Discover Donfey: Sierra Leone’s Spectacular Hidden Waterfall

Sierra Leone is full of places that remain relatively unknown to many visitors — and even to plenty of Sierra Leoneans.

Donfey Waterfall, also commonly known as Rokel Waterfall, is one of them.

Set along the River Rokel and surrounded by largely untouched countryside, Donfey is a dramatic year-round waterfall that becomes particularly impressive during the rainy season, when huge volumes of water surge across the rocks.

It is wild, relatively undeveloped and well away from Sierra Leone’s more established visitor attractions — making it an interesting option for travellers looking to explore beyond the usual routes.

Watch: Exploring Donfey Waterfall

Join the VSL Travel team as we explore Donfey Waterfall, the journey to get there, the surrounding communities and what visitors should know before making the trip.

Where is Donfey Waterfall?

Donfey Waterfall is located along the River Rokel and can be reached from the Mile 91–Lunsar corridor.

From central Freetown, visitors should allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes for the journey, although travel time will depend on traffic, weather and road conditions.

The route leaves the main highway at Mamusa Junction, followed by approximately 10.8 kilometres of unpaved road towards the falls. This final section currently takes around 45 minutes.

The access road is graded and can be used by 4x4s, buses and smaller vehicles under suitable conditions.

[View the driving route on Google Maps]

Road conditions in Sierra Leone can change considerably between the dry and rainy seasons, so it is always advisable to check before travelling.

What Makes Donfey Special?

Part of Donfey’s appeal is that it still feels largely untouched.

Fed by the Rokel River, the waterfall cuts through a rugged landscape of rocks, river and dense vegetation. During the rainy season, the increased volume of water makes the falls particularly dramatic.

Before reaching Donfey, visitors pass through the nearby communities of Lakonor Village and Tho’lemeray Village, with Tho’lemeray only a short drive from the waterfall.

The communities surrounding Donfey are an important part of the area, and any future growth in tourism will need to involve and benefit local residents.

There is even a little mystery surrounding the name. According to local elders we spoke with, the ancient name “Donfey” has no known modern translation.

It somehow suits a place that still retains a sense of mystery and discovery.

What Can You Do at Donfey?

Donfey is not yet a developed tourism attraction. Visitors should not expect restaurants, paved walkways, changing facilities or formal visitor infrastructure.

Instead, the experience is about nature, scenery and exploration.

The area has excellent potential for guided hikes and nature walks, particularly for visitors who want to experience a different side of Sierra Leone beyond its better-known beaches.

Its proximity to Freetown also makes Donfey a possible day-trip destination. With an early departure, there is time to enjoy the journey, explore the waterfall and surrounding countryside, interact with local communities and return to Freetown later in the day.

There is also considerable potential to incorporate cultural experiences, traditional music, local food and community interaction into organised visits.

The riverside itself provides attractive places to stop, relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the scenery.

Visitors should, however, be extremely cautious around the water. River currents and water levels can change considerably, particularly during the rainy season.

Before You Visit Donfey

Donfey remains a very natural and largely undeveloped site, so preparation is important.

  • Bring insect repellent. Small biting midges, locally known as mutmut, can be common.
  • Wear suitable footwear and long trousers. Some of the paths can become overgrown.
  • Bring drinking water and refreshments. There are currently no established shops or visitor facilities at the waterfall.
  • Do not expect toilets or changing facilities. There are presently no formal public amenities on site.
  • Take your rubbish with you. There is no regular waste-management service at the waterfall.
  • Respect the surrounding communities. Larger groups and organised activities should be coordinated with local community leadership.

Perhaps the most important rule is simple:

Leave Donfey as you found it.

Could Donfey Become One of Sierra Leone’s Major Nature Attractions?

Spend some time at Donfey and it is easy to see its tourism potential.

With careful development, Donfey could support eco-tourism, hiking, community tourism and organised excursions from Freetown.

Basic improvements such as directional signage, clearly marked trails, visitor shelters, toilets, seating areas and organised waste management could significantly improve the visitor experience.

But development would need to be handled carefully.

Much of Donfey’s appeal lies in its natural environment. Any future tourism development should therefore protect the landscape while ensuring that the surrounding communities participate in — and benefit from — increased tourism.

Respecting Local Customs

Donfey is not simply an attraction on a map. It forms part of a landscape connected to established communities, local leadership, history and tradition.

Visitors and tour operators should therefore consult the recognised local authorities before organising larger visits, events or activities at the site.

During our visit, we also learned about traditional customs associated with access to and use of the area. Visitors should respect these traditions and seek guidance directly from community leaders where appropriate.

Donfey: Another Side of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s beaches understandably receive much of the attention from visitors.

But venture beyond the coastline and another side of the country emerges — mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, villages and landscapes that remain largely outside the traditional tourism circuit.

Donfey Waterfall is a great example.

It may not yet have developed visitor facilities or polished tourism infrastructure, but for travellers interested in nature, adventure and seeing something different, that is part of its appeal.

See Donfey for yourself

Watch our video above and join VSL Travel as we continue exploring destinations, experiences and communities across Sierra Leone.

Want to visit Donfey or explore more of Sierra Leone?

Contact VSL Travel

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