Sierra Leone

The name Sierra Leone dates back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There seems some dispute whether it was the shape or climatic conditions that influenced Pedro da Cintra to come up with “Sierra Lyoa” meaning Lion Mountains.

Some say the coastal regions looked like “lion’s teeth”. Others suggest he thought the thunderstorms over the mountainous peninsula sounded like the roar of a lion. Sixteenth century English sailors called it Sierra Leoa which evolved in the 17th Century to Sierra Leone. The British officially adopted the name Sierra Leone in 1787.

Sierra Leone ison the West Coast of Africa between the Republic of Guinea to the north and Liberia is on East and North East, with the Atlantic Ocean on the west and south. It has 300 Miles of coastline.

From an approximate 70-mile coastal belt of low-lying land, the country rises to a mountain plateau near the Eastern Frontier rising 4000 to 6000 feet with a rich timber forest region. The Western area encompasses the Sierra Leone Peninsula on which the capital and main commercial centre of Freetown stands.

A mountainous promontory, it rises in places up to 300 feet above sea level – one of the few places in West Africa where the high land is so close to the sea. Where the lush green forest spills down the hillsides to meet the most beautiful white sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.

Discovery Touring in Sierra Leone

UNDISCOVERED SIERRA LEONE The Sierra Leone Discovery is a perfect mix of culture, nature and history. The tour includes a visit to Bunce Island, once the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast of West Africa. We visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established to rescue orphaned and captured chimps. Contact Guidepost Discovery Tours for information on Sierra Leonne and prices from Australia. (U'Dest) More information...

Contact Guidepost Tours for more details.