Outamba National Park, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s only national park (admission US$2.50) is a beautiful, peaceful place. The main Outamba section consists of rolling hills, grasslands, flood plains, rainforests and rivers, which you explore by canoe and footpath since there are no roads. You can track elephants on their own trails and paddle past hippos (sightings almost guaranteed in the dry season), and no matter where you go you’ll see many of the 260 bird species. These excursions cost (US$3.30) per person plus (US$1.70) for the guide. Cosy thatch huts (US$3.30) sit right on the riverbank, and someone will cook food if you bring your own food.