Bonthe

Bonthe is a coastal town on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone. It is the administrative center of Bonthe District in the Southern Province and sits on the island’s southern shore at the mouth of the Sherbro River. The town has a natural harbor and serves as a regional trading and fishing hub for communities on Sherbro Island and nearby mainland settlements.

Historically, Bonthe developed as an important port during the era of European trade in West Africa, particularly for the Atlantic slave trade. Offshore Bunce Island housed a well-known slave fort used by European traders until the early 19th century. The port declined after abolition and changing trade routes, and the town’s economy shifted toward fishing and local commerce.

Today, Bonthe is mainly a market town with a fishing economy and small-scale farming in surrounding areas. It is connected to the Sierra Leone mainland by ferry services and boat routes, and it hosts district administration buildings, schools, and a health clinic. The area is populated by the Sherbro people and other communities, reflecting the nation’s ethnic diversity. The climate is tropical, with a pronounced rainy season. The nearby Bunce Island area has attracted interest from researchers and visitors for its historical significance.