Kono District

Sierra Leone, Africa

Kono District, Sierra Leone, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich diamond history. Nestled amidst lush hills, it offers captivating hikes, vibrant local culture, and the unique experience of exploring artisanal diamond mining sites. Visitors can immerse themselves in the welcoming atmosphere of local villages and enjoy nature's beauty in this lesser-known gem, making it a perfect escape for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

District

Vibe

Other

Airport

Faranah

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Kono District

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Tiwai Island

Explore a biodiverse sanctuary teeming with wildlife.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Hike in Gola Rainforest National Park

Experience breathtaking trails in a rich rainforest.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Explore the Kono Diamond Mines

Learn about Sierra Leone's diamond mining history.

Booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Discover the Waterfalls of Kono

Visit stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience Local Markets in Kono

Shop for fresh produce and local crafts.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Koidu Town

Learn about the local culture and community life.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Local Festival

Immerse in vibrant performances of local traditions.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Kono District Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Kono.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Leone

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Cassava Leaves

VE

Leafy vegetable dish with spices. (National dish)

Groundnut Stew

VE

Peanut-based stew with vegetables.

Jollof Rice

Spiced rice dish with vegetables or meat.

Fry Fry

VE

Fried dough balls, often served as snacks.

Foofoo

VE

Starchy dough made from cassava or yams.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)