Freetown to Host 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally Finish Line Events
By: James Kamara-Manneh
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, VSLTRAVEL, and private sector partners, has announced that Freetown will host the 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally finish line events.
The rally, one of the world’s largest amateur vehicular and charitable adventure events, travels from Budapest, Hungary, across Europe and Africa, with Freetown serving as the official finish destination.
According to the Ministry, the 2026 rally will arrive in two batches. The first batch will enter Sierra Leone on 8 February 2026, comprising 352 vehicles and 794 participants, and will camp overnight at Bureh Beach on 9 February 2026, followed by the finish line ceremony the same day. The second batch is scheduled to enter on 5 March 2026, with 203 vehicles and 492 participants, overnighting at Bureh Beach on 5 March and concluding with the finish line ceremony on 6 March 2026.
Participants will enter the country through the Balamuya–Kamakwie and Madina Oula border crossing points in Kambia District. Rally convoys will follow designated routes through Kambia–Gbaray Junction and Kamakwie–Kabba Ferry–Gbaray Junction, proceeding via Masiaka, Mile 91, and Waterloo, before traveling along the Waterloo–Tombo Highway to Bureh Beach for overnight camping.
The final procession into the capital will continue along the Waterloo–Freetown Highway through 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. This track record, the Ministry said, has led organizers to commit to retaining Freetown as the official finish destination for a ten-year period from 2024 to 2034.
With 2026 declared the Year of Culture and Creativity, the Government says the event presents a major opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and tourism potential, while generating socio-economic benefits including job creation, revenue generation, community development, environmental initiatives, and cross-cultural exchange.
The Ministry has called on the public, communities along the rally routes, and the media to support the event and extend a warm welcome to rally participants during the period.
