Tour Description

Discover the wild beauty, rich culture and complex history of Sierra Leone on this eight-day adventure. Hear traditional stories around the campfire in the Boma Community Village, learn about Sierra Leone’s slave trade history in Freetown and sift for diamonds in Kenema. Unwind on the beaches of the Banana Islands, cruise along the Moa River and set off on a jungle walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwai Island.

Priced From:

$ 4995.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Freetown

End Location: Freetown

Countries: Sierra Leone,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Explore Freetown’s lively streets and markets, then visit Bunce Island to learn its slave trade history and the resilience of Sierra Leone's people.

Head to Boma Community Village and meet one of the few female chiefs in the country. Help plant or harvest rice, then join the locals for traditional storytelling and dancing around the campfire.

Visit Kenema and gain a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone’s diamond heritage and its ties to the community. Try your hand at sifting for stones, then sit down with miners over lunch to hear firsthand about their work and daily lives.

Set off on a river cruise down the Moa River, winding past lush jungle and into the remote wilderness of Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with untamed nature and wildlife.

Unwind on the Banana Islands, a cluster of lush isles off Yawri Bay. Walk shaded forest trails, wander along golden beaches, and soak up the wild beauty of Sierra Leone’s coast.

Itinerary

Cush! Welcome to Sierra Leone. Your adventure begins with a 6 pm welcome meeting in Freetown. If you arrive early, maybe visit the cotton tree (a symbol of freedom in the heart of the town) or simply relax at Lumley Beach. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

This morning, set out on a city tour of Freetown with your local leader. Freetown is a major port city and the capital of Sierra Leone. Wander through the local market and visit important sites involved in the brutal transatlantic slave trade like the King’s Yard Gate on the waterfront, where former slaves walked to freedom. After, journey to Bunce Island where you’ll visit the slave fort and learn about the history of the country. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Say goodbye to Freetown as you travel to Boma Community Village. When you arrive, you’ll meet the chief (one of the few female chiefs in the country) who will welcome you to the community. Then, take a short walk through the village and learn about the importance of rice and the community working together. Rice is pivotal for the entire population – there’s a local saying that if your meal does not include rice, you haven’t actually eaten! After, join the community members and help with either the planting or harvesting of the rice fields (depending on the time of year). Later, walk down to the campsite, built by the community, where you’ll spend the night. Join some of the locals by the fire tonight to learn traditional dances such as the Devil Dance.

Travel to Tiwai Island, a community-led wildlife sanctuary known as the “Land of the Apes.” The island is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and other species, though sightings are rare due to the impact of past hunting and conflict. What makes Tiwai special is the sense of wilderness: towering trees, dense forest and the feeling of being far removed from the outside world. This afternoon, take in the scenery on a boat cruise along the Moa River before joining a community-led night walk through the forest to experience the island after dark.

This morning, set off on a forest walk through the heart of the Upper Guinea Forest before boarding a boat to Kenema. When you arrive, stop in at the local SK Mining Office where you’ll meet the owners and learn about diamond mining and its history and significance. From there, you’ll make your way to one of the diamond fields. Walk through the fields with community members who are still mining in the region. Try your hand at sifting for diamonds before heading to lunch with the miners. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kenema at your own pace. Your leader can give you their recommendations on the best markets or local restaurant options for dinner.

Depart Kenema this morning and travel to the Banana Islands – a group of islands that lie off the coast of Yawri Bay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit Dublin Island and see the ruins of a historic church or simply relax at the beach.

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe go swimming in the cool clear waters or walk along the stone causeway to Ricketts – one of the three islands (along with Dublin and Mes-Meheux) that make up the Banana Islands. Tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with your group – a perfect way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

As there are no further activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

29OCT2026

Return Date :

05NOV2026

4995NZD

available

Departure Date :

12NOV2026

Return Date :

19NOV2026

4995NZD

available

Departure Date :

26NOV2026

Return Date :

03DEC2026

4995NZD

available

Departure Date :

10DEC2026

Return Date :

17DEC2026

4995NZD

available

Departure Date :

24DEC2026

Return Date :

31DEC2026

4995NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

Trip code

DVSL

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Expedition

Transport

Private Vehicle,Boat

Physical Rating

Joining point

Hotel Barmoi

75C Cape Road, Aberdeen

Freetown

SIERRA LEONE

Joining point instructions

A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. For your pre-booked arrival transfer, you will be met at the airport terminal exit by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If you are unable to locate your representative or if your flight is delayed, please call our hotline at +23279406129 or +23276258258. Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should request additional payment from you. If you are you are making your own way from Freetown International Airport to the joining-point hotel, we recommend using the Sea Coach Express ferry. Tickets cost approximately USD 45 and can be purchased at the Sea Coach desk outside the airport terminal. A shuttle will transfer you to the jetty for a 30-minute boat ride to Aberdeen, Freetown. From there, taxis are available outside the terminal exit. The journey to the hotel takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately USD 20 per person.

