Sierra Leone is strengthening its position on the global adventure tourism map as it prepares to host the finish line of the 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally, one of the world’s largest amateur vehicular and charitable adventure rallies. The landmark event will culminate in Freetown, drawing hundreds of international participants after a transcontinental journey from Europe across North and West Africa.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is leading preparations in collaboration with the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission, VSLTRAVEL, Harmony Travel and Tourism Investment Services (HATTIS) and other public and private sector partners. Together, stakeholders are coordinating logistics, security, route management and community engagement to ensure the successful hosting of the rally’s grand finale.
The 2026 edition of the rally will arrive in Sierra Leone in two major waves. The first batch is expected to enter the country on 8 February 2026, comprising 352 vehicles and 794 participants. This group will proceed to Bureh Beach for an overnight camping experience on 9 February, followed by a finish line ceremony the same day. The second batch will arrive on 5 March 2026 with 203 vehicles and 492 participants, overnighting at Bureh Beach before concluding with a finish line ceremony on 6 March.
Participants will enter Sierra Leone through the Balamuya/Kamakwie and Madina Oula border crossing points in Kambia District. From there, rally convoys will follow designated routes via Kambia, Kamakwie, Kabba Ferry and Gbaray Junction, before passing through Masiaka, Mile 91 and Waterloo. The procession will continue along the Waterloo–Tombo Highway to Bureh Beach, where teams will camp before embarking on a final celebratory drive into Freetown. The victory lap will pass through key city routes including Kissy Road, Siaka Stevens Street, Congo Cross and Wilkinson Road, ending at the Gigibonta Car Park at Lumley Beach, the official finish line venue.
Since 2020, Sierra Leone has successfully hosted five Budapest–Bamako Rally finish line events, a track record that convinced organisers to retain Freetown as the rally’s official destination for a ten-year period running from 2024 to 2034. The continued selection of Sierra Leone follows ongoing security concerns in Mali, which have led to adjustments in the traditional route while keeping Bamako as the symbolic or “spiritual” finish point of the rally.
Declared the Year of Culture and Creativity, 2026 presents an added opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and renowned hospitality. Tourism authorities believe the rally will deliver significant socio-economic benefits, including increased international visibility, job creation, revenue generation for local businesses, community development initiatives and cross-cultural exchange.
Beyond adventure and competition, the Budapest–Bamako Rally maintains a strong humanitarian focus. The 2026 edition will include charitable projects across Sierra Leone, Senegal and Guinea, with planned community support activities such as assistance to grassroots initiatives, including the Budapest Beach Boys football team at Bureh Beach.
HATTIS has issued a public appeal to Paramount Chiefs and residents of communities along the rally corridor, particularly in northern districts such as Gbalamuya, Kambia, Barmoi Luma and Port Loko, to turn out in large numbers to welcome participants and demonstrate Sierra Leonean warmth. Authorities have also urged residents to maintain peace and order throughout the event period, noting that the conduct of host communities will shape global perceptions of the country.
With preparations intensifying, tourism stakeholders remain confident that the 2026 Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Challenge will once again affirm Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a safe, vibrant and attractive destination for international adventure tourism.
