Makeni

Understand

Makeni is the main provincial town in the North of Sierra Leone. It has seen rapid development in the last few years because of its proximity to the major mining and bio-fuel production areas.

Getting there

The roads from Freetown are very good. From Freetown, head to Masiaka, Rogbere Junction and then via Lunsar to Makeni. The journey from Freetown should take less than 2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions in Freetown. The road to Magburaka is also in good condition.

Eat

There are several places to eat in Makeni, mostly along Magburaka Road. In the centre of town, near the Clock Tower, there are several food stalls offering all kinds of food. Popular choices are the bread and meat skewer stations. You can buy a loaf of bread and 5 skewers of meat for about Le 6,000, or under £1, and make a delicious meat sandwich which will fill you up for hours. There are also several fruit stalls offering seasonal produce throughout the day and night.

Sleep

Makeni has a few hotels/guest houses which are above the general standard expected for a regional town. The most famous of which is the Wusum Hotel. A substantial sum was invested in the construction of this place and it is popular with international visitors. MJ's Hotel is also of a reasonable standard and is on the main road through Makeni. There are some other guest houses in and around the town.

1 Wusum Hotel, 64 Teko Road Makeni, ☏ +232-76-341079. A new high standard hotel (some say the best in Sierra Leone). There is a good pool, air conditioned rooms, full electricity 24/7, gymming facilities, games area&bar (table tennis, snooker & pool), sports bar&night club (showing premier league games) and wireless Internet. US$105. MJ's Hotel. Reasonable and affordable accommodation. Power during the night 1900-0700, but air conditioning only runs from 2100-0200. TV in each room with DSTV and cold showers. Le120,000.

Go next

Makeni is a good base for exploring the Northern Province. It is easy to get transport to Kamakwie, the town nearest to Outamba-Kilimi National Park.