Hey Travel Fam! 🌍💙
Just touched down after an unforgettable week in Sierra Leone with my travel partner Queenie and the amazing group trip we hosted as part of The Sankofa Experience! We couldn’t wait to share all the little moments that made this trip truly special. From wandering Freetown’s colorful markets and tasting some mouthwatering local dishes to reflecting on the deep history of Bunce Island, every day brought us closer to the heart of this beautiful country. And if you’ve been following along on Instagram, you already know there were laughs, new friendships, and even a little dancing thrown in!
Let’s dive into the highlights from this Sierra Leone adventure, so you can get a true feel for what it’s like to travel with us, also check out The Sankofa Experience on Instagram and YouTube for more travel content!
Day 1: Arrival and Warm Welcome in Freetown
To kick off our week together, Queenie and I prepared gift bags for everyone with some thoughtful touches—a special necklace in Sierra Leone’s colors handmade all the way from Togo, a “Stamp’d in Salone” souvenir shot glass, a Roaming Reflections journal, and other travel essentials. It was our little way of saying, “Welcome to the adventure!”
Our welcome dinner was a vibe from the start. We all showed up in shades of blue, setting a beautiful, unified tone for the night. The energy was already high, but it hit a whole new level when local dancers and drummers arrived, filling the room with the infectious rhythm of Sierra Leone. We couldn’t resist joining in, and before we knew it, we were dancing alongside them, lost in the music and spirit of the moment.
And just when the night couldn’t get any better, we surprised three of our guests with a birthday cake! Celebrating their special day in such a magical setting was unforgettable. We wrapped up the evening at a local lounge, where we danced to Afro beats and dancehall, soaking up the Freetown nightlife and bonding over every beat.
Day 2: Exploring Freetown’s Cultural Heritage
Our second day promised excitement and local flavor, and it didn’t disappoint! We kicked things off with a shopping extravaganza in the bustling markets of Freetown. From vibrant jewelry to traditional African prints and stylish handbags, the stalls were filled with unique pieces, each telling its own story of Sierra Leonean culture and craftsmanship. The group immersed themselves in the lively market atmosphere, taking in the colors, sounds, and scents of Freetown.
Next up was a traditional tie-dye class, where skilled artisans taught us the intricate techniques of this popular Sierra Leonean art form. Everyone got hands-on and created their own vibrant designs to take home—a truly personal memento of the trip.
Though I was under the weather that day, my travel partner and Sankofa Sister Queenie and our co-host JD made sure everything flowed seamlessly. They kept the group energized and made sure everyone got the most out of each experience. And thanks to Carelle, one of our guests (and a doctor!), I was able to recover quickly and was back on my feet by Day 3!
The group ended the day by experiencing Freetown’s nightlife. They attended a local festival with delicious street food, and with the beats of Afro rhythms filling the air, the evening was a perfect blend of fun and local flavor, bringing everyone closer together as a group.
Day 3: Beaches, Giving Back, and Freetown’s Nightlife
After some much-needed rest on Day 2, I was ready to dive back into our Sierra Leone adventure with the crew. We kicked things off with a visit to a local orphanage, where we brought along supplies—food, water, sanitary pads, and school essentials to help support the kids. Spending time with them, sharing laughs, and dancing together was such a heartwarming experience. Moments like these make me grateful to be able to give back in some small way.
From there, we made our way to the beach. Y'all, the waves were WILD, but that didn’t stop us from jumping in and enjoying the ocean! We danced to dancehall right there on the sand, picked up some beautiful traditional printed bags as souvenirs, and just soaked in the sun and salt air. It was one of those perfect days where everything feels right.
Then came the food! Local women cooked up the most amazing fried fish and jollof rice right there on the beach, and y’all… hands down, the best I’ve ever had (but let’s keep that between us, okay?). We ate, swam, laughed, and braved those waves, looking like a whole squad in our green swimsuits. Even when the rain decided to join, it just added to the day’s charm. We all crowded under the beach hut, sharing stories and laughs that made it even more unforgettable.
As the evening set in, we weren’t ready to call it a night just yet. We took the fun to the city and got lost in the rhythm of Sierra Leone’s nightlife—dancing, connecting, and just soaking in the joy of being together. Days like this one really bring out the magic of group travel!.
