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Sierra Leone is intensifying preparations to host the finish line of the 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally, one of the world’s largest amateur vehicular and charitable adventure rallies, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s profile in global adventure tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, working with the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission and private sector partners including VSLTRAVEL and Harmony Travel and Tourism Investment Services (HATTIS), is coordinating planning around logistics, security, route management and community engagement ahead of the event.
According to organisers, the 2026 rally will reach Sierra Leone in two main waves. The first group, comprising 352 vehicles and 794 participants, is expected to enter the country on 8 February 2026. The second group, with 203 vehicles and 492 participants, is scheduled to arrive on 5 March 2026. Both groups will camp overnight at Bureh Beach before proceeding to separate finish line ceremonies in Freetown on 9 February and 6 March respectively.
Rally convoys are expected to enter through the Balamuya/Kamakwie and Madina Oula border crossing points in Kambia District. The designated route will pass through Kambia, Kamakwie, Kabba Ferry, Gbaray Junction, Masiaka, Mile 91 and Waterloo, before continuing along the Waterloo–Tombo Highway to Bureh Beach. After the overnight stay, participants will undertake a final procession through major Freetown routes, including Kissy Road, Siaka Stevens Street, Congo Cross and Wilkinson Road, culminating at the Gigibonta Car Park at Lumley Beach, which will serve as the official finish line.
Sierra Leone has hosted the rally’s finish line on five occasions since 2020. This track record contributed to organisers’ decision to designate Freetown as the official destination of the rally for a ten-year period from 2024 to 2034. While Bamako in Mali remains the traditional or symbolic endpoint of the rally, security challenges in the Sahel region have led to adjustments in the physical route.
Tourism authorities say the event aligns with Sierra Leone’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Culture and Creativity and provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, coastal attractions and hospitality. Anticipated benefits include increased international exposure, higher visitor arrivals, business opportunities for local enterprises, temporary employment and community-level economic activity.
In addition to its adventure component, the Budapest–Bamako Rally incorporates a humanitarian element. Organisers have indicated that charitable activities will be carried out in Sierra Leone, Senegal and Guinea, including support to community initiatives such as grassroots sports projects in host areas.
HATTIS and other partners have called on traditional leaders and residents along the rally corridor, particularly in northern districts, to welcome participants and help ensure a peaceful and orderly environment throughout the event period.
Authorities have emphasized that community conduct will play an important role in shaping international perceptions of Sierra Leone.
With preparations ongoing, stakeholders remain optimistic that the 2026 Budapest Bamako Freetown Challenge will further reinforce Sierra Leone’s reputation as a safe and emerging destination for international adventure tourism.
