Liberia

Liberia is not on many travel wish lists as an African destination but should be. A small tropical country, with stretches of beautiful coastline, beaches and virgin rainforests inland, it is a real gem. This less-travelled country is slowly becoming an interesting destination because of the warmth of the people, untouched nature and homely villages.

Liberia is still a developing country, infrastructure and modern technology are luxuries but it is a great opportunity to get back to your roots with just the basic amenities. Years of civil war and the Ebola outbreak set the country back, but Libera has now picked itself up and is beginning to grow. After officially being declared Ebola-free in June 2016, now is the time to visit Liberia. It’s a stark comparison to growing metropolises in countries surrounding it, but that is part of Liberia’s allure.

A one hour journey from Roberts International Airport to the capital Monrovia, is an exhilarating drive that is sure to have you excited to explore the city. Plan to stay three or four days in the capital, discovering the National Museum, Masonic Temple, beaches and the busy market.

Submerging yourself into the Liberian lifestyle is a great way to understand its rich history and people. As with many African countries, people in cities tend to wear more western clothing. However you will see women wearing brightly colored dresses made of Ankara fabric and men wearing country cloth shirts. The country cloth is hand woven in Liberia and is a source of Liberian nationalistic pride.

Designer: TeKay Designs; Photographer: CT McGhee Photography

Toward the villages, you are more likely to find traditional West African wear. Men tend to wear loose long pants and shirts, while women wear lappa (longer wrap skirt) and a bubba (loose fit blouse). Women also wear a head wrap. Liberian clothing, like many of their other West African counterparts, is bright, colorful and has detailed patterns. You can find lappas, bubbas and flat sandals as you pass your days through Monrovia.

You may find yourself craving Liberian cuisine too. Influenced by the United States colonization, you are bound to find Southern American food through your travels.

In the foreground is jollof rice, back left is pepper soup with fufu and back right is palm butter and chicken. Photographer: Sharon Cantillon

Rice is a staple, along with vegetables and meat. Food native to Liberia is rice bread, lemon grass tea and goat soup. Try Evelyn’s restaurant in Monrovia for some of these authentic dishes.

http://myafricanfoodrecipe.blogspot.com/2015/02/liberian-palava-sauce.html

The Masonic Temple in the capital is a sight to marvel from afar. It’s a structural masterpiece for Monrovia and though it has been closed since the Ebola outbreak, it still shouldn’t deter you from taking a walk around the building to get a few snaps.

http://masonicpressagency.blogspot.co.za/2014/08/temple-of-grand-lodge-of-liberia-closed.html (Masonic Temple)

After your trip to the Masonic Temple, consider visiting the National Museum to learn about the culture and history of Liberia.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/article-image?id=97020 (National Museum)

Monrovia boasts a variety of high end and luxury hotels with amenities on par with international standards such as the Boulevard Palace Hotel (a multi-million dollar investment in Liberia). This 5 star hotel is conveniently located in Sinkor (Monrovia) on the main road (Tubman Boulevard) that connects the financial and business areas.

With its innovative design, complimented by spectacular views of the Monrovia skyline, the Boulevard Palace Hotel combines elegance, luxury and supreme comfort at all of their 105 rooms and suites, evenly located on 4 floors.

Mamba Point Hotel, the oldest established hotel in Liberia, is a 4+star hotel, located in the diplomatic area, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and on par with top international hotels. Other hotels in Monrovia include The Royal Grand Hotel, Bella Casa Hotel, Palm Spring Hotel, etc.

\

For night life in Monrovia, be sure to visit the Capital Room, an elegant luxury lounge situated in the historical Mamba Point area with an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean.

With over 500 miles of coastline, Liberia has many sandy beaches, unexploited coastline, coconut trees and tropical trees, surfer waves, and a summer season that runs from December to May.

Monrovia boasts nice resorts and beaches such as RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas, Tropicana Beach, Thinkers Village Beach, Kendejah Beach, ELWA Beach, CeCe Beach and Bernard’s Beach. These beaches and resorts are known for their white and fine sand and blue crystal water which is perfect for sun tanning and swimming.

For avid surfers and fishing experts, visit Robertsport (the capital of Grand Cape Mount County) which hosts Lake Piso or Fisherman’s Lake, the largest lake in Liberia with an oblong tidal lagoons that connects to the Atlantic Oceans.

Splurge by staying at the Kwepunha Retreat, a leading surf and fishing resort in in Robertsport, Liberia.


About two-hundred and seventy kilometres away from Monrovia, is the natural wonder Sapo National Park located in Sinoe County. It is Liberia’s largest protected area of rainforest and park, and hosts some of the last remaining West African forest elephants, antelopes and pygmy hippos.

It is advised to visit the park with an organized tour, as the park is not equipped for independent travel. It is a whole day of travel from Monrovia so plan around this. It’s an untouched beauty, with lush vegetation and waterfalls.

http://www.sharewonders.com/sapo-national-park-republic-of-liberia/ (Sapo National Park)

You may find yourself planning a rather casual trip and allow the day to take you where it may, as you discover Liberia. It is not a cosmopolitan city. It is raw Africa, still building itself up but can offer an unbelievable experience.

Liberia is an ode to going back to nature and is the roots of Africa. Explore this beautiful country and visit during the Dry Season from November till April.