Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
This country is still recovering from civil war. The war between the government and Revolutionary United Front caused tens of thousands of deaths and over two million people to be displaced to other countries. At the end of the dispute in 2002, the country has begun to find its self and restore a sense of life and beauty to the land. Sierra Leone once devastated by unrest is again becoming a popular tourist spot. One must still be aware though that this is a very poor country and still subject in certain areas to domestic rebel groups and youth gangs leading to street violence, and looting. The government is doing all it can to make this country again a safe place for its citizens and for tourists.
Slavery was a major part of the history of this African country. Although first settled, by the Portuguese, the British took ownership and in 1961, Sierra Leone became a republic. It is located in West Africa next to Liberia and Guinea. Sierra Leone is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean having many marshy coastal areas and mountainous areas also. The highest peak is 11,948 meters.
The climate of Sierra Leone is tropical; hot and humid. May to December is the summer rainy season and December to April is the winter dry season.
The most popular points of interest in Sierra Leone are the beaches and beautiful views from the mountains. During your visit, you will find many water sports to occupy your time such as fishing, canoeing, and windsurfing, speed boating, water skiing, and sunbathing. You can even take a cruise to a nearby island and spend a leisurely day.
There are many historical attractions in Sierra Leone also. Freetown is abundant with historical landmarks. In the center of town is the famous Cotton Tree planted by American slaves. Nearby is Kings Gate a stone monument with an inscription, which reads any slave who passes through this gate is declared a free man and this is how Freetown received its name. The Naval Wharf still has the steps carved out of stone by slaves where many slave traders bought and sold slaves.
Fourahbay College sits high up on the hills overlooking Freetown. Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England spent his early childhood there. During part of World War II the Queen of England was secretly hidden in Cort Right House on the campus of Fourahbay College.
The Cape Peninsula area is full of fishing villages. Two villages, Waterloo and Tembo are visited the most. Waterloo is presently a refugee area and Tembo is the main fishing village. Nearby Tembo is Mama Beach once a beautiful resort area for French tourists. It has clear white sandy beaches and waters. Although the area is nothing like it used to be the government of Sierra Leone is restoring the area.
During your visit, you will find many shops and open market places to buy gifts such as hand-woven baskets, sculptures, woodcarvings, and other artifacts. Shrimp and lobster are the most popular foods, but any type of seafood can be found at the local eating-places.
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