Things to do & places to visit in Western Area, Sierra Leone

Western Area #1 destination in Sierra Leone 2023. The average rating score is 4.15 based on 984 traveler reviews, of 35 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Freetown, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 21:28.

Western Area Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

85°F - 79°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, muggy

Feels like

80%

Chance of rain

460.0 millimeters

Amount

7.4 mph

Wind speed

83%

Humidity

12.5

Daylight length

6:34 AM

Sunrise

7:03 PM

Sunset

26%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (36)

Top destinations in Western Area 13

See more 1 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 IPC Travel (14 reviews)
- Civil War Memorial Visit - Great Experience!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Bus Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Walking Tours • Climbing Tours • Eco Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Boat Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Highly recommending IPC Travel for their professionalism with their excellent wand friendly services! The Civil Memorial War Visit was a rich and unique experience about the history of Sierra Leone. A captivating story, delivered passionately by the narrator with the participative guests made the experience beyond our expectations. Furthermore, the trip was full of pleasurable surprises foodwise as well as culturalwise. Thank you Sherin and the Team for this great experience! See more..
5.0 Freetown Keke Tour (11 reviews)
- Best Tour in Freetown!
Historical & Heritage Tours

Just finished my first Keke tour with Mustafa, it was AMAZING! Had one of the best days I've had so far in Freetown, getting to know the history and the main sites from someone so knowledge. Mustafa was really great and made me feel very comfortable and safe. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about free town and have a fun day out! Thanks so much again. See more..
5.0 Lettie Stuart Pottery Center (4 reviews)
- Totally worth visiting!
Saturday: Paint & Pottery Studios

We spent a morning with family and friends at Lettie Stuart Pottery Center and we loved it. The staff introduced us to the entire process, from clay preparation to final product and we had a hand on workshop where we made our own samples. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, the place is quiet and peaceful and both children and adults enjoyed the entire experience. It is less than an hour drive from Freetown and on the way to Bureh, so it’s no fuss to reach the center. The price is only 150.000 Le per person and a small fee from each visit goes directly to the workers, apart from their salary. A lovely morning! See more..
5.0 Tambakula Arts and Crafts Center (4 reviews)
- my experience
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Situated as close as it is to many of the beach hotels, Tambakula remains a hidden treasure of authentic Sierra Leone cultural icons, jewelry, clothing, statues, masks and more. Located directly across the street from Family Kingdom on an access road to a popular bar and restaurant, Alex’s, Tambakula has about ten small shops which are run by artisans and traders. It is a particular pleasure because the traders have adopted a lay-back style of selling; it is one of the few, or perhaps only place you can go in Freetown to peruse the local arts and crafts without being bombarded with persuasion to buy this or that or just anything. The Tambakula shop sellers give you time to look around, ask if you need help, and will then go out of their way to find just the right item for a gift or to meet a business or personal need. And if one shop doesn’t have just the right thing, the owner is happy to suggest another seller who may have it. Their prices are fair and often cheaper than at other venues, and there are folks on hand to change any type of currency. As in many places in Sierra Leone, these women have stories of hardship, war-torn families, orphans, and extremely difficult living circumstances, but you won’t know it from their friendly welcome, easy-going manner, and true desire to enrich your visit to Freetown. And don’t be afraid to ask the history of a particular piece – they will be able to tell you in which part of the country the item is produced, by which tribe, what it is used for or what it represents – or if it is an original design they have made themselves. In walking distance from Family Kingdom, Mammy Yoko, Hotel Bintumani, Hotel Barmoi, Aces and the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel , Tambakula Arts and Crafts Center is the closest and best place to do your cultural shopping in Salone! Tell them Laura sent you for special treatment and great prices. See more..
5.0 Tropical Island Adventure (1 review)
- Great Hospitality
Multi-day Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I had a great time on the island.It's Fantastic place to have a wild life experience. First of all, the owner, staffs, the manager of the island are amazingly nice people. They welcomed us so warmly. On the island, we were actually facing a little problem to get food by ourselves since there are fewer fruits in dry season. Hence we focused on catching small fishes with mosquito net first, and then did fishing with the small fishes. The fish we caught by fishing were really really tasty. We loved it. That's how we got food basically. When we suffered with hunger too much, we could also ask to security staffs living on the island to cook meals. They typically didn't disturb us and stayed away but, were quick to help when needed. One security staff gave us fishing lessons, the other was a great campfire chef! Dividing, exploring, bonfire, encountering with unique animals, washing landry with salt water and shower in the sea were exciting activities as well. It wasn't easy to survive on the island without any kinds of help, but that's how survival is, I think. If you rely on security staffs for some parts of survival, then it will be also wonderful camping experience on the island. The time we spend there is precious memory for us now. We can't forget scenery there such as beautiful sunset, clear and blue ocean, jungle, animals, etc. We hope more people will visit and have unforgettable moments there. I strongly recommend to visit. See more..
5.0 Climb Salone (1 review)
- Great fun in WA first bouldering gym!
Saturday: 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

