Discover Sierra Leone

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  HELEN KENNEDY

  DISCOVER SIERRA LEONE

  

  Written November 2012

  Quite a variety of sights in a week. Good for lovers of wildlife, fresh seafood, beach/scenery and a part of West Africa that not many tourists go to.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I liked the wildlife in the forest, the Tacugama chimp sanctuary and the scenery. Being there in the run up to election was interesting to learn a bit about the country. I also really liked the short visit to 'Tribe Wanted', a sustainable living project. Generally seeing street life as we travelled around the country and how people lived was interesting, rather than a specifc attraction as such.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Kenneth was very good and had perfect English. He had lots of knowledge about West Africa as a whole (if you get him talking about politics, religion, history etc.) and clearly had lots of experience as a tour leader. He has specialist knowledge of birds and is mentioned in the Bradt guidebook (currently the only one for Sierra Leone).

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do not worry about safety at all. Compared to many African countries it felt very safe.

  Best currency to take is US Dollars, which are easy to change. Theres no time difference and UK plug sockets.

  You don't really need much money at all. Apart from tips and the odd drink, the only things are any optional activities at the end for time in Freetown, e.g. a trip to Bunce Island or city tour.

  There are a couple of long drives going to Tiwai and back, but the roads are good for most of it. Camping equipment used was of a high standard. Don't expect too much tourist infrastructure, but hotels were simple and clean.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The country has all the elements (beaches, wildlife, scenery, history) to be a great destination, but tourism is still just beginning, so service etc. may be slower than you are used to. That said, if you are considering a trip to Sierra Leone, its likely you are a seasoned traveller already! We didn't stick exactly to the itinerary, so a flexible attitude is needed, but thats Africa.

   
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  Lucy Johnson

  DISCOVER SIERRA LEONE

  

  Written October 2011

  This tour currently offers the opportunity to see Sierra Leone before it becomes full of tourists - and I recommend it on that basis.  We completed the second only tour and this does show in places with Exodus needing to work on itinerary and tour guiding.  Value for money feels questionable. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Tiwai Island - camping out in the jungle with my new travel mates.  An evening of torrential rain easing the heat and humidity and then the stars came out - just perfect!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Olivette tried her best, but I think there is a difference between the tour guide experience that we expect through Exodus and the reality of the capability of local tour guides in Sierra Leone.  An Exodus guide alongside a local guide is really essential for this tour.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Sierra Leone is no more dangerous than any other African country, but it is really lacking in infrastructure.  You need to be flexible, happy to cope with long, hard, hot days and you'll enjoy exploring this beautiful country. 

   
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  Paul Berry

  DISCOVER SIERRA LEONE

  

  Written October 2011

  An adventurous trip offered by few companies. Wonderful rainforest terrain, white sandy beaches, island remoteness, chances to share in community life 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  visiting a local school, shopping for sports gear in Bo, jumping the african sea waves, relaxing on the beach, rainforest walks looking for monkeys and chimps, scenic drives upcountry.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was local and is still learning about some of the things we would expect like breifings and timings but she got us around all our venues with time to spare some days.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  this is a safe interesting country just opening up to adventure travel so is not fully joined up at the edges. It requires some adventure modes getting in and out of the ten boat journeys for instance, but offers plenty of rewards

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  plenty of opportunity to interact with local people visiting a school, village chief, shopping in the markets, changing money, various forms of transport and some time for relaxing on the beach and testing the african sea. Remote islands to explore and varied accomodation to sample.