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Sierra Leone🇸🇱 | townsBontheBoat-only access, wooden wharf, car-free lanes, tidal beach | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Bonthe
🏆 Top picktown ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Bonthe has almost no motor traffic in its streets, so you walk everywhere and hear the town before you see it: flip-flops, bicycle bells, a generator coughing somewhere. It sits on the northern edge of Sherbro Island, in the south of Sierra Leone, and getting here means a boat, which is why so few backpackers show up. Treat the crossing as part of the trip. Boats leave when they fill, not on a timetable, so go early to the landing and carry small notes of the local currency for fares. The old colonial center has crumbling verandas, a rusting wharf and sea air that smells of woodsmoke and drying fish. Electricity is patchy and guesthouses are few and basic, so bring a headlamp and book ahead by phone. You will be a novelty, which means easy conversation but little in the way of hostel scene. Evenings are quiet, with a cold drink on a porch while the tide slides out past the jetty.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 town in Sierra LeoneWhat makes it a must-see town

Bonthe is worth the effort if you want a Sierra Leone stop with no touts and no tour-bus rhythm. The town was a colonial trading and administrative center on Sherbro Island, and its car-free lanes make a slow wander feel like the main activity. Faded courthouse and church buildings stand a few minutes from the water, and fishermen still land catches at the wharf each morning. Beyond town, Sherbro Island's beaches and creeks and the wildlife of the Turtle Islands offer a base for people who like arranging their own boats and chatting with locals to find a ride. Most travelers stay a night or two, and a third day suits people who want to linger on the sand. Solo travelers, slow travelers and anyone who enjoys working things out locally will like it. Anyone after nightlife, reliable power or a polished menu of tours should look elsewhere.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Bon

  1. Bonthe Waterfront and Old Wharf. This is the town's natural starting point, where canoes unload fish and the colonial-era jetty stretches into the water. Come in the early morning for the busiest landing and softer light. Free, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Old Slave Market Site. A memorial marker in the old part of town recalls Bonthe's role in the Atlantic trade era. It is a quiet, sobering stop, best visited with a local who can point out the history around it. Free, though a small tip for a guide is polite, about 30 minutes.
  3. Colonial Administrative Buildings. The old courthouse and other government structures on the main streets show the weathered wooden and stone style of the British period. Walk them in the cooler morning or late afternoon. Free from outside, around 45 minutes.
  4. Bonthe Methodist
… read more 👉
  1. Bonthe Waterfront and Old Wharf. This is the town's natural starting point, where canoes unload fish and the colonial-era jetty stretches into the water. Come in the early morning for the busiest landing and softer light. Free, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Old Slave Market Site. A memorial marker in the old part of town recalls Bonthe's role in the Atlantic trade era. It is a quiet, sobering stop, best visited with a local who can point out the history around it. Free, though a small tip for a guide is polite, about 30 minutes.
