Back in the 1980’s Sierra Leone was not a big tourist destination and its beaches were empty enough to film the memorable A TASTE OF PARADISE TV commercials for the still popular Bounty chocolate bar. Since then, River No.2 Beach has been known as one of the most popular beaches in Sierra Leone. It is located near the estuary of River No.2 and is surrounded by palms and mangroves used in another version of the commercial.

The estuary divides the beach into two parts, with locals ferrying visitors between the two sides on boats and canoes. Now it is visited by cruise ships that use Tokeh Beach as a stop, and the port of Aberdeen, which is the coastal area of Freetown. Rover No 2 Beach and its facilities are managed by the Sankofa Complex, a community association that reinvests tourist income into providing opportunities for locals. There is a Le 5000 entry fee for foreigners and a restaurant and guesthouse for those who want to stay.

River No.2 is a popular weekend getaway for Freetown locals, and it especially gets busy on Sunday, with people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries at the beach restaurant. During the week, the beach is at its peaceful, pristine best, especially when the sun is shining and the waters of the river and the Atlantic shine with a thousand shades of blue. There are activities offered by locals, including boat rides upriver and down the coast, and opportunities to swim both for experienced swimmers and for those who are just starting.

The Sankofa Complex also includes a small handicraft market, with local women selling their crafts, making for unique souvenirs to take home. You can choose between beads, clothes and accessories made with wax cloth and a selection of t-shirts and other apparel. You couldn’t shoot that commercial on an empty beach there now!