When deciding to visit us at Giewubae you might be interested in some information that could help you get to us, such as accommodation available along the way from Freetown to the Eco-Camp, general travel information about Sierra Leone (currency, health, what to see, etc.) or other tips that could make your experience as pleasant as possible. Below we have included some travel tips, but if you feel that there is something else that needs including, please email us at [email protected].
Accommodation in & around FreetownThere are many options for accommodation in Freetown, from high-end 5 star hotels to budget camping opportunities. Most of the hotels in Freetown such as Country Lodge or Family Kingdom can be quite expensive as they cater for business tourists; but the further you travel down the Western Area Peninsula, the prices become more reasonable. Lakka Beach Resort is set on one of the closest and cleanest beaches to Freetown (about 20-30 mins drive), River Number 2 community-based accommodation is also a beautiful option, Tito's Paradise on Black Johnson could be your personal 'Robinson Crusoe'esque' retreat, Tribewanted on John Obey beach is an eco-friendly community-run option, and Bureh Beach Surf Club can serve you as a base to surf, body-board or just relax with a glass of palm wine and some fresh sea food. You can get in touch with VSL Travel to organise an itinerary or for more information on other travel options along the peninsula, visit EcoSalone.com.
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Accommodation & Food in Bo TownBo Town is the half way point between Freetown and Giewubae Eco-Camp. Located on one of the best roads in Sierra Leone it take 3.5 hours to travel here by car, bus or Poda-Poda. You may want to take a break here if you are travelling from the capital, so here are a few tips of places to stay or eat. In terms of eating, we can recommend Sab's, an air-conditioned restaurant that prepares European, Sierra Leone and Lebanese dishes, or if you want a bit more character, try Kama Kitchen (just ask for Kama Printing and someone will direct you). Otherwise, if you are looking for something a bit up-market, try Doha's (it has the only swimming pool in Bo). In terms of accommodation, there are fewer options than Freetown, but you have a choice nonetheless. Madam Wokie and Sir Milton ($20/night) are the most well know, but if you are looking for something cheaper you can opt for Samie House (Tel: 00232 (0) 77685 8650 - $10/night). If you are looking to spend the night, try After Work or Valentino for live music and cold beers.
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Transport options
Travelling by road in Sierra Leone can be a daunting task, but there are a number of good quality tarmacked roads that connect the major cities together, and a good network of dirt roads connecting the smaller more remote towns and villages. It is important to note that although it is possible to travel everywhere by road during the dry season (November-May), during the rainy season there are many roads that won’t be accessible. There are several options for travel by road, each at a different price. You can rent a vehicle from a number of car hire companies for between USD$90-USD$120 per day and per vehicle (including a driver but depending on length of journey) or charter a taxi from one of the taxi parks in the major towns for between $50 and $100 per day. If you are looking for a reliable and reasonably priced option you can contact Martin Massaquoi, owner of Samie House (see accommodation in Bo) on 00232 (0) 77685 8650.
Health
Medical facilities are limited. Missions and foreign aid organisations provide some medical facilities. Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies (comprehensive first aid kit). There are no emergency medical services, and therefore it is advisable to be carrying a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy with you at all times so that you can contact them in case of an emergency. They will advise you on the best course of action to take in your particular circumstance.
If taken ill, the best suggestion is to travel to the nearest major town (Bo) and visit the Dr. Yillah hospitals on Cockle Bay Lane, Aberdeen Road, Freetown (tel: (0)3 363 5881) or on Prince Williams Street in Bo (tel: (0) 7663 5881). Opening times are generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700. The cost to be seen by a doctor is Le 30.000 ($6) and prescriptions are usually free if available at the doctors or for a minimal fee if purchased at the pharmacy. Pharmacies can be found in all major towns and are usually concentrated around one particular area. The best stocked pharmacy in Bo is Rodnya Pharmacy just off Damballah Road (ask someone for directions).
If taken ill, the best suggestion is to travel to the nearest major town (Bo) and visit the Dr. Yillah hospitals on Cockle Bay Lane, Aberdeen Road, Freetown (tel: (0)3 363 5881) or on Prince Williams Street in Bo (tel: (0) 7663 5881). Opening times are generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700. The cost to be seen by a doctor is Le 30.000 ($6) and prescriptions are usually free if available at the doctors or for a minimal fee if purchased at the pharmacy. Pharmacies can be found in all major towns and are usually concentrated around one particular area. The best stocked pharmacy in Bo is Rodnya Pharmacy just off Damballah Road (ask someone for directions).
More travel information
For more travel information, you can browse through the recently updated World Travel Guide for Sierra Leone or contact VSL Travel based in Freetown.