Sierra Leone: hotels and accommodation across many destinations

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Hotels in Sierra Leone: your guide to where to stay

Sierra Leone is a lesser-known beach destination in West Africa, with sandy Atlantic shores, rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries. Accommodation is limited and concentrated in Freetown, from simple guesthouses to 4-star hotels. We list 78 properties across 8 cities. Below you will find indicative prices, the most popular cities, the season and how to get there.

How much does a hotel in Sierra Leone cost?

The price depends on the city, the standard and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The most and the best hotels are in Freetown. Rates are usually lowest in January and March, and highest in May.

Property standard	Indicative price per night (from)
Guesthouses and budget stays	from approx. SLE 480
3-star hotels	from approx. SLE 1,200
4-star hotels	from approx. SLE 2,300
Upper-tier and premium hotels	from approx. SLE 3,800

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Sierra Leone: most popular cities

Most travellers stay in Freetown and near the beaches. These are the destinations chosen most often:

Freetown. The capital with a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, the Lumley and Aberdeen beaches and the widest choice of hotels.
Lungi (Tulun). A town by the international airport, handy for the first or last night.
The Peninsula beaches (Number Two, Bureh, John Obey). Quiet sandy bays south of the capital, good for relaxing and surfing.
Bo. The country's second city inland, a base for travel to the east.
Kenema. A city in the east, close to forests and wildlife reserves.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

City	Indicative price per night (from)
Freetown	from approx. SLE 1,200
Lungi	from approx. SLE 1,550
Peninsula beaches	from approx. SLE 1,350
Bo	from approx. SLE 1,000
Kenema	from approx. SLE 1,050

What to see in Sierra Leone

This is a destination for those after beaches, wild nature and an authentic Africa away from the crowds.

Freetown. A lively capital where quiet beach time mixes with the bustle of the city.
Secluded beaches. Number Two, John Obey and Bureh are popular bays for relaxing, surfing and grilled fish.
Wildlife sanctuaries. Outamba-Kilimi and others protect endangered species, and some allow camping on site.
Street food. Colourful stalls line the city streets, the best way to get to know the local cuisine.
Bunce Island. A former slave fort a 45-minute boat ride from Freetown, one of the country's main attractions.

How much does a trip to Sierra Leone cost

The currency is the leone (SLE). You pay in the local currency, even if pricier hotels also show prices in dollars. Daily groceries are about 58,000 old leone (around 6 USD). ATMs are easier to find in Freetown, so stock up on cash if travelling inland. Cards are usually accepted only at higher-end hotels.

When is the best time to visit Sierra Leone

The best time is from September to February, with milder temperatures. Avoid March and April, the hottest months, and July and August, the most humid part of the year. Booking is cheapest in January and March, and most expensive in May.

Getting to and around Sierra Leone

All international flights land at Lungi Airport, about 4 hours by road from Freetown. It is faster by ferry or speedboat, which cover the route in about 30 minutes, and many companies offer a free transfer to the terminal. Within the country, you travel by minibuses called poda-podas, shared taxis and buses. The easiest option is to rent a car with a driver, which hotels usually arrange. A yellow-fever vaccination is required.

Example hotels in Sierra Leone

A few recognisable properties, mostly in Freetown, for reference:

Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko and Home Suites Boutique Hotel in Freetown (upper tier, from approx. SLE 3,200).
Hotel Barmoi and The Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown (from approx. SLE 2,300).
New Brookfields Hotel and The Swiss Hotel in Freetown (from approx. SLE 1,900).

Frequently asked questions

When is a stay in Sierra Leone cheapest?

Rates are usually lowest in January and March. May is the most expensive. Booking ahead helps you find a better rate, especially in Freetown, where most of the hotels are.

Which city do travellers stay in most often?

The vast majority of stays are booked in Freetown, the capital and the main place to stay. Outside it, accommodation is sparse unless you camp at the wildlife sanctuaries.

Where are stays most and least expensive?

The highest rates are at the higher-end hotels in Freetown and by the beaches. Cheaper stays are guesthouses and the smaller cities like Bo or Kenema.

Do I need a visa to travel to Sierra Leone?

Citizens of the US, EU countries and Commonwealth countries (including Australia, Canada and New Zealand) can get a visa on arrival with a valid passport. A yellow-fever vaccination is mandatory. The exact rules depend on your citizenship.

Can I pay by card on site?

Cards are usually accepted only at higher-end hotels, so it is best to check ahead. You pay in leone (SLE), even when the price is shown in dollars. ATMs are easier to find in Freetown, so carry cash outside the capital.