AAFR Sierra Leone 2024 with Salone Hidden Gems

Sierra Leone

AA
Nov 24 - Dec 7, 2024
Group size: 1 - 30
AAFR Sierra Leone 2024 with Salone Hidden Gems
Sierra Leone


Nov 24 - Dec 7, 2024
Group size: 1 - 30

About this trip

African Ancestry Family Reunion with Salone Hidden Gems

Sierra Leone Citizenship Ascension Program


November 24 - December 7, 2024

(Departing November 23, 2024)

14 days, 13 nights


Since April 2021, we've organized and taken 6 groups of African Ancestry Family Members to Sierra Leone for an African Ancestry Family Reunion and Citizenship Ascension Program.


On our 7th trip we've partnered with our sister and friend Dori Turay at Salone Hidden Gems to help us host you and manage your experience on ground.


While we have not received an official written notification from the government regarding citizenship, we know from our on the ground partners it is in the works. We will provide the official information regarding citizenship as soon as it received.


African Ancestry Family Reunion trips are curated cultural immersion journeys in Africa - centered on reclaiming identity, exploring cultural heritage, and celebrating the resilience of African people.


We believe we have the right to be all that we are at the same time. We believe your journey to Africa should include a sample of what there is to offer. 

Tips for a Seamless Booking Experience

1. Select your package and complete the questionnaire.


2. Create an account to manage your package and add-ons

When checking out, you should check the box next to "Create an account to manage your booking online." This will allow you to edit, adjust your trip, and select add-ons at a later date.


3. Take note of the processing fees 

When proceeding to payment, please expect to see a service fee if you pay by ACH or a 2.9% service fee if you pay by credit or debit card.


4. Manage payment over time

You can choose to set up automatic payments or go in monthly and make payments manually.


5. Look out for a confirmation email 

Once we receive payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt, payment plan information, and the option to purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Tips for Booking Your Flight

Note:  Please note that most flights depart the day before arrival. Departing on November 25 will have you arriving in Sierra Leone on November 26.

  • Registrants should begin purchasing their flights immediately or as soon as available.  
  • Please note that flights with layovers through Europe or the Middle East could be delayed and may not offer additional/replacement flights until the next day if a flight is missed
  • We highly suggest direct flights from the US with Delta, which departs from JFK, or United, which departs from IAD.
  • For this trip, we suggest checking United/Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airways or Air France.

Travel Checklist

 Ensure Your Passport is Valid for Travel

  • You must have a valid passport for at least six months after your scheduled return date and at least two blank  passport pages. 
  • Your passport should expire after June 7, 2025
  • If your passport expires before June 7, 2025 - you need to get another passport.

Visa Processing

  • Travel visas are required to enter Sierra Leone.
  • Your visa cost is included in your package
  • You can get a visa on arrival once you land.


Airport Security Fee

  • You will be required to pay an Airport Security Fee upon entering the country and exiting the country for $25. Come prepared with $25 exact cash for each way.

Ensure You Have Physical Proof of Your Yellow Fever Vaccination 

  • The Yellow Fever vaccine is the only required immunization to travel to Sierra Leone apart from the COVID-19 Vaccination. 
  • There may be a cost associated with obtaining your required travel immunizations. Please check with your insurance carrier. 
  • You need to get your shot at least 10 days before travel if you have not already done so. You must travel with a physical copy of your yellow fever immunization card.
  • If you have had a yellow fever shot, you do not need to get another shot. One shot is good for a lifetime; however, you are required to bring physical proof that you have been immunized.

CDC on Yellow Fever


Consider Bringing Malaria Pills, Imodium AD & Cipro 

  • Malaria pills are highly recommended but not required. We suggest taking malaria pills for preventative measures.
  • Traveler's diarrhea is common in a new environment with different foods and weather. We suggest you pack Imodium AD and/or Cipro in case of diarrhea.
  • We will have Imodium AD on-site at each hotel as well as aspirin, Benadryl, and American-brand over-the-counter medicines.


Create A Plan For Your Prescription Medications 

  • We highly suggest all travelers consult with their primary care physician before traveling and refill any prescriptions they may require to remain in optimal health while traveling.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

AAFR's are 100% non refundable however if cancelled before 60 days for any reason before departure, the full trip credit (dollar value) minus the non refundable deposit, can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.


If cancelled within 60 days for any reason before departure, there is a 30% penalty and only 70% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.


If cancelled within 30 days for any reason before departure, there is a 75% penalty and only 25% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.


Send all cancellations in writing though the we travel platform

Travel Insurance

It's always a good idea to protect your trip. Life happens. You can purchase trip protection within 15 days of your initial registration by going to www.travelexinsurance.com.  Travelex offers the following options for international travel:   

Travel Select

Travel Select provides comprehensive benefits and access to five unique upgrades.

