"How di body?" Top 5 Page for this destination Sierra Leone by kim83_50158

Sierra Leone Travel Guide: 105 reviews and 172 photos

Village kids--Sierra Leone - Sierra Leone

Salone

I had the incredible (life-changing) oppurtunity to visit and work in Sierra Leone early this year. It was a mission trip in all senses of the word--we did all kinds of stuff!

We had two doctors, two nurses--1 of which is a head nursing tutor, 3 college students, 1 professional construction guy. There were 9 of us total. Since 3 of the members lived in Sierra Leone before the war broke out, the rest of us got a bit more of an insider's view than most. Hopefully I'll put pictures up really soon!! I have a lot of pictures!

Special parts of the country...

In Sierra Leone, we drove upcountry to a small village named Mattru, in the Jong district on the Jong River. While it's not a really big village, it's very spread out, a bit more "developed" compared to the surrounding villages. That is where we stayed for most of the trip. We made day trips to Bonthe and Bo and also spent a few days in Freetown before and after Mattru.

Malnourished child feeding

Sierra Leone is the poorest country in the world and described by the UN as "the worst place in the world to live". There is incredible poverty in this country, and the war definitely did not help in the state of the country. There is evidence of probably every global relief agency that possibly exists in Sierra Leone. There are groups helping with agricultural, health, and rebuilding efforts. I was part of mostly a medical mission. So, I have many many pictures of malnourished children since there is a special refeeding clinic at the Mattru Hospital. See Mattru for more pictures.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The People (oh, and the gorgeous land and beaches/ocean)
Cons:A little less infrastructure ....but good
In a nutshell:A wonderful place to visit!

Last visit to Sierra Leone: Jan 2003
Intro Updated Dec 3, 2005
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Reviews (4)

By Poda Poda... Transportation (2)

The white vehicle is actually the Mattru Hospital Vehicle. The point of view is from ours in the "poda poda" (a 16... more travel advice

Sierra Leone: Kids greeting visitors - Sierra Leone

By Foot... Transportation (2)

This could probably fall under "Packing List" also, but your most valuable mode of transportation is--YOUR OWN FEET!!... more travel advice

Markets: Land of the bargaining!! Shopping (1)

There are different types of market in the country, but keep in mind if you need to buy something you'll have to go... more travel advice

Start packing now...but not too much!! What to Pack (1)

We basically had most of our personal stuff in just backpacks/carryons. Some of it was stuffed in all of our boxes full... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (9)

noor3175 May 7, 2008 at 3:10 AM Report Abuse

you remind me of my stay when the war between the RUF and the government was at the peak. I was there in 1999 and 2000. even babies were not spared being chopped off their limbs
SLLiew Aug 4, 2007 at 4:29 AM Report Abuse

Many captivating pictures of Sierra Leone.
Ekahau Apr 24, 2007 at 5:24 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for Sierra Leone nice photos. I live there as a child.
nsbm Nov 9, 2006 at 10:21 AM Report Abuse

great pages..did you work witht he orphans?
LuisGuimaraes Aug 31, 2006 at 6:10 AM Report Abuse

fantastic experience..
Superhans Jun 25, 2006 at 11:26 AM Report Abuse

Im seriously considering visting this part of the world. I want to visit Senegal & Mali but now i think i also want to vist Sierra Leone...... Thanks.
Wafro Jul 8, 2005 at 7:55 AM Report Abuse

I appreciate you’re your work, respect. Greetz from Belgium
sswagner Jan 22, 2005 at 2:10 AM Report Abuse

It looked like you had an amazing experience over there. That is very noble to want to go to an unknown land and to help children. Happy travels!
XenoHumph Nov 13, 2003 at 12:17 PM Report Abuse

Very interesting! Excellent page! All these malnourished children!!