Bonthe

Bonthe, often called Bonthe Town, sits on Sherbro Island in the Southern Province and is regarded as one of the oldest port towns in Sierra Leone. As early as the 16th and 17th centuries, 'Sherbro' appeared on European nautical charts as an important harbor for Portuguese and British trading ships; later Bonthe became a stronghold of British colonial administration and a major port for exports of palm kernels, timber, and tropical produce. The town preserves numerous colonial buildings, an old Anglican church, a Methodist church, a 19th-century courthouse, and an old administrative quarter of veranda houses. Since long-distance trade shifted to the port of Freetown, Bonthe has lost economic weight but remains a lively center for fishing, salt production, crab harvesting, and local boat traffic to Yagoi, Tihun, and the mainland. The island is increasingly discovered by tourists for its beaches, mangroves, and traditional Sherbro culture.

Nearby cities

Bo

Bo is the second-largest city in the country and a key center for education and commerce in the south.

Mile 91

Mile 91 is a crucial transport hub connecting the capital Freetown with the interior of the country.

Pujehun

Pujehun is the capital of Pujehun District and a significant agricultural center in the south.

Sumbuya

Sumbuya is a town in Bo District known for its location on the Sewa River.

Moyamba

Moyamba is the capital of the district of the same name and a major center in the south.

Rotifunk

Rotifunk is a historic town in Moyamba District known for its educational and missionary history.

Mano

Mano is a town in Bo District that serves as a local transport hub.

Sherbro Island

A tranquil island with deep historical roots and pristine beaches.

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Benduma

Benduma is a town in Moyamba District that plays an important role in local agriculture.

Shenge

Shenge is a historic port town in Moyamba District known for fishing.

Taiama

Taiama is a town in Moyamba District known as an important educational center in the south.

History & landmarks

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Bo Stadium

The Bo Stadium is a major sporting facility in southern Sierra Leone and a hub for football and athletics.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The Cathedral in Bo is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Bo and a major religious center in the south.

Nature

Jong River

The Jong River, also known as the Taia, is a major river crossing the southern part of the country.

Lake Mape

Lake Mape is a large inland lake in southern Sierra Leone, near the coast.

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Lake Mabesi

Lake Mabesi is a significant lake in Pujehun District, known for its biodiversity.

Mano River

The Mano River forms much of the southern border between Sierra Leone and Liberia.

More places

Bonthe Colonial Architecture

The town of Bonthe on Sherbro Island is famous for its well-preserved colonial-era buildings.

Bonthe Port

A historic port on Sherbro Island, now primarily used for local trade and fishing activities.

Nitti Port

A specialized inland port used for shipping rutile and bauxite from nearby mining operations.

Sherbro Island

Sherbro Island is a large island off the southern coast of Sierra Leone, known for its beaches and lagoons.

Sierra Rutile Mine

One of the world's largest mines for rutile, a mineral primarily used for producing titanium dioxide pigments.

Sherbro River Manatee Habitat

In the calm waters of the Sherbro River, mysterious West African manatees live among the mangroves.

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Gbangbatoke Historical Site

Gbangbatoke is an important historical site of the Mende people in southern Sierra Leone.

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Mokanji Bauxite Mine

A significant bauxite deposit in the Moyamba District, providing raw material for aluminum production.