Sierra Leone is positioning itself on the global adventure tourism map as it prepares to host the finish line of the 2026 Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Challenge in the capital, Freetown. Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission, VSLTRAVEL and key public- and private-sector partners, the government is coordinating efforts to deliver the landmark event, one of the world’s largest amateur vehicular and charitable adventure rallies, which spans Europe and Africa from its start in Budapest, Hungary, to its final destination on Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coast.
The 2026 rally will arrive in two batches. The first batch enters Sierra Leone on 8th February 2026, comprising 352 vehicles and 794 participants, with an overnight camping experience at Bureh Beach on 9th February 2026, followed by the Finish Line Ceremony on the same day. The second batch enters on 5th March 2026, consisting of 203 vehicles and 492 participants, overnighting at Bureh Beach on 5th March 2026, and concluding with the Finish Line Ceremony on 6th March 2026. Participants will enter the country through the Balamuya/Kamawi and Madina Oula (Kambia) border crossing points.
Upon entry, rally convoys will follow designated routes via Kambia–Gbaray Junction and Kamakwi–Kabba Ferry–Gbaray Junction, proceeding through Masiaka, Mile 91, Waterloo, and the Waterloo–Tombo Highway to Bureh Beach for overnight camping. The final procession from Bureh Beach to Freetown will continue along the Waterloo–Freetown Highway, Up Gun, Kissy Road, Eastern Police, Abacha Street, Siaka Stevens Street, St. John, Congo Cross, and Wilkinson Road, culminating at Lumley Beach, Gigibonta Car Park, the official finish line venue.
Since 2020, Sierra Leone has successfully hosted five Budapest–Bamako Rally finish line events, prompting the organizers’ commitment to retain Freetown as the finish destination for ten years (2024–2034). Declared the Year of Culture and Creativity, 2026 presents an opportunity to further promote Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and international tourism credentials, while delivering socio-economic benefits through job creation, revenue generation, community development, environmental initiatives, and cross-cultural exchange. The Ministry encourages the public, communities along the routes, and the media to support and warmly welcome rally participants during the event period.
