Things To Do
in Bo
Bo is Sierra Leone's second-largest city and a vibrant regional hub in the Southern Province. Set inland along rolling countryside, it blends lively markets, friendly welcome, and a relaxed pace that feels distinctly Sierra Leonean. The city serves as a practical gateway to nearby natural areas and cultural experiences, from riverfront strolls to village visits.
Visitors often come away with a sense of warmth and easygoing charm that makes Bo a memorable introduction to the country.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the vibrant streets of Bo, where the sights and sounds of local life come alive. Visit the historic Bo Government Secondary School, known for its colonial architecture and cultural significance. Stop by a local café to enjoy a cup of sweetened palm wine while watching the morning hustle.
After lunch, head over to the Bo City Market, a bustling hub where you can interact with local vendors and purchase handmade crafts and fresh produce. Spend some time exploring the nearby St. John's Church, a beautiful structure that reflects the town's colonial history. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Bo Peace Museum, which showcases the region's journey through civil conflict and its path to peace.
As night falls, find a cozy restaurant to sample traditional Sierra Leonean dishes like groundnut stew or cassava leaf. Enjoy the local ambiance while listening to live music, often featuring traditional African rhythms. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the town square, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and the friendly atmosphere.
Set out early to visit nearby villages, where you can witness the traditional lifestyles of the Mende people. Participate in a local ceremony or dance, which will provide a deep insight into their rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a breakfast made from local ingredients, such as cassava or yams, prepared by welcoming villagers.
Spend the afternoon engaging with artisans as they showcase their crafts, from beadwork to basket weaving. Participate in a cooking class, where you can learn to make popular dishes using traditional methods and spices. This hands-on experience allows you to forge connections with the locals and understand their way of life.
Return to Bo for a peaceful evening, reflecting on your cultural experiences. Dine at a local eatery and enjoy a dish made with the ingredients you've learned about during your cooking class. As the stars twinkle above, engage in conversations with fellow travelers about your day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $0.50-2 |
| 🍺Local beer in a bar | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $12-40 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming people and vibrant local culture
- Affordable food and straightforward, walkable city center
- Gateway to interesting nearby nature and villages
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Infrastructure can be basic outside key areas
- Healthcare and services may require travel to Freetown for some needs
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Ow yu dey?" - How are you?
- "Plis" - Please
- "Tank yu" - Thank you
- "Yu tok English?" - Do you speak English?
- "Weh na di toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "A no understand" - I don't understand
- "How much is dis?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Bo
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls and early-morning vendors provide dynamic, candid street photography opportunities.
Calm water, silhouettes of boats, and warm light create a classic scene for landscape and portrait photos.
Old buildings and the busy main streets offer characterful backdrops for architectural and street photography.
A vantage point offering expansive views of the city and surrounding countryside, ideal for wide-angle shots.
Food in Bo
Bo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic pairing found across Bo; rice served with a savory palm oil sauce and a portion of fried or grilled fish.
Must-Try!
A rich peanut-based soup served over rice or with fufu, often featuring fish or meat.
A leafy, comforting stew cooked with meat or fish and served with rice or bread.
A flavorful, slightly viscous soup made with okra, peppers, and often fish, commonly eaten with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market stalls selling fresh produce, fish, spices, and ready-to-eat street foods; a great place to sample daily fare.
Temporary stalls offering fried fish, plantains, yams, and rice dishes; ideal for affordable, quick meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; modest dress is appreciated in markets and religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in villages or private home settings.
Show patience and politeness in queues and while negotiating prices; avoid loud confrontations in public.
Respect local customs at religious sites; modest dress and removal of shoes where required.
Safety
Tipping in Bo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A small tip (5-10%) in restaurants if service is good is common; guides and drivers may receive a few dollars for a day’s work.
Cash in Sierra Leonean leone (Le), and in some places US dollars are accepted. Credit cards are not widely available; carry small notes and coins for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Usually sunny with lower humidity; pleasant for outdoor exploration, but nights can be cool. Dust from the Harmattan may reduce visibility on certain days.
Frequent heavy rains and high humidity; plan for rain gear and mud-friendly footwear. Some outdoor plans may be affected by weather, but lush landscapes are a highlight.
Bo at Night
Hiking in Bo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Diverse tropical forest reserve offering guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to learn about Sierra Leone’s biodiversity.
Scenic ridge routes near Bo with panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside; suitable for a half-day hike with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Bo by plane.
Main international gateway to Sierra Leone; typically reached by road and ferry from Freetown to Bo. From the airport, organized transfers or private taxis are common to reach Bo.
Small regional airstrip serving domestic flights within Sierra Leone; useful for quick hops to other towns but with limited schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Bo and the Southern Province, with rich cultural traditions and language influence in the region.
Smaller communities include Temne, Limba, Ki- maybe, and Vai groups; religious diversity includes Muslims and Christians with various local practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, widely followed and played in streets, fields, and clubs.
Common in schools and community centers, with local track and field events and informal competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include bean stews, rice dishes, plantains, and vegetable curries; communicate clearly about no meat or fish and request oils cooked separately if needed.