Liberia, at present, has an image of disorder and misery but the country is full of lush and draped by the rain forest. After decades of war and destruction of land if the traveling becomes safe again, the tourism will grow tremendously as the country has many excursions. The country is filled with natural resources like rainforests, flora and fauna and welcoming and enthrallingly people. Liberia is also famous for it artistic traditions like carved masks, textile and quilting; the known quilter is Martha Ann Ricks which was gifted to Queen Victoria in 1892, etc.
The traditional and cultural knowledge about this country, natural resources like hundred of screeching birds which are accompanied by the jungle elephants, hippopotamus, and other wild animals roaming without any restriction in this vast, flourishing green forest, who have less visitors and mystery to many travelers. Except for forests, the country has a long coast with dazzling white sand and glittering clear blue sea water, humid stream delta and tidal lagoon, is very much of tourist attraction.
The circumstances are not good in Liberia so it’s better to get update on the local security about the country before heading towards here.
Monrovia is the capital city of Liberia and tour in Monrovia is a must for its interesting and rich heritage and culture. The city is situated to the northern side of the Liberian coast and has many small islands and isthmus divided by the sea. The waterside market is one of the tourist attraction spot in the city. Here you can shop for some handmade handicrafts and traditional goods of the city. You will get African cloths which are brought from different regions and are sold at the Free Port in the open market. The markets are good place to see the way of life and lifestyle of the people and to mingle with them.
In Monrovia there is a National museum where you will get to see and have knowledge about the glorious history and interesting culture of Liberia. The museum displays the artifacts collected from different regions all over the country. As Liberia had very long history where many battles were fought for the country and for the freedom of the people so here you will see a vast collection from its historical flag to official documents, memoirs, etc.
Another site is the Sapo National park which is the biggest park in Liberia. The park covers from valley of rainforest to riparian forests, swampy land to dried land, plus with it this park has various range of wild animals, insects and wild but rare flowers. The forests are mostly known for elephants, zebra duiker, chimpanzees, black and white Colobus, etc.
Harper, another city in Liberia is a tourist spot for known beaches. It’s mostly known for holiday getaway spot for leisure and to relax on the beach. The Harper coast is shared by the Atlantic sea and tropical climate, making Harper beach famous for the spending holidays. The hotels here are also good who provide good service with spa and swimming pools and the beach you can try water sports such as kayaking and surfing.
How will you get here?
By Air
Just sixty kilometers away from the centre city of Monrovia is Roberts’s field where main flights fly, Monrovia International Airport. At present it is said to be safe and protected by the UNMIL.
From the US, Delta Air Lines had scheduled to fly to Monrovia via Sal, Cape Verde in June 2009. This flight departs straight from Atlanta, but has been delayed due to airfield safety concerns.
By train
There are no real train services. An old mine track has turned into railway track for the tourists.
By car
The road condition in Liberia is worst. Gas is selling in gallon, not in liter! Liberia makes use of miles and MPH!
By bus
Because poor condition of the roads there are no bus service available. The government had made some arrangements for tourists but the buses are not usable for the convenience of traveling.
By taxi
The best way to get around Monrovia is by taxi. The streets are unsafe and usually packed. Take care of your belongings and yourself as getting robbed is common here. Talk around with your traveler fellows who are staying here and take numbers of the taxi drivers on whom you can rely for safe journey.
Notice for the travelers
Take care of your belonging and yourself. This country is on constant civil war so before going there check with your embassy or any other reliable source. Do not trust taxi drivers or people willing to help you. Carry your visa and certificate of yellow fever vaccination. While coming here book your hotel and flights reservation before hand. And have a happy and safe journey!
