Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Yengema, Kono, East Africa, Africa
Yengema is a town located in the Kono District in the Eastern Province of the African country Sierra Leone. It is a commercial town, mainly noted for its diamond mining, which is heart of its economy and tourism. It is located in the central-eastern part of the country, around 50 km from the larger town Koidu and 330 km from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
Yengema is well known for Yengema Airport and it also houses Sierra Leone’s one of the most renowned secondary schools, the Yengema Secondary School. Muslim is the predominant religion in Yengema. The geographical coordinates of Yengema are 8°37′ N 11°10′ W.
How to reach Yengema?
Yengema is served by Yengema Airport with scheduled flights from Bo, Freetown and Kenema, served by Eagle Air. The airport is situated few kilometers away from the town centre that distance can be crossed by taxi or rental car.
Yengema’s road connectivity extends to all the important Sierra Leonean cities, including the capital Freetown, the second largest city Bo and the district capital Koidu Town.
Minibuses are generally used for local travel in Yengema and in addition, rental cars and motorbikes are also gettable.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Yengema:
The Mandingo people form the greater percentage of Yengema’s population. Krio language is a widely communicated language in Yengema. There are some nice handicraft stores and relatively upgraded food corners in Yengema.
What to do in Yengema:
- Visiting diamond mines
- Shopping
Places of interest in Yengema:
Diamond mines in Yengema:
Diamond mines in Yengema is the major economy source as well as one of the tourist attractions of Yengema. It can be visited with a guided tour for easy exploration. Prior permission is must.
Yengema Secondary School:
Although not being a tourist attraction, the Yengema Secondary School is famous among visitors coming to Yengema. Established in 1964, it is one of the oldest and renowned secondary schools in Yengema.
Yengema Airport:
The Yengema Airport is one of the landmark sites of Yengema, situated within the town premise. It is one of the busiest airports of Sierra Leone as it receives a substantial number of non travelers along with regular travelers for its nice construction and lovely surroundings.
Tingi Hills Forest Reserve:
The Tingi Hills Forest Reserve is situated towards the northeast of Yengema, spanning over an area of 118.85 sq. km. The reserve is well known for its population of around 200 species of birds and a large number of western baboons and forest elephants. It was established in 1947.
Kangari Hills Forest Reserve:
The Kangari Hills Forest Reserve is located on the road leading Yengema to Magburaka. Established in the year 1924, the reserve is home to numerous endangered forest elephants. It is spread over an area of 8,573 hectares.
List of other places of interest near Yengema include:
- Gola East Forest Reserve
- Gola North Forest Reserve
- Outamba Kilimi National Park
- Gola West Forest Reserve
- Loma Mountains Forest Reserve
- South Kambui Hills Forest Reserve
When to visit Yengema?
The best and most preferred time to visit Yengema is from December to March when the weather remains dry and pleasant.
Hotels in Yengema:
As there are probably no such tourist favor hotels in Yengema, below is provided hotels in the nearby cities of Yengema, in Kenema (around 160 km), Bo (around 210 km) and Makeni (around 150 km):
- Paloma Guest House in Kenema
- Ericson Guest House in Kenema
- Capitol Hotel in Kenema
- Luawa Resort Hotel in Kenema
- Hotel Sir Milton in Bo
- Countryside Hotel in Bo
- Dohas Hotel and Restaurant in Bo
- Madame Woki Hotel in Bo
- Imperial Hotel in Bo
- Sahara Hotel in Bo
- Wusum Hotel in Makeni
- Makambo Village Hotel in Makeni
- Hotel Conteh-U in Makeni
- Makama Lodge Guest House in Makeni