Koidu

Koidu (also known as Sefadu) is the heart of Sierra Leone's diamond mining region and the capital of Kono District. The city suffered heavily during the civil war, when much of its once-good infrastructure — roads, water supply, electricity — was destroyed and has not been fully rebuilt. Even in the centre, roads remain unpaved, and Koidu has largely missed out on the reconstruction seen elsewhere in the country.

Despite this, Koidu is a determined and resilient place. Its economy revolves entirely around diamond mining, both industrial and artisanal. The city has a raw, frontier atmosphere that offers a powerful and unvarnished look at Sierra Leone's resource economy. The climate is tropical, with a heavy rainy season from April to September that can make the access road impassable.

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Lungi International Airport (IATA: FNA), about 350 km west. No domestic flights serve Koidu.

By Car / Road

The main road to Koidu runs from Makeni via Magburaka and Matotaka. Beyond Matotaka, the road is in very poor condition and requires a 4WD vehicle; it may be impassable in the rainy season. The journey from Makeni takes about 5 hours in the dry season. From Kenema, expect 3–4 hours on a rough road.

Koidu is compact and can be navigated on foot, though the unpaved, dusty streets make walking less pleasant. Motorcycle taxis (okada) are the primary form of local transport. Fares are negotiable.

• Diamond Mining Sites — Artisanal diamond mines surround the city, offering a raw look at the industry that defines the region.

• Koidu Central Market — A busy market where diamonds are traded alongside everyday goods.

• Visit the artisanal diamond digging sites to understand the mining process (arrange with a local guide).

• Explore the central market to see diamond trading in action.

• Take a guided tour of the surrounding diamond fields.

• Uncle Bens Hotel Restaurant — Serves basic Sierra Leonean meals including rice and sauce, grilled fish, and chicken. Service can be slow.
• Street food stalls — Offer fried plantains, grilled meat, and puff-puff.

Drink only bottled or purified water. Star Beer is available at bars and hotels. The electricity supply is limited (typically 19:00–07:00), so stock up on water and charge devices when possible.

• Budget/self-contained: Uncle Bens Hotel, Benjamin Lane — Basic guesthouse with electricity from 19:00–07:00. Some rooms have air-conditioning and hot water. No internet. Rates: Le 165,000–210,000 per night.

Diamonds are the obvious purchase, but casual tourists should exercise extreme caution and buy only from licensed dealers. The market also sells fabrics, fresh produce, and basic household goods.

• Makeni (5 hours west) — The largest city in Northern Province, with better infrastructure and accommodation.
• Kenema (3–4 hours south) — Provincial capital and gateway to Gola Rainforest National Park.
• Magburaka (3 hours west) — Former capital of Northern Province, on the road to Makeni.
• Koindu (2–3 hours east) — Border trading town near Guinea.