How to Find Luxury Hotels in Freetown, Sierra Leone

After the devastation of civil war, Sierra Leone is now working to rebuild its appeal as a tourist destination. Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone and also the largest city within the country. While Sierra Leone has become safer and is working hard to restore the glory of tourism past, it is important to be smart about planning your luxury trip to Freetown.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Visa
• Valid credit card
• Computer with Internet access

Choose Your Accommodations

1. Book accommodations at Hotel Kimbima by calling 011 ([phone] or by visiting its Web site (see Resources). (From outside of the United States and Canada, call 00 ([phone].)

2. Call Visit Sierra Leone to book accommodations in Freetown at its U.S. offices at [phone]. You can also book online through their Web site (see Resources).

3. Look into cruise ships. Cruise ships provide some of the better luxury accommodations in Sierra Leone. There are a few passenger liners that dock in Freetown at the Government Wharf.

4. Venture into palm tree hutting on the peninsula. The accommodations aren't luxurious, but for the adventurous traveler, being closer to nature may prove to be a more enriching experience.

5. Stay on the beach for a 5-star trip. The luxury accommodations in Freetown tend to be on the beautiful beaches. Because of limited resources in the country, even in Freetown's most luxurious resorts, amenities are minimal. Make the most of your swimming pool and ocean view and don't be surprised if the cost tends to outweigh the quality.

6. Save money by staying in the city center. The older hotels in the center of Freetown may not have the spectacular views of the beach resorts, but are more affordable and tend to be in a convenient location for getting around town.

Know Your Destination

1. Travel during the dry season. This is the most pleasant time to visit Freetown and it runs from November through April. This is also peak tourist season, however, and accommodations should be booked early to ensure availability.

2. Dress lightly. Sierra Leone has tropical temperatures, with Freetown averaging 85 degrees F.

See Popular Attractions

1. See the cotton tree outside the Freetown Museum, said to have been growing since 1787.

2. Explore remote Tokkeh Beach to get away from the crowds.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your options for travel from the Lungi airport to Freetown. Helicopter rides, hovercraft rides and ferry boats are all common methods of travel, listed in descending order of cost.

• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Be cautious of prostitutes roaming open air corridors of hotels.

• Do not exchange currency with people on the street. This practice is illegal and you may be cheated out of your money entirely.

• Water shortages are not uncommon and with them comes the threat of cholera.