DAY ONE

Arrive in Sierra Leone, Africa

We land at Lungi Airport and upon leaving the plane a welcoming wall of tropical heat clearly signals we’ve arrived. We are transferred to a hotel that is near the airport. Even on this short drive it is very clear this is a country rich in colour and character. Our accommodation tonight is a welcome place to lay our heads before commencing our real travel. We will meet together with our Expedition Leader from The Adventure Boutique where we are provided with a briefing about the exciting journey ahead. It may be likely we’ll indulge in a beverage and bite to eat before heading to our respective rooms to rest.

DAY TWO

Masanga Hospital

We depart the hotel and head to Masanga Hospital. We will spend two days here. We are soon to realise this is not just any hospital and discover there is a clear reason it is uniquely included in our travel itinerary. The two days we spend here will give us time to adjust to the surroundings but it is part of the journey where we will see the future of Sierra Leone evolving. This kind of trip is about our own experience and also about respecting, learning and giving back to the place you are visiting. The accommodation may be simple but the highest rating of stars cannot match the extraordinary experience of being welcomed by this place. We have the opportunity to stay onsite and witness day-to-day life of the Sierra Leone staff and those who have come from around the world to work at the hospital. A canopy of trees envelope the enclave of buildings. We overlook a swiftly moving river that mirrors all the activity around us and from our shore we can see the lush jungle stretching far in the distance and the sky providing light at day, and hopefully a sunset when night falls. A short walk from our special accommodation is a small village enclave where we can wander; feeling welcome and sharing chats and laughs with the local people, young and old.

DAY THREE

Masanga Hospital

It is the second day at Masanga Hospital. Today we will have a full tour of the hospital, it’s facilities and staff. There is much to see and take in. The enthusiasm for development in all areas is palpable. The staff openly tell us what their current projects are, what they aspire to in the future, as well as a few projects they had the courage to try but proved to not be as viable as expected. We may see the school where nurses are being taught or shown resourceful developments that help the hospital function, such as solar panels or recycling equipment. We could call by the tailor shop where creations are sewn up on vintage machines for local use or even for other parts of the world. There are potential offsite projects that vary as they are also in a constant state of development or testing for success. Whether it be a farm raising pigs or a local gold mining operation, whichever are currently active, they are all examples of local industry, human will and resourcefulness. It is truly a work in progress and an inspiration to hear the history and see the present and future aspirations.

DAY FOUR

Loma Mountains

We leave the hospital this morning in our 4×4’s and head ever closer towards the Loma Mountains, admiring the picturesque scenery en route. This includes the lush greenery and rushing rivers where people are doing laundry, and agricultural plantations in the wide territories. The plantations may cultivate coffee, rice, cocoa, coconut palms, cassava or citrus fruits. While passing through unspoilt local villages we gain an insight into the way of life of these unique people. Our final destination is a village at the edge of the Loma mountain range where we set up camp.

DAY FIVE

Start of Trek

We wake up knowing there is another interesting day ahead. This is the day we start our trekking. Each village we pass through will have a story. Perhaps we will stop for a rest as our Expedition Leader sorts out porters or charts our intended path with a local chief. The children often run alongside and we will see and greet villagers engaged in their daily tasks of laundry, farming and marvel how the women in particular can carry so much on their heads, perfectly balanced. It’s not simply the variety but the impressive volume of colourful plastic bowls, clay pots or bundles of firewood that they balance improbably while making their way gracefully and effortlessly.

DAY SIX

On Trek

As we continue our journey into the jungle there is much to see and the terrain is vibrant and varied. It will include rice fields and groundnut (peanut) crops, verdant jungles where we look up and see even more green and maybe some fruit high above. We may look down and note the peelings of that same fruit on the ground that a greedy monkey has left behind. As we walk together there is the chance to look about at all that is around us, while also allowing moments to let our mind wander and clear itself of any chaos but instead allow it to take a more mindful approach. We should reach camp by afternoon and have some personal time to absorb the wonderful surroundings and experiences.

