Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa, covering 71,000 sq. km. The swampy coastal plain, dominated by mangrove forests, is interrupted by the Freetown Peninsula. The interior plateau varies from savannah grasslands to undulating forests. The country is rich in iron and diamonds.
The climate is tropical, with high temperatures all year round. The wet season is from April to November, and the dry season is from December to March. The coast is the wettest.
![]({"file":"3de015a7-0534-42b1-b53a-6c2fd51ba285.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Sierra Leone")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Exploring the Atlantic coastline of Sierra Leone can place well-meaning travellers at risk of exposure to disease and illness. Yellow Fever is a risk and proof of vaccination may be required on entry and return to Australia. Consult a travel doctor prior to departure to assess your risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans.
More on Yellow Fever.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Warm Climates
Travellers often spend more time outdoors while travelling in warm climates. It is important to make sure you apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated, as dehydration and heat stroke often go unrecognised.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
No health alerts found.
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")