Day 4: Bunce Island – A Sobering Reflection
Day 4 led us to Bunce Island, a place where history speaks louder than words. As we approached by boat, you could feel the weight of this landmark’s past—a former British slave trading post, Bunce Island is a place of both heartbreak and resilience. The moment we stepped onto the island, the atmosphere shifted, grounding us in the stories of those who passed through here centuries ago.
We explored the island’s crumbling fort, the eerie remnants of the slave quarters, and the infamous “Door of No Return.” Standing at that doorway, with the vastness of the Atlantic stretching out in front of us, was an experience that went beyond words. For some in our group, especially those with family roots tracing back to Sierra Leone, this was an especially profound moment. Queenie and I felt honored to be there, bearing witness with the group to this chapter of history. The guides brought each story to life, recounting the strength and resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships.
Leaving Bunce Island, we all carried a deeper sense of connection—to each other, to our roots, and to the strength of the human spirit. It was a day none of us will forget and a reminder of why trips like these matter so much.
After such an emotional day, we wrapped things up with an evening at LOR, a perfect spot to lift our spirits and soak in the joy of the journey. The vibe was all about good food, laughter, and celebrating our time together—and we even got to surprise one of our travelers with a birthday celebration! The steak, paired with roasted potatoes and vibrant veggies, was almost too pretty to eat, and the flavors didn’t disappoint. We shared stories from the day, indulged in some incredible local dishes, and toasted to both new memories and new friendships. This was exactly what we needed to unwind, reflect, and keep the energy high for the days ahead!
Day 5: Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Maroon Church.
Today was packed with both adventure and learning. We started off at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where we got up close with our primate cousins in their natural habitat. Seeing these intelligent creatures interact and observing their social behaviors was such a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. It was incredible to witness the work being done to protect Sierra Leone’s biodiversity, and it made us all feel connected to this land in a whole new way.
From the sanctuary, we made our way to Maroon Town, a place brimming with history and cultural significance. This vibrant community, with its roots tied to Jamaica, brought to life the resilience and stories of escaped slaves who formed independent communities. Visiting the Maroon church and hearing about the shared traditions, music, and history between Sierra Leone and Jamaica was deeply moving. It was a day of reflection on heritage, strength, and the unbreakable ties that bind communities across continents. Truly, it was a day that left us all feeling enriched and connected in ways we hadn’t anticipated.
Day 6: Naming Ceremony & Giving Back To The Community
Today was one of the most meaningful days of our journey. We took part in a traditional naming ceremony—a profoundly moving experience, especially for those in our group with roots tracing back to Sierra Leone. Receiving a Sierra Leonean name felt like a bridge across cultures, a beautiful and emotional moment of connection that celebrated our shared heritage. This experience deepened our bond not only with this incredible place but also with each other.
Afterward, we visited a nearby orphanage, where we donated groceries, toiletries, school supplies, and other essentials to support the children and staff. Giving back like this is so close to my heart, and sharing it with our group made it even more special. Spending time with the kids, sharing smiles, and feeling that genuine connection was an uplifting way to end an unforgettable day.
And to wrap up the trip on a high note, we headed to SkyBar Lounge to dance the night away! It was the perfect finale to an amazing journey together, full of joy, celebration, and memories that will stay with us forever.
Day 7: Farewell to Sierra Leone
Saying goodbye to Sierra Leone and our newfound friends was so much harder than I imagined. This week brought us closer not only to this beautiful country but also to each other, creating bonds that feel like family. Traveling with The Sankofa Experience and my amazing partner-in-crime Queenie added an extra layer of magic to this journey. Her energy and passion for these group trips, especially during the moments when I wasn’t feeling my best, were invaluable. Huge shoutout to Queenie for holding it down and making every day unforgettable for everyone! From the vibrant markets of Freetown to the peaceful moments on River No. 2 Beach, every day was packed with laughter, learning, and those unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.
Sierra Leone truly left an imprint on our hearts, with memories of its warmth, rich culture, and scenic beauty. Group travel like this is so much more than just sightseeing—it’s about creating lifelong memories, building friendships that feel like family, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
Our time in Sierra Leone was more than just a trip; it was a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. If you’ve ever dreamed of joining myself and Queenie on one of these adventures, this is your sign! Group travel with The Sankofa Experience is all about immersing yourself in the culture, laughter, shared experiences, and those unforgettable moments that make life richer.
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