Situated on the West African coast between Guinea and Liberia, Sierra Leone boasts many natural features essential for a tourist destination under the tropical sunshine.

Over 300 miles (483km) of coastline with stretches of palm-fringed sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, verdant hills, and a wonderful blend of history and culture, offer many attractions and activities for visitors. However, with the brutality of a long civil war still too fresh in the memories of many, it may take some time before the hoards discover the hidden treasures of this beautiful little country, and until a formal tourism industry is recognised.

For those ahead of the pack, however, Sierra Leone affords a warm and friendly welcome. The main focus is on its stunning beaches where a variety of watersports, including diving, fishing and surfing, are on offer. The capital and commercial centre, Freetown, is rich in history, originally founded as a stopover for sea merchants and later becoming an important centre for slave trade in the mid-1500s. Eighteen miles (29km) from Freetown at the mouth of the Sierra Leone River is the historic fort on Bunce Island, established in 1670 as the biggest slave-trading fortress on the 'Rice Coast' of West Africa, where thousands of slaves were shipped to North America. In Freetown itself, there are plenty of historically significant landmarks relating to slavery, including the famous Cotton Tree, the Slave Gate, and the Portuguese Steps, while the hills overlooking the city are scattered with mountain villages built by resettled American slaves.

Sierra Leone's wildlife is diverse and protected within conservation areas such as Outamba Kilimi National Park, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Freetown, and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary on the Moa River, which is renowned for its flora and fauna, boasting 11 different species of primate. The Tingi Hills are popular for hiking, with breathtaking mountain scenery and a variety of bird and animal life, while Mount Bintumani and Lake Sonfron offer various mountain activities.

Sierra Leone is a nation with enormous potential and a bright future in tourism if the situation remains stable and the economy strengthens. It encompasses a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and natural resources within its borders that will reward intrepid travellers seeking a largely unexplored gem within the African continent.

Sierra Leone experiences a hot and humid tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The summer rainy season is between May and October with most rain falling in July and August. Temperatures average 86°F (30°C) throughout the year with night time temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C). The Harmattan desert wind blows between November and February, relieving the high humidity in Freetown and making this period the coolest time of year in the city.

English is the official language, although each ethnic group has its own tribal language, used more widely in the interior of the country. Krio is a form of Pidgin English that is widely spoken in Freetown.

Local time is GMT.

The official currency is the Leone (SLL), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, foreign exchange bureaux or hotels and travellers cheques can be cashed at banks although they are not recommended. Banks are open on weekdays only. The use of credit cards is very limited, although a few top hotels and restaurants in Freetown might accept them for payment. ATMs do not accept foreign cards.

A Landing Permit (visa) can be obtained on arrival by some countries if there is no diplomatic representation at point of origin and if a letter of invitation is provided. This can be organised by a sponsor or host with the Principal Immigration Officer in Freetown. The Freetown office of the visitor's airline must also receive a list stating flight number, date of arrival, name, nationality and passport number of each passenger 48 hours in advance. Visas must otherwise be obtained prior to arrival in country of origin. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

Irish Honorary Consul General, Freetown: +232 (0)22 222 017.

United Kingdom

UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

British High Commission, Freetown: +232 (0)22 232 961.

Canada

Canadians require a visa and a valid passport.

Canadian Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 (0)2 030 0700.

United States

US nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

United States Embassy, Freetown: +232 (0)22 515 000.

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

South Africa

South Africans require a visa and a valid passport.

South African Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +225 2244 5963.

Australia

Australians require a visa and a valid passport.

Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for Sierra Leone): +233 21 701 2961.

Health policies require that all travellers arriving from a yellow fever area have a vaccination certificate, but yellow fever is a risk throughout the country and immunisation is recommended for all visitors. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio. Malaria and dengue fever are high risks and precautions against mosquito bites are advised, as well as prophylaxis for malaria, which occurs throughout the year. Outbreaks of Lassa fever is endemic in the east. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Diarrhoea and dysentery are common complaints and water should be treated before drinking. Cholera is also a concern. Travellers should bring adequate supplies of personal medication to the country, as supplies are often not available in pharmacies. Medical care is limited in Freetown and almost non-existent elsewhere. An emergency hospital is located near Freetown, but the bad road makes it difficult to get there; there is no ambulance service in the country. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised, which includes emergency evacuation.

Since the end of the 10-year civil war, the security situation has improved although it is still fragile. Political demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided as these have the potential to turn violent. Travellers are advised to avoid the areas bordering Liberia and Guinea. There are incidences of violent crime in Freetown, including armed theft and assault, but petty crime is more common with pick-pocketing and other opportunistic crimes prevalent throughout the country. A number of violent incidents have taken place around the bars and nightclubs at Lumley Beach and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area after dark. Travel outside of the Western Area that includes Freetown can be difficult as roads are poor and transport unreliable. All road or sea transfers from the airport to Freetown should be done in daylight hours only due to safety concerns.

Electrical current is 220 volts 50Hz, but supplies are erratic and power failures common. Round three-pin plugs or rectangular three-blade plugs are used.

Business etiquette in Sierra Leone varies according to individual sectors, however it is always advisable to make appointments in advance and arrive on time for all meetings. For more formal dealings, lightweight suits are to be worn. Shaking hands for men and women is the most common form of introduction and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The international dialling code for Sierra Leone is +232. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). The city code for Freetown is (0)22; other areas do not require a code. Sierratel provides national and international telephone services. A prepaid GSM900 mobile network is available in Freetown and other towns around the country, and prepaid cards can be bought throughout the country. International roaming is available. The use of mobile phones is high due to the unreliability of landlines. Internet cafes are available in Freetown and other provincial towns.

Travellers may bring 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco, and 1 litre of wine or spirits into the country without paying customs duty. Narcotics are strictly forbidden.