Peninsula Beaches Holidays

Stretching south from Freetown along the Atlantic coast of the western peninsula is a string of some of Africa’s most stunning beaches where white sand holds back the lush rainforest from the refreshing waters of the North Atlantic. Travel a few miles out of Freetown and, chances are, you might have the beach to yourself.

Your most likely companions on the beach will be groups of fishermen. Distinctive narrow fishing boats, made from hollowed-out tree-trunks, are dotted along the coast. Fresh fish is the local speciality and there are a number of good quality restaurants along the peninsula for lunch or for an evening meal, watching the sunset.

Rising from the sea to over 900m is the Western Peninsula (or Guma) Nature Reserve, a narrow 37-kilometre long chain of hills and the only place in West Africa where a mountain range occurs along the coast. The reserve is the only remnant of moist closed forest in Sierra Leone and the lush forest is home to around 50 species of mammal including the threatened Western chimpanzee, Red colobus monkey, Black-and-White Colobus monkey, Sooty Mangabey and Leopard. Over 370 bird species have been recorded so far.

Whether visiting en route to Banana Island at the southern tip of the peninsula or as a day trip from Freetown, the peninsula beaches are one of the key attractions in Sierra Leone and no trip to the country would be complete without taking time to enjoy them.