The capital
Monrovia sits on a long cape between the Atlantic and the Mesurado River. It is where almost every trip begins, and it is worth a few days: Providence Island, where the settlers from America landed in 1822, the National Museum on Broad Street, the hilltop ruins of the Ducor Hotel, busy Waterside Market and beaches from Mamba Point to Sinkor and beyond. Day trips reach the Firestone rubber plantation, the Marshall coast and Blue Lake.
The surf coast
About three hours northwest of the capital, Robertsport is the trip most visitors remember. A small, quiet town on a forested cape, it has long left hand point breaks that draw surfers from around the world, a fishing beach full of painted canoes and Lake Piso, a wide lagoon perfect for paddling and birdlife.
The port cities
Southeast of Monrovia, Buchanan is Liberia's third city and the capital of Grand Bassa County. It is a relaxed port town with long beaches, a lively market and Bassa culture, and a good first stop if you want to see life beyond the capital without a huge journey.
Far along the coast near the border with Cote d'Ivoire, Harper on Cape Palmas is one of the most atmospheric places in the country, with the old Cape Palmas lighthouse, colonial era houses, the ruins of President Tubman's mansion and Grebo fishing villages. It is a long trip by road, so most people come for several days.
The rainforest
Sapo National Park in Sinoe County is Liberia's largest protected area and one of the last great blocks of Upper Guinean forest. It is home to forest elephants, chimpanzees and the rare pygmy hippo. Visits are rough, basic and deeply rewarding, best for experienced travellers in the dry season.
How to combine them
A first trip of a week to ten days usually pairs Monrovia with Robertsport, with a day trip or two from the capital. With two weeks in the dry season, add Buchanan or a forest trip inland. Harper and Sapo suit longer, more adventurous journeys, and flying or travelling with an experienced local operator saves a lot of time and stress. Our places to visit list and the free trip planner help you fit it all together.