By Ibrahim Kabba Turay
On the morning of May 12th, 2025, I woke up around 5:30 a.m. as part of my usual morning routine. I prepared myself and headed to the mosque for my morning prayers. After returning home, I began getting ready for the day ahead, unaware that it would turn out to be one of the most memorable days of my life.

At around 6:30 a.m., I received an unexpected call from my friend Partick Yatta Conteh of CTN Radio. He reminded me that the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) was hosting a hiking event that day in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Although I had heard about the event earlier, I had completely forgotten the date. Fortunately, I had already bought the special Lacoste shirt for the occasion, so I quickly got dressed and prepared myself to join.

Without wasting any time, I made my way to Mambo Junction, the gathering point for all participants. This was my first time visiting the Mambo waterfall, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I was determined not to miss any part of the event.
I arrived at Lumley around 7:00 a.m., but getting transportation to Mambo proved difficult. I decided to wait for my friend PYC, who asked me to hold on while he and his beautiful girlfriend, Magi, made their way to meet me. While waiting at the junction, I was pleasantly surprised to run into another friend who is a journalist from AYV. We decided to team up and find our way to Mambo together. Eventually, we boarded a “Keke” (tricycle) that charged us fifteen Leones each from Lumley to Mambo.

We reached Mambo around 7:20 a.m., and the place was already buzzing with activity. Journalists from various media outlets had gathered in large numbers. The event was graced by prominent personalities, including the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Nasralla, along with his Secretary General, who is also contesting for the SLAJ presidency in the upcoming elections scheduled for June 5th, 2025. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with laughter, energy, and political conversation.

A few hours later, the main opponent of the Secretary General, Mustapha Sesay, arrived at the venue with his own team, adding more color and excitement to the gathering. It was evident that the hiking event had become more than just a physical activity — it was also a ground for networking, discussions, and unity among journalists.

After some time, the SLRU organizers asked everyone to prepare for the hike up the Mambo hills. The journey was not an easy one. The hills were steep and challenging, and the trail tested our endurance. However, the experience was worth every step. Along the way, we were accompanied by the sound of traditional Bubu music, which created a festive and cultural atmosphere. People danced, sang, and shared jokes as we climbed. The camaraderie among colleagues made the hike feel less tiring and more enjoyable.
When we finally reached the Mambo waterfall, I was completely taken aback by the breathtaking beauty of the scenery. It was like stepping into a hidden paradise. The sound of the water cascading down the rocks was both peaceful and powerful. Surrounded by nature and the cheerful company of my fellow journalists, I immediately began taking photos to capture the moment. I posed with friends, old classmates, and colleagues from different media houses. Everyone seemed happy, united by a shared sense of accomplishment.
After taking in the views and capturing memories, the SLRU executive members announced that food and drinks were available for everyone. The excitement doubled as we were served hot Lafidi (a delicious local rice dish) accompanied by refreshing drinks. We gathered in groups to eat, laugh, and reflect on the hike.

Following the meal, the entertainment continued with music and traditional games. We played Lodo, Draught, and other familiar board games. Laughter echoed throughout the area as friendly rivalries played out across the wooden game boards. Some people danced to the music, while others explored the natural surroundings or simply relaxed by the waterfall.

The entire event felt like a celebration not just of journalism and unity, but of Sierra Leone’s rich culture and natural beauty. I felt proud to be part of it.

By around 3:30 p.m., I had to say my goodbyes as I had another engagement to attend. Though I was reluctant to leave, I was also filled with gratitude for the wonderful experience. The memories I made at Mambo waterfall will stay with me forever. It was a day of connection, culture, celebration, and breathtaking nature — a perfect blend that left me refreshed and inspired.