Boy fishing on canoe, Sierra Leone

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Getting Around Sierra Leone

Air: 

Private airlines, can be chartered, connecting Hastings, Bo, Kenema, Yengema and Freetown airports. Ask local travel agents or major hotels for guidance.

 

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

Although 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.

Car hire: 

Car hire (with driver) is available from Sierra Leone Car Hire (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.

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, for which you have to be 18 years of age or over.

Breakdown service: 

There are no breakdown services in Sierra Leone.

Documentation: 

An International Driving Permit is required.

Getting around towns and cities: 

There are limited bus services in Freetown operated by the Road Transport Corporation (tel: (22) 224724). A substantial part of the city's public transport is provided by poda-poda (minibuses) and shared-taxis; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against these forms of transport.

By water: 

Ferries connect the coastal ports of Freetown, Pepel and Sherbro Islands. For details, contact local authorities or the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone (tel: (22) 236 621).