2026 – FROM FREETOWN TO MONROVIA

Arrival at Freetown International Airport and transfer to the comfortable Swiss Hotel, a 4-star property offering international standards of service.

Our day begins with a visit to Freetown, a lively, colourful and fascinating coastal city stretching between rocky hills and the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights include the city centre with its Krio and colonial architecture, the remains of the historic Cotton Tree, the National Museum with its remarkable collection of tribal masks, the Law Courts, St. George’s Cathedral, and the unique Sierra Leone Peace Museum, which tells the story of the country’s devastating decade-long civil war.

We then drive along the spectacular coastline at the foot of the Freetown Peninsula mountains, where golden beaches separate the lush tropical vegetation from the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The country takes its name from these mountains, the “Sierra of the Lion.”

We stop at River Number Two, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa, before reaching the fishing village of Kent, where a local boat transfers us to Banana Island.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the unspoilt beauty of Banana Island. We walk through its pristine landscapes, discovering forest-covered hills, charming Krio villages with their unmistakable Caribbean atmosphere, and secluded beaches.

After lunch, we return to the mainland and continue along a paved road to Bo, Sierra Leone’s second-largest city, where we will spend the next two nights.

Diamond hunting can become as addictive as gambling. While only a fortunate few ever strike it rich, diamonds have played a major role in Sierra Leone’s recent and troubled history, and significant deposits remain to be discovered.

After obtaining permission from the village chief, local residents guide us to an artisanal diamond mining site where we meet diamond diggers and learn traditional extraction and gravel-washing techniques.

Back in town, we visit a Diamond Shop, where both rough diamonds and professional mining equipment are available for purchase.

Unlike most African cultures, where masks are traditionally associated with men, among the Mende people and neighbouring ethnic groups the famous Bundo masks belong to women’s secret societies and play a central role in girls’ initiation ceremonies.

In a small village we witness the appearance of these extraordinary masks, a colourful event that attracts large crowds from the surrounding communities.

Return to Bo for the night.

A spectacular drive through dense rainforest brings us to the Mano River, which marks the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia.

After completing border formalities, we enter Liberia.

Historically, Liberia’s coastline was known to European sailors as the Pepper Coast, thanks to the valuable Melegueta Pepper (also known as the Grains of Paradise) that was traded here for centuries.

Arrival in Monrovia.

Liberia is the only African nation that was never formally colonised or declared a protectorate.

The country was founded by freed African-American slaves, known locally as Krio (or Americo-Liberians), from whom the nation takes its name. Although they represent only a small percentage of the population, they have played a fundamental role in Liberia’s political and economic development.

Around 80% of the population speaks Krio, an English-based Creole language.

Our oceanfront hotel provides the perfect starting point for exploring downtown Monrovia on foot.

Freemasonry has played an important role in Liberia’s history and Krio culture. We visit the impressive Masonic Temple, where—subject to availability—we may have the opportunity to meet the Grand Master, who will explain the historical influence of the Masonic lodges on the country’s development.

One of Monrovia’s most iconic landmarks is the abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel. Opened in 1960, it was one of Africa’s very first five-star hotels and hosted presidents, celebrities, and members of the African elite during the early years of independence.

Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel later fell into ruin following the civil war. If conditions permit and access is granted, we will visit this fascinating abandoned landmark.

We also visit the National Museum, housed in a traditional Krio-style building, which features an important collection of ritual masks, ceremonial objects, and a permanent photographic exhibition dedicated to Liberia’s civil war (1989–2003).

The city’s colonial buildings and historic Krio churches complete this fascinating exploration of Monrovia.

Group lunch.

Day-use rooms are available until 6:00 pm, followed by transfer to the airport.