Sierra Leone small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts to Reduce Flying: We prioritize alternative transport options over air travel for internal journeys on our Sierra Leone tour. There are no internal flights within the itinerary, so all travel is conducted on land or water, enabling guests to experience Sierra Leone at a ground level while minimizing carbon emissions associated with flying.

Renewable Energy in Accommodations:
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Guests stay in eco-lodge chalets built with local materials. All proceeds from the lodges and tours go directly towards the animals and conservation projects of the sanctuary, such as chimpanzee rescue, environmental education, and community conservation efforts. This allows visitors to contribute to vital wildlife preservation while enjoying a unique jungle experience.

Local Guesthouse in Kabala: While basic, this guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms, supporting local communities and economies. The focus on local operations helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with larger, more resource intensive establishments.

Tents and Huts on Tiwai Island and near Boma Village: Staying in tents or huts encourages a closer connection to nature and a simpler lifestyle, which inherently leads to lower resource consumption. These accommodations often rely on minimal electricity usage and reduce waste by encouraging guests to engage with their surroundings respectfully.

Bafa Resort on Banana Island: The pre-erected tents at Bafa Resort straddle the forest and shoreline, emphasizing an eco-friendly design that minimizes land disturbance. While the facilities are basic, the resort encourages practices such as waste reduction and resource conservation to lessen environmental impact. The use of communal toilet and shower facilities on Tiwai Island and Banana Island, as well as basic shared toilets in Boma Village, reflects a commitment to resource conservation. This arrangement minimizes water usage and supports a more sustainable approach to sanitation in remote areas.

Human Powered Transport:
Human-powered transport, including walking and hiking, is a significant part of the tour. In total, there are five days (Days 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7) where walking or hiking is specifically highlighted as part of the itinerary.

Airline Emissions Information: We recognize that customers may need to fly to reach their holiday destination. Our tour notes provide details on resources where they can review airline CO2 emissions. This allows travellers to compare carriers and select options that minimize their environmental footprint.

Use of Electric Cars or Alternative Transport:
We use minivans for road journeys, sized according to the final group to reduce per person CO2 emissions. The itinerary incorporates a range of boat and ferry journeys to access islands like Banana Island, Tiwai Island, Bunce Island, and Tasso Island. Smaller speedboats are used for trips to Banana and Tiwai Islands, whereas larger boats are employed for Bunce and Tasso Islands, often shared with other passengers to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Availability:
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available throughout the tour in Sierra Leone. Local cuisine often features dishes like rice with vegetables, groundnut stew, and jollof rice, all of which can be prepared with plant-based ingredients. Accommodations and restaurants are accommodating, offering a variety of meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In Nainiahun, enjoy a delicious meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This tour includes a visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which actively contributes to nature recovery and wildlife conservation efforts. All proceeds from the lodges and tours at Tacugama go directly towards the animals and conservation projects of the sanctuary, which focus on rescuing and rehabilitating critically endangered Western chimpanzees. Tacugama cares for nearly 100 chimpanzees and is engaged in community outreach, conservation education, and environmental sustainability programs.

Our guests also have the opportunity to learn about these efforts through guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides. This supports local employment and ensures that guests gain valuable insights into the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.

By visiting Tacugama, our travellers not only enjoy a unique wildlife experience but also play a part in ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable practices in the region.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: All accommodations on this tour are locally owned by Sierra Leoneans, supporting the local economy directly. The Bafa Resort on Banana Island is a slight exception in that it is owned by the World Bank but is entirely Sierra Leonean operated.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: We maximize local economic opportunities by exclusively employing local guides who provide an authentic perspective on each destination. We immerse travellers in local markets like the Big Market in Freetown and Makeni markets, where vibrant stalls offer a range of local goods—from fresh produce and spices to handcrafted souvenirs and jewellery. We also visit the village of Rogbonko, where guests can experience rural life, participate in a welcoming ceremony with the village chief, and engage with local customs. In Kabala, we meet with a local cotton weaver to observe the traditional textile-making process and attend a lively cultural dance performance. Additionally, we visit Boma village to connect with the community and witness their unique daily rituals and dances.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: All our guides and drivers are locals from Sierra Leone, ensuring our teams are deeply connected to the culture and communities. While we don’t directly employ individuals from the specific local communities we visit, our tours support them indirectly by bringing groups that contribute economically. This helps create valuable income opportunities for local vendors, artisans, and service providers who might not otherwise have access to such tourism-related earnings.

Empowering Marginalized Communities and Promoting Diversity: We actively create income-generating opportunities for marginalized groups, including those facing extreme poverty, women, and local artisans. For example:
• In Rogbonko Village, we support the community by paying them for hosting activities such as cooking demonstrations and basket weaving.
• In Kabala, we visit a local cotton weaver who benefits through sales of woven goods or fees we pay for the visit.
• In Freetown, we collaborate with Treat Food Concept, a restaurant founded by Susan Senesi, who is dedicated to empowering women through culinary
entrepreneurship.
• Along the Heritage Trail, our groups pass through various villages where they can purchase handmade crafts, food, and drinks, further contributing to local incomes.

Fair Staff Wages: We ensure that all our staff and those employed by our ground partners are paid well above the minimum wage in this destination, reflecting our commitment to fair compensation and support for local livelihoods.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: We warmly welcome all travellers, including LGBTQ+ guests, on our tours. However, it’s important to note that Sierra Leone has strict laws prohibiting same-sex relationships, which may impact certain aspects of travel in the country. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment on all our tours, and our team will do everything possible to support all guests throughout their journey.