Makeni, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1670
8.888193, -12.044186
Nomad Score:
45%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Makeni is the second-largest city in Sierra Leone, located in the Northern Province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 10-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL); 1 USD ≈ 13,500 SLL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity standard is 230V, 50Hz; generators are common due to frequent outages. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Africell, Orange, and Qcell. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted at some ATMs; local banks include Access Bank and Bank of Sierra Leone. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses and private rentals; Airbnb has limited availability. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse options like Sierra Leone Guest House for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoLab Sierra Leone located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Golden Gate Restaurant offers a conducive environment for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional tech and business meetups organized by local NGOs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check the Expats in Sierra Leone Facebook group for meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No specific app; local taxis and 'poda poda' (shared vans) are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals; walking is common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lakka Beach, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airline options include Air Peace and Arik Air. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Intercontinental flights mainly through Freetown's Lungi International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Makeni is connected via the Highway A1, linking to Freetown. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Makeni serves as a transit hub for buses heading to Freetown and other regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay as you go on buses or shared taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Freetown to Makeni take about 4 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Makeni Government Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some community centers offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few gyms available; options include the Makeni Fitness Center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at local guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer delivery mainly by phone. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Jollof rice and groundnut soup, local specialties. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options are limited; fresh local fruits and vegetables are widely available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local eateries serve pastries; check out the street vendors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mama's Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; most shopping is done locally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Basic grocery stores, but delivery is often done personally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Little nightlife; local bars include Bobo's Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Star Beer is a local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options for wine bars; local shops sell imported wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular for local snacks such as fried plantains and meat skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some options include Chinese and Lebanese restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Makeni Clock Tower and local markets. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited formal museums; local art can be seen in the streets. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby historical sites include the remains of colonial buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques and churches around the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Check local calendars for cultural festivals and events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center retains much of its cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited; community events often take place in public squares. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Enjoy vibrant local markets for crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music available at local bars and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals and art are visible in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | May be organized by local communities; inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; local artisans sell directly at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural traditions include storytelling and music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Yele Forest Reserve is nearby and offers nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks within immediate vicinity; consult local guides for excursions. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited designated paths; local roads offer exploration opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltop views around the city provide a scenic backdrop. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands and forests are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor gatherings are common; follow local practices. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services available; check with guesthouses for details. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide limited electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have equipment available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language schools; check with community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few libraries; cafes are popular for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check out Makeni City Council for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not widely available; few gaming options exist. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Makeni. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax of approx. 2-3% on property transactions. |