Turtle Islands: Sierra Leone's Hidden Paradise

• HelloSannu
  [sa-nu]
• GoodbyeDeh wahala
  [deh wa-ha-la]
• YesEh
  [eh]
• NoAa
  [aa]
• Please/You're welcomeAbeg
  [a-beg]
• Thank youTenki
  [ten-ki]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [so-ri]
• How are you?How di bodi?
  [how di bo-di]
• Fine. And you?I dey kam
  [i dey kam]
• Do you speak English?Yu sabi tok English?
  [yu sa-bi tok in-glish]
• I don't understandAh nor sabi
  [ah nor sa-bi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh go lek see di menu, abeg
  [ah go lek see di me-nu, a-beg]
• I don't eat meatAh nor dey eat meat
  [ah nor dey eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAh go lek pay, abeg
  [ah go lek pay, a-beg]

• Help!Ehlp!
  [ehlp]
• Go away!Nor kam ya!
  [nor kam ya]
• Call the Police!Kol polis!
  [kol po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Kol doktor!
  [kol dok-tor]
• I'm lostAh loss
  [ah loss]
• I'm illAh sick
  [ah sick]

• I'd like to buy...Ah go lek buy...
  [ah go lek buy]
• I'm just lookingAh jus di luk
  [ah jus di luk]
• How much is it?How moch e cost?
  [how moch e cost]
• That's too expensiveE too cost
  [e too cost]
• Can you lower the price?Yu fit redi di cost?
  [yu fit re-di di cost]

• What time is it?Na wich time?
  [na wich time]
• It's one o'clockNa one o'clock
  [na one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [half past (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
• EveningEvening
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• YesterdayYestade
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• TodayToday
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• Where's a/the...?Wey...dey?
  [wey...dey]
• What's the address?Wetin be di address?
  [we-tin be di ad-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu fit show mi (pan di map)?
  [yu fit show mi (pan di map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wen di nex wan dey kam?
  [wen di nex wan dey kam]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

Long before European explorers set foot on the Turtle Islands, the area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, primarily the Sherbro people. These tribes relied on the rich marine resources and fertile lands for sustenance, practicing fishing, farming, and trading with neighboring communities.

In the 15th century, Portuguese navigators were among the first Europeans to explore the West African coastline, including the Turtle Islands. The Portuguese influence can still be seen in some of the region’s architecture and cultural practices. They named the area 'Ilhas das Tartarugas', meaning Turtle Islands, due to the abundance of sea turtles.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Turtle Islands played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. European traders established temporary forts and trading posts on the islands, where enslaved Africans were held before being shipped to the Americas. The islands' strategic location made them a crucial point in this dark chapter of history.

In the 19th century, Sierra Leone, including the Turtle Islands, came under British colonial rule. The British influence brought changes in governance, education, and infrastructure. The islands served as a base for British anti-slavery patrols, which sought to intercept illegal slave ships.

The Turtle Islands are steeped in local legends and folklore, many of which have been passed down through generations. Stories of mythical sea creatures, ancient spirits, and legendary heroes are an integral part of the islands' cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the rich oral traditions of the Sherbro people.

Today, the Turtle Islands are a serene and relatively untouched destination, known for their pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and traditional Sherbro villages. The islands are a testament to the resilience of their inhabitants, who have preserved their unique culture and way of life despite the many historical changes.

The Turtle Islands are located off the coast of Sierra Leone. The closest major city is Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. From Freetown, you can take a boat or ferry to the Turtle Islands. Regular boat services are available from the Government Wharf in Freetown, and the journey typically takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Private boat charters are also available for a more personalized experience.

Once on the Turtle Islands, transportation options are limited. The islands are small and can be easily navigated on foot. For inter-island travel, local fishermen often provide boat services. It is advisable to arrange transportation in advance through your accommodation or a local guide. There are no cars or public transport systems on the islands, so walking and boating are the primary modes of transportation.

The official currency in Sierra Leone is the Leone (SLL). The Turtle Islands have very limited banking facilities, and credit cards are generally not accepted. It is essential to carry sufficient cash for your entire stay. Currency exchange can be done in Freetown before you depart for the islands. Make sure to carry small denominations, as it can be challenging to get change for large bills.

The Turtle Islands are generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always prudent to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious when swimming, as there are no lifeguards, and currents can be strong. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities on the islands are limited.

In case of an emergency, contact your accommodation provider or a local guide immediately. There are limited medical facilities on the Turtle Islands, so it is crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For serious medical issues, you may need to be transported back to Freetown. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 999, but response times may vary due to the remote location.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in villages. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable due to the tropical climate. Avoid wearing overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. The majority of the inhabitants are Muslim, so be considerate in your behavior and dress. Public Transport: Do be patient and respectful when using local boats. Punctuality is often flexible. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake. It is polite to ask about someone's well-being. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Always wash your hands before eating. Don't waste food, as resources can be limited.

To experience the Turtle Islands like a local, engage with the community and participate in daily activities such as fishing and cooking. Visit the local markets to buy fresh seafood and handmade crafts. Take time to learn about the traditional ways of life and the history of the islands from the elders. Respect the environment by not littering and supporting eco-friendly practices.