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Makeni, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
#1670
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Makeni is the capital city of the Bombali District in Sierra Leone, known for its vibrant local culture and agricultural significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 6-12 Mbps, with variable availability. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL), with 1 USD ≈ 13,000 SLL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is available, with frequent outages; generators are common. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange and Africell, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Rokel Commercial Bank and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank are available, though cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for rental through platforms like Airbnb and local listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, primarily in the city center. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging can be found at places like The Great Hotel and local guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Makeni offers access to shops, markets, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Stay in areas like Bumbuna Road for a mix of quiet and accessibility to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Makeni Coworking Space is available, albeit basic, offering internet and comfortable seating. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café En-Joy is a popular spot with Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking happens informally at local cafes and during community events; social media groups on Facebook are useful. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Makeni Meetup Group organizes various gatherings; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Traditional taxi services are available, with Banjul Car Rentals for booking. Apps like Safe Boda are expanding. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bicycles for rent, typically costing $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lakka Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Makeni. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace services domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Arik Air and Air France offer regional connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Makeni is accessible via the Freetown-Makeni Highway, though road conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transport includes minibuses and taxis; no central hub exists. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not commonly used; pay per ride for minibuses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Makeni with other cities; check local agencies for schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Holy Spirit Hospital is one of the main medical facilities in Makeni. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are limited; check local community boards for informal sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities are limited, with local options like Bombali Fitness Centre. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available, typically with a washing service for $2 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services are minimal; local restaurants may offer delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice and grilled chicken are local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Food is mostly meat-based, but vegetarian options are available at restaurants like Tea Garden. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries like Makeni Cakes serve various treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market provides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses may have Facebook pages for direct orders. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited delivery; local markets are best for fresh groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Vida Loca and other local bars offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Sierra Leone Brewery produces local beers like Star Beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability of wine bars; check local restaurants for selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors serve popular snacks like grilled fish and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Makeni Clock Tower is a central landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited museums; small cultural centers may host exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the remains of the old cathedral, a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Francis and other local churches provide architectural beauty. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Makeni Cultural Festival is a key annual event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore local neighborhoods for authentic experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community centers sometimes host performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market is vibrant, bustling with local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at local bars during the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and street art can be spotted around town, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few options; check community groups for home cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; check local cafes for occasional exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-style buildings can be found in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Makeni is rich in cultural traditions, particularly in storytelling and local crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bumbuna Waterfalls is a popular nearby nature site. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary offers eco-tours and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around town are suitable for walking and exploring. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops provide nice views of the cityscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open spaces near the outskirts of the city allow for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel delivery, with Africa Express available for private services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repair services for mobile devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Informal language classes can be found through community groups. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries are available for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local youth and community centers offer various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafés may provide gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very few; gaming options are limited. |
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. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax on dividends is around 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident tax system applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules currently in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on property valuation occurs yearly. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No global income tax for non-residents encouraging investments. |