Sierra Leona is a place of exquisite natural beauty. Wildlife lovers can spot monkeys, buffaloes, and the rare pygmy hippo while romantics can stroll along deserted, star-studded beaches in Sierra Leone. Gourmets will love super-fresh Sierra Leone seafood and the opportunity to bargain for local produce at the markets. With some of the best beaches in Africa, beautiful rugged landscapes, and a tropical climate Sierra Leone won't stay off the tourist map for long. Curious travellers are heading there now.

But in order for the trip to go smoothly, you need to think about your health in advance and make the necessary vaccines. Vaccines for travel to Sierra Leone should include protection against diseases such as:

• measles;

• parotitis;

• rubella;

• diphtheria;

• tetanus;

• whooping cough;

• polio;

• chickenpox (pox);

• flu and others.

Everyone can be at risk of illness while traveling so it's worth talking to a healthcare professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Diseases transmitted through food and water

Travelers anywhere in the world can develop diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food. In parts of West Africa, food and water can also carry diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, and typhoid. It is required to practice food and water precautions while traveling in West Africa. Always remember this phrase: boil, cook, peel or leave!

Insects and their diseases

In areas of West Africa, some insects carry and spread diseases such as African trypanosomiasis (dormant disease), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria. Travelers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Tips for preventing and reducing bites:

• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester.

• Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts with closed toes or boots and a hat.

• Tape the cuffs of your trousers or tuck them into your socks or shoes. This will provide additional protection from crawling insects such as mites.

• Adults can wear clothing treated with permethrin, which works by repelling mosquitoes.

Animals and their diseases

Travelers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in parts of West Africa such as avian influenza, Ebola, and rabies can be transmitted to humans from animals.

Infections from person to person

Staying in crowded places can increase your risk of certain diseases. Remember to wash your hands frequently and practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette to avoid colds, flu, and other illnesses. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practice safer sex.

Medical services and institutions

Medical facilities are extremely limited and only offer basic services. Ambulance services are available, but access may be limited. In the case of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation will be required. Medical transport is very expensive and payment is often required in advance. Be sure that the travel insurance issued by Visit World includes medical evacuation and hospital stay.

Warm Sierra Leone erupts as a fascinating destination for lovers of nature and vibrant culture. Everyone can find their freedom on its palm-fringed beaches in the beaming smiles of the locals and beyond the depths of the lush rainforest. Exploring its land, fearless, uplifting can be extremely dangerous if the precautions of tourism to such a distant country in Africa are avoided.