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2025

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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

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From
NZ $6,075 per person

Sierra Leone Encounters

11 days
Start and end in Freetown
4.5
905 traveler reviews
From
NZ $6,075 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Select Date

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity
Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 12
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Freetown

    You'll land at Lungi International Airport where tour representatives are waiting to meet you. From there, it's a scenic ferry ride across the Sierra Leone River to Freetown. The rest of the day is open for you to walk around the capital, grab a meal, and get settled into your accommodation.

    Meals
    Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Freetown on your own
    Landmarks/POIs
    Lungi International Airport
    Sierra Leone River
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Bunce Island and Tasso Island

    Depart from Tokeh and take a boat along the Sierra Leone River to Bunce Island to explore the ruins of the largest British slave castle on the West African Rice Coast. After time there to reflect, head to Tasso Island for a peaceful beach experience before returning to your accommodation.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Bunce Island slave castle ruins
    • Explore Tasso Island beach and swimming
    Landmarks/POIs
    Bunce Island
    Tasso Island
    Sierra Leone River
  3. Day 3

    Sugar Loaf Mountain and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

    Head up Sugar Loaf Mountain early to catch panoramic views of Freetown and the landscape spread out below. Later, travel to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary where you can observe rescued chimpanzees living in their semi-wild habitat. By evening you'll check into eco-lodge chalets located in the rainforest for the night.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike Sugar Loaf Mountain
    • Visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
    • Overnight at Tacugama Eco-Lodge Chalets
    Landmarks/POIs
    Sugar Loaf Mountain
    Western Area Forest Reserve
    Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
  4. Day 4

    Makeni and Rogbonko Village

    Travel through the countryside to Makeni, stopping to explore its lively markets and historical landmarks. From there, head to the village of Rogbonko where you'll experience authentic rural life, take part in traditional cooking and basket weaving, and meet the village chief. You'll return to Makeni for dinner and sleep.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • City tour of Makeni
    • Visit Rogbonko village
    • Traditional cooking demonstration
    • Basket weaving activity
    • Traditional ceremony with village chief
    Landmarks/POIs
    Makeni
    Rogbonko Village
  5. Day 5

    Kabala and Wara Wara Mountains

    Head to Kabala which sits among the Wara Wara Mountains. Hike through the foothills and look for hidden waterfalls and views of the surrounding terrain. Visit a local cotton weaver to see traditional textile making up close. In the evening, there's a folklore and cultural dance performance.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Hike Wara Wara Mountains foothills
    • Visit local cotton weaver
    • Folklore and cultural dance performance
    Landmarks/POIs
    Wara Wara Mountains
    Kabala
  6. Day 6

    Boma Village and Kwaanma Eco-Camp

    Follow a heritage trail to Boma village, led by a female chief and home to the legendary Boma Cotton Tree. You'll explore the village's culture and rituals, including the mystical grave site tied to an ancient conflict. Check in at Kwaanma Eco-Camp in the countryside for the night.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Heritage trail journey to Boma
    • Experience Boma village culture and rituals
    • Visit Boma Cotton Tree
    • Explore grave site of 'giant' folklore
    Landmarks/POIs
    Boma Village
    Boma Cotton Tree
    Moa River
  7. Day 7

    Nainiahun, Kote Wulehun, and Tiwai Island

    Walk through bush trails and rice paddies to reach Nainiahun village and the Kote Wulehun rock formation site. After a libation ceremony and local meal, take a boat to Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll spend time tracking wildlife like pygmy hippopotamus, monkeys, and around 135 bird species, plus search for chimpanzees and endangered monkeys in the rainforest.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Meal with locally sourced ingredients under palm trees), Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic walk to Nainiahun village
    • Visit Kote Wulehun cultural heritage site
    • Libation ceremony and blessing
    • Boat journey on Moa River
    • Wildlife observation on Tiwai Island
    • Chimpanzee and endangered monkey tracking
    Landmarks/POIs
    Nainiahun
    Kote Wulehun
    Moa River
    Tiwai Island
    Itinerary Image 1
  8. Day 8

    Banana Island

    Leave Tiwai Island and travel to Kent Beach where a boat takes you to Banana Island. You'll explore the island's Portuguese colonial history and Krio culture. Then check into Bafa Resort with its unique teepee-style tent rooms set among lush greenery and beaches.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Explore Banana Island Portuguese colonial remnants
    • Experience Krio cultural heritage
    Landmarks/POIs
    Banana Island
    Kent Beach
    Bafa Resort
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  9. Day 9

    River No. 2 and Estuary Resort

    Leave Banana Island and head to River No. 2, a coastal spot with golden sands and clear waters. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, or taking a casual walk along the shore. Check in at Estuary Resort for the night.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Beach relaxation at River No. 2
    • Swimming and beach activities

    Optional Activities

    • Leisurely beach stroll
    Landmarks/POIs
    River No. 2
    Estuary Resort
  10. Day 10

    Freetown City Exploration and Cooking Class

    This morning starts with exploring Freetown's history and culture. You'll see Old Fourah Bay College, the Cotton Tree, and the Peace and Cultural Monument, then check out museums that show the country's heritage. After lunch, head to Big Market to browse, then walk through colonial landmarks like the State House and Parliament Building. Later in the afternoon, you'll do a hands-on cooking class with chef Susan Senesi at Treat Food Concept where you'll learn to prepare Sierra Leonean dishes.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Authentic Sierra Leonean dishes at Way Li Restaurant), Dinner (Meal prepared during hands-on cooking class at Treat Food Concept)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Old Fourah Bay College
    • Visit Cotton Tree and Peace and Cultural Monument
    • Explore Sierra Leone National Museum
    • Visit Peace Museum
    • Explore Gateway to King's Yard
    • Browse Big Market
    • Visit State House
    • Guided tour of Parliament Building
    • Hands-on cooking class at Treat Food Concept
    Landmarks/POIs
    Old Fourah Bay College
    Cotton Tree
    Peace and Cultural Monument
    Sierra Leone National Museum
    Peace Museum
    Gateway to King's Yard
    Big Market
    State House
    Parliament Building
    Treat Food Concept
  11. Day 11

    Departure from Freetown

    You have free time in Freetown to do last-minute shopping or exploration. Later, transfer to the sea-coach for your journey back to Lungi Airport and your departure flight.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Freetown on your own
    Landmarks/POIs
    Lungi International Airport
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

Number of tours

93

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

88%

Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • KIM
    · July 16th, 2025
    It was awhile ago that I took this tour but it was absolutely FANTASTIC! Wonderful guide and driver. He was AMAZING.. It was very well organized & I can’t say anything but great things about it.
    Show more
  • Elyssebeth
    · November 30th, 2024
    A marvelous way to be immersed in the life and culture and experience of being in Morocco. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who were always there just as we needed help. The route is well planned, the stops (features and hotels and meals) were all well chosen.
    Show more

Dates & Availability

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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    • Rated excellent on
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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Encounters Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
NZ $6,075 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 295706

  • Currency
    Le
    Leone
    Sierra Leone
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G.

    Type D
    Sierra Leone
    Type M
    Sierra Leone
    Type G
    Sierra Leone
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Sierra Leone. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Required for entrance into the country for Sierra Leone. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before January 18th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after January 18th, 2026, a minimum payment of $300 is required to confirm your booking with Encounters Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Encounters Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Encounters Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec