Discovering Sierra Leone’s Photo-Worthy Treasures
Sierra Leone stole my heart the moment I stepped off the plane at Lungi International Airport (FNA) five years ago. What was meant to be a two-week photography assignment turned into a love affair with this underrated West African nation that keeps drawing me back. On my most recent visit in early 2024, I found myself sitting on Tokeh Beach at sunset, watching fishermen haul in their colorful boats as the sky erupted in shades of orange and purple. With tears in my eyes, I realized how few travelers experience Sierra Leone’s raw beauty and how many misconceptions still exist about this resilient country.
Having photographed over 60 countries, I can confidently say Sierra Leone offers some of Africa’s most authentic and Instagram-worthy scenes. From the pristine beaches of the Freetown Peninsula to the mist-shrouded mountains of Kabala, this small country packs an incredible visual punch. Yet it remains refreshingly uncrowded, meaning you’ll often have these spectacular backdrops all to yourself.
This guide shares my carefully curated list of Sierra Leone’s most photogenic locations based on multiple visits between 2019 and 2024. I’ve included practical tips, optimal shooting times, and local insights to ensure your visit (and Instagram feed) is as memorable as mine continue to be.
Freetown Peninsula: Beaches That Rival the Caribbean
The Freetown Peninsula is home to some of West Africa’s most stunning and photogenic beaches. What makes these spots particularly Instagram-worthy is the contrast between pristine white sand, lush green mountains, and the absence of crowds you’d find at similar beaches elsewhere.
1. River No. 2 Beach
River No. 2 Beach consistently ranks as Sierra Leone’s most photographed beach, and for good reason. The meeting point of the river and ocean creates a mesmerizing landscape that’s perfect for drone photography.
On my last visit, I arrived at 7:30 AM when the light was soft and golden, creating perfect reflections on the river’s surface. The community-run beach has made sustainability improvements for 2025, including new eco-friendly accommodations that make for charming background elements in your shots.
Photographer’s Tip: For the iconic River No. 2 shot, climb the small hill at the southwestern end of the beach during golden hour. From there, you can capture the river meeting the ocean with mountains in the background.
Entrance fee: 30,000 Leones (about $1.50) – a bargain considering the facilities and natural beauty.
2. Tokeh Beach
Tokeh Beach has become my personal favorite for sunset photography. The 5km stretch of pristine white sand, backed by the impressive Tokeh Mountains, creates a stunning natural frame. The rebuilt The Place Resort (reopened in 2023) provides colorful loungers and beach umbrellas that make for perfect foreground elements.
The fishing village at the northern end of the beach offers authentic scenes of daily life, with colorful wooden boats returning with the day’s catch around 4-5 PM. I’ve found that locals are generally open to being photographed if you ask politely or offer to show them the results – I always bring a portable printer to give prints as thanks.
3. Bureh Beach
For action shots, Bureh Beach is Sierra Leone’s surfing mecca. The Bureh Beach Surf Club, run by local surfers, has grown significantly since my first visit and now offers rentals and lessons for around 500,000 Leones ($25).
What makes Bureh special for Instagram is the juxtaposition of surfers against the backdrop of fishing boats and dense forests. Visit during the prime surfing months of May to October for the most impressive wave shots.
Money-Saving Insider Tip: Many visitors hire private taxis for 800,000-1,000,000 Leones ($40-50) to visit these beaches from Freetown. Instead, use the shared white minivans from Lumley in Freetown for just 20,000-30,000 Leones ($1-1.50) each way. Tell the driver “Ah dae go Tokeh” (I’m going to Tokeh) and they’ll drop you off at the junction, from where it’s a short motorbike ride to the beach.
4. John Obey Beach
John Obey Beach offers a more rustic, less developed aesthetic that’s perfect for photographers seeking authentic Sierra Leonean coastal scenes. The Tribewanted eco-tourism project created globally recognized images from this location, and despite the project ending, the beach remains stunningly photogenic.
What I love about John Obey is the light – the orientation of the beach creates dramatic shadows in late afternoon, with fishing boats silhouetted against the setting sun. The lagoon behind the beach adds another dimension to your compositions.
Freetown’s Urban Photography Hotspots
Sierra Leone’s capital offers a vibrant mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and panoramic viewpoints that provide endless opportunities for street and urban photography.
5. Cotton Tree
The historic Cotton Tree in downtown Freetown has long been the symbolic heart of the city. While the original 400-year-old tree fell during a storm in 2022, a new sapling was planted in 2023, and the site remains culturally significant and photogenic.
The area surrounding the tree includes the Law Courts, State House, and National Museum, all housed in colonial-era buildings that create a compelling architectural backdrop. Early morning (around 7-8 AM) offers the best light and fewer crowds.
During my visit in January 2024, I noticed newly installed informational plaques about the tree’s history, which make interesting foreground elements for your photos while providing historical context.
6. Big Market (King Jimmy Market)
King Jimmy Market (locally known as Big Market) in central Freetown offers an explosion of colors, textures, and authentic daily life. The market specializes in textiles, with vibrant African prints hanging from every available surface.
I learned the hard way that photography here requires sensitivity – on my first visit, I charged in with my camera and was met with uncomfortable stares and raised hands. Now, I always:
- Start by buying something small (a few pieces of fruit or fabric)
- Chat with vendors using basic Krio phrases like “Kushe-o” (Hello) and “Aw di body?” (How are you?)
- Show genuine interest in their products before asking “Ah able tek pichant?” (Can I take a photo?)
This approach has resulted in some of my most authentic and vibrant market photographs. Visit between 9-11 AM when the market is busy but not overcrowded.
7. Leicester Peak
For sweeping cityscape shots of Freetown, Leicester Peak offers unmatched panoramic views. At 1,330 feet above sea level, you can capture the entire city with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
I’ve found sunset and blue hour (6-7 PM) offer the most dramatic lighting, with the city lights beginning to twinkle against the darkening sky. The recently improved road to the peak makes access easier than during my first visit in 2019 when the journey required a sturdy 4×4.
Photographer’s Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod for night photography. The new viewing platform installed in 2023 provides a stable base for long exposures of the city lights.
8. Lumley Beach at Sunset
Lumley Beach provides the perfect urban beach atmosphere with Aberdeen Creek and the mountainous peninsula in the background. What makes this location Instagram-gold is the combination of beach activities against the city backdrop.
Sunday afternoons bring crowds of local families, beach football games, and vendors selling everything from coconuts to hand-crafted souvenirs. The beach has been significantly cleaned up since 2022, with new waste management systems in place making it more photogenic than ever.
For a unique shot, capture the silhouettes of the fishing boats returning to shore against the orange and purple sunset sky. The beach bars like Chutneys and Pikin Street Beach Bar provide colorful foreground elements with their fairy lights and beach umbrellas.
Historical and Cultural Instagram Opportunities
Sierra Leone’s complex history has created uniquely photogenic sites that tell powerful stories – perfect for more meaningful Instagram posts that go beyond pretty landscapes.
9. Bunce Island
Bunce Island’s haunting beauty comes from its painful history as a major British slave trading post. The crumbling ruins set against the lush riverine landscape create powerfully evocative images.
My most compelling photos came from visiting in the early morning when mist often shrouds the ruins, creating an ethereal atmosphere that conveys the island’s somber history. The 2023 conservation efforts have stabilized many structures, making them both safer to visit and more photogenic.
A boat trip from Freetown costs around 3,000,000 Leones ($150) for a group, but it’s worth splitting with other travelers for this unforgettable photography opportunity. Tours can be arranged through the Monuments and Relics Commission.
10. Old Fourah Bay College Building
The ruins of the original Fourah Bay College building in central Freetown offer a photographer’s dream of architectural decay against vibrant urban life. As West Africa’s oldest university (founded 1827), the building’s grandeur remains evident despite its deteriorated state.
I’ve found that the light streams through the empty windows most dramatically around 3-4 PM, creating striking contrast and shadows. Position local pedestrians in your frame for a compelling sense of scale and continued life.
A conservation project began in late 2023, so this site may look quite different by 2025 – potentially more restored but possibly less atmospherically ruined.
11. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
For wildlife photography that tells a conservation story, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the hills above Freetown offers remarkable opportunities to photograph rescued chimpanzees in a semi-natural environment.
The sanctuary now offers specialized photography tours (400,000 Leones/$20 extra) that allow extra time at each viewing platform. I’d recommend a telephoto lens (at least 200mm) to capture close-ups of the chimps’ expressive faces.
What surprised me on my last visit was how photogenic the eco-lodges have become – they’ve been recently renovated with sustainable materials and offer beautiful forest views that create perfect Instagram moments, especially from the infinity pool overlooking the sanctuary.
| Tacugama Visitor Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily |
| Tour Times | 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM |
| Regular Entrance | 600,000 Leones ($30) |
| Photography Permit | Additional 400,000 Leones ($20) |
| Accommodation | From 2,000,000 Leones ($100) per night |
Island Escapes for Unique Photos
Sierra Leone’s islands offer some of the most pristine and undeveloped photographic opportunities in West Africa, with a mix of historical sites and natural beauty.
12. Banana Islands
The Banana Islands (consisting of Dublin and Ricketts) provide that quintessential tropical island aesthetic that performs exceptionally well on Instagram. The ruins of old slave-era buildings overtaken by jungle create a fascinating juxtaposition of human history and natural reclamation.
My favorite spot is the old church on Dublin Island, where sunlight streams through the roof in ethereal rays during midday. The beaches around the islands offer pristine white sand with almost no footprints – something increasingly rare in today’s world.
I’ve stayed at Dalton’s Banana Island Guesthouse, which has improved its facilities for 2025 while maintaining its rustic charm. Their boat from Kent Beach costs around 1,500,000 Leones ($75) round trip.
Money-Saving Insider Tip: Rather than taking the expensive tourist boats, head to Tombo fishing village and negotiate with local fishermen for passage to the islands (around 500,000 Leones/$25 round trip). You’ll need basic Krio phrases and patience, but the authentic experience and savings are worth it. I’ve done this twice with no issues, just make sure to clearly agree on the return pickup time.
13. Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
For nature and wildlife photographers, Tiwai Island in the Moa River offers unparalleled biodiversity in a compact space. Home to rare pygmy hippos, 11 primate species, and over 135 bird species, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
The morning mist rising off the river creates dreamlike conditions for landscape shots, while the canopy walkway (completed in 2022) offers unique perspectives of the rainforest from above. I recommend using a fast lens with good low-light performance, as the dense forest creates challenging lighting conditions.
The journey to Tiwai is part of the adventure – it’s about 5 hours from Freetown to Potoru, then a boat ride to the island. I’ve found that the effort of getting there guarantees you’ll have unique photos few others have captured.
Up-Country Visual Treasures
Venturing beyond Freetown reveals Sierra Leone’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to waterfalls, each offering distinct photographic opportunities.
14. Outamba-Kilimi National Park
Sierra Leone’s largest national park offers savanna and forest landscapes that contrast beautifully with the country’s coastal regions. The park is home to elephants, hippos, and chimpanzees, though wildlife photography requires patience and a good guide.
What makes this park particularly Instagram-worthy is the boat trips on the Kilimi River, where you can capture hippos in their natural habitat with gorgeous reflections in the water. The newly constructed observation platforms (completed in 2023) provide stable bases for long-lens wildlife photography.
I learned the hard way that visiting during the late dry season (March-April) provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. My first visit in the rainy season resulted in lush landscapes but fewer wildlife encounters.
15. Kabala and the Wara Wara Mountains
The highland town of Kabala, surrounded by the Wara Wara Mountains, offers Sierra Leone’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The hike to Simbakoro Peak (the highest accessible point) rewards photographers with panoramic views that counter every stereotype about Sierra Leone being just beaches.
I’ve found early morning (6-8 AM) offers the most magical conditions, with mist filling the valleys and creating a mystical atmosphere. The terraced farming on the hillsides adds geometric patterns to landscape compositions.
Accommodations in Kabala have improved significantly since my first visit, with Kobba House now offering comfortable rooms with mountain views for around 800,000 Leones ($40) per night.
Money-Saving Insider Tip: Skip the expensive guided hikes offered by hotels (often 500,000+ Leones). Instead, head to the Kabala secondary school and ask for a student guide for weekend hikes. They know the mountains intimately and charge around 200,000 Leones ($10) for a full-day guide service. This approach supports education directly, and I’ve found the students’ enthusiasm and knowledge enhance the experience tremendously.
16. Bumbuna Falls
The powerful Bumbuna Falls in northern Sierra Leone offers dramatic waterfall photography opportunities that few visitors experience. The best views come from the eastern bank, where you can capture the full width of the falls with telephoto compression.
I’ve visited in both dry and rainy seasons, and each offers different photographic possibilities. During the rainy season (June-September), the falls are thunderous and dramatic, while the dry season (November-April) reveals interesting rock formations and allows for more detailed compositions.
The construction of the hydroelectric dam upstream has altered water flow patterns, so it’s worth checking local conditions before making the journey from Freetown (about 5 hours by car).
17. Bo City Central Market
Sierra Leone’s second city, Bo, offers street photography opportunities with a distinctly different feel from Freetown. The central market is particularly photogenic, with its labyrinthine aisles filled with colorful fabrics, produce, and crafts.