It's hard to imagine there is a proper bouldering centre in the heart of Freetown - but there is! (It's the only one in West Africa). There's a wonderful community with a great mix of locals and expats - it's a great place to meet new people and make friends if you've just arrived. From a climbing point of view, it is a full functioning bouldering centre. Routes range from V0 all the way up to V10 and routes are changed every week to keep things interesting. The routesetting is brilliant and varied. We provide you with shoes and chalk included in the entry price so don't worry if you don't have any or have left yours at home! What are you waiting got - come and visit us! See more..
5.0 Minititi (1 review)
- Cute little accessories shop and gift shop
Speciality & Gift Shops

Really wonderful cute little accessories shop based in lumley. It is located inside of lumley mall. The shop offers a variety of akin care, phone accessories, cosmetics and best of all if you cant find what you need just let them know and they can do personal orders for you and you can pick it up in the shop See more..
4.5 Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (203 reviews)
- The Great Escape - Meet rescued Chimpanzees
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

40 minutes outside of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tacugama is set high in the hills of the Western Area Forest Reserve. The 100-acre sanctuary is 10 minutes past the historic mountain village of Regent. To come and see the chimpanzees at Tacugama, please reserve a place on one of our guided tours. There are two daily tours available: at 10:30am and 4:00pm, every day of the year. All tours are by appointment only and group sizes are limited. Please contact us in advance to confirm your reservation and arrive in good time to avoid disappointment. Tour prices: Expat adult $15 or Le 65.000 Expat child $ 5 or Le 25.000 SL adult Le 20.000 SL child Le 5.000 See more..
4.5 River Number Two Beach (159 reviews)
- Amazing Improvements
Beaches

I have been coming to this beach for the past 20 years and its always been one of my favorites. This past time I went I was very happy to see some marked improvements. The lobster is now made with a bbq sauce which I was skeptical about at first but proved to be delicious, would highly recommend. Additionally, you can now rent jet skis, kayaks, do banana boat rides, and tubing which is an excellent way to spend some time at this beautiful beach! See more..
4.5 Bureh Beach (30 reviews)
- Bureh Beach - Africa's hidden paradise
Beaches

Bureh Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sierra Leone. Drive 5 minutes north from Kent, at the Southern end of the Freetown Peninsula, or a few hours south of Freetown, depending on the conditions of the road and traffic. Here can you enjoy a grilled lobster, fish or crab on the beach. Just ask for Jabez or John in Bureh Town. For the ones who likes to surf the best time is in the morning and afternoon when the tide is coming in. It is possible to rent short boards or a fun board. Fishing tours or boat trip to Banana island can be organised, just talk to Jabez. Jabez phone number: 088974695 Why not enjoy a jogging or walk to John Obey on the fantastic long white sand beach with a stunning view of the green mountains behind. If you like to climb on the cliffs go in the other direction to Kent, just don't forget to make a stop at Jesus Beach to cool down in the small waterfall. See more..
4.5 National Railway Museum (25 reviews)
- Small but worth going
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

