluster of untouched islets off the coast of Sherbro.
Reaching the archipelago requires a long boat ride, but for Claudia, the journey was more than worth it. On the islands, she slept under stars on the sand or in basic huts, with meals prepared by local women.
‘This is as local as it gets,’ she said. ‘They didn’t polish it for us. Nothing was put on for show. It’s one of my most treasured travel memories.’
Reminders of a painful past
Tourism in Sierra Leone is also an opportunity to understand a country that endured a brutal c
ivil war between 1991 and 2002, displacing over two million and claiming tens of thousands of lives. Claudia’s guide, a survivor of that conflict, shared chilling childhood memories of hiding for survival.
Even as the nation moves forward, those scars are still visible—but they are part of what makes the country’s current peace and hospitality so powerful. Visitors are given not just a beach holiday, but a window into a nation that’s rebuilding with heart.
When and how to visit
Claudia recommends planning a trip during the dry season, from November to April, when weather conditions are most favourable. A local driver and guide can significantly simplify logistics and add depth to the experience.
Getting to Sierra Leone is becoming more convenient. Return flights from London Heathrow to Freetown via Turkish Airlines start at around $1,202, with stopovers in Istanbul and Ouagadougou. However, UK-based airline Zuri Sky Ltd has announced plans to relaunch direct flights between London Gatwick and Lungi International Airport later this year. This new service is expected to significantly cut both travel time and costs, making the country more accessible than ever. Hotel stays remain reasonable too, with a week at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko in Freetown—including breakfast—costing about $1,506.
‘Give it a chance,’ Claudia urged. ‘It may surprise you.’
Her full account is available on her travel blog, My Adventures Across the World.
