Cheap Flights to Freetown
Flights to Freetown in 2021
When is the best time to fly to Freetown?
Weather-wise, the best time to book flights to Freetown is between the months of October and May, which mark the dry season. March is another good time to visit, as the city hosts a variety of diverse and exciting festivals. The Sierra Leone International Film Festival runs for six days and includes film screenings and workshops. The Ballanta Music Festival is a 2-day event that consists of performances by local musicians.
Avoid travelling during Christmas and Easter periods, as these are busy, and flights can be expensive. For budget conscious travellers, you may be able to find cheap flights to Freetown from June to late September. Sierra Leone experiences heavy rainfall during this period, making outdoor activities and sightseeing less inviting.
Freetown overview
Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone and is also the largest city in this West African country. Once you have landed on your flight to Freetown, you will be exposed to it’s a vibrant and lively atmosphere along with finding some of West Africa’s most picturesque beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, and historic landmarks. Freetown was one of the first British colonies built and the place where liberated slaves were sent, from Britain, America, Jamaica and Canada. Historic monuments, like Kings Yard Gate, which was built in 1805, provide haunting reminders of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The Loma Mountains have the highest peak in Sierra Leone, standing tall at 6380 feet (194m). In good weather the views from the summit are absolutely spectacular. The Peninsula Beaches of Sierra Leone are a must-see. Mass tourism is not quite developed in Freetown. Therefore, many beaches remain untouched and in pristine condition. Some are so remote and quiet that you can enjoy them all to yourself. York Beach is idyllic, with black sand, clear waters and lush tropical surroundings. Turtle Island is a group of eight islands and provides a peaceful getaway. It’s located three hours from Freetown and accessible via speedboat. Sulima Beach is situated between Mano and Moa Rivers and is a favourite spot for surfers. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is highly recommended. It’s located in the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve and covers 100 acres, and 17,688 hectares of land. Around 100 rescued and orphaned chimpanzees live here and educational tours are provided.
Getting around Freetown
Shared taxis are ideal for short trips, while poda podas are generally used for longer journeys. Taxis are unmetered so be prepared to haggle before accepting a cab.
Getting from the Airport to the City
The airport for Freetown is Lungi International Airport (FNA) which is located in the coastal town of Lungi and most travellers use water taxis to travel to Freetown. The journey time is approximately 30 minutes. Private chartered speedboats are another option, taking between 20 to 30 minutes to reach the city. You can also catch a hovercraft or a ferry. This is the cheapest option, but it takes longer to arrive. If driving, pre-arrange your transportation. Driving from the airport to Freetown takes over four hours.
