Bunce Island sits in the Sierra Leone River, upriver from Freetown, and is the ruin of a fort used in the Atlantic slave trade. The remains of the walls, buildings and cannon are a sobering place, and for many visitors, including descendants of enslaved people and the Sierra Leonean diaspora, an important and emotional one.
The island is reached by boat from Freetown, and the journey is typically less than an hour each way depending on where you depart and the conditions. Because the trip depends on the tides and the weather, it is best arranged in advance with a boat and a guide.
A guide makes a big difference. The ruins are not heavily signposted, and an informed guide can explain what each part of the site was for, and the history of the people who passed through it.
Practical tips: wear sun protection and comfortable shoes, bring water, and allow a half day or more, including the boat journey. The dry season generally makes the crossing more comfortable. Conditions, access arrangements and fees can change, so confirm current details when you book.
We can arrange the boat, transfers and a guide for a Bunce Island day trip, and combine it with a stay in Freetown or on the peninsula. Tell us your dates and group size.
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