Finish point

Hotel Barmoi

75C Cape Road, Aberdeen

Freetown

SIERRA LEONE

Finish point instructions

A complimentary departure transfer from our hotel to the airport is available if arranged 10 days before departure. Please advise your departure flight details at least 14 days before your tour start date. If you plan to stay longer, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. If you have booked a post-trip airport transfer, please ask your leader to confirm the time of departure and meeting place. If you have any problems, please call our operations team by phone or WhatsApp at +23276258258 or +23275023481. If you are making your own way to the airport, please note that ferries and water taxis generally depart Freetown at least 4 hours prior to flight departure. We recommend using the Sea Coach Express ferry. Please speak to your leader if you require assistance arranging transport Hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon. If your departure is later, you may arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

FREE TIME & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities; however, during your trip, you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. INTREPID SAFETY STANDARDS For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements YELLOW FEVER CERTIFICATE A yellow fever vaccination certificate and / or card is required for travel to Sierra Leone. You may be fined or denied entry if you do not have one. Pictures, photocopies, and electronic versions are not accepted. LETTER OF INVITATION If you require a letter of invitation or a list of hotel confirmations, please contact your booking agent, and we will issue one tailored to your specific tour and departure.

Why we love it

Explore Freetown’s lively streets and markets, then visit Bunce Island to learn its slave trade history and the resilience of Sierra Leone's people.

Head to Boma Community Village and meet one of the few female chiefs in the country. Help plant or harvest rice, then join the locals for traditional storytelling and dancing around the campfire.

Set off on a river cruise down the Moa River, winding past lush jungle and into the remote wilderness of Tiwai Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with untamed nature and wildlife.

Unwind on the Banana Islands, a cluster of lush isles off Yawri Bay. Walk shaded forest trails, wander along golden beaches, and soak up the wild beauty of Sierra Leone’s coast.

