Freetown overview

 A trip to the largest city in the West African of Sierra Leone is worth planning for. Freetown is a place filled with exciting energy, vibrant culture, and some spectacular landscape. It has numerous majestic mountains and peaceful beaches where you can just relax and listen to the lapping waves. In addition, the city has remarkable momentous landmarks, which are worth paying a visit.

Freetown has a dark history. It was once a British colony to which freed slaves from Britain, America, Jamaica, and Canada were sent. Historic landmarks, such as Kings Yard Gate, marks Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which was once very common.

The city is home to mountains that are erected all tall. The highest peak (6380 feet) of Sierra Leone’s Loma Mountains is situated in Freetown, and the view it provides to the visitor is nothing less than a wonder of nature. Then, the beaches: the Peninsula Beaches of Sierra Leone are known for the tranquility of mind. Many beaches are not yet developed into commonly visited resorts and, therefore, you can enjoy many of them all by yourselves. If you are looking for a place to escape the burdens of post-modernity, we recommend the York Beach. The beach consists of black sand, crystal-clear water, and greenery. Likewise, one can visit Turtle Island. It is a cluster of eight islands combined, located west of Sherbro Island, some three hours from Freetown. It is easily accessible by a speedboat. Other such serene views are offered by the Sulima Beach is situated between Mano and Moa Rivers. This beach is the most ideal one for water sports like surfing.

Are you fond of tropical forests and chimpanzees? If yes, then in Freetown, we recommend you schedule a visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary located in the west of Peninsula Forest Reserve. It has been claimed that it is a home to approximately 100 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees.

Best Time to Fly to Freetown

The best time to fly to Freetown is in drier months from October to May. March is another favorable month for traveling because of the festivals and events featuring diversity celebrated across the city. One such festival is the Sierra Leone International Film Festival that goes on for six days, and it features filming and other relevant workshops. Likewise, there is a 2-day event called the Ballanta Music Festival that signifies music and culture. In this festival, awe-inspiring performances are to be seen.

During the holiday season or the Easter break, the flights can be expensive because of the high influx of travelers in Freetown. If you do not want to splurge on flights, then avoid these times of the year. For cheaper flights, opt for months like June, July, August, and September.

Getting around Freetown

For short trips here and there, in the city, the practice of sharing a taxi is a cheap way to explore Freetown. For the purpose, you should negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid any inconvenience. However, for longer trips, pods pandas are recommended.