Western Africa
Western AfricaLiberiaTravel guide
- Monrovia
- Robertsport
- Greenville
- Harper
- Paynesville
Liberia is a country in West Africa. Its capital is Monrovia, and its culture includes a lively music scene and strong historical ties to the United States.
Why go
Hear hip co, a blend of hip hop and local Liberian English.
Visit beaches around Monrovia, Robertsport and Buchanan.
Try local dishes such as palm butter, cassava leaf and jollof rice.
Shop for masks and printed fabrics.
Best time to go: The dry season is a good time for concerts and easier road travel. November to March brings dry, dusty harmattan winds, while heavy rain falls from May to October.
Getting there
By air
- Roberts International Airport is the country's only international airport. It is at Robertsfield, about 60 km from central Monrovia.
- The source lists flights from Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Brussels and Amsterdam.
- It also lists flights from Freetown, Nairobi, Accra, Abidjan and Lagos.
By land
- The roads from Roberts Airport to Monrovia and from Monrovia to the Sierra Leone border at Bo (Waterside) were reported paved and in excellent condition in February 2010.
- Other roads can be poor, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be needed. Rain can greatly increase journey times.
- There are no long-distance buses aimed at tourists. The National Transit Authority runs public services, with its main terminal in Gardnerville.
By sea
- The source describes a boat service from the St. Paul River to Robertsport.
Getting around
Car
Drive on the right. Traffic in Monrovia can be slow because of bottlenecks and damaged roads. Poor roads may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Allow much more time during the rainy season. Fuel is sold in US gallons, rather than litres. Speed limits are generally shown in miles per hour. Keep doors locked and windows up, especially in busy parts of Monrovia.
Bus
National Transit Authority buses and private buses serve central Monrovia and its suburbs. The source lists public services to Buchanan, Gbarnga, Tubmanburg, Kakata and Robertsport. Queue at stops and terminals instead of rushing aboard. Thieves take advantage of crowded boarding. Buses can be overcrowded. Bring a fan or sit near a window.
Walking
Do not walk around at night. Avoid deserted places and stay with a group. Do not walk alone in Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street. At Thinkers beach, avoid walking too far along the shore.
What to see and do
Downtown Monrovia
Explore the centre of Liberia's capital.
Blo Degbo
This rock in Paynesville resembles a human face. It is not a developed visitor site, so check whether it is safe to visit.
ELWA beach
This beach has a marked swimming area and attracts families at weekends. It has no facilities.
CE CE beach
This beach near Hotel Africa has palm umbrellas, drinks, a buffet and a protected swimming area.
Robertsport
Visit for cultural history and clean beaches. Beware of strong tides.
Buchanan
Several hours from Monrovia by car, Buchanan has beaches, restaurants and guest houses.
Food and drink
Local meals
Try palm butter, cassava leaf, potato greens, chock rice or jollof rice. Portions are usually large.
Fufu and soup
Fufu is fermented dough made from cassava. Goat soup and pepper soup are common partners.
Street snacks
Vendors around Monrovia sell peanuts, fried plantain chips, roasted corn and roasted plantains.
Fresh fruit
Street vendors sell bananas, mangos and other fruit.
Morning bread
Freshly baked breads include types resembling banana bread and corn bread. They can be oily.
Club beer
This is a widely served local staple.
Money
Liberian dollar (LRD), written as L$ or $. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.
- Be ready to pay your whole hotel bill in cash, in US dollars.
- Masks sold around hotels and United Nations centres can be bargained for.
- Printed fabric is sold in lengths called lapas. One lapa is two yards.
- Supermarkets can be found downtown, in Sinkor and at ELWA Junction.
Typical costs
- A local meal with a non-alcoholic drink is listed at US$2–3.
- Street snacks and fruit are listed at L$5–20, or US$0.10–0.30.
- A mobile phone SIM card is listed at US$1. Common prepaid top-ups are US$1 and US$5.
- Mobile internet adapters are listed at US$50–60.
Language
- English is the official language and is spoken by most Liberians.
- Kreyol is a language based on English and is widely used for communication in the interior.
- More than 30 languages are spoken. A local guide can help in remote areas.
Staying safe
- Do not walk around at night. Avoid deserted places and stay in groups.
- Keep car doors locked and windows up. Thieves may reach into stopped cars, especially in busy areas such as Redlight.
- The source reports armed robbery and sexual violence. Hotels often have private guards, but remain alert.
- Armed groups are reported in poorer parts of Monrovia, including Redlight. Do not walk alone in Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street.
Local customs
Do
- Greet people wherever you go. Ignoring someone can be considered rude.
- Use gentle, respectful words when discussing personal or sensitive matters.
- Use softer replies such as "I'll try" or "I'll see what I can do" when declining requests.
- Keep an open mind and treat people as individuals.
- Consider helping local schools or volunteering with local non-governmental organisations.
- Bring business cards if attending functions, where exchanging them is common.
Don't
- Avoid discussing the Liberian Civil Wars, which can bring back painful memories.
- Avoid blunt or overly direct language.
- Do not assume that everyone shares the country's social or political problems.
- Bear in mind that giving money or gifts can encourage dependence on visitors and repeated requests.
