Cotton Tree Travel Guide: Top Sights in Sierra leone, Tours & Travel

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Cotton Tree- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Sierra Leone; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 1 hours

The Cotton Tree in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, is a centuries-old kapok tree of significant historical importance. Estimated to be around 400 years old, it made the founding of the city. Despite suffering partial collapse during a storm in 2023, the tree remains a revered landmark, with plans to preserve its legacy. Situated near the Supreme Court and National Museum, it continues to be a focal point of cultural heritage.

Operators offering tours in Sierra Leone

Happy Explore Safari *

Attractions in Freetown

Lumley Beach

Sea Coach Express

3.4

Sierra Leone Peace Museum

3.6

Regent Rd Baptist Church

Hausa Mosque

Gadafi Mosque

4.4

Freetown Central Mosque

Aberdeen Lighthouse

3.8

Reviews of Cotton Tree

Toni Thompson

4
Reviewed: 2025-02-17

This huge Kapok tree is a symbol of the unity of Sierra Leone, and was damaged May 24, 2023 by severe rains. Walk or drive by to appreciate. This tree became the symbol of freedom of returned slaves by the Black Nova Scotians who earned their freedom by fighting for the British in the American Revolutionary War. They then relocated to found Sierra Leone in 1792.
Nathan Janssens

3
Reviewed: 2025-01-18

The tree is still alive and growing again, which is very nice. Avoid the neighbourhood at night unless you know what you're doing.
Ajay Shah

3
Reviewed: 2024-11-08

Not easy to give it a review. It simply doesn't exist now but very important part of the history
D

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-21

A natural, national monument. A towering centre piece of Freetown. Such a huge part of Salone's history and national identity. So heartbreaking to see its recent destruction.
Emmanuel Feyisetan

5
Reviewed: 2023-06-20

The historic Freetown cotton tree is fallen. I also captured a bit of freetown life in these shots.