Liberia Safaris, Tours & Holidays

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Liberia Safaris, Tours & Holidays

Liberia is a small West African country, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. The 1990s saw it torn apart by civil war, and while it is now peaceful, most travelers have yet to discover Liberia. Most travelers, but not all. The more adventurous are beginning to explore it, realizing its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife are worth seeing. Liberia safari trips are getting more and more popular as the word spreads.

Long, deserted sandy beaches stretch along Liberia’s coast. Inland, the country is mostly rainforest-covered hills. It is a magical place to explore, with a truly ‘undiscovered’ feel. Liberia’s wildlife is typical of West Africa: not many large game animals, but plenty of primates, elephants, crocodiles, and antelopes.

The Sapo National Park is the place to be in Liberia to see wildlife in its natural habitat. It is rainforest-covered and full of animals including several species of monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants, and the endangered pygmy hippos. You can stay in camps in the forest and learn about the wildlife and the local culture from Liberian guides.

There is much to see in the forest, but much outside it, too. The Du River mangrove swamps are definitely worth exploring with many species of native birds to spot. Or head to the coast, where you can enjoy huge long stretches of beach all to yourself.

If you want to see African wildlife without the crowds, a Liberia safari could be just what you need. This is a country on the up, so expect it to get more popular in the coming years. For now, though, Liberia is a well-kept secret.

How to get to Liberia

Monrovia, capital, largest city, and chief Atlantic port of Liberia, is located on Bushrod Island and Cape Mesurado. It was founded during the administration of U.S. Pres. James Monroe (for whom it was named) by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed American slaves.

Roberts International Airport, informally also known as Roberts’s field, is an international airport in the West African nation of Liberia.

Flying to Liberia Brussels Airlines (www.brusselsairlines.com) operates direct flights to Liberia from Brussels, with connections from other cities in Europe, including London. Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) flies from Casablanca and offers connecting flights to the USA and Europe, including London.

See our popular Liberia safari Tours

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Liberia

A visa is required to enter Liberia for most citizens and visas need to be secured before traveling to the country. It is recommended you submit your application about 10 days before departure, but next-day and same-day services are available for an extra fee.

A tourist visa for Liberia lasts up to 90 days, with the ability to renew up to a year with corresponding documents showing the reason of stay, place of stay, and sufficient funds.

To enter Liberia, a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry is required by the nationals referred to in the chart above. All travelers require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

The health sector of Liberia

Liberia has 5,000 full-time or part-time health workers and 51 Liberian doctors to cater to a population of 3.8 million, according to the 2006 health survey. … The strengthening of the health sector faced financial problems. The government used only 16.8% of the total health expenditure in the country. And the health sector does not cover foreign visitors and ensures you purchase travel insurance before traveling to Liberia.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Liberia

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a region where the infection is present. Yellow fever vaccination is also recommended for Liberia.

Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies may be recommended for your trip, depending on your vaccination history and itinerary.

Malaria is endemic in Liberia with a prevalence rate of up to 60% in some regions, and it has been a major cause of death in children under 5 years of age. Traveling with Anti-malarial is key.

Currency of Liberia

The Liberian dollar is the official currency and it is used all over the country. Make sure you exchange your money before you start your adventure and in most parts of the country, it is only cash that is allowed.

Official Language of Liberia

More than two dozen languages are spoken in Liberia. English is the official language. Predominant languages include Kpelle, Bassa, Grebo, Dan, Kru, Mano, Loma, and Mandingo (spoken by Malinke).

Best time to travel to Liberia

Liberia is an all year round destination although the best time highly depends on the season and the activities that you would want to carry out while in the country and that is why the best time to visit Liberia is during the dry season which is experienced from November to April although you can visit any time that you feel like traveling.

What to wear in Liberia

Generally, in urban areas, Liberians are more likely to dress in typical Western-style dress (jeans and t-shirts), while in more rural areas Liberians wear more traditional West African attire. Traditionally men wear short or long pants with a loose round-neck shirt. However, there are no dress code restrictions listed as of current but if you’re visiting public places ensure you dress decently.

What to bring while traveling to Liberia

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year for a Liberia holiday. If you are visiting Mozambique for a beach holiday, pack plenty of light cotton tops and shorts, as well as a hat, sunglasses, beach sandals, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

See our Longer Liberia safari tours

Car hire and driving in Liberia

Road conditions around Monrovia are generally quite good for Africa and there are paved roads to Roberts International Airport, Buchanan, and to the border with Sierra Leone at Bo Waterside, also to the border with Guinea at Ganta and to Gbarnga and Buchanan, though expect numerous potholes on these routes. But due to the security concern may care high is not a good idea and we strongly discourage self-drive in Liberia.

Accommodation in Liberia

The main capital Monrovia will have decent accommodation but outside the main capital, you may find a few budget houses and local hotels however ensure you pre-book your safari accommodation before traveling to Liberia.

Local food of Liberia

This traditional Liberian peanut soup is made with a combination of peanuts, herbs, spices, and meat. The ingredients include beef, chicken, chicken stock, onions, bell peppers, celery, hot peppers, dried fish (optional), potatoes, okra, and peanut butter.

In order to prepare it, the ingredients are simmered in a pot until the potatoes and the meat become fully cooked, and the peanut butter is then added to the pot until it melts completely. This soup is always served hot, usually for lunch. If it’s too thick, it’s recommended to add more water, and if it’s too thin, add some more peanut butter.

Tipping while Travelling in Liberia

Tips are appreciated in Liberia, although not always expected. The culture was brought in by returning Liberian-American immigrants. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, but if they do not, a 10 percent tip is customary.

Further information for Liberia

Due to the high crime rate in the formerly war thorn country we recommend booking tailor-made safaris with a safari company to guarantee your safety as the local guides are fully informed about where to go and not to go.

Safety of Liberia

Foreigners are occasionally targeted, although Liberians are the main victims of crime. The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime, or to provide emergency response in any part of the country. Levels of crime are much higher after dark. Don’t walk anywhere in the city at night.

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