  3. Colonial Administrative Buildings. The old courthouse and other government structures on the main streets show the weathered wooden and stone style of the British period. Walk them in the cooler morning or late afternoon. Free from outside, around 45 minutes.
  4. Bonthe Methodist Church. Among the town's oldest places of worship, it is worth a look on Sunday, when singing carries across the neighborhood. Dress modestly and ask before going in. Free, donations welcome, 30 to 45 minutes.
  5. Bonthe Beach. The sandy edge of the island is where townspeople swim, play football and wait out the evening heat. Go late afternoon, when it is cooler and the tide often leaves a wide flat stretch. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
Bonthe also works as a launch point for boat trips to the Turtle Islands, Sherbro Island's fishing villages and the mangrove creeks of Yawri Bay. Pair the waterfront with the Old Slave Market Site in a single morning, since they sit close together and the history makes more sense after you have seen the working harbor.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Bonthe sits on Sherbro Island, and the whole town is small enough to cross on foot in under 30 minutes. Streets are sandy or cracked concrete, so the walk is slow, and roads are mostly car-free because the island has almost no vehicles. Here is how the areas compare.
  • Waterfront and Jetty: This is where the boats from the mainland arrive, so it is loud with engines, shouted fares and the smell of diesel and drying fish. Go early, when the light is flat and silver over the water and women are selling fried dough and fresh catch. Carry small notes, since nobody can break big ones.
  • Old Town and Victorian Streets: Colonial-era wooden houses with sagging verandas, rusted tin roofs and the shell of the old British-era buildings line the central grid. The wood creaks, the paint peels and goats wander
… read more 👉
Bonthe sits on Sherbro Island, and the whole town is small enough to cross on foot in under 30 minutes. Streets are sandy or cracked concrete, so the walk is slow, and roads are mostly car-free because the island has almost no vehicles. Here is how the areas compare.
  • Waterfront and Jetty: This is where the boats from the mainland arrive, so it is loud with engines, shouted fares and the smell of diesel and drying fish. Go early, when the light is flat and silver over the water and women are selling fried dough and fresh catch. Carry small notes, since nobody can break big ones.
  • Old Town and Victorian Streets: Colonial-era wooden houses with sagging verandas, rusted tin roofs and the shell of the old British-era buildings line the central grid. The wood creaks, the paint peels and goats wander through. Walk it in the late afternoon when the heat eases and people sit out front. Photograph buildings, not people, without asking first.
  • Market Area: Small, cramped and fragrant with palm oil, smoked fish and pepper. Stock is thin because everything arrives by boat, so buy what you need in the morning before it sells out. Meals here are rice with sauce, cheap and filling.
  • Beachfront and Atlantic Side: A long stretch of pale sand with palms and a steady surf sound, a short walk from town. It is quiet, almost empty, and the sun is fierce, so bring water and shade. Swim with care because of currents, and do not leave belongings unattended.
Nightlife is modest: a few bars with generators, loud music and warm beer, closing early. Power cuts are routine, so keep a headlamp handy.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

