Bonthe

Sierra Leone, Africa

Bonthe, an enchanting island town in Sierra Leone, captivates with its stunning beaches, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the 'pearl of the South', it offers serene lagoons and vibrant local markets. Adventurers can explore nearby Turtle Island or the mangroves, while history enthusiasts can delve into the remnants of its colonial past. With welcoming locals and a laid-back atmosphere, Bonthe presents an intriguing mix of relaxation and exploration, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Hastings

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Bonthe

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Bonthe Island

Discover pristine beaches and rich local culture on Bonthe Island.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Old Slave Market

Learn about Bonthe's history in this poignant site.

No booking required
3

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Relax at Turtle Islands

Enjoy secluded beaches and turtle watching on Turtle Islands.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to the Waterfalls

Experience stunning views on a refreshing waterfall hike.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Local Fishing Villages

Engage with locals and learn traditional fishing methods.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Bonthe Lighthouse

Admire panoramic coastal views from the lighthouse.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Sample Local Cuisine

Taste traditional Sierra Leonean dishes in local eateries.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Mangroves

Kayak through lush mangrove forests and spot wildlife.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Leone

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Cassava Leaves

VE

Leafy vegetable dish with spices. (National dish)

Groundnut Stew

VE

Peanut-based stew with vegetables.

Jollof Rice

Spiced rice dish with vegetables or meat.

Fry Fry

VE

Fried dough balls, often served as snacks.

Foofoo

VE

Starchy dough made from cassava or yams.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)