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PATRICIA BROWN, KTI Express Travel and Tours, Sierra Leone.

Patricia Brown is a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) from the Travel Institute of Massachusetts. She is an African Diaspora Tour Operator and Managing Director of KTI Express Travel and Tours in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She is also the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Travel and Tour Operators (SLATTO). For the past twenty years, Patricia has worked to evoke the interest of people of African descent in Africa, particularly people who may trace their roots to her home country of Sierra Leone. She is an award-winning tour operator, receiving the 2002 Responsible Tourism to Africa Award from ATA.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN SIERRA LEONE WEST AFRICA

By JULES & Julie Bowman

Outamba-Kilimi National Park
The Outamba-Kilimi National Park is Sierra Leone’s only National Park and also a top spot for beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife. Situate in the very north of the country, the National Park is set amidst the undulating hills, ancient rainforests and meandering rivers there is an abundance of native flora and fauna. Outamba-Kilimi National Park is the perfect place to watch wildlife in its purest form. There are no roads so hiking and walking are the best options for exploring, as is a canoe trip along the rivers.

There are over 260 different bird species across the park and Lake Idrissa such as the endangered Pallid Harrier, plovers, egrets, sandpipers, herons and cattle egrets visit the area. There are nine primate species including four that are severely endangered including the Western Chimpanzee, the Red Colobus Monkey, Black and White Colobus Monkey and the Sooty Mangabey. There are also Western elephants, leopards, pigmy hippopotamus, water chevrotain, Maxwell Duiker and Savanna Buffalo to be found here.

Beaches and Surfing in Sierra Leone
The beaches of Sierra Leone and in particular on the Freetown Peninsula are considered some of the best in Africa. They offer a plethora of activities to keep visitors busy. Surfing has become a must try in this area. The perfect climate and pristine beaches offer an amazing surf experience. The smaller waves of Bureh Beach allow novice surfers the chance to hone their skills. While just South of Freetown, at River #2, experienced surfers well get a chance to catch some larger waves. The unspoilt beaches of Sierra Leone are gorgeous and the views of surrounding mountains are spectacular. Most importantly, most of the pristine beaches are deserted depending upon the time of year you visit. When it comes to surfing and beaches, Sierra Leone is a one stop destination!

Tiwai Island
Tiwai Island is the premier conservation park for researchers and eco travellers alike. Visitors can witness the sheer beauty of the local nature first hand. The island can be reached by traveling down the Moa River. Tiwai Island has two stunning beaches in which you can experience pristine sands beside the alluring Moa River. The forest within the island offers boundless hiking and climbing trails which will bring you in contact with a concentration of various plants and animals. There are multiple species of primates including the endangered Columbus monkey and wild chimpanzees. There are also over a hundred species of exquisite birds to admire. Visitors should be prepared to stay in local lodgings and experience the culture of Tiwai Island.

Explore the culture and nightlife of Freetown
Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone and is the main city for commerce and culture. It is the perfect place to experience the laid back sandy beaches of Sierra Leone and mingle with the locals. Expect all the modern tourist amenities such as hotels, late night hot spots and restaurants especially in the Lumley and Aberdeen areas which are very tourist-friendly. However, there is still plenty of traditional West African culture to soak up. Visit the St John’s Maroon Church which was built in 1800, St George’s Cathedral and The Wharf Steps and Old Guard House which were both constructed in 1818. Travellers can visit various markets to dine on local specialities and witness the beauty of Freetown through local city tours. Every year the city hosts cultural events to capture the deep history of the region. A visit to Freetown will impart a piece of Sierra Leone to someone searching for a perfect cultural vacation.

Western Peninsula Rainforest
The Western Peninsula Rainforest lies on the very western tip of Sierra Leone. This stunning rainforest borders gorgeous beaches and offers tourists face to face encounters with nature. Walking trails can bring one in touch with hundreds of species of animals and plants. The views of the mountainous region are breathtaking and should not be missed. Most trips into the region allow for a modern shelter with camping amenities. Meals are prepared onsite and include the local flavour of Sierra Leone. What better way to experience the majesty of the rainforest than staying on the very edge of nature?

RADISSON BLU MAMMY YOKO OPENS IN SIERRA LEONE

Posted on April 27, 2014 by admin

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown – the very first 5-star hotel in Sierra Leone, Africa. Featuring 172 guest rooms and suites, the brand new property is named after Mammy Yoko, the “Queen of Senehun” who helped to unite the Kpaa Mende region. Carlson Rezidor is one of the leading international hotel operators in Africa – all across the continent the group operates and develops 53 hotels with more than 11,500 rooms in 22 countries.

“We are delighted to welcome the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown to our growing family and to further strengthen our presence in Africa, one of our key development regions. We focus on profitable and asset-light growth especially in emerging markets, and aim to make Radisson Blu the premier upper upscale brand on the African continent”, said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor.

Freetown is the largest city and capital of Sierra Leone. The Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel is situated in a very convenient area and offers direct access to Lumley Beach, one of Africa’s finest coast lines. The white sandy beach faces the Atlantic and it is lined by a promenade that gives access to shops, restaurants, golf courses and clubs.

The 172 designer guest rooms and suites at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel invite guests to relax in style and modern comfort. The hotel includes 156 Standard, Superior and Business Class rooms, as well as six Executive Suites, nine Deluxe Suites and one lavish Presidential Suite. All rooms offer Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed internet access, and many of them feature lovely garden or sea views.

Enjoying a drink or a meal soaking the Atlantic breeze is a unique experience: The Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel has an enviable terrace of almost 500 m2 that hosts the atmospheric Deck restaurant serving delicious international cuisine, fresh fish and seafood. In addition, the restaurant gives Freetown its first Sunday Buffet Brunch, reflecting international standards of hospitality at this contemporary hotel.

Freetown is home to many national government bodies and to all foreign embassies in the country – and is the most important business and financial centre in Sierra Leone. For meetings and events, the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel offers five state-of-the-art conference rooms from 35 to 260 m2 that can accommodate up to 260 delegates.

Sierra Leone becomes a tourist hotspot and the country is set to reclaim its crown again as the Athens of West Africa