Affectionately referred to by the locals as Bo Town or Sweet Bo, Bo is Sierra Leone’s second-largest city and the capital of the Southern Province.

Its geographically strategic location at the intersection of roads from Freetown and Makeni makes it a natural trading hub for products like palm oil, coffee, cocoa and rice which are transported to Freetown from the country’s interior. Bo is also a major diamond center.

For many travelers, Bo is a good base from which to explore some of Sierra Leone’s most popular natural attractions including Tiwai Island and the Gola Forest Reserve.

Bo offers its own attractions as well, including a newly built soccer stadium for professional games, a vibrant nightlife, and Bo’s “big market”. Find anything from traditional herbal remedies, to local delicacies, to metalsmiths, and everyday household items here.