With its palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking mountains, tropical rainforests and vibrant culture, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most seductive destinations. Whether you want to escape the winter to some of the best beaches in Africa for some fun in the sun, to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and traditions or have the freedom to explore the beauty and charm of this undiscovered paradise, Sierra Leone offers an exciting and inspiring adventure to remember.

While the name ‘Sierra Leone’ only emerged in the mid-15 th century when Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra mapped the area, the country itself has been inhabited for at least 2,500 years, most notably by West African tribes like the Limba people who sought sanctuary in the dense tropical rainforest.

Its geographic location and natural harbour adjacent to modern-day Freetown meant it soon became popular with ship crews who would stop here to shelter and replenish their stores, eventually becoming an important trans-Atlantic trading point for ivory and slaves in the 17th and 18th centuries. The notorious Bunce Island was the point from which slaves were transported to Europe and America.

Sierra Leone enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: rainy from May to October, and dry from November to April.

During the rainy season, visitors can expect rain -sometimes torrential – daily, especially during the months of July and August, and particularly along the coastal areas. The wettest month in Sierra Leone is August.

Night temperatures are mild throughout the year, with the coolest period falling between November and February when the humidity is at its lowest.

For more information, visit Tourism Sierra Leone.