Bo is Sierra Leone's second city, a busy provincial capital in the south of the country and a practical stop for travellers moving between Freetown and Kenema or the diamond areas further east. It is not a polished tourist town, and the accommodation reflects that: hotels are very basic compared with those in Freetown, and electricity is often available only during the night, if at all.
For a visitor, the useful distinction is between the town centre and the roads leading out of it, particularly the Bo-Kenema Highway on the south side. This guide covers which parts of the city to base yourself in, what each is like to stay in, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and priorities. It does not recommend individual hotels.
Best areas to stay in Bo
1. Town centre
The centre is the most convenient base if you want to be within walking distance of the clock tower, bars and everyday services. It is also the busiest and least restful option: town centre hotels can be noisy, and this is the area to expect the most disturbance from street life and late-night activity.
It suits travellers who value location over quiet, and those who would rather not depend on transport for short errands. Accommodation here tends to be very basic, with some rooms having simple air-conditioners that work only when the electricity or generator is running, which is usually not all night.
2. Bo-Kenema Highway, south side of town
The Bo-Kenema road on the south side of the city is where you find the larger properties, set away from the centre. This is the better choice if you want facilities on site and a more enclosed, secure setting rather than a downtown location.
It suits travellers who are passing through by road, since the highway is your onward route to Kenema, and anyone who prefers a quieter base with more space. Practical points to weigh: this area is a short drive rather than a walk from the centre, and at least one property along this road has a risk of loud music late into the night, so ask about noise before you commit.
3. Quiet parts of the city
Away from both the centre and the main highway, Bo has quieter residential-feeling pockets where lodging is set back from the traffic. These are the calmest option, and food service is available at some properties in this kind of location.
They suit light sleepers, families and anyone staying more than a night or two who wants to sleep without the town centre's noise. The trade-off is distance: you will rely on taxis or a vehicle to reach the centre and the road out of town, so factor that into your day.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: very basic rooms, often in the centre, where you may have electricity only at night and air-conditioning that works intermittently or not at all. Expect simple furnishings and shared or minimal facilities.
- Mid-range: the more established properties, including those on the Bo-Kenema Highway and in quieter parts of the city, with on-site food service, air-conditioned rooms and more reliable power via a generator.
- Splurge: the top end in Bo is still modest by Freetown standards. At this level you are paying for the fuller set of facilities — a pool, a restaurant, a gym, a secured perimeter and free wi-fi — rather than for luxury.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on the Bo-Kenema Highway on the south side of town. It gives you the most complete facilities in the city, a secured setting, and easy access to the road onward to Kenema, while keeping you out of the noise of the town centre. If you need to be in the middle of things instead, the centre works, but accept the noise and the more limited power.
Frequently asked questions
Is accommodation in Bo as good as in Freetown?
No. Hotels in Bo are very basic compared with those in Freetown, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Will I have electricity and air-conditioning?
Electricity is often available only during the night, if at all. Some rooms have simple air-conditioners that work only when the mains or generator is running, which is usually not all night.
Which part of Bo is quietest at night?
The quieter parts of the city away from the centre are your best bet. Town centre hotels can be noisy, and there is a risk of loud music late into the night at one property on the Bo-Kenema road, so ask before booking.
Where should I stay if I am travelling onward to Kenema?
The Bo-Kenema Highway on the south side of town puts you on your route out of the city and has the larger properties with on-site facilities.
Compare live prices and availability for these areas using the booking tools on this page before you decide.