LIBERIA
Population: 5 million people
Capital: Monrovia
Language: English
Currency: Liberian dollar (LRD)
Founded as the birthplace of freed American slaves, Liberia is one of the smallest and least known African republics. Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the country is famous for the rainforests of the Sapo National Park, the golden deserted beaches of the long coastline and surfing in Robertsport. In the dense forests of Liberia, you have the chance to stumble upon chimpanzees, forest elephants and the famous pygmy hippos, which are no larger than Shetland ponies.
This African place has a hint of the American South. Dying pre-war architecture pays homage to the homes built on the great plantations of Mississippi and Louisiana.
For most of the uninitiated, Liberia seems mysterious. But those who are at least a little familiar with it will be enthusiastic about the optimism of the local people and the natural wonders of the country.
For a long time, the main environmental problems in Liberia have been deforestation and poaching. An agreement signed in 2020 with Norway to stop deforestation has made it possible to preserve the country’s natural wealth for future generations.
How to get here
Most tourists prefer to travel by air. Airplanes of airlines fly to Liberia: Brussels, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, offering flights with connecting flights in Europe and the region.
Flights to Monrovia Robert Roberts International Airport from other African countries usually stop in Nairobi or another African center.
If you like to travel by land, take buses and taxis from Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
For visit coastal towns, you can go sailing by ship.
An unforgettable experience
- Sapo National Park conserves 40% of the rainforest of Upper Guinea, providing a refuge for populations of certain species. Safari here is more like scientific research than entertainment for tourists.
- Catch the wave at Robertsport. The surfing season in this laid-back surfing destination, which is growing in popularity and with consistently good waves, lasts from March to October.
- Become the only tourist in the city – not uncommon in many parts of the country. Only adventurers roam far beyond the capital and Robertsport.
Route
Duration: 1 week
- Explore the abandoned architecture of Monrovia – the capital is dotted with once-grand buildings left in ruins during the Civil War, beaches and museums.
- Visit Robertsport for drive through the pipe on the surf. Cotton Trees and Cassava Point are favorite surfing spots in Liberia.
- Stroll along Buchanan Beach using this port city as a base for camping along the coast. The city is far enough even for the population of Liberia.
- Travel to Sapo National Park to see chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and pygmy hippos wandering in this vast, virgin forest.
- Stop in Harper to visit the William Tubman Mansion – the former home of the President, among other atmospheric ruins scattered around this amazing backwater.
When to go
The main tourist season lasts from December to January. At this time, prices reach their peak values.
Drought occurs from December to July. This allows you to easily move on unpaved roads.
Conversely, the rainy months from May to October bring tropical storms with them, but there is no better time to surf the beaches of Liberia.
Money
View the current LRD to USD exchange rate
The Liberian dollar is pegged to the US dollar – the two currencies are accepted as legal tender throughout Liberia.
Money can be exchanged at the Central Bank, Development and Investment Bank of Liberia, which also handle urgent money transfers from abroad (large fees apply).
There are 2 branches of the Central Bank in Monrovia. The first branch works from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. The second is from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00. The Development and Investment Bank of Liberia is open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00.
There are no ATM machines in the country, so credit and debit cards cannot be used.
In rare cases, traveller’s checks can be cashed in some hotels and banks (the rate is not profitable).
You can familiarize yourself with the pricing policy below:
Useful phone numbers
USA Embassy in Liberia, 502 Benson Street, P. O. Box 98, Monrovia: +231 77-677-7000
Emergency service: 911
Fire department: 114