What makes this market special for photography is the central covered area with light streaming through gaps in the roof, creating dramatic shafts of light in the otherwise dim interior. This natural spotlight effect can transform ordinary market scenes into extraordinary images.
On my last visit, I found that bringing prints of photos from my previous trip instantly broke the ice with vendors, who then enthusiastically invited me to photograph their stalls and introduced me to others. Using the local greeting “Kɛ i dɛ?” (How are you?) in Mende language goes a long way here.
Emerging Instagram Hotspots for 2025
These locations are gaining popularity with photographers and Instagrammers as new facilities make them more accessible or as conservation efforts enhance their appeal.
18. Bonthe Island
Bonthe Island on the Sherbro River Delta is like stepping back in time, with decaying colonial architecture creating a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic that’s perfect for moody photography. The island was once an important British colonial center but is now a quiet backwater with buildings slowly being reclaimed by nature.
The new ferry service introduced in late 2023 has made Bonthe much more accessible than during my first visit in 2019, when reaching the island required complex boat arrangements. This means more photographers are discovering its unique atmosphere.
I recommend staying at Bonthe Holiday Village, which offers simple but comfortable accommodations and can arrange guided photography walks around the island. The early morning light hitting the weathered buildings creates a golden glow that transforms the decay into something magical.
19. Gola Rainforest National Park
For 2025, Gola Rainforest National Park is emerging as a prime photography destination following improvements to its trail system and canopy walkway. As one of West Africa’s most important remaining rainforest areas, it offers rare opportunities to photograph unique species like the white-necked picathartes bird.
The newly established photography hides (completed in 2024) allow for close-up wildlife shots without disturbing natural behavior. These need to be booked in advance through the Gola Rainforest Conservation organization.
What makes Gola special for Instagram is the combination of conservation story and stunning biodiversity. I’ve found that posts combining beautiful imagery with education about Gola’s importance receive the strongest engagement.
20. Little Scarcies River and Mangroves
The mangrove ecosystems along the Little Scarcies River near Kambia offer otherworldly landscapes that feel completely different from Sierra Leone’s beaches and mountains. The tangled roots reflected in still water create natural abstract compositions, especially during the golden and blue hours.
The community-based ecotourism initiative started in 2023 now offers guided photography boat tours through the mangrove channels. What makes this location special is how the changing tides completely transform the visual experience – I recommend visiting during both high and low tides if possible.
My most successful images have come from getting low to the water in the smaller canoes, capturing the reflection of the mangrove canopy in the still water, creating almost perfect mirror images.
21. Turtle Islands
For truly off-the-beaten-path Instagram opportunities, the Turtle Islands in southern Sierra Leone offer a glimpse of traditional fishing life unchanged for generations. The eight small islands feature villages built entirely on sand, with no roads or vehicles – just pristine beaches and traditional wooden boats.
What makes these islands photographically special is the authenticity of daily life and the quality of light – the open horizon creates spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. The lack of electricity means minimal light pollution, offering outstanding astrophotography opportunities.
Getting to the Turtle Islands requires effort – typically a boat from Bonthe or Shenge – but this ensures you’ll capture images few others have seen. I recommend bringing a waterproof camera housing, as the boat journeys can be wet and many of the most compelling shots come from water level.
Sustainability Tip (That Saves Money): When photographing remote areas like the Turtle Islands, bring a solar charger for your camera batteries and phone. I use the Goal Zero Nomad 20 panel, which has saved me countless times in places without electricity. While the initial investment is around $120, it pays for itself by eliminating the need for multiple spare batteries (which can cost $40-60 each for many camera models).
Your 2025 Sierra Leone Photography Action Plan
After five years of photographing Sierra Leone, I’ve learned that preparation is key to capturing those perfect Instagram moments. Here’s my 5-step action plan for making the most of your visit:
- Plan around the seasons – Visit between November and April for the clearest skies and best beach photos. The rainy season (May-October) offers dramatic storm clouds and lush landscapes but can limit beach activities.
- Master the logistics first – Arrange accommodation and transportation in advance, especially for up-country destinations. The newly launched Visit Sierra Leone website offers reliable information on current options.
- Connect with local photographers – Reach out to the Sierra Leone Photography Society on Facebook before your trip. Local photographers can provide invaluable advice on current conditions and sometimes offer to show you around.
