Sierra Leone - Forts, Chimps and Beaches

Itinerary

Day 1 - Freetown
Arrive in Freetown and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore this vibrant city. Overnight Taia Hotel or similar.

Day 2 - Freetown
This morning you head to Bunce Island. The island was established as a major slave trading fortress and castle in 1670 and is located approximately 20 miles upriver in the Freetown Harbour on the Sierra Leone River. Bunce Island is a powerful experience for anyone interested in the history of the country and the slave trade. After lunch we will visit the daily Big Market, a covered market where you can find a range of crafts, bric-a-brac and traditional medicines, among other things. Overnight Taia Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 – Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary
Today you will visit the Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, which is located about 40 minutes from the centre of Freetown. The Sanctuary was set up in 1995, and is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and abandoned chimpanzees. The chimps enjoy a semi-wild life within the 100 acre reserve. Overnight Taia Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 4 - Freetown to the Banana Islands
The Banana Islands lie south west of the Freetown Peninsula. The journey to the islands takes us about 2 hours by a combination of car and boat. Once here, you will be staying in a traditional eco-chalet with mod-cons. There is ample time for you to explore the Island and snorkel in the clear blue seas. Overnight eco-chalets. (BLD)

Day 5 - A free day in Banana Island
A leisurely day to take in the amazing array of fish, flowers and birds the island has to offer. You may get to meet some of the friendly local people who live on the island. Overnight eco-chalet. (BLD)

Day 6 - Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiwai is a unique rainforest island where visitors can camp in prepared tents surrounded by an evergreen forest and the sounds of hornbills and monkeys calling from the canopy. The flora and fauna to be found on Tiwai is stunning. Over 700 different plant species live on Tiwai and there are over 135 different bird species, including 8 types of hornbill. Overnight camping, Tiwai Island. (BLD)

All non alcoholic drinks and camping facilities are provided (tents, bed sheets/blankets)

*On occasions it may not be possible to visit Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary. On these occasions the trip will be replaced with Outamba-Kilimi National Park, which is equally as impressive.

Day 7 - A free day in Tiwai Island
A free day to visit the beaches, take a forest walk or an optional boat tour down the river. Overnight camping, Tiwai Island. (BLD)

Day 8 - Tiwai Island to River No. 2 Beach
We leave Tiwai Island for our final destination; the stunning beaches south of Freetown. Relax and enjoy the Sierra Leone beach culture on your final night in this country. Overnight River Number Two Guesthouse or similar. (B)

Day 9 – Freetown
Transfer back to Freetown. Tour ends. (B)