1. Posted on Tuesday 8 March 2011 - 13:25

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   Murtala

   

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   Murtala Mohammed Kamara, AfricaNews reporter in Freetown, Sierra Leone

   Historic sites are still vividly seen in Sierra Leone. They stood the test of time, they survived the civil war. These historical sites are among the rarest in the world. A hot spot for tourists before the war, Sierra Leone, the small West African nation is rich in history. Archaeologist's states that the country was inhabited over 2,500 ago by successive movements from other parts of Africa before it became a crown colony in 1808.

   

   The Portuguese explorer Pedro da Cintra named it, Serra de Leão meaning Lion Mountain in Portuguese because of its mountains shaped like lions forms.
   Sierra Leone is also rich in minerals, possessing the most treasured minerals resources in the world including gold, bauxite, iron ore, retile. Sierra Leone is listed, as one of the top 10 diamonds producing countries worldwide but it most valued treasure are its people. A study by Charity Aid revealed in their World Giving Index 2010 that Sierra Leoneans are the most generous people in Africa. Well that’s not all…
   
   Perhaps you intend to visit Sierra Leone for business or pleasure soon, AfricaNews reporter in Sierra Leone, Murtala Mohamed Kamara compiled a list of places that you may want to visit while in Sierra Leone.
   
   The Cotton tree
   
   
   
   
   The Cotton tree is the landmark of Sierra Leone. It is located in the ‘heart’ of Freetown, few meters to State House, the Office of the Presidency and also the National museum. Its exact age is unknown but historians say it has been in existence for over 200 years. It is believed that this gigantic tree is often associated with myths. It is also believed that the Cotton tree is responsible for good and bad fortune. It is the home for bats and vultures. It was recently given a facelift by the City Council in partnership with one of the mobile phone service providers recently.
   
   The ‘Old’ Fourah Bah College (FBC)
   
   
   
   Located in the East of Freetown, it is very close to the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay lies the ruins of FBC. It was known as the “Athens West Africa”, the ‘Mecca’ for education in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1827, FBC provided education to many Africans who furthered their studies here.
   
   Beaches
   
   
   
   
   It is on record that Sierra Leone has one of the best sandy beaches in the world only compared to those in the Caribbean. From Aberdeen to Lumley, Kent, No. 2 river, Lakka to Bureh and Mama Beach, these beaches overstretched over 100 kilometers and they are the best
   
   Bunce Island
   
   
   
   
   Located outside Freetown, it was established in 1670 and became the largest British slave castle in West Africa. Tens of thousands of slaves were exported against their will from Africa to work in rice plantations in North America and the West Indies through this island. It was finally closed down in 1808 by the British parliament but the chains, cells and structure were those prisoners slave captives were held are all there. The US provided funds recently for its preservation.

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Reactions

1. Posted on Saturday 23 July 2011 05:48

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   terrypark

   

   
   2 berichten
   Lid sinds July 2011

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   It was a great pleasure reading through your articles sir, as i'm an Asian youth from South Korea, who's devotedly interested in African Culture and countries.
   
   Perhaps I should visit the places you've listed above!

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2. Posted on Tuesday 20 December 2011 10:35

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   RichardGreaves

   

   Richard Greaves
   13 berichten
   Lid sinds December 2011
   Sydney

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   Though Sierra Leone has been badly damaged by the blood diamond trade, its people remain optimistic. There are many places including the ones listed in the article that are worth a visit. Whether its to enjoy the beaches or to indulge in the local culture, Sierra Leone would proved to be an unforgettable place.

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   Richard Greaves

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