Makeni: Market Life, Hiking Trails and Running Routes

Makeni as a travel destination

Makeni is a trading city and the economic center of the Northern Province. When choosing a place to stay, the city offers several specific points of interest: Makeni Market, hiking trails through the wilderness near Mena Hills, views of another part of the city from Mena Hill, and running routes with designated distances. Makeni is also used as a starting point for onward travel north to OutambaKilimi National Park. These different attractions can help you decide what to focus on during your trip, whether you are more interested in market life, nature trails, or running routes.

Market life and nature in Makeni

At Makeni Market, visitors can stroll among the market stalls, sample local snacks, and talk with traders. A visit to the market offers a glimpse into Makeni’s commercial character. The specific offerings and visitor experience may change, so keep your plans flexible. If you value getting a personal impression of market life, this visit offers a different focus from wilderness trails or running routes.

There are hiking trails through the wilderness near Mena Hills in Makeni. If you plan to explore these trails, check current access conditions before your visit. Mena Hill, in turn, offers views of another part of Makeni. The difference is clear when deciding what to do: on one hand, there are wilderness hiking trails; on the other, views of another part of the city. These descriptions therefore offer two distinct points of reference for planning a stay in Makeni.

Running routes with clear distances

Two routes stand out for runners, with clearly defined distances and courses. A 5 km fun run passes through Makeni city center; the 21 km half-marathon route runs along the edge of Wusum Hill. Both are part of the Marathon and Cycling Challenge 2026. The shorter route through the city center and the longer route along the hill offer different focuses. If you are considering taking part, check the event dates before making the routes a fixed part of your travel plans.

A dated cultural and educational connection

A clearly dated educational and ecotourism context comes from a two-day event on October 6 and 7, 2025. As part of an ecotourism training program, visits were made to Wusum Hills (Waterworks) and the People’s Education Art and Craft Centre. This historical event adds two named places and a specific ecotourism connection to the city perspective.

Northern: nature and culture in a regional context

The wider destination of Northern also offers other nature and cultural highlights. Mamunta Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary in Tonkolili District is one of the few places in Sierra Leone that protects the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. Despite its small size, it is home to 252 bird species. The Wara Wara Mountains in Koinadugu District, immediately northwest of Kabala, are characterized by sharp-edged hills reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters. The Loma Mountains in the same district provide diverse wildlife habitats, including habitats for pygmy hippos and viviparous toads.

Lake Sonfon in Diang Chiefdom, Koinadugu District, is also part of this regional context. It is regarded as a place associated with traditional beliefs and local cultural ceremonies. An IBA survey recorded 115 bird species at the lake and in the surrounding vegetation in 1994. This date attributes the bird count to that historical survey and distinguishes it from a current population figure.

Discover more destinations: Lungi, Tagrin.

Return to the wider travel overview: Northern.