- Pack strategically – Bring a versatile weather-sealed camera setup. During my last trip, I primarily used a 24-70mm f/2.8 for landscapes and a 70-200mm f/4 for wildlife and portraits. Don’t forget ND filters for those long-exposure beach shots!
- Return the favor – Share your photography skills with local communities. I’ve taught basic smartphone photography workshops in villages, which creates goodwill and often leads to being shown hidden photographic gems not on any tourist map.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photographing Sierra Leone
Is it safe to travel around Sierra Leone with expensive camera equipment?
Yes, with proper precautions. I’ve traveled extensively throughout Sierra Leone with over $5,000 worth of camera gear and never had issues. Use common sense: use a non-descript camera bag, don’t leave equipment unattended, and be discreet in crowded areas. The biggest risk to your equipment is actually the dust in dry season and humidity in rainy season – bring appropriate protection.
What’s the best time of year for photography in Sierra Leone?
November to April offers the most reliable weather with clear skies, ideal for landscape and beach photography. However, if you want to capture lush landscapes and dramatic skies, the shoulder seasons (May/June or October/November) offer an excellent balance. I avoid July-September when heavy rains can limit mobility and shooting opportunities.
Do I need permits to photograph in Sierra Leone?
General tourist photography doesn’t require permits, but there are exceptions. Government buildings, military installations, and some bridges are restricted. For commercial photography or filming, you’ll need a permit from the Ministry of Information and Communications. National parks like Outamba-Kilimi and Gola charge photography fees (typically 100,000-200,000 Leones/$5-10) on top of entrance fees.
How do locals feel about being photographed?
Sierra Leoneans generally respond positively to being photographed if you ask permission first. The key phrase in Krio is “Ah able tek pichant?” (May I take your photo?). In markets and villages, I’ve found offering to show people their image afterward builds trust. For children, always ask parents or guardians first. In some rural areas, offering small prints as thanks is deeply appreciated.
What camera gear should I bring to Sierra Leone?
A weather-sealed camera body is ideal for dealing with dust, humidity, and occasional rain. I recommend:
- A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm or similar)
- A telephoto lens (70-200mm minimum) for wildlife and distant landscapes
- A wide-angle lens (16-35mm or similar) for landscapes and tight spaces like markets
- Plenty of batteries and memory cards (charging opportunities can be limited up-country)
- A solid tripod for low-light and long-exposure photography
- Protective filters and a good cleaning kit (dust is persistent in dry season)
How’s the internet for posting to Instagram while traveling?
Internet access has improved dramatically since my first visit. 4G is widely available in Freetown and major towns like Bo, Kenema, and Makeni. For 2025, Orange and Africell offer tourist SIM packages with generous data allowances (around 200,000 Leones/$10 for 10GB). Up-country and on islands, connectivity becomes more limited – I recommend preparing posts in advance using apps that can queue uploads when you return to coverage.
Are drone photos possible in Sierra Leone?
Yes, but with restrictions. Since 2022, drone operators need to register with the Civil Aviation Authority before flying. The process costs around 500,000 Leones ($25) for tourists. No-fly zones include the airport area, government buildings, and military installations. I’ve captured stunning drone footage along the peninsula beaches and in the Wara Wara Mountains without issues, but always inform local authorities before flying in remote areas.
References and Further Inspiration
- Visit Sierra Leone Tourism Board – Official tourism information with updated listings for 2025
- Lonely Planet Sierra Leone Guide – Comprehensive information on destinations and logistics
- National Geographic: Sierra Leone’s Recovery Through Photography – Beautiful photo essay on the country’s transformation
- BBC Travel: Sierra Leone – West Africa’s Hidden Paradise – Recent feature with stunning photography
- Visit Sierra Leone Instagram Account – Curated photography from across the country
- Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary – Information on visiting and photography opportunities
- Gola Rainforest National Park – Conservation information and visitor guidelines
- Sierra Telegraph Photography Blog – Local photographer insights and location guides
- Monuments and Relics Commission of Sierra Leone – Historical site information and photography permits
- Wild Sierra Leone – Wildlife photography opportunities and conservation efforts
- Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary – Ecotourism and photography information
- Bumbuna Retreat – Accommodation near Bumbuna Falls with photography guides
Sierra Leone continues to surprise me with new visual treasures on every visit. As tourism infrastructure improves for 2025, photographers have an unprecedented opportunity to capture this incredible country before the crowds discover it. I hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond the obvious and create images that showcase Sierra Leone’s true beauty and complexity.
If you’ve photographed Sierra Leone or have questions about specific locations, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!