Sierra Leone Travel Guide

Sierra Leone's unique natural beauty once attracted 100,000 tourists a year, attracted to its secluded white sandy beaches, unspoilt rainforests and refreshing waterfalls. After a bloody civil war, visitors are now starting to rediscover the West African country's splendour.

In some ways, nothing has changed. The people are still as receptive as ever to outsiders and the landscape remains a lush tropical paradise, but much of the country, including tourism infrastructure, needs rebuilding after years of conflict. Sierra Leone emerged from a decade of civil war in early 2002, with the help of more than 17,000 foreign troops; the biggest UN peacekeeping success in Africa for many years.

The government is starting from scratch, going back to basics to entice foreign travellers to return to this small corner of Africa. A development act has been put in place, modelled after the one in the Gambia, and The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is looking to create a solid and stable tourism climate, highlighting the country's unique cultural diversity.