  • Emergency Medical & Dental
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Travel Assistance
  • Five Optional Upgrades


View Policy Information

Travel Basic

The Travel Basic plan provides great coverage at an even greater price.

  • Emergency Medical & Dental
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Travel Assistance


View Policy Information

Please note: Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. This is a general, brief summary only. Restrictions, exclusions, and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Check the policy documents or ask Travelex for full details.


You are welcome to use any travel insurance program where you're comfortable. 

What’s included

  • Lodging
    Accommodations in our choice hotel in Freetown- Raddison Blu
  • Ferry Boat from Airport
    There is a ferry required to move from Sierra Leone Airport at Lungi to the main land
  • Transportation
    Air-conditioned vehicle on ground for entire tour
  • Airport Transfer
    Round Trip Airport Transfers in Sierra Leone from Ferry to Hotel
  • Attractions
    All entrance fees to various sites and attractions
  • Hosts/Guides
    Professional & knowledgeable hosts, guides and drivers
  • Water
    Bottles of water daily for entire journey
  • Visa on Arrival
    This price includes your visa on arrival

What’s not included

  • Airline Tickets
    You will purchase your own airline ticket
  • Citizenship Engagement
    in the past this has been $250 but we do not know the cost this year
  • Airport Security Fee
    you will be required to pay an airport security fee on entry and exit
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified for a specific event or day
  • Spending Money
    We suggest $500 - $1000 for the duration
  • Personal Tips
    Tip from your heart

Available Packages

Double Occupancy (price per person)
Deposit:$250
Available until October 25, 2024

The double occupancy package is priced per person for two people sharing a room.  Please be sure to complete the survey at checkout indicating one or two beds.


If you plan on rooming alone, please choose single occupancy package.


Package Includes:

Air-Conditioned vehicle

Professional guides/hosts and drivers

Airport transfers in Sierra Leone (Pick up/drop off)

Accommodations & All fees at attractions

Daily breakfast

Lunch or dinner where indicated.

Bottles of water daily for entire tour.

$4,499
Deposit:$250
Single Occupancy Package (per person)
Deposit:$250
Available until October 25, 2024

The single occupancy package is priced per person for one person rooming alone.  Please be sure to complete the survey at checkout indicating single occupancy.


If you plan on rooming with a spouse, partner or friend, please be sure to complete the survey at checkout indicating one or two beds.


Package Includes:

Air-Conditioned vehicle

Professional guides/hosts and drivers

Airport transfers in Sierra Leone (Pick up/drop off)

Accommodations & All fees at attractions

Daily breakfast

Lunch or dinner where indicated.

Bottles of water daily for entire tour.

$5,499
Deposit:$250
Children's Package (per child)
Deposit:$250
Available until October 25, 2024

The children's package is priced per child for any child 12 and under who is rooming with their parents.


Package Includes:

Air-Conditioned vehicle

Professional guides/hosts and drivers

Airport transfers in Sierra Leone (Pick up/drop off)

Accommodations & All fees at attractions

Daily breakfast

Lunch or dinner where indicated.

Bottles of water daily for entire tour.

$3,299
Deposit:$250

Available options

Citizenship Engagement Fee
$275

The Citizenship engagement fee is $250.  However in the past it has been due when the application for citizenship has been due which is before you arrive. We add $25 to that fee because it has to be paid in cash and we have to transfer to Sierra Leone and get cash. 


While our cost listed here is $275, if the government changes that fee, we will add the balance to your package.

Passport Fee
$125

The Passport Application Fee is $100.  However in the past it has been due when the application is completed which is when you arrive. We add $25 to that fee because it has to be paid in cash and we have to transfer to Sierra Leone and get cash.


You can choose to bring this with you and pay to yourself or you can pay here and we will have the cash for you when you arrive


While our cost listed here is $125, if the government changes that fee, we will add the balance to your package if you choose to pay to here and not yourself on ground.



Itinerary

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024
Welcome to Sierra Leone!

Welcome to Sierra Leone!!


We'll get you your Landing visa before you travel so when you land you can enter the country through immigration.


After Immigration, you'll go to baggage claim and then head out where you will be required to pay the Security fee of $25.  Please have exact change.


Once you exit the airport look for the African Ancestry signs and out team will be waiting their to receive you.


You'll have a small wait and then we'll move to the dock where you will take the ferry to Freetown.  How bus will be waiting for a short 10 minute drive to the Radisson Bleu for your check in. 


Feel free to order from room service or check the restaurant or dinner.


Get Some Rest!!!

Your Organizer


AA
African Ancestry
The pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people around the world since 2003, African Ancestry entered the Heritage Travel sector in 2021 with the launch of African Ancestry Family Reunions. Our travelers have used an African Ancestry DNA Test to determine the present-day African countries and ethnic groups of their ancestors. We then take them home for a culturally immersive experience.