Visiting

Birding tours

Rockjumper organises tours to Sierra Leone.

Guides

Kenneth Gbengba has good knowledge of the local conditions and birds. He can be contacted at factsfinding@yahoo.com.

Trip reports

We have received a recent trip report on which some of the information in these pages is based.

Logistics

There are no commercial flights in Sierra Leone.

Safety

See Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lonely Planet for the latest safety and travel information.

Public transport is neither reliable nor necessarily safe. The heavy rainy season makes travel to outlying areas both difficult and hazardous. Roads are unlit and potholes are common, especially during the wet season from May to November, so care should be taken when driving and travel after dark should be avoided.

Other safety and health issues are no different from those in many African countries. Guidebooks, travel companies and websites provide much of the advice one needs, but key points warrant repetition here: (1) be aware of the risk of malaria and seek current advice, sleep in a sealed tent or under a net and take prophylaxis as recommended; (2) always ensure you have sufficient water and some method of purification (even if this comprises a pot and a campfire for boiling); (3) do not underestimate the danger of being in the sun for too long, ensure you use sun-block, drink plenty of water and wear a hat; (4) be aware of the risk of AIDS; (5) ensure that you take a reasonably-equipped first-aid pack with you including supplies of hypodermic and suturing needles.