Tourism
Sierra Leone has beaches, rainforest, wildlife and a deep history, and it is within six hours of Europe. The sector is growing, and there is room for new hotels, lodges and experiences.
The sector
Four kinds of tourism
Sun and sand
The main segment. Beaches such as Lumley, Tokeh, Sussex, Bureh and River Number 2 are known for clear water and winter sun, and Europe's proximity brings visitors in its winter months.
Ecotourism
Protected areas shelter pygmy hippos, chimpanzees and many birds. The potential for investors is largely untapped.
Cultural tourism
A rich history supports back-to-roots tourism. Opportunities include museums, boat cruises and eco-lodges on island excursions to Bunce, Tasso, Banana and Plantain.
Business tourism
Growing at about 9% a year, helped by agribusiness and mining visitors. Major hotel chains market the country as a conference destination.
Places to visit
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
On the edge of Freetown, founded in 1995, with over 100 chimpanzees. It contributes to conservation, research and environmental education.
Tokeh Beach
White sand, beach huts and a long pier, with several resorts. One of the best beaches near Freetown.
Turtle Islands
Eight remote islands with sandbars and coconut palms, about three hours from Freetown by speedboat.
Bunce Island
An eighteenth-century British slave trading post and the first protected historic site in the country, designated in 1948.
Gola Rainforest National Park
Near the border with Guinea, home to elephants, bongo antelope, hippos, chimpanzees and many birds.
Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Savannah and forest between the Great Scarcies and Mongo rivers, with elephants, hippos, leopards and other primates.
Tiwai Island
A rainforest island where visitors camp among 11 primate species, over 135 bird species and the rare pygmy hippo.
Shebro Islands
A leading place for sport fishing, including tarpon.
Opportunities for investors
Hotels along the beaches and at other ecotourism sites. Hotels and guest houses in district headquarter towns, to meet the demand from business for better rooms and conference space. Roots tourism for the African American diaspora and others interested in the country's history.
International names already here
Radisson Blu
A joint venture between a US private equity investor and the National Pension Fund (NASSIT) renovated the Mammy Yoko Hotel under the Radisson Blu name.
Golden Tulip
The refurbished Kimbima Hotel, 66 rooms, was rebranded Golden Tulip, the first international hotel brand in the country.
Hilton
Through a UK firm, Hilton is reviving the Cape Sierra Hotel, a 200-bedroom property with an estimated investment of $47 million.
Atlantic Lumley Hotel
On Lumley Beach, with two conference rooms, a restaurant, a pub and a wine bar.
Sierra Palms Resort
A hotel for business travellers and holidaymakers.
Access and living
Flights
Direct flights link Sierra Leone with Belgium, France, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal and Turkey. The time difference from Europe is minimal.
Visas
Citizens of ECOWAS countries are exempt from visas, and visas on arrival are offered to citizens of most major countries, including the EU, BRICS, Commonwealth and Gulf states.
Infrastructure
A new airport at Lungi, a bridge planned between the airport and the capital, improving roads and a more reliable power supply.
Quality of life
A tropical climate averaging about 27°C, friendly communities and a lively mix of music, dance and food.
Figures are taken from NIB's sector report and its sources, which date mostly from 2019 to 2021. The full report gives each source and year.