Sierra Leone has experienced the lows of a catastrophic civil war and an Ebola outbreak. As you would expect, these periods of turbulence did nothing but diminish the country’s draw as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

These days, however, the country is on a steady incline, and helped by a stable political scene, is recovering some of its past glory. The good news for the rest of us is that Sierra Leone’s spectacular and unforgettable charms can be accessed once again.

Here are five of the most interesting places to visit in the country, in case you are planning a trip to Sierra Leone in the near future.

5 Exciting Places To Visit In Sierra Leone

Banana Island

Located south of the capital city, Freetown, Banana Island is a collection of islands: Dublin, Ricketts, and Mes-Meheux. This location is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its spectacular landscape, but it also possesses cultural relevance. In this part of the country, you’ll still find crumbling depots and slave processing centers, sobering pointers to the country’s traumatic slave trade experience.

Beyond that, this location is a great spot for diving and snorkeling, and previous visitors to this location rave about the lush forests and bat caves here.

Tokeh Beach

Tokeh beach used to be among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, before the civil war happened. It still is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country.

The beach is named after the town of Tokeh, located east of the capital Freetown. Offering spectacular palm-fringed beaches that seem to go on forever, this is a perfect spot to relax. The presence of luxury hotels and guesthouses in the area now allows you to do just that for days at a stretch.

Gola Forest Reserve

Popularly referred to as the Green Diamond of Sierra Leone, Gola Forest Reserve is very important to conservationists and nature lovers all over the world, not just for its spectacular landscape.

Notable for its uncommon biodiversity, this reserve is home to thousands of organisms, several of them endemic. Its chief claim to fame, however, is its chimpanzee population. Nevertheless, you can also find pygmy hippos and forest elephants here.

Tiwai Island

Tiwai Island offers spectacular, captivating, and breathtaking views. Located inland of the Moa River, this island offers its very own thrill to visitors.

Perhaps the biggest draw of this island is its wildlife sanctuary. Which attracts a healthy number of nature lovers and conservationists every year. Here you can catch sights of several protected species, including the pygmy hippopotamus, clever chimpanzees, and Diana monkeys.

Freetown

Freetown is an obvious destination first and foremost for its cultural and historical significance to the country. Beyond this, Freetown is a curious patchwork of lifestyles, from the energetic bustle of port activity, to the relaxed and laid-back ambiance of beachside living.

What is clear is that the city of Freetown offers a view of the whole country in a microcosm. This becomes more and more evident the deeper you move into it. While you do this, keep an eye out for some of its most popular tourist destinations.