Alright, so you’ve gone and booked yourself Sierra Leone Holidays. Good for you – it’s absolutely stunning and nowhere near as many tourists go there as should. But now comes the bit where you’re googling “what to pack” at midnight and getting increasingly stressed. Been there. Let us help.
It’s Going to Be Bloody Hot
No point sugarcoating it – Sierra Leone is roasting. We’re talking the kind of heat where you step off the plane and immediately regret your life choices. Then you get used to it. Pack clothes you’d wear to the beach, basically. Cotton stuff that breathes. That fancy polyester gym gear? Leave it at home unless you fancy being a sweaty mess all day.
Necessary Clothes
Here’s what actually happens – you pack ten outfits and wear three of them on repeat. Bring a few t-shirts, couple pairs of shorts or light trousers, maybe a sundress if that’s your thing. Long sleeves sound mad in that heat but honestly, they’re decent for keeping the sun and mozzies off you. If you’re going between May and October, chuck in something waterproof because the rain’s no joke.
Shoes: Don’t Overthink It
One pair of proper comfy trainers or walking shoes – Freetown’s got hills that’ll knacker you out. Sandals for the beach. Maybe some cheapish water shoes if you’re planning any river adventures. That’s honestly it. I brought hiking boots once like an idiot and never wore them. The locals will probably be in flip-flops looking at your overpacked shoe collection wondering what you’re playing at.
The Stuff Nobody Mentions But You Really Need
Malaria tablets – sort these out weeks before you go, they’re not last-minute. Proper insect spray with DEET, not that useless citronella rubbish. Factor 50 sun cream because you will burn. Imodium, just trust me on this one. Plasters, antiseptic, paracetamol. If you take prescription stuff, bring loads extra because you’re not popping to Boots if you run out.
Actual Money, Not Just Cards
This isn’t London. Bring US dollars in cash – small notes, like twenties and tens. Nobody can change a hundred-dollar bill and you’ll stand there feeling like a plonker. You can use local leones too but dollars work everywhere. Credit cards? Forget it outside posh hotels. Just bring cash and don’t flash it about.
Bathroom Stuff
Whatever shampoo, deodorant, or face cream you can’t live without – bring it. You might find it in Freetown, you might not. Why risk it? Hand sanitiser’s your new best friend. Wet wipes are brilliant. Ladies, definitely bring your own tampons or pads. Basically, if it’s important to you, stick it in your bag.
What You Definitely Don’t Need
Your entire wardrobe. Hair dryer (pointless in that humidity). Straighteners (see previous). Expensive jewellery. Seventeen pairs of shoes. That “just in case” jumper. I promise you won’t need it. Everyone packs way too much for Sierra Leone safari holidays and then lugs a massive suitcase around for no reason.
One More Thing
Pack light because you’ll want space for bringing stuff back. The markets are brilliant and you’ll definitely end up buying things. Leave room. And honestly? If you forget something, you’ll survive. People live there permanently, shops exist, life goes on. Don’t stress too much about Sierra Leone holidays packing – just bring the basics, stay flexible, and you’ll have an absolute blast.
