Freetown is the major cultural, economic, urban and educational centre of Sierra Leone. The city is also Sierra Leone’s major tourist location. It is located on an island on the south bank of the Sierra Leone River, at the foot of the Peninsula Mountains. Some of the finest beaches in Africa are located on this peninsula and they are a major reason for the huge influx of tourists during the holiday season. The city is also home to quite a few sites that also generate interest from observers. The National Rail Museum is located in Central Freetown, home to a collection of carriages and locomotives including the one used by Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the state. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is also a place that generates fascination from nature lovers when they come in to observe the chimpanzee in their restored homes. Older landmarks tracing from the British colonial era include the coastal lighthouse as well as a small neighbourhood of colonial houses in the hill station area. As mentioned earlier, the one thing Freetown is most famous for among tourists is its beaches. From the beautiful River Number Two beach with its crystal clear waters and white sands, to the John Obey beach which offers a host of recreational activities, Freetown is home to numerous restaurants, resorts and outdoor bars. Beyond its coasts, chartered speed-boat and ferry services with the local villages grant access to popular islands nearby, some of them revered for their beaches and serenity.
Freetown is served by the Lungi International Airport which is located about 27 kilometres away from the city centre.
The journey from the airport to the city centre is mainly via taxi boats, since the town of Lungi and Freetown are separated by an estuary. Hovercraft, ferries, and even local boats are among all the options to avail for transit to the city.
Air France, Royal Air Maroc Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Kenya Airways fly from the UK to Freetown.
No, currently none of the airlines are offering direct flights from London to Freetown.
Average flight time from London to Freetown is 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Popular means of transportation in Freetown include local shared taxis, Poda Podas (minibuses with fixed routes), rental car dealerships and hotel commute services. Routes are generally operated by the minibuses from main landmarks and commercial areas.
January to March is the best period to visit Freetown because the temperatures are pleasant during this time and rainfall is scarce.
Places to stay in Freetown range from locations within the city centre, along nearby towns as well as motels just along the airport for catering passengers arriving via overnight flights. General options consist of budget inns like the Ohio 99, a small guesthouse that is conveniently close to the city centre and has relatively comfortable rooms, and Daltons Banana Guesthouse, a budget beach resort complete clean rooms, diving centre, restaurant bar and fish excursions. Mid-range deals can be found at places like the Lakka Beach Resort, an island resort which offers suites and bungalows, and the Hope Centre guest house which offers clean air conditioned rooms and western meals. For those looking for an extravagant stay they can choose between the likes of the Radisson Mammy Yoko Hotel, known for its luxury suites and stunning views, and the Hilton Cape Sierra Hotel, a five star hotel undergoing construction to become the very first franchise of an international hotel chain. Guest houses and lodges provide furnished suites, while apartment hotels stick to the budget style with common rooms along with room service.
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