Travel and tourism a burning issue in Sierra Leone

Travel and tourism a buing issue in Sierra Leone Until a few days ago, if you asked me to tell you about Sierra Leone, I had to think long and hard to say much about this West African country. I could probably explain about where the country. I merely mention something about the slave trade must be linked to Sierra Leone. I have certainly said they had experienced a brutal civil war. I could also admit that I was not entirely sure that the war was 100%. And what about it.Slavery and war. A good negative view of what is in fact an exceptionally positive country. Today, I see Sierra Leone perspective.It others is hard to ignore the history of Sierra Leone and to focus only on the present. Once a fertile area inhabited by dozens of tribes, was colonized by the Portuguese in 1400 who built a fortress as a place for gold, spices, ivory and slaves. A British protectorate over the next few years, Sierra Leone had the dubious honor of becoming home to more than 40,000 freed slaves who gave his name to Freetown. As a protectorate, Sierra Leone was exploited for its diamond mines and minerals in 1900 and Sierra Leone have fought against the Germans in Cameroon in the First World War, and alongside the British during the Second World War. In 1961, Sierra Leone to independence from Great Britain and ruled peacefully for 30 years. Peace is not the last and was followed by a decade of brutal civil war that has destroyed the economy, the people attacked and left a country rich in resources as one of the world's poorest countries has been officially declared the conflict in course in January 2002, and President Kabbah reelected in May 2002. Since then, the people of Sierra Leone have been collected for repair, renovation and regenerate.Whilst doing research for a new website to search for travel and tourism in Sierra Leone, I came in contact with Sierra Leoneans from all types of living in both Sierra Leone and elsewhere. Their passion for the country was infectious: that he wanted to get across the message that Sierra Leone has more to offer a sad recent history and that reconstruction is proceeding at a rapid pace. In fact, the proof of the reconstruction is everywhere - new roads are being built, the mines were re-opened, dam projects started before the war are still being, markets are still thriving and humming with life. There are also a lot of confidence in the potential of Sierra Leone as a tourist destination: a Chinese company has a reputation recently invested 270 million U.S. $ in hotel infrastructure, enterprising companies like Kevin McPhillips Travel (based in United Kingdom, the United States and countries low) offer exclusive twice weekly flights to Sierra Leone, Africa Tour specialists are looking for good holiday in the region. The best thing to invest in Sierra Leone is that more is coming soon! They have the right to be confident. The beaches along Sierra Leone or the peninsula are said to be one of the world's best kept secrets. Secluded, clean and covers miles on the head, the beach tourism is one of the best articles on tourism promotion of the Govement of the agenda. British beaches with names like Kent, Lumley, Sussex and York mix with more African names like Bureh City Tokey and Mammah beach, andAlthough many forests and a large part of the fauna have been destroyed and, in some cases, destroyed by war , eco-tourism is an important part of Sierra Leoneans and natural treasures as Outamba-Kilim National Park, populated by wild animals such as elephants, chimpanzees and pygmy hippos, and Mount Bintimani, the highest point in West Africa are just two of the attractions offered valuable wildlife. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues orphaned chimps and captured and was described as one of the most successful efforts in Sierra Leone wildlife while Tiwai Island is home to over 3,000 monkeys and other game.Lakes, rivers and dams are perfect for a pic - nic and relax. Marshlands hide a multitude of colorful birds - indeed, the life of birds have been less affected by the war that the animals, and everywhere you go, the air is filled with birds. Sierra Leone is a bird lovers dream! Tiwai an island with more than 135 different bird species! For those with cultural and historical interests, the remains of the slave trade and interesting, but the shipments. Bunce Island, a fortress of the slave trade, is a short boat trip up the river, Freetown is itself a monument to the liberation of slaves and its Cotton Tree, located in the heart of what appears to be an ex-slave market, is today an impressive national symbol. Tombs, monuments and forts are all that remain of British and Portuguese power in Sierra Leone: each has a story to tell. There are more than 16 different ethnic groups in the country, including the Krio, descendents of freed slaves who speak English-based creole called Krio, and visiting villages and chatting to people in markets and the streets is rewarding for all parties! Freetown is probably the most developed part of town, offering a level of security that is hard to match even in Weste countries. Hotels, restaurants and nightclubs sprout like mushrooms, and nutrition in Sierra Leone, the promise of a number of inteational and traditional, and seafood that is beyond belief! One wonders what will be the attraction of the equilibrium point in Sierra Leone to the destination was the first civil war. Based on my experience with Sierra Leone in recent weeks, I think this will be the people that make the difference. Without exception, every Sierra Leone I met and worked with were proud of their country, proud of its progress and excited for the future. They are always friendly, salvation operators and passengers with a smile that can not be found in Africa, with an optimism - not positive - that other countries would do well to emulate.For travelers in search of a "diamond in the rough" , Sierra Leone offers a holiday like no other - my only advice for you is to visit as soon as possible to avoid what is sure to be a holiday trip, made when a tour operator and a firm commitment to this jewel of Whitby destination.Suzanne is the founder of Naturally Africa Dot Org (which includes travel, tourism, business events and information on countries of Africa. To date, South Africa, Sierra Leone and Madagascar are live on the site.