---
title: "Sierra Leone: By any means"
subtitle: "Nine days crossing Sierra Leone by whatever moves — motorbike, canoe, pickup, ferry — towards Mt Bintumani and the Loma Mountains."
url: "https://atlas51.co/trips/sierra-leone-by-any-means"
type: "trip/expedition"
region: "Freetown to the Loma Mountains, Sierra Leone"
updated: "2026-08-26T02:58:49.218Z"
---

# Sierra Leone: By any means

*Nine days crossing Sierra Leone by whatever moves — motorbike, canoe, pickup, ferry — towards Mt Bintumani and the Loma Mountains.*

Atlas51 — <https://atlas51.co/trips/sierra-leone-by-any-means>

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Kind | Expedition |
| Region | Freetown to the Loma Mountains, Sierra Leone |
| Environment | Forest |
| Activity | Motorcycles, boats and whatever moves |
| Duration | 9 days |
| Price | From £3,000 GBP per person, land-only |
| Group size | 7–10 travellers |
| Departure window | 20–28 March 2027 |
| Arrival airport | Freetown (FNA) |
| Accommodation | Local guesthouses, simple lodges and remote stays |

Flights are not included. Atlas51 is land-only: travellers book their own flights, and we recommend doing so close to departure and after speaking to us.

## In short

Because almost nobody goes. Because it's spectacular. Because genuine exploration and adventure still exists here.

## What happens

There is a well-known fable in Sierra Leone about a spider and a tortoise heading to a feast. "By the time you arrive anywhere, even the flies will have finished eating," the spider says. The tortoise just smiles back: "Maybe, but the one who walks slowly still sees what the one who runs has missed."

We side with the tortoise. An expedition this raw should not be rushed, taking time to enjoy every road, village, market and shoreline as we work our way across the country.

This never-before-attempted expedition will take us through rugged red-clay roads, pristine mangrove channels, and deserted beaches.

Our experienced West Africa expedition lead has spent months out in Sierra Leone, studying the roads, speaking to locals, researching roads and piecing together what we think could become one of the greatest adventures in West Africa — but until we do it ourselves, nobody knows exactly what lies around every corner.

## The reality

Every expedition is supported by experienced local guides who know the terrain, communities and conditions. Routes may change to reflect weather, local advice or safety considerations. Flexibility is part of the experience, but good judgement always comes first.

## Is this for you

- Want real adventure over luxury.
- Want to truly step outside their comfort zone.
- Enjoy solving problems and challenges.
- Want to experience countries beyond the tourist trail.
- Understand that the best trips are rarely planned.

## Route

### Freetown

Arrival on the Atlantic coast, via the estuary crossing from Lungi.

### Mt Bintumani

The objective: one of West Africa's highest peaks, in the Loma Mountains.

## What the price covers

### Included

- An experienced West Africa expedition lead and a local assistant throughout the expedition, acting as guides, transport and accommodation experts, navigators and cultural interpreters.
- Focused on authenticity more than comfort: local guesthouses; homestays in local villages; occasional camping if safe and appropriate.
- Airport collection and all other transport included: motorcycle hire (up to 125cc); ground transport by bicycle, taxi, tuk-tuk, canoe.
- Several meals throughout the trip, and on the first and last days.

### Not included

- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal equipment (kit list sent separately)
- Visa fees (if applicable)

## Risk

| Category | Rating | The ask |
| --- | --- | --- |
| physical | 4/5 | Long days on rough roads, riding, and a climb towards Mt Bintumani in humidity. |
| technical | 3/5 | You will ride a motorcycle up to 125cc on poor surfaces. |
| environment | 4/5 | Tropical heat and humidity, remote interior, limited medical facilities. |
| activity | 4/5 | Motorcycling on unmade roads is the single largest injury source on a trip like this. |
| geopolitical | 3/5 | No advisory against travel, but violent crime occurs in Freetown and travel outside the peninsula after dark is advised against. |

## Enquiring

Trips are arranged by conversation, not checkout. Enquire at <https://atlas51.co/enquire>.