Liberia
Liberia: An Informative Travel Guide
Liberia is a country located on the west side of the African continent. In the past, it was frequently in the headlines and for the wrong reasons. For instance, the Ebola outbreak discouraged many people from traveling to Liberia. However, those days are in the past.
While Liberia may have been unsafe in the past, it has come a long way since then. The country has developed more, new policies have been brought about, and most importantly, it has overcome the Ebola outbreak.
Currently, it is one of the most improved countries on the west African continent. If you’re wondering whether it is worth visiting Liberia, you’re in the right place. Here is an informative travel guide that will help you.
Liberia: A Brief Look Into The Past
The origin of Liberia’s population date back to the 1820s when freed African Americans inhabited west Africa. They settled there and lived in harmony for many years until the population division happened. From 1989 to the early 2000s, Liberia faced civil wars.
However, the civil war ended around 2004, and since then, the country has been at peace. In 2014, an Ebola outbreak also occurred in Liberia, but it was eradicated by 2016.
Now Liberia is Ebola-free and is not facing any political unrest. This is why it is one of the best African countries to visit. The landscape of the region is beautiful, with various plains and natural terrains.
Another thing that makes Liberia appealing is the lush rainforest. It is home to various animals, plants, and much more. This is one of the reasons why the biodiversity of this region is high.
Liberia: Diverse Landscapes
The country is bordered by Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and has a rich coastal line that spans into the Atlantic. Geographically speaking, Liberia is beautiful, with diverse cultures and landscapes. Mangroves, sandy plains, and coast are the key features of the south.
Meanwhile, the center comprises the biodiversity-rich rainforest and plateaus. Besides that, rolling hills in the north add to the beauty of Liberia mainly because of Mount Wuteve. This is the highest peak of the country and is quite pretty.
Language And Currency Of Liberia
As a traveler, you may not like to visit countries with difficult foreign languages. After all, the communication barrier affects the wholesome experience of the journey. Luckily in Liberia, you will not have to worry about this issue.
The primary language of this African country is English, so you wouldn’t have to hire a translator. Besides that, getting a tour guide would be easier for you as well. However, this does not mean that Liberia has forgotten its culture.
You will encounter various tribal people in this region who do not speak English. Besides that, twenty-nine other languages are also spoken in the country. However, mainly the Mande, Kwa, and Mel tribes use them.
Another key thing to note is that the currency of Liberia is dollars. That is why you will not face issues regarding it. You can easily get money exchanged within the country because of low rates. So you do not have to worry about losing out on much.
Best Time to Visit Liberia
The temperature of this country varies from 23°C to 32°C along the coast, while the inland may be a bit warmer. From November to April, the roads are clear and free of floodwater. Besides that, mosquitoes are less frequent around this time, so you can enjoy a bug-free environment.
However, keep in mind that the Harmattan wind starts to blow during December and continues till early February. This results in the atmosphere being dry and dusty. Meanwhile, the summer season results in intense heat, so traveling is not preferred during this time.
From October to November, Liberia experiences heavy rainfall, which can result in flooding at times. The roads become blocked due to the water accumulation and swamps. Monrovia, this country’s capital, also experiences flooding.
Thus, the best time for you to visit Liberia is November to mid-February. During this period, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and clear roads. Hence, you can go to various places such as Mount Wuteve, the rainforest, beaches, and much more.
Famous Places to Visit In Liberia
Here are the top places you should visit in Liberia:
- Bassa Villages
The Bassa is the largest tribal group in Liberia that migrated from Egypt many centuries ago. They have a population of more than 0.5 million and have stuck to their roots. If you want to experience the African culture and traditions at their best, you should visit Bassa Villages.
Many organized tours will help you visit the small towns and learn more about the Bassa’s daily life. If you’re lucky, you will even get to watch the initiation ceremony events of the tribe. During them, women use chalk to decorate their bodies.
- Chimpanzee Island
This island is home to more than sixty chimpanzees that were once known for being used in medical research. However, now Liberia has developed and allowed them to live freely in their natural habitats.
If you want to watch this animal, you should communicate with a local ranger. They take food to the chimpanzees regularly and can allow you to tag along with them. However, you should maintain your distance as the animals are known for throwing fruit at you.
- Kpatawee Waterfall
This waterfall is one of the best sites in Liberia because of its beauty. The surrounding region is full of birds, butterflies, and natural pools. Many trails also surround the waterfall, so you can go on hiking trips.
One of the best things about this waterfall is that many locals consider it sacred. That is why many people will guide you about its history and the plants near it. So if you want a package of information and beauty, you should visit the Kpatawee Waterfall.
Final Words
This is everything you need to know about Liberia, one of the many beautiful countries in Africa. While the place has had its share of tough times, it is now more developed and safer. So you can be at ease when visiting Liberia as it is a hub for adventure travelers.
