Eastern Province

Eastern Province is an administrative region in southeastern Sierra Leone characterized by mountainous terrain, forested hills, and areas near the borders with Guinea and Liberia. Kenema serves as the provincial capital and main administrative and commercial hub.

Mining began in the 1930s and transformed this region into Sierra Leone's primary diamond extraction center. This mining activity shaped economic and social development for generations.

Several ethnic groups including the Limba, Kono, and Temne call this region home, and their traditions shape daily life and community practices. You can see this diversity most clearly in the local markets, where people from different backgrounds gather and trade.

This region is most accessible during the drier months when roads are passable for travel. This is the best time to explore local communities, markets, and natural areas.

The Gola Hills forest harbors chimpanzee populations, rare bird species, and a small number of pygmy hippopotamuses within its protected zones. This wilderness makes it a significant destination for nature observers and researchers.

GPS coordinates: 8.20510,-10.84374

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:48