Highlights
Monrovia
The capital spreads along a peninsula between the Atlantic and the Mesurado River. Visit Providence Island, where the first settlers from the United States landed, the busy Waterside market, the National Museum and the shell of the old Ducor Hotel on the hilltop for views over the city.
Robertsport
A small town near the Sierra Leone border with some of West Africa's best-known surf breaks, long left-hand point waves and a quiet beach backed by forest. Simple eco-lodges and a local surf scene have grown up here.
Lake Piso
A large coastal lagoon close to Robertsport, fringed with mangroves and fishing villages. Canoe trips on the lake and walks along the sandbar separating it from the ocean are the main draws.
Sapo National Park
Liberia's largest protected area covers a huge stretch of lowland rainforest in the south-east, home to forest elephants, chimpanzees and the rare pygmy hippo. Access is difficult and visits need to be arranged with a guide well in advance.
Kpatawee Waterfall
Near Gbarnga in Bong County, a waterfall tumbles over rocks into a forest pool. It is a popular stop on trips into the interior and a good place to swim in the dry season.
Firestone rubber plantation, Harbel
Established in the 1920s, this is one of the largest rubber plantations in the world. Driving through its endless rows of tapped trees near Roberts International Airport gives a sense of the industry's role in the country's history.
Harper and Cape Palmas
In the far south-east near the border with Côte d'Ivoire, Harper has historic buildings from the 19th-century Maryland colony, quiet beaches and the lighthouse at Cape Palmas. It is a long journey by road, especially in the rainy season.
Interesting facts about Liberia
- Liberia was founded as a settlement for freed and free-born Black Americans in 1822 and declared independence in 1847, making it Africa's oldest republic.
- Its flag, with eleven stripes and a single star, was modelled on the flag of the United States, and the capital is named after US President James Monroe.
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, elected in 2005, was the first woman elected head of state in Africa, and she shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
- Former footballer George Weah, winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1995, served as Liberia's president from 2018 to 2024.
- Liberia runs one of the world's largest ship registries, so thousands of ocean-going vessels fly its flag without ever visiting the country.
Best time to visit
The dry season, roughly November to April, is the best time to visit: roads are passable, beaches are sunny and forest areas are easier to reach. December to February can bring the dusty harmattan wind from the Sahara, which leaves a haze in the sky. The rainy season, from about May to October, is very wet, and Monrovia is one of the rainiest capital cities in the world. Many unpaved roads become extremely difficult or impassable during these months, so plan trips to the interior for the dry season.
Practical information
| Capital | Monrovia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Liberian dollar (LRD); US dollars are widely used alongside it |
| Languages | English |
| Plugs | Type A, B, C, F |
| Voltage | Both 120 V and 220–240 V supplies are found; check before plugging in, and many buildings rely on generators |
| Emergency | 911 (response capacity varies, so also note your accommodation's contacts) |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Not obligatory, but 10% in restaurants that serve visitors is appreciated, and guides and drivers expect a tip. |
Getting around
Most travellers fly into Roberts International Airport, about an hour's drive from Monrovia. Within the capital, shared taxis and motorbike taxis (keke tricycles and pen-pens) are the usual transport; agree the fare first and wear a helmet if you use a motorbike. Outside Monrovia, the main paved roads run towards Sierra Leone and into the interior, but many routes are dirt and badly affected by rain. Hiring a car with a local driver is the most practical option for trips to Robertsport, Bong County or the south-east. Check your government's current travel advice before planning overland journeys.
Staying connected in Liberia
Mobile coverage is generally reasonable in Monrovia and in county capitals, and 4G is available in parts of the capital. In the forests, the south-east and along rural roads coverage is patchy or absent, and power cuts can affect network performance. Wi-Fi is offered in hotels and some cafés in Monrovia but can be slow. Download offline maps before leaving the capital. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can contact your driver or accommodation from the airport.
See Liberia eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Liberia
- Google Maps: Save offline maps of Liberia before leaving Monrovia; rural coverage is limited.
- WhatsApp: Widely used by drivers, guides and lodges for booking and keeping in touch.
- XE Currency: Prices are quoted in both Liberian and US dollars, so a converter helps you compare.