Sierra Leone

Despite several difficulties the country has faced over its relatively short history, Sierra Leone is still considered one of the finest holiday spots on the West African coast. Its capital, Freetown, is so-named because it’s where many Africans returned to the continent after being freed from the slave-trade. Both the city’s Cotton Tree, King’s Yard Gates and Bunce Island are iconic symbols of emancipation, not only for Sierra Leone but for all of Africa. As well as its visceral history, there are gorgeous beaches on the Freetown Peninsula, most notably, River Number Two Beach.

It should be Sierra Leone’s rugged nature that draws you to this part of the world. Despite lacking much touristic development, hopping from beach camp to eco-stay along this coastline of white-sand beaches and rustling palm trees is enough to seduce even beached-out travellers. In the North, lies the impressive Loma Mountains, a designated non-hunting reserve, and to the east is Kangari Hills Forest Reserve. If you want to escape the bustle of Freetown, these areas of wild nature are the perfect escape. If you’re keen on beaches rather than forests, jump in a taxi to Lakka Beach, which is a little quieter than the coast around Freetown.