Kenema, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1669
7.885972, -11.186383
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kenema is a city located in eastern Sierra Leone, known for its vibrant culture and close proximity to natural resources. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4-10 Mbps, with varying reliability. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 12,020 SLL. Local banks available include Ecobank and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not considered safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is inconsistent; generators are often used. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type D and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Africell are popular networks for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Some international bank accounts may be usable, but cash transactions are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and local rentals like Airbnb. Prices range from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless-friendly; cash is widely needed for transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Aki, offering dormitory-style lodging starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited; consider local cafes or libraries for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mocha provides a comfortable environment for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local business meetups can sometimes be found through social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities for expats often organize meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride services like Yango are available, as well as traditional taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not common; public transport includes shared taxis and buses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No direct beach access; the nearest beach is around 2 hours away in Lumley. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | FlySalone operates domestic flights between major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Asky Airlines services flights to and from the capital, Freetown. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Kenema to Freetown and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Limited rail services; road travel is more common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; pay per trip on shared taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Kenema to neighboring towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Government Hospital Kenema is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers are limited; occasional yoga classes might be offered. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym facilities are basic, with few options available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are rare; local services offer laundry for about $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurants typically offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice and cassava leaves are traditional favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited vegetarian options available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Treats Bakery offers a range of pastries and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Kenema Market offer fresh produce and goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping options are limited; reliance on local markets is common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; relying on local shops and markets is typical. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; establishments like Elysium Bar cater to locals and visitors. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Not well-known for craft beers; local palm wine is popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine consumption is informal; local stores offer a limited selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like meat pies and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited options; Chinese restaurants are most common. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Kenema City Park and the historic St. Joseph's Cathedral are notable sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural exhibitions are rare; local galleries may host events occasionally. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old colonial buildings and the Kenema Mosque are of historical interest. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Joseph's Cathedral and various mosques are significant religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festivals during Sierra Leone's Independence Day see local celebrations. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local neighborhoods showcase traditional life and craftsmanship. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Very few dedicated venues; performances often occur in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kenema Market is the main market and a vibrant cultural hub. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music genres like Palm Wine music are popular; live performances can be found. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; however, local artists may display work during festivals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few opportunities; consider private lessons with local cooks. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Occasional exhibitions in community spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notably, the Kenema Museum features local artifacts. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Diverse cultural backgrounds contribute to Kenema's identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tingi Hills and surrounding forest reserves are popular for hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gola Rainforest National Park is a notable park accessible from Kenema. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; local roads can be used for cycling with caution. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tingi Hills offers beautiful panoramic views and is a popular viewpoint. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gola Rainforest is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks often allow bonfires; check local guidelines. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Postal services are available, but delivery can be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops repair basic electronics; expect limited expertise. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools are rare; informal lessons can be arranged locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; cafes often serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various schools and community halls host cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; gaming is primarily done at home or in social settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling venues are not available; social games are popular. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict enforcement of CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | A nominal annual property tax applied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate for property purchases. |