A great little find tucked away in downtown Freetown. Enthusiastic and friendly staff who are passionate about sharing the history of the railway system in Sierra Leone. Don't miss it! See more..
4.5 Bunce Island (21 reviews)
- Impressive place
Islands

This is a tour which stays with you. Firstly it is a boat ride across the river and ocean and it itself is an adventure, Once on the island there is usually no one around so you have place virtually all to yourselves and can spend quality time on the island. Ruins, canons, slave stories, huge trees make this place special. This is one of my favourite places in SL. See more..
4.5 John Obey Beach (21 reviews)
- Pure natural beauty
Beaches

Pristine beach, lovely local people. One of the most beautiful beaches in Sierra Leone, and we have several. Spend a night under the stars by a beach bonfire built into the sand, and don't forget to clean up after yourself before you leave. We must preserve our own. See more..
4.5 Visit Sierra Leone (17 reviews)
- Family Christmas Vacation In Sierra Leone arranged by VSL Travels
City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Day Trips

I recently had a one week Christmas vacation in Sierra Leone from 22-29th Dec 2019 handled by VSL Travels. My family was impressed with vacation arrangement from the day of our arrival at the airport to the day we left Freetown. The hotel and food was excellent, the tours impressive and educative and most especially our stay in Banana Island is associated with a wonderful memory that we will not forget for a long time to come. The package was indeed family friendly. I will also want to inform you that our tour guide was so much enthusiastic and proud of his work. He knows what to do at the right time. The entire family concluded that on our departure day that the tour guide provided for us is truly a professional tour agent. In sum, we enjoyed every moment in Sierra Leone with its warm and friendly people. Looking forward to come back in the nearest future. Thank you. See more..
4.5 Lakka Beach (16 reviews)
- Fantastic Place to go
Beaches

What a GREAT FABULOUS place to go to. A short taxi ride from Freetown. On approach to the beach there is a le 5000 per person community area fee. Though this is not always enforced, it could be either teenagers asking for the money or kids with a rope across the entrance. Apparently, the money does go to the community in one way or another. The beach is fantastic. Footwear is recommended as the sand gets extremely hot. As well as a selection of bars there is a stall selling material and small goods. e.g. t shirts le 50k (£5) and shirts le 60k (£6) Not too be missed, (there is a separate review for Pauls restaurant on Lakka) See more..
4.5 St George's cathedral (15 reviews)
- How do you rate a place of worship?
Churches & Cathedrals

St George's Cathedral is the pre-eminent place of christian worship in Freetown. The main Sunday services are at 07:30 and 09:30 and are conducted in english according to the anglican tradition, with readings displayed on screens throughout the building. The congregation are very welcoming to all. See more..
4.5 Banana Divers Sierra Leone (14 reviews)
- snorkeling among colonial cannons, anckors and cargo from the 1700s
Scuba & Snorkelling

we only went free diving with Banana Divers -although they did a lot of scuba- at a wonderful site. A ship had sunk in the 1700s with 29 cannons visible and anchors. the site site was full of colorful fish too. next we went to a quite cove were there has less currents but the fish scenery was amazing. This is a place to learn how to dive and enjoy the best aquatic life in the region. We will never forget Banana Island. See more..
4.5 Tasso Ecotourism Project (8 reviews)
- Escape from the city
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Eco Tours

We have visited Tasso three times now, It is a wonderful escape from Freetown with idyllic waterside eco-chalets which are large and well kept. The trip on their boat the Gladi Gladi from government wharf is all part of the fun. There is a set price for the boat so it makes sense to go in a group. There is also the possibility to visit the local villages and experience some cultural life in the evening. Bunce Island is next door and can be combined easily. Recommended See more..
4.5 Paddy's Bar (6 reviews)
- Sweet Salone
Bars & Clubs

