Freetown: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with VSL TRAVEL and other key stakeholders, announces the highly anticipated arrival of the second contingent of participants for the 2026 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Challenge. This second wave, consisting of 492 participants and 203 vehicles, including motorbikes, is scheduled to enter Sierra Leone on March 5, 2026.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the rally will cross through the Gbalamuya (Kambia) and Madina Oula (Kamakwie) border points, following a scenic route through Kambia, Masiaka, and Waterloo before reaching its first destination: an overnight camping experience at the picturesque Bureh Beach. The official Finish Line Ceremony is set for March 6, 2026, at the Gigibonta Car Park on Lumley Beach, Freetown. Before the final celebration, the procession will depart Bureh Beach and travel along the Waterloo-Freetown Highway, passing through key city points, including Kissy Road, Siaka Stevens Street, and Wilkinson Road, culminating in a grand arrival at the finish line destination.
Sierra Leone’s role as the official terminus for this renowned international rally solidifies its status as a premier destination for adventure and tourism. Aligned with the Year of Culture and Creativity 2026, this event promises to showcase the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage on a global stage. Beyond international visibility, the rally is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits, creating opportunities for local businesses, fostering employment, and boosting community engagement along the route.
The Ministry encourages all Sierra Leoneans, particularly those in communities along the rally path, to cooperate with traffic authorities and uphold the nation’s legacy of warmth and hospitality. Let us come together to ensure a safe, memorable, and colorful welcome for our international guests.