Getting Around Sierra Leone

Air

Private airlines can be chartered, connecting Hastings, Bo, Kenema, Yengema and Freetown airports. Ask local travel agents such as VSL Travel (tel: +232 76 258 258;www.visitsierraleone.org) or the national tourist board (tel: +232 77 347 810;ntb.gov.sl). Major hotels may also be able to organise flights.

Departure tax

Departure tax is usually included in the airfare. However private airlines serving smaller, privately-owned airports, set the taxes at their own discretion. Inquire about prices prior to undertaking the trip.

Road

Travelling by road in Sierra Leone can be a daunting task, but there are a number of good quality tarmacked roads that connect the major cities, and a good network of dirt roads connecting the smaller more remote towns and villages. It's important to note that although it is possible to travel everywhere by road during the dry season (November-April), during the rainy season there are many roads that aren't accessible.

There are several options for travel by road, each at a different price. You can rent a vehicle from a number of car hire companies or charter a taxi from one of the taxi parks in the major towns.

Side of the road

Road Quality

Although most of the principal highways have a tarred surface, the secondary roads are poorly maintained and often impassable during the rainy season.

There are some roadblocks at night on major roads near centres of population.

Road Classification

Highways, primary roads, secondary roads, provincial roads and non-classified roads.

Car Hire

Car hire (with driver) is available from Sierra Leone Car Hire (tel: +232 77 461;www.sierraleonecarhire.com). Most major hotels and travel agents can arrange car hire. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against car travel outside of Freetown at night.

Taxi

In major towns, there are reliable taxi services that travel predetermined routes. Taxis are yellow and black and range from five-seaters to people carriers. Usually, a taxi picks up a number of people along the route, but it's possible to rent a taxi for yourself or to share with a group.

You can charter taxis, for long distances, from all the major cities in Sierra Leone.

Bike

Ocadas (motorbike taxis) are abundant all over Sierra Leone. A riskier (but equally exciting) mode of transport, they are a fast of crossing one side of a town to the other, and of navigating the dirt roads in the provinces. However, some robberies carried out by associates of drivers have been reported.

Coach

A regular coach service journeys to all major towns in the country. For more information contact the Road Transport Corporation (tel: +232 78 524 054).

Regulations

You should carry identification such as a passport with you at all times when driving in Sierra Leone. An International Driving Permit is required, and you must be 18 years of age or over. Inner-city roads usually have a speed limit of 50kph (30mph) while highways and motorways have a 130kph (80mph) limit.

Drink driving and driving while using a mobile phone are illegal, and passengers in the front seat are mandatory.

Breakdown services

There are no breakdown services in Sierra Leone. However, there are several private mechanics in major towns who will be willing to come out and assist with a breakdown, at a price of course.

Documentation

A valid International Driving Permit is required.

Road note

It's advisable not to travel at night outside the major cities. Accidents are common, due to the lack of lighting and the prevalence of speed driving.

Urban travel

A poda-poda (minibus) is the main means of transport between towns. You can find these at the poda-poda parks in major towns or along the most frequented commuter routes (there are currently no predetermined stops and buses are run on an ad-hoc basis). Alternatively, take the government bus routes (currently only serving Freetown-Bo-Kenema), or for shorter journeys, you can hitch a ride on an okada (motorbike taxi).

Rail

There are currently no commercial rail services in Sierra Leone.

Water

Ferries connect the coastal ports of Freetown, Pepel and Sherbro Island.

Ferries connect the coastal ports of Freetown and Lungi where the airport is located. A variety of privately-owned tourism establishments run chartered boat services along the Western Area Peninsula, below Freetown, connecting Sierra Leone’s pristine and secluded beaches (Bureh Beach, John Obey, Black Johnson, River No.2 and Lakka) and tropical islands (Turtle Island, Banana Island and Bunce Island). For more information enquire with local resorts.

Another option for shorter journeys out to sea is to charter a boat from local fishermen along the coast. Befriending the fishermen suddenly opens the doors to traditional fishing, visiting the smaller islands off the coast or for longer but more exciting beach-hopping tours for a reasonable price.

Water note

It's advisable to wear a life jacket on any water tour that you decide to go on. However, some of the more locally owned modes of transport do not provide this option.