This is a slow harbor-and-history day, built around the tide and the heat.
7:00 AM, Waterfront and Old Wharf: Start where the canoes land. Fish are sorted and sold quickly, and conversation comes easily if you buy tea or bread from a stall. Walk the jetty before the sun gets strong.
9:00 AM, Colonial Buildings: Stroll inland along the main lanes to see the old courthouse and administrative buildings. Their peeling paint and wide verandas make clear how important this port once was. Keep the pace easy, as there is nothing to rush for.
10:30 AM, Old Slave Market Site: Continue on foot to the memorial. Ask a resident about the history, then take a few minutes to sit quietly.
12:30 PM, Lunch: Look for a simple local spot serving rice with fish or cassava leaf stew. Eat early, as kitchens can run out. … read more 👉
This is a slow harbor-and-history day, built around the tide and the heat.
7:00 AM, Waterfront and Old Wharf: Start where the canoes land. Fish are sorted and sold quickly, and conversation comes easily if you buy tea or bread from a stall. Walk the jetty before the sun gets strong.
9:00 AM, Colonial Buildings: Stroll inland along the main lanes to see the old courthouse and administrative buildings. Their peeling paint and wide verandas make clear how important this port once was. Keep the pace easy, as there is nothing to rush for.
10:30 AM, Old Slave Market Site: Continue on foot to the memorial. Ask a resident about the history, then take a few minutes to sit quietly.
12:30 PM, Lunch: Look for a simple local spot serving rice with fish or cassava leaf stew. Eat early, as kitchens can run out.
2:00 PM, Bonthe Methodist Church: Visit the church if it is open, or simply admire the exterior and the surrounding neighborhood. It is a calm break in the hottest part of the day.
3:30 PM, Back lanes behind the main street: Most visitors stay on the main road, but the residential lanes behind show daily life, with children playing, women cooking outside and fishing nets drying. Greet people and ask before taking photos.
5:00 PM, Bonthe Beach: Finish on the sand as the heat eases. Swim only where locals do, and watch the evening football games until dark.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Bonthe is easiest between December and April, when the sea is calmer and boats run reliably.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Days reach 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), nights drop to about 23°C (73°F), and rain is rare. The Harmattan haze in December and January softens the light and dulls sunsets. Beaches are at their best, and boat crossings are smoother. Prices for transport rise slightly around Christmas.
  • Early Rains (May to June): Showers become heavy and afternoons turn humid at roughly 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F). Crowds are nil and the island is green, but swells make crossings choppy.
  • Peak Rains (July to September): Expect near-daily downpours and some of the heaviest rainfall on the West African coast. Boats are sometimes canceled, paths flood and mosquitoes multiply. Daylight is about 12 hours
… read more 👉
Bonthe is easiest between December and April, when the sea is calmer and boats run reliably.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Days reach 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), nights drop to about 23°C (73°F), and rain is rare. The Harmattan haze in December and January softens the light and dulls sunsets. Beaches are at their best, and boat crossings are smoother. Prices for transport rise slightly around Christmas.
  • Early Rains (May to June): Showers become heavy and afternoons turn humid at roughly 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F). Crowds are nil and the island is green, but swells make crossings choppy.
  • Peak Rains (July to September): Expect near-daily downpours and some of the heaviest rainfall on the West African coast. Boats are sometimes canceled, paths flood and mosquitoes multiply. Daylight is about 12 hours all year, so evenings are always dark early.
  • Late Rains (October to November): Storms ease and the sea settles again, with temperatures near 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F).
Book your return boat in advance in any season, and leave slack in your schedule for weather.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The best area for a budget stay is the central part of Bonthe, close to the waterfront and market. Beds are few on the island, so expect basic guesthouses with simple rooms, fans that depend on the generator, and bucket or cold-water washing, with prices usually in the US$10 to 25 range. Dorm-style hostels barely exist, so budget travelers typically take a cheap private room. Booking ahead by phone helps in December and January, when a handful of visitors fill the limited rooms.

