Sierra Leone had a railway from 1897 to 1974, and there are still old railway buildings, signs, and bridges around the country. Portions of the old rail line still connect towns in the countryside, and a good day trip on a motorcycle or bicycle is to take the old rail line from Bo town to Mano-Dasse in Moyamba District. It’s now a narrow road and path that’s only accessible by two-wheeled vehicles. (Mano is also referred to as Mano-Dasse to distinguish it from other places called Mano. Dasse is the name of the Chiefdom where it’s located.)
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This is an old map of the rail line. The section we traveled on is outlined in red.
Our trip started in Bo and followed the route of the rail line west to Mano, marked here by dots. We returned to Bo via Tiama Junction on the Freetown-Bo Highway. This is the quickest way back on a motorcycle, but by bicycle you would probably want to return via the rail line.
The trip passes through ten small villages and towns. Distances are: Bo to Mano: 33 miles – – – Mano to Tiama Junction: 19 miles – – – Tiama Junction to Bo: 32 miles
The trip starts on Mattru Road in downtown Bo. The old train route follows Mattru Road out of Bo toward Freetown, the route we will take.
This is Mattru Road – the big tree is near Bo School
Clothing sellers on Mattru Rd.
The old rail yard still exists on Mattru Rd.
Crossing the Freetown-Bo Highway – this is the intersection with Mattru Rd which continues to follow the route of the rail line out of town towards Freetown.
Mattru Rd becomes more rural on the outskirts of town.
A scene in the suburbs of Bo – people relaxing and selling snacks. Note the old warehouse in the background that was built along the tracks.
The first evidence of the rail line is this old siding curb that was Mattru Station, the first station west of Bo on the way to Freetown.
The roadway becomes narrower.
A cut in a hill for the track to follow.
At the next station, Kondiyama. the train station has been turned into a school.
An old railway bridge with boards laid on top to make a roadway.
Coming off the bridge onto the path.
At Tabe the station buildings have been converted into a hospital. (Tabe beans, a type of local bean, are named after this town.)
The route leaves the rail line at Lewema and goes through the town, then returns to the line.
This bridge uses old railroad ties to cross on. (Ties were made of metal.)
Local residents pose under the station sign at Bendu.
A government worker in front of the old train station at Bendu, now an office.
The station warehouse is now used as a clinic.
After Bendu there are signs of development.
Entering Mano Dasse, old houses line the former route of the railroad.
Mano was a major train station and parts of it remain.
A long railroad bridge crosses the Jong River at Mano. (Called the Taiya River locally.) It’s now used for vehicles.
On the other side of the bridge the route of the rail line continues as a vehicle road to Moyamba.
Back in Bo after a good trip, for a Sierra Leonean dinner.
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