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Western Africa

Sierra Leone

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About

The contrast here is huge. The places that have tarmac, do have incredibly good roads, sometimes even with 4 lanes and a shoulder for cyclers. But there are plenty of areas without tarmac roads. This is all due to the Chinese, who build good roads to improve the trading network and to dig up valuable minerals. Sierra Leone itself has a wild history with coups and civil wars, but now seems quiet and building towards a future.

Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit

Routes

Visa

A visa is required for most nationalities. It seems possible to apply online and will cost $100.

Source: Wikipedia.

Last updated 14 Mar 2021 by Bas IdsingaEdit

Where to get a visa for Sierra Leone (1)

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  1. Embassy1. Embassy for Sierra Leone in Guinea (Conakry)Sierra Leone, ConakryIn some cases you can obtain your visa here in one day, if you come early. Bring two passport pictures, copy of your passport. You might be asked for a hotel…

Border crossings (2)

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  1. Border crossing1. Bo Waterside (Liberia) – Jendema (Sierra Leone)To LiberiaBorder open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. You need to show your Yellow Fever certificate. I went from Sierra Leone to Liberia. On the Liberian side, they wrote down… 2
  2. Border crossing2. Pamelap (Guinea) – Kambia (Sierra Leone)To GuineaOpen from 7 am to 6 pm. I went from Guinea to Sierra Leone. I was able to print my e-visa of Sierra Leone in Pamelap. Passing this border came with a little… 1

See and do (2)

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  1. See & do1. FreetownSee & doYes, Freetown was actually the town of free men during the slavery. It’s a lively city, with stunning beaches and a few incredible peaks which are visible from…
  2. See & do2. Tiwai IslandsSee & doIf your wallet allows it, you can try to find pygmy hippo during the night at this place.

Bike shops (3)

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  1. Bike shop1. Bikeshop RichardBike shopA good local bike mechanic with some spare parts... Richard Tel: +232 76 75 05 63
  2. Bike shop2. Isata's Bike ShopBike shopSmall shop with mechanic and some basic spare parts.
  3. Bike shop3. Karim BikemechanicBike shopA good local bike mechanic with some spare parts Karim (Stylishman) +232 88 30 01 81

Sleeping

Staying with locals

Not very common, only big cities offer CS hosts.

(Formal) camping

A great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you.

Ho(s)tels

Some places have accomodation, but it’s expensive, the cheapest is around SLL 100.000.

Wild camping

Possible, but there are lots of people everywhere, so consider asking permission first.

Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit

Safety

Generally safe to cycle, be cautious in big cities.

Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit

Food and drink

Onroad: Egg with bread (±7.000 SLL)  Local food: Rice, bushmeat, fish Local drink: Palm wine

Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit

Blogs

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