Staying near the jetty puts you close to the early morning boat departures, which saves a dark walk with luggage. It … read more 👉
The best area for a budget stay is the central part of Bonthe, close to the waterfront and market. Beds are few on the island, so expect basic guesthouses with simple rooms, fans that depend on the generator, and bucket or cold-water washing, with prices usually in the US$10 to 25 range. Dorm-style hostels barely exist, so budget travelers typically take a cheap private room. Booking ahead by phone helps in December and January, when a handful of visitors fill the limited rooms.

Staying near the jetty puts you close to the early morning boat departures, which saves a dark walk with luggage. It is also louder, with engines starting at dawn and voices carrying from the dock. Earplugs help. The central streets are safe to walk at night, though they are poorly lit, so carry a headlamp.

The second option is the quieter beach side, a short walk or motorbike ride from the center. It is calmer, with sea breeze and fewer mosquitoes, but food and transport are further away, and you will rely on your host for meals. Choose it if you want sleep over convenience. In both areas, confirm that power and water are available, since cuts are routine, and bring your own mosquito net if you can.
Best hostels in Sierra Leone


Best quality hotels in Sierra Leone

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

Bonthe has almost no cars, and the cheapest way to move is on foot or by a motorbike taxi for about US$0.50 to 1 per short ride, paid in cash in local currency. Distances are tiny, the tracks are sandy, and the only sounds are engines at the jetty and flip-flops on gravel. Reaching the island is the real journey, and it relies on boats.
  • Walking: Most of the town is under 2 km (1.2 miles) across. Go in the early morning or late afternoon because midday heat on bare sand is punishing. Carry water, since shops are few.
  • Motorbike taxis (okada): A short hop in town costs roughly US$0.50 to 1, and longer rides to beaches or villages run US$2 to 4. Agree the fare before you climb on, because no meters exist and prices rise for foreigners. Wear a helmet if the rider has one, and expect deep sand to
… read more 👉
Bonthe has almost no cars, and the cheapest way to move is on foot or by a motorbike taxi for about US$0.50 to 1 per short ride, paid in cash in local currency. Distances are tiny, the tracks are sandy, and the only sounds are engines at the jetty and flip-flops on gravel. Reaching the island is the real journey, and it relies on boats.
  • Walking: Most of the town is under 2 km (1.2 miles) across. Go in the early morning or late afternoon because midday heat on bare sand is punishing. Carry water, since shops are few.
  • Motorbike taxis (okada): A short hop in town costs roughly US$0.50 to 1, and longer rides to beaches or villages run US$2 to 4. Agree the fare before you climb on, because no meters exist and prices rise for foreigners. Wear a helmet if the rider has one, and expect deep sand to slow everything.
  • Ferry and public boats from the mainland: The main link is by water from Mattru Jong, with crossings of roughly 1.5 to 3 hours and fares of about US$5 to 12 depending on boat type. Departures are usually morning, and boats leave when full, so arrive early. Engines are loud, seats are wooden, and spray is common, so wrap your bag in plastic. Cancellations happen in rough seas, which is why a spare day matters.
  • Chartered boat: A private speedboat to nearby villages, beaches or the mainland costs around US$50 to 150 depending on distance and fuel. Splitting it with other travelers makes it fair value. Negotiate in advance, confirm the fuel is included, and ask whether life jackets are on board before you set off.
Road travel from Freetown to Mattru Jong takes most of a day by shared minibus or car, with bumpy stretches that slow everything in the wet months. Fares are cheap, and vehicles leave when full. Start early, since last departures are often by early afternoon and the last boat to the island leaves in daylight.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Bonthe costs roughly US$10 to 25 a day for a backpacker, with a total daily budget of about US$52. Everything arrives by boat, so prices run higher than on the mainland, and cash is the only option because there are no ATMs you can rely on.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 25 (low season US$8 to 18)No true dorms exist, so a simple private room with a fan is the norm.
MealsUS$6 to 15Rice with fish or cassava leaf sauce at market stalls costs US$2 to 4, and guesthouse meals cost more.
Local transportUS$2 to 6Motorbike taxis cost US$0.50 to 2 per ride, and the town is walkable.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$3 to 10Beaches and old streets are free, but a small boat trip or guide adds a few dollars.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8Water, SIM data, phone charging and the odd
… read more 👉
Bonthe costs roughly US$10 to 25 a day for a backpacker, with a total daily budget of about US$52. Everything arrives by boat, so prices run higher than on the mainland, and cash is the only option because there are no ATMs you can rely on.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 25 (low season US$8 to 18)No true dorms exist, so a simple private room with a fan is the norm.
MealsUS$6 to 15Rice with fish or cassava leaf sauce at market stalls costs US$2 to 4, and guesthouse meals cost more.
Local transportUS$2 to 6Motorbike taxis cost US$0.50 to 2 per ride, and the town is walkable.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$3 to 10Beaches and old streets are free, but a small boat trip or guide adds a few dollars.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8Water, SIM data, phone charging and the odd cold drink.
Total Daily BudgetUS$44 to 64About US$52 with a middle-of-the-road room.
Bring enough cash from Freetown or Bo, and split any chartered boat among several travelers to cut your cost sharply.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

Bonthe works well as a base for short boat trips, though everything depends on the weather and on hiring a boat, so plan flexible days.
Sherbro Island Beaches:
The long Atlantic shoreline on the island's seaward side is the easiest outing, reached on foot or by motorbike in 20 to 40 minutes. Expect empty sand, surf and little shade. Costs are minimal, around US$2 to 5 for a ride and water. Go from December to April, and avoid swimming where currents are strong.