Staying healthy
- Choose bottled water. Water sold in bags is not guaranteed safe.
- Typhoid, malaria and worms are described as common.
- Carry hand disinfectant or sanitising gel. Handshakes are a common greeting.
- Medical help can be difficult to find, with few doctors serving international visitors.
Phone and internet
- The source says you need a phone compatible with the local mobile network and a local SIM card.
- A SIM card is listed at US$1. Prepaid top-up cards are commonly US$1 or US$5 and are called "Scratch Cards".
- Listed phone companies include Lonestar/MTN Cell, Cellcom, Comium, Libercell and Libtelco.
- Libtelco uses monthly bills rather than the prepaid arrangement described for other providers.
Where to stay
- Hotels often employ guards, but you should still pay attention to your security.
- Be prepared to pay your entire hotel bill in cash, in US dollars.
- Robertsport has a beach tent camp for overnight stays.
- Buchanan has a selection of guest houses.
Outdoor adventures in Liberia
Liberia's outdoor highlights include Atlantic beaches, lakes, remote rain forests and Sapo National Park. Beach options range from protected swimming areas near Monrovia to Robertsport, where strong tides need care. The climate is hot year-round, with heavy rain from May to October.
Robertsport beaches
BeacheNorthern Liberianear Robertsport
Day trip or overnight stayVisit Robertsport for a beach day trip. A beach tent camp is mentioned for overnight stays, but booking details are not given.
- Beware of strong tides.
Sapo National Park
More to doSouthern Liberia
Transport, entry arrangements and guided visits are not described.
ELWA Beach
BeacheCentral Liberianear Monrovia
Head towards the airport from Monrovia, past ELWA junction. The beach is inside a compound.
- Use the marked safe swimming area.
CeCe Beach
BeacheCentral Liberianear Monrovia
From Monrovia, cross the bridge in the direction of Hotel Africa.
- A protected swimming area is available.
Thinkers Village Beach
BeacheCentral Liberianear Monrovia
Continue beyond ELWA Beach on the route out towards the airport.
- Waves can be rough.
- It is not safe to walk too far in either direction along the beach.
Buchanan beaches
BeacheCentral Liberianear Buchanan
Travel by car from Monrovia to Buchanan. The journey takes several hours.
Monkey Island
Wildlife
Visitor access and transport arrangements are not described.
Lake Piso
More to doGrand Cape Mount County
The lake is in Grand Cape Mount County. Transport and visitor arrangements are not described.
Blue Lake
More to donear Monrovia
The lake is 72 kilometres west of Monrovia. Transport and access details are not given.
Cape Palmas Beach
BeacheSouthern Liberianear Harper
Find the beach by the port in Harper.
Bernard's Beach
Beache
Listed among Liberia's Atlantic coastal beaches. Directions and access details are not given.
Kendejah Beach
Beache
Listed among Liberia's Atlantic coastal beaches. Directions and access details are not given.
Kenema Beach
Beache
Listed among Liberia's Atlantic coastal beaches. Directions and access details are not given.
West Point beach
BeacheCentral Liberianear Monrovia
The beach is at West Point in Monrovia. Detailed access information is not given.
Blo Degbo rock formation
More to doCentral Liberianear Paynesville
The rock formation is in Paynesville, near Monrovia. No route or organised visit is described.
- This is not a developed visitor attraction. Check that the area is safe before visiting.
Airports, metros and trains in Liberia
Airports with scheduled flights
- ROBRoberts International AirportMonroviaMain international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 490 km
People and safety in Liberia
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian86%
- Muslim20%
- No religion1%
- Folk religions<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal
- The law allows up to 1 years in prison.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #157 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
29% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 16 of 198 countries can visit Liberia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required14
- Visa on arrival2
- eVisa72
- Visa required110
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa14 of 53 countries
- Europe2 of 46 countries
- Asia0 of 50 countries
- Americas0 of 35 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
Questions
When is the rainy season?
Heavy rain falls from May to October, with a short break around mid-July to August. Rain can greatly slow road travel.
Which airport serves Monrovia?
Roberts International Airport is at Robertsfield, about 60 km from central Monrovia.
Can I get around by public bus?
Public and private buses serve Monrovia, and the source lists services to several other cities. Buses can be overcrowded, and you should queue carefully when boarding.
Will English be enough?
English is the official language and is spoken by most Liberians. A local guide is useful in more remote areas.
How should I prepare to pay for my hotel?
Be ready to pay the entire bill in cash, in US dollars.
What local food can I try?
Try palm butter, cassava leaf, potato greens, jollof rice or fufu with soup. Local meals with a non-alcoholic drink are listed at US$2–3.
What water should I drink?
Choose bottled water from supermarkets, restaurants or Total fuel stations. Water sold in bags is not guaranteed safe.
Can I swim at the beaches?
ELWA beach has a marked swimming area, and CE CE beach has a protected swimming area. Thinkers has rough waves, while Robertsport has strong tides.
What is a polite way to greet people?
Always greet people when you meet them. Ignoring someone can be considered rude.
Where can I hear Liberian music?
Concerts are held regularly, especially in the dry season. The venue 146 on Carey Street features Liberian music, freestyle sessions and live performances.
Reviewed by @snuck