When to go
The best time to go to Sierra Leone is in the dry season, which runs from October to May. January and February tend to be the hottest months. Birders will find December or January most rewarding. Travel is possible in June and late September although there will be heavy down pours and rural roads can become very muddy.
Getting there
Brussells Airlines operates regular flights from London Heathrow via Brussells to Freetown. (Daytime flights on the outbound journey; overnight flights on the inbound journey).
Time Zone
GMT +0 hours
Visas (April 2019 update)
Most visitors require a visa. A single entry visa for British citizens currently costs £109 including the service fee and must be obtained in advance of travel. The application form is downloadable off.the Sierra Leone High Commission's website. If you post the application form, the process will take a week to complete. Alternatively, you can visit the High Commission at 41 Eagle Street, London WC1R 4TL (Mondays - Thursdays 10am - 1pm, by appointment) - in which case your visa will take 3 days to complete.
Health
Visitors should have a yellow fever certificate and take precautions against malaria. Always consult your doctor at least six weeks before travel and refer to this useful NHS website for details of recommended vaccinations for your destination. Always drink bottled water which is widely available from bars, hotels and guest houses.
Unspoilt Africa
Free from mass-market hotels and minibus tourism, Sierra Leone remains an unspoilt corner of Africa. Those seeking 5-star hotels should definitely look elsewhere, but if you would rather swap tales with your local guides over a barbeque during a light adventure, this is the place to visit. Rainbow Tours is proud to be the first major UK tour operator to have started offering holidays to this beautiful and inspirational destination. We'd love to tell you all about travels in Sierra Leone, so do get in touch if you'd like to find out more.
