Things to see and do in Liberia

Attractions in Liberia

Bask on Monrovia's Beaches

The most famous beaches are the surfing ones near Robertsport. However there are a series of beaches surrounding Monrovia. Most have dangerous currents, but ELWA, Silver, and Cece Beach are all open to swimmers. Both Silver and Cece have bars and restaurants, with Cece stretching miles beyond the crowds for those in need of solitude.

Climb Mountain Woligizi

Mount Wologizi in northern Liberia is the country's highest point. Flanked by dense jungle, the mountain is accessible by road at the village of Lisco. The mountain trail leads past waterfalls and a series of sloping hills to the summit, from which three countries can be seen (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea), not to mention the largely unmapped tropical forests that cover swathes of the region.

Cross a monkey bridge

Fast running rivers cascade through the Lofa rainforest to the mangroves surrounding Monrovia. Crossing these torrents are monkey bridges, which are made from rainforest materials (vines and the like) and are rewoven by locals every year. The reweaving of these monkey bridges is part of a ceremony organised by local secret societies, which are responsible for organising most social activity in Lofa.

Experience the bustle of Monrovia

The capital of Liberia, this is where most urban attractions sit mixed together: ruined buildings from a dozen different eras mix with sushi bars, a national museum, Waterside cloth market, the Freemasons Temple and packed new supermarkets. The population is equally diverse with UN and NGO expatiates from around the world exchanging detailed stories of life in Liberia and world politics with people from every part of Liberia.

Explore Sapo National Park

Corruption and war has seen many of Liberia's forests destroyed for timber, but Sapo lives on. This is largely down to the Sapo people, who gave up their land to create this national park and now dedicate their time protecting it. The journey there takes over 11 hours from Monrovia, but it's worth it: according to Conservation International it has the highest concentration of mammals on Earth.

Go deep-sea fishing

Just 12km (7.5 miles) off the shore of Monrovia, a deep sea trench hides a wealth of fish giants, including scores of blue marlin, sailfish, and yellow fin tuna. The best season is November through May when boats, complete with experienced captains, can be charted. Despite the wealth of fish, there are relatively few boats to compete with.

Monkey around in Marshall

This verdant coastal resort often comes as a surprise to tourists. Not only because it contains a luxury resort, which offers something of a contrast to accommodation standards in the rest of the country, but because it is also home to an island populated exclusively by rescued chimpanzees. There's also a swimmable lagoon and gorgeous golden beaches.

Search for pygmy hippos

In the extreme north of Liberia lies the East Nimba Nature Reserve, a verdant jungle that harbours birds, butterflies, monkeys and the elusive pygmy hippo. Trails crisscross the reserve and well-informed guides and guesthouses are available for visitors. Nimba is easier to reach than Sapo with a tar road for most of the route from Monrovia to Gabrnga.

Step back in time at Harper

Located in southern Liberia, Harper was once the home of President Tubman, who lavished attention on his town with vanity construction projects. However, the gorgeous art deco houses, once the jewel in Harper's crown, have long since been abandoned and reoccupied by those in need of shelter. As well as providing an extraordinary contrast between then and now, wealth and poverty, Harper offers stunning beaches and bountiful marine life including whales and dolphins.

Surf at Robertsport

The most famous beaches are the surfing ones near Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County. Some surfers prefer to ride the waves during the quieter weekdays, while others like showboating to the crowds at the weekend, but all are united in their appreciation for the reliable breaks that roll in most days. Local surfers offer lessons for the less experienced.

Tourist offices

Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT)