Freetown, Sierra Leone
In many minds, especially those within the borders of Sierra Leone, Freetown is a name forever scarred with poverty, strife, and even war. Never having been an attraction for tourists, it seems the only foreigners to roam this capital's streets are journalists, globe-trotters, and, well, anyone who's curiosity beseeches for closer glimpses of its status. When it began its life, Freetown was marked for the big time. With its position along the West African coastline and a steady climate, it appeared to many to be the perfect candidate for trade between the North American continent and its own. Today, after heavy years of neglect, corruption, and other socially and politically manifested maladies, Freetown is struggling to get by. It's port is open (though trade is very restricted), and you can find beauty in the midst of its decrepit neighborhoods by looking to the water's edge, but the city is assuredly not a vacationer's mecca. Militantism has been cut down drastically in recent years, however unease still lingers, making some of the capital's districts off-limits to visitors, especially wealthy "western" citizens - such as those from the US and Japan.Despite the obvious hardships Sierra Leone is experiencing as a whole, Freetown receives the most attention when it comes to aid and rebuilding, making it - albeit by default - the first served in nearly every sense of the word. This, of course, means unimaginable difficulties lie further inland for the nation's societies, tribes, etc.; again we stress that the majority of arrivals within the capital are relief workers (UN affiliates dominate). If you wish to take efforts to fly to Freetown, after booking your flight, follow up repeatedly as to the status of your flight - things can change.
When to go
Other than rains, there's little to worry about in the way of climatic occurrences that can keep travelers from embarking towards the capital. Springs, summers, autumns, and winters all integrate rather seamlessly with one another to form what is known around the world as the African year. Other than the blocks on the continent's northern and southern regions (i.e.: Egypt; South Africa), you won't find much change. Springs do bring lots of color to an otherwise gray city, however, so if you're looking for some pick-me-ups you can jet on over between March and June.
Getting there and around
Freetown's
airport is located across Fourah Bay, a body of water traversed by ferries running tirelessly throughout the day. If you'd like as little of a wait as possible while going to and fro, you can arrange (if possible) for a flight arriving in the capital at midday, though crowdedness upon those floating boxes (powered by immense diesel contraptions, of course) can make even the hardiest claustrophobic uneasy. Walking is surely the best method of transit within Freetown, but if you're in need of something with a bit more speed, taxis are the way to go. You won't get off easy in terms of cost, but you'll avoid the great numbers of weasley pickpockets found upon buses.
Attractions
If you're missing the UK and would like some nostalgic memorabilia from historic Britain, you can paddle your way to
Bunce Island to get a few peeks at 17th-century fort.
Bunce Island is roughly a 1-hour boat ride from the capital. It is located at the mouth of the Sierra Leone River. Seen too many dirty shacks for your liking? A trip outside the city to Outamba-Kilimi National Park might do the trick. Though it may be hard to find, when you do come across its border, the clientele of the African wilds (elephants, chimpanzees, hippos, etc.) will astound.