Paddys Bar is without a doubt the hottest spot in Salone. Its Very Affordable...about 3000 Leones which is less than 2 US dollars per person. Great DJ...dance floor with a covering and also a place to dance outside...if you dont feel like dancing there are patio tables all over....bar tenders walking around and they are pretty effiicent. You can grab some roast beed (meat on a shish kabob) or play some pool! Theres something for everyone...During christmas season it gets busy with all the JC's (Just cam's...krio phrase for people just arriving in Salone)...They have yearly events such as Miss Paddys and JCs vs HB so much fun. Dont miss this place when you go to Salone. See more..
4.5 Sovereign Ferries (SL) Ltd (4 reviews)
- Professional boat operation
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

Much better boat than the others I have used in the past. Comfortable and secure crossing. Free water or juice offered on board. Felt much safer than other options. Would highly recommend to anyone See more..
4.5 Kanaga Africa Tours (2 reviews)
- Sorprendente
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Multi-day Tours

Leonardo è una eccellente guida per preparazione, capacità nella gestione degli imprevisti e nella scelta delle guide locali. Il nostro viaggio in Sierra Leone e Liberia è stato molto ricco. See more..
4.0 Sea Coach Express (40 reviews)
- Fast, convenient and friendly service.
Ferries

The crew members are very professional and you can see the pride they take in their work. Excellent service. The bus to the river taxi is only a few hundred yards from the airport. You luggage is tagged and you get a ticket for each case. Once the bus leaves the airport you reach the river taxi in only a few minutes. There might be a 15 or 20 minute wait to get on board but there is wifi access if you want to message your friends back home to let them know that you've arrived safely. Once on the river taxi, you are on your way and reach the madness of Freetown in a few minutes. This is all part of the experience of being in Sierra Leone. I'll be returning November 27th and know that i'll be in safe hands. See more..
4.0 Aberdeen (40 reviews)
- Function and fun!
Neighborhoods

Everything is here: the water taxis, Lumley beach and its thriving restaurants, a golf course, the atlantic restaurant and so much more. See more..
4.0 SEA BIRD EXPRESS (14 reviews)
- Clean, Tidy and Excellent Customer Care
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

After a long haul flight to Lungi Airport, it is always a pleasure using Sea Bird Express to the mainland. Their boats are always clean, tidy, life jackets are always distributed and on many occasions, the Wifi on the boat is even better than that at the hotel. The customer care is excellent and I have never lost my luggage when I travel with them. Thanks Sea Bird Express See more..
4.0 Sierra Leone Peace Museum (13 reviews)
- informative
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

It is worth a look to learn about the country's civil war, 1991-2002. The collection includes items from the Special Court, traditional dress, posters calling for peace, signs, etc. Really touching. Remember to see the Memorial Garden in the back. There's a lot more in their holdings if they had more funds to be able to catalog and display. I don't know how much this has changed since I was there last year. See more..
4.0 Cruzer Cinema (1 review)
- Good Children-friendly movies but poor quality Pictures
Movie Theaters
The idea of a cinema in Freetown is excellent and they often had special days for children but that is where the fun ends. They could find better quality pictures to show. The location of the cinema, down in the basement of a dark and damp events centre was not encouraging. For a few pennies less, you could buy the same poor quality DVDs on the street and enjoy them in the warmth of your home. See more..
4.0 Regent Road Baptist Church (1 review)
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

See more..
3.5 Lumley Beach (158 reviews)
- Excellent for leisure
Beaches

I paid a visit to this beach with friends and totally enjoyed myself. It has all the attractions of a beach including the electrifying atmosphere that makes one forget himself. This is one of the greatest tourist sites in Freetown and I recommend it to every visitor to the City. See more..
3.5 Cotton Tree (87 reviews)
- The Cotton Tree is worth a visit just for it's huge size and history
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Freetown, settled by freed American slaves, regards this tree as a lasting landmark of freedom. See more..
3.5 Sierra Leone National Museum (38 reviews)
- Nice little museum
Speciality Museums

Keeping in mind the limited resources available in Freetown, this is a nice stop on your tour of Freetown. Small but has interesting artifact -the front room is filled with 'secret society' costumes (which really are 'secret' so you can't take pictures in there) as well as a blow up of the recently located Bai Bureh photo. There is also a nice display on Bunce Island on the second floor and its connections to the SC/GA Gullahs. See more..