Mattru Jong:
This river town on the mainland is the usual gateway, about 1.5 to 3 hours by boat each way for US$5 to 12 one way. It suits a day of market browsing and onward transport planning rather than sightseeing. First-timers often miss the last return boat, so leave by early afternoon.
👉 Explore Mattru Jong
York Island Villages … read more 👉
Bonthe works well as a base for short boat trips, though everything depends on the weather and on hiring a boat, so plan flexible days.
Sherbro Island Beaches:
The long Atlantic shoreline on the island's seaward side is the easiest outing, reached on foot or by motorbike in 20 to 40 minutes. Expect empty sand, surf and little shade. Costs are minimal, around US$2 to 5 for a ride and water. Go from December to April, and avoid swimming where currents are strong.

Mattru Jong:
This river town on the mainland is the usual gateway, about 1.5 to 3 hours by boat each way for US$5 to 12 one way. It suits a day of market browsing and onward transport planning rather than sightseeing. First-timers often miss the last return boat, so leave by early afternoon.
👉 Explore Mattru Jong
York Island Villages and Mangroves:
A chartered boat through the mangrove channels reaches fishing hamlets where nets dry on racks and smoke rises from fish ovens. Allow a full day and US$50 to 150 per boat, ideally split among several people. The calmer months from December to April are best, and bring cash because nobody takes cards.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Bonthe is a small, quiet island town where violent crime against travelers is rare, and most problems are minor. The main risks are practical ones. Streets are dark at night with frequent power cuts, so carry a headlamp and avoid wandering on the beach after dark, where there are no lights and little help nearby. Solo travelers, including women, usually find the town calm, though men may stare and ask questions, and a friendly, firm reply works best.

Overpricing is the most common annoyance. Motorbike fares, boat charters and guesthouse rooms are often quoted high to foreigners, so agree prices before starting and carry small notes. Occasionally someone will claim a mandatory fee for photography or a guide, and asking politely for an official receipt usually ends it. Ask before photographing … read more 👉
Bonthe is a small, quiet island town where violent crime against travelers is rare, and most problems are minor. The main risks are practical ones. Streets are dark at night with frequent power cuts, so carry a headlamp and avoid wandering on the beach after dark, where there are no lights and little help nearby. Solo travelers, including women, usually find the town calm, though men may stare and ask questions, and a friendly, firm reply works best.

Overpricing is the most common annoyance. Motorbike fares, boat charters and guesthouse rooms are often quoted high to foreigners, so agree prices before starting and carry small notes. Occasionally someone will claim a mandatory fee for photography or a guide, and asking politely for an official receipt usually ends it. Ask before photographing people or old buildings. Keep valuables out of sight at the jetty, where crowds gather as boats arrive. Check sea conditions before any crossing, and wear a life jacket.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Bon

Bonthe is worth visiting if you want a slow, off-the-grid island with decaying colonial wooden houses and empty Atlantic beaches, but it is a commitment to reach. The boat from Mattru Jong takes 1.5 to 3 hours, and rooms are basic at roughly US$10 to 25. Visitors who want nightlife or sights in quick succession will find it too quiet.
Two to three days is enough in Bonthe to walk the old town, spend a day on the beach and take one boat trip through the mangroves. Add one spare day because rough seas can cancel crossings. Budget around US$45 to 60 per day, with a private boat charter costing extra at US$50 to 150.
Bonthe is not realistic as a day trip from a nearby city, since the mainland link at Mattru Jong is 1.5 to 3 hours away by boat each way and Freetown is most of a day by road beyond that. Boats run mainly in the morning and return by daylight, so a same-day round trip leaves almost no time on the island. Plan at least one night, and ideally two.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Sierra Leonean towns near Bonthe

Explore more nearby:

  • Mattru Jong—Bagru landing, mission-era churches, mangrove canoe trips| 38 km away
  • Waterloo—Transport park, up-country transfers, peninsula forest edge| 108 km away
  • Lunsar—Ore railway remains, Marampa hills, junction grills| 129 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Bonthe is best at two nights: one to adjust to the pace and the boat schedules, a second to see the town properly and drift out to the beach. I would add a third only if you plan a Turtle Islands trip, and I would bring cash, a headlamp and patience for boats that leave when full.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Sierra Leone. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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