Sierra Leone Encourages Ecotourism

Sierra Leone Encourages Ecotourism

Sierra Leone may not be at the top of every traveler's wish-list, but that may be set to change. The country has decided to invest in its wildlife and natural beauty in an attempt allure visitors.

The West African country's tourism industry has suffered for years as many foreigners still associate Sierra Leone with images of the civil war that ravaged the country for over a decade. The country has been at peace for almost ten years.

Despite the destruction caused by the war, biodiversity in the area seems to have remained largely unaffected, and the government hopes it will be the key to encouraging travelers to see beyond their war-torn past.

The opening of Gola Rainforest National Park earlier this month was just one in a series of steps Sierra Leone plans to take in an effort to boost tourism. Located near the border with Liberia, the park covers over 71,000 hectares and represents a safe haven for a fascinating range of wildlife.

The park already receives a modest number of adventure travelers, but it is hoped that numbers will gradually increase as facilities are improved. A few walking trails have already been set up within the park, and tourists will soon be able to take canoe rides down the Mano River, or go on guided nature walks.

However, Sierra Leone may have a long way to go, especially in terms of accessibility. It currently takes roughly six hours of driving, sometimes on very rough roads, to reach the park from Freetown, the country's capital. Currently, the park itself only has a few basic lodges to accommodate visitors.

The Sierra Leone Tourist Board hopes to expand development by giving grants to improve facilities at five eco-tourism destinations in 2012. The plan to change the country's image follows the principle of quality, not quantity tourism.