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SIERRA LEONEWelcome to Sierra Leone Sierra Leone is located on the West Coast of Africa between latitudes 7 and 10 degrees North and longitudes 10.5 and 13 degrees west. The Republic of Guinea is to the north and Liberia is on East and North East, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south. It has 300 Miles of coastline. .jpg "Sierra_LeoneRiver_No._2_BeachFreetown_Peninsular_00_(Small).jpg") An inspiring country with tremendous potential; from the tropical paradise of rain forests to white sandy beaches, Sierra Leone's heritage, history and sophistication happily co-exist with nature to create a unique harmonious ambience. The name Sierra Leone dates back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There seems some dispute whether it was the shape or climatic conditions that influenced Pedro da Cintra to come up with “Sierra Lyoa” meaning Lion Mountains. Sierra Leone is an ideal eco- friendly holiday destination. It has a unique landscape, scenery and cultural heritage waiting to be explored. It has a coastal line of nearly 360 kilometres fringed with beautiful and un- spoilt white sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The country offers visitors its historic heritage, exotic flora and fauna, Mountains and natural beauty. A place where the lush green forest spills down hillsides to meet the sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The tropical rain forest is home to some of the rare and endangered species of monkeys, baboons, birds, butterflies and a wide variety of Antelope and Buffalo families. .jpg "Sierra_Leonefamilygrooming_(Small).jpg") Behind its natural beauty, Sierra Leone can boasts of numerous waterfalls, mysterious lakes and splendid hills, historical islands, some wears the hallmark of slave trade. The cultural heritage creates a tradition of friendliness and hospitality, which treats every visitor to an exclusive and unforgettable nostalgia. A wide range of activities – bird watching, sport fishing, adventure, hiking etc are sure to attract and captivate visitors. A visit to Sierra Leone will create an impression you will never forget. .JPG "Sierra_LeoneRuin_Walls_on_Bunce_Island_(Small).JPG") You are welcome to Sierra Leone, a home away from home. CLIMATE Sierra Leone has two seasons, the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season starts in May and ends in October; while the dry season is between November to April. Sierra Leone has tropical climate with an average temperature of around 23 to 27 degrees C. (80 degrees F). .jpg "Sierra_Leone_Hamilton_BeachFreetownPeninsular_(Small).jpg") .jpg "Sierra_LeoneFrancosDiving_CentreSussex_Beach_8_(Small).jpg") .jpg "Sierra_LeoneFrancos_Diving_CentreSussex_Beach_(Small).jpg") .jpg "Sierra_LeoneGoderich_Beach_Freetown_Peninsular_01_(Small).jpg") POPULATION The population of Sierra Leone is estimated at 5.5million comprising ethic groups namely the Temnes, Loko, Korankos, Mandingoes, Susus, Limbas, Mendes, Kissis, Konos, Fullas and Creoles. Other nationalities also resident in the country and they all form part of the growing economy. ENTRY DOCUMENT AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Persons entering Sierra Leone must have a valid passport or travel document and visas. Citizens of ECOWAS countries do not require entering visas. Visas are issued at Sierra Leone’s Overseas Missions. Visitors can also obtain visas on arrival if visiting between 7 to 30 days. AIRPORT SERVICE TAX All departing passengers should pay an airport service tax of $40. Transfer to/from the Airport Airport transfer is assured from Lungi International Airport to Aberdeen, Kissy Port terminal and Government Wharf. This could be facilitated either by a ferry, Hovercraft and helicopter. Culture Sierra Leone has it own unique cultural practices that are manifested in the way of life among its people. Their cultural values, traditions and belief systems are embedded in their diverse languages, foods, festivals, rituals, ceremonies, performing and handicrafts, religious and beliefs practices, historic sites, monuments and antiques. Religion Sierra Leone has a culture of religious tolerance. There exist harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians. Krio Language Sierra Leoneans will be thrilled to hear a visitor use some basic Krio words like ‘kusheh’ meaning hello, ‘tenki’ –thank you, ‘do ya’ – please, ‘we go see ya’ – we shall see again. It’s widely spoken in Freetown with a lesser degree in rural areas. Health Requirements A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required if arriving from or via an infected area. It is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets and consult your doctor or travel agent on what other precautions may be advised. Communications Communications to any parts of the world can be done by telephone, fax or email. The main service providers are Sierratel, Comium, Celtel, Millicom, Datatel and Africell that offers GSM services, which are mainly prepaid. GSM sim packs and recharge cards are obtainable at authorized dealer’s shops all over the country. Official/Business Hours Monday to Friday - 8.00 – 17.00 hours Banks Mondays to Fridays - 8.00 – 3.00pm Time Sierra Leone is on GMT all year around. Electricity 220 – 240 volts AC, 50Hz within Freetown. Official Holidays Sierra Leone Government celebrates Islamic, Christian and National Holidays. Holidays marked with asterisk (*) are lunar and change every year. Independence Day – 27 April Good Friday and Easter Monday* New Year’s Day, January 1st Christmas 25th December Eid-Ul-Fitri* Boxing Day 26th December Moulid Ul Nabi* Eld Ul Adha* WHERE & WHAT TO EAT Food in Sierra Leone is good and varied. There is something to cater for every taste. Addition to the various international menus in hotels and restaurants, typical local dishes such as Potato/Cassava Leaves with rice, (the country’s staple). Bitters, Crain Crain, Sawa Sawa, Okra Soups usually served with foofoo and Jollof rice are a most for visitors. There is also a wide range of variety of seafood.
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