Is this trip right for you

Sierra Leone's tourism industry is still in its infancy, and there are some challenges to overcome, like a lack of infrastructure in some locations, reliable systems, and trained leaders and guides. Even the most experienced leaders are still very new to group travel. Sites are occasionally closed with little or no notice and restoration work is common. You’ll need to have a degree of flexibility when travelling here. We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but service levels and accommodation in West Africa may differ from standards at home. In certain regions, electricity may be available only during specific hours. Hot water and air conditioning can be unreliable and Wi-Fi access is not widely available. Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally, travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (eg. Kenya). You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. DRINKING WATER As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels. MALARIA: There is no commercially available vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. Where malaria is considered prevalent in mountainous regions we prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. NUT ALLERGIES: Please be aware that nuts are commonly used in many dishes across West Africa. If you have a nut allergy, exercise caution, as food regulations may be more relaxed than you might be used to, cross-contamination can occur, and not all ingredients may be disclosed. It is essential to communicate your allergy clearly to your booking agent, tour leader, food vendors and restaurants to minimize risk. Travelling with a food allergy? We have some advice for you here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/travelling-food-allergies-south-east-asia/ RESTAURANT WAIT TIMES In West Africa, you can expect warm and friendly service, but it's important to note that standards can vary, and wait times may be longer than what you're accustomed to.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CREDIT CARDS AND ATMS In Sierra Leone, ATMs are scarce outside of Freetown. Credit card use is very limited, even in Freetown. In places where cards are accepted, power outages or connectivity issues can make payments unreliable. We recommend carrying sufficient cash in local currency Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL / SLE) or USD for backup. If you are bringing USD cash we strongly recommend bringing a mix of large and small denomination bills in good condition, 2013 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the countries you are visiting, the time of year you are travelling, and your personal preferences. We recommend that you pack as lightly as possible (max 15-20 kg) and make sure that you are able to carry your luggage and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, duffle bag or medium to small suitcases with wheels. We recommend bags with carry straps to make handling easier. You'll also need a day pack/bag for hikes and day trips. The weather in Sierra Leone is quite hot and humid all year round. We recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking/quick-dry synthetics designed for hot weather. Avoid materials that are heavy, non-breathable, and retain heat or moisture, such as nylon, polyester, and denim. You will have opportunities to do laundry during your trip. Ex-military or military-style clothing and equipment is prohibited in West Africa. ESSENTIALS: - Sleeping bag – lightweight/summer or sleep sheet - A smaller backpack to take with you on excursions - Lightweight long shirts and pants for protection against the sun and insects - Comfortable clothing for hot weather; shorts, t-shirts, activewear - Closed-toed comfortable walking shoes to protect your feet in wilderness areas - Sandals suitable for beach/water activities - Light waterproof/windproof jacket for rain and wind - Fleece or jumper/sweater for cooler mornings/evenings - Sunscreen – biodegradable and waterproof if available - Lip balm with SPF - Sun protection – sunglasses and sunhat - Swimming costume and cover-up - Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, soap, moisturizer, etc - Torch, flashlight or headlight for potential power outages - Toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, nail clippers, etc - Reusable water bottle - Insect repellent RECOMMENDED: - Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit, but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhea, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, after-sun, bandaids/plasters, etc. - Spare batteries or power bank - Binoculars - Dry bag - Camera OPTIONAL: - Sarong or pareo – beach towels are provided by the hotels - Book, journal, music, podcasts, etc. - Ear plugs PERSONAL MEDICATION Please ensure you travel with all required medications that you may need while in West Africa. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to pack some preventative medication. You are travelling to quite a remote destination, and even though there are pharmacies, they may not stock your required medication. DRESS CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN AND GENDER-DIVERSE TRAVELLERS: In certain parts of Africa, we recommend women and gender-diverse travellers dress in a way that respects local customs and traditions. While there’s a wide range of cultural practices, we recommend packing a few items like skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee, tops that cover the shoulders, or cover-ups when stepping off the beach in coastal areas. Your leader will be able to advise you on when it is appropriate to dress more conservatively. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: This trip has access to power throughout to recharge phones, cameras, laptops, etc. However, due to occasional power outages, we recommend that you carry an extra batteries or a power bank just in case. We recommend that you bring a universal adapter that covers Types C, E, D, and G for this trip. Additionally, make sure your devices are compatible with the 220-240V range, or use a voltage converter if necessary.

Climate and seasonal

Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Temperatures generally range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), with high humidity throughout the year, particularly along the coast. The wet season runs from May to October, bringing heavy rains and lush, green landscapes, while the dry season extends from November to April, marked by hotter days, lower humidity, and winds blowing in from the Sahara. RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan is expected to be in progress 16 February to 18 March 2026 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Muctaru Rogers: +23276877618

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Love wildlife? Us too. We believe nature should be protected, respected and never exploited for our entertainment. That’s why we design all of our wildlife trips and experiences to meet the standards set out in our animal welfare guidelines (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/animal-welfare), created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. This ensures that the unforgettable animal encounters our travellers rave about are conducted responsibly, with the utmost respect for all creatures. What does that mean for you? Well, we never ride, feed or handle wild animals for a start. Take a closer look at our animal welfare policy (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/sites/intrepid/files/Intrepid_Travel_Animal_Welfare_Policy.pdf) to learn more about how we champion responsible, cruelty-free experiences on our trips, and see how you can help make a difference when you travel with our animal-friendly travel tips (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/how-be-better-traveller-wildlife).

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible, which means we won't be able to check in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or, on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. ACCOMMODATION: Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and community run campsites. In Sierra Leone, electricity supply can be unreliable, with many properties operating on generators for limited hours. Hot water, water pressure, and air conditioning are inconsistent, and Wi-Fi is rarely available outside of Freetown. Mosquito nets may not always be provided. Please also note that many properties outside Freetown accept cash only, so plan accordingly. ROOM ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Transport notes

TRANSPORT IN WEST AFRICA: Main roads in West Africa are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Our driver guides are experienced and well trained. If you are ever uncomfortable, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times. TRAVEL TIMES: Distances in West Africa do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights),Camping (basic facilities) (1 night),Research Centre (1 night),Guesthouse (2 nights)

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24 Dec 2026