DAY SEVEN

On Trek

Today we will visit small villages, dense jungle, rivers and open plains, making our way a bit further in the direction of the mountain peak. That is the direction where our steps are being guided but even more we are encouraged to absorb the journey, taking in what appears each moment. We will finish this day by setting up at a camp beside another stream. While we set up our tents, another dinner is cooked. Sierra Leonean cooks are passionate about their traditional dishes and enjoy presenting them to visitors who have never tasted them before. Many of the dishes are from recipes that are centuries old. Simple and yet flavourful and made over an open fire.

DAY EIGHT

Summit Day (1,945m)

This is a momentous day. Today, the goal is to summit Mount Bintumani. At 1,945m it is the highest mountain in Sierra Leone and one that is rarely climbed. Sometimes it is concealed among the mists, or reveals a subtle hint at its impressive existence. On this trek we will experience the most varied terrain of our trip yet. The open spaces will let the sun heat us quickly and remind us why we were advised to bring a hat. The grasses we walk through will be tall, with feathery golden tips brushing against us. When we enter the jungle there is a different kind of heat and we will walk through or over streams and bound grass bridges. A highlight is the intricate spider or hammock bridge. Every year it is remade, plaited together with leaves and roots. It is an example of local ingenuity at its most impressive. The jungle will give way to open spaces dotted with huge rocks that appear to have been splashed with white and ginger paint. These are what we will follow, and in the distance see the mountain. It is impressive. Dark craggy rock is prominent and acts as a beacon to guide us to the top. We will climb to the summit and indulge in the stunning views that await. As we complete the day with the descent we can contemplate all that we saw and experienced in this day. It’s been a full day and we will listen to the jungle come alive as we drift to sleep.

DAY NINE

Return to the Village

After waking up in camp and having breakfast we will start our day trekking in the open rolling plains and then nature will kindly put forward the dense vegetation of the forest for variety. Experiencing these contrasts makes the days’ walk interesting and refreshing. As we get back to the village bordering the jungle, we will remember the hamlet of mud-brick homes with thatched roofs, bleating goats, women in traditional head-scarves crushing chillies for the evening meal and feel a genuine welcoming. Tonight we will camp in the village.

DAY TEN

Arrive at the Coast and Beaches

We head to completely different terrain, the coast of Sierra Leone and beaches. First a trek through the villages to our vehicles then a drive. This gives us an opportunity to watch the countryside slide past as we think about the diversity and grandeur we have seen, what we have achieved, and anticipate what is to come. It won’t be long until we are each doing what comes naturally in a tropical paradise setting with glorious sand and an unfettered view of turquoise water. It could be wading, jumping or splashing in the soothingly warm sea water, strolling along the beach enjoying the sand, pale and soft under our feet, or taking a snooze under a palm tree or simply staring out to the ocean wiggling feet in the sand.

DAY ELEVEN

Rest and Relaxation

Today will be waking to the sound of the water against the shore knowing the day ahead is a beach one. If we’ve forgotten where we were overnight, then the first steps outside confirm it’s all still there. Dazzlingly white sand fringed by palm trees and a dramatic mountain backdrop. It’s wild, spacious and feels a world away from most beaches. These look like they go on forever as they curve around the edges of the coast in either direction we look. Fishing is very much a way of life here and we can watch as the nets cast in the morning are pulled in by hand in the evening’s calm tide. Today is a day to relax and unwind in white sand and tropical waters.­­

DAY TWELVE

Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Today we spend time at a chimpanzee sanctuary and see the amazing work the staff do in providing a haven for rescued chimps with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. In the hills above Freetown is chimpanzee sanctuary. We will actually be staying on the grounds of the sanctuary in a beautiful and natural environment, where we dine hearing our merge with the sounds of nature and our primate neighbours.

DAY THIRTEEN

Departure

Today we will be leaving Sierra Leone. It was aptly named after the first viewing from sea, the mountains appeared as though a lion. Beaches with sand coloured like its golden coat and tall grasses shifting in the breeze as the mane of the great animal. Its vivacious sparkling energy radiating from the people, culture and landscapes. People, whether in a small village or a city are eager to live each day to the fullest and propel forward into an exciting future. When there we forget about time, so rich are the experiences and views that we are fully immersed in the journey. It becomes our home for these wonderful days and will have a place in our hearts forever.