Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature - 8 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
15 - 99Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
12Highlights
- Explore Freetown’s lively streets and markets, then visit Bunce Island to learn its slave trade history and the resilience of Sierra Leone's people.
- Head to Boma Community Village and meet one of the few female chiefs in the country. Help plant or harvest rice, then join the locals for traditional storytelling and dancing around the campfire.
- Visit Kenema and gain a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone’s diamond heritage and its ties to the community. Try your hand at sifting for stones, then sit down with miners over lunch to hear firsthand about their work and daily lives.
- Set off on a river cruise down the Moa River, winding past lush jungle and into the remote wilderness of Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with untamed nature and wildlife.
- Unwind on the Banana Islands, a cluster of lush isles off Yawri Bay. Walk shaded forest trails, wander along golden beaches, and soak up the wild beauty of Sierra Leone’s coast.
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Summary
Discover the wild beauty, rich culture and complex history of Sierra Leone on this eight-day adventure. Hear traditional stories around the campfire in the Boma Community Village, learn about Sierra Leone’s slave trade history in Freetown and sift for diamonds in Kenema. Unwind on the beaches of the Banana Islands, cruise along the Moa River and set off on a jungle walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwai Island.
Itinerary
Day 1
Freetown
Cush! Welcome to Sierra Leone. Your adventure begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Freetown. If you arrive early, maybe visit the cotton tree (a symbol of freedom in the heart of the town) or simply relax at Lumley Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2
Freetown
This morning, set out on a city tour of Freetown with your local leader. Freetown is a major port city and the capital of Sierra Leone. Wander through the local market and visit important sites involved in the brutal transatlantic slave trade like the King’s Yard Gate on the waterfront, where former slaves walked to freedom. After, journey to Bunce Island where you’ll visit the slave fort and learn about the history of the country. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Day 3
Boma Village
Say goodbye to Freetown as you travel to Boma Community Village. When you arrive, you’ll meet the chief (one of the few female chiefs in the country) who will welcome you to the community. Then, take a short walk through the village and learn about the importance of rice and the community working together. Rice is pivotal for the entire population – there’s a local saying that if your meal does not include rice, you haven’t actually eaten! After, join the community members and help with either the planting or harvesting of the rice fields (depending on the time of year). Later, walk down to the campsite, built by the community, where you’ll spend the night. Join some of the locals by the fire tonight to learn traditional dances such as the Devil Dance.
Day 4
Tiwai Island
Travel to Tiwai Island, a community-led wildlife sanctuary known as the “Land of the Apes.” The island is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and other species, though sightings are rare due to the impact of past hunting and conflict. What makes Tiwai special is the sense of wilderness: towering trees, dense forest and the feeling of being far removed from the outside world. This afternoon, take in the scenery on a boat cruise along the Moa River before joining a community-led night walk through the forest to experience the island after dark.
Day 5
Kenema
This morning, set off on a forest walk through the heart of the Upper Guinea Forest before boarding a boat to Kenema. When you arrive, stop in at the local SK Mining Office where you’ll meet the owners and learn about diamond mining and its history and significance. From there, you’ll make your way to one of the diamond fields. Walk through the fields with community members who are still mining in the region. Try your hand at sifting for diamonds before heading to lunch with the miners. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kenema at your own pace. Maybe wander through a local market or find a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 6
Banana Islands
Depart Kenema this morning and travel to the Banana Islands – a group of islands that lie off the coast of Yawri Bay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Dublin Island and see the ruins of a historic church or simply relax at the beach.
Day 7
Banana Islands
Today is a free day. Maybe go swimming in the clear waters or walk along the stone causeway to Ricketts – one of the three islands (along with Dublin and Mes-Meheux) that make up the Banana Islands. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a perfect way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 8
Banana Islands
As there are no further activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Camping (basic facilities) (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 26
from £2,180Nov 26
from £2,180Dec 26
from £2,180
- Thu 12 Nov 2026 > Thu 19 Nov 20266+ spaces of 12 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£2,180Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thu 26 Nov 2026 > Thu 3 Dec 20266+ spaces of 12 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£2,180Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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