Tourism: Ecological Wonders of the World – Liberia
By Obiabin Onukwugha
Liberia is a country along the coast of western Africa. Liberia’s terrain ranges from the low and sandy coastal plains to rolling hills and dissected plateau further inland. The country is home to a lush rainforest containing a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Behind the rolling hills, most of the country’s interior is a dissected plateau with scattered low mountains ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet (180 to 305 meters) in elevation; some mountains rise to 2,000 feet (600 meters). A striking feature of the mountainous northern highlands along the Guinea frontier is Mount Nimba.
Below are some of the exciting places to visit in Liberia
This little-known country truly is a land of “unique West African discoveries” – a wildly attractive adventure for outdoor active explorers and travellers seeking out its incredible and unique water sport and nature experiences.
Mount Nimba
Lace up your hiking boots and visit Mount Nimba for incredible views over three West African countries which will be tough to beat. Keep your eyes peeled for an amazing array of wildlife and birdlife, as well as over 100 species of orchid and the African Giant Swallowtail, Africa’s largest butterfly, all of which find sanctuary in this rich, rainforest habitat.
Kpatawee Waterfall
Visit Kpatawee Waterfall and cool off in its refreshing cascading waters – your reward for a brisk one-hour hike to the second of the two waterfalls; the first being easy to reach from the road.
Sapo National Park
Visit Sapo National Park and wander beneath the centuries-old trees within whose branches over seven different species of primates, like the endangered Diana monkey, the Upper Guinea Red Colobus and Western Chimpanzee, find sanctuary.
Robertsport
Visit Robertsport, the jewel in Liberia’s surfing crown, with year-round warm weather and long waves that peel along the coast in gorgeous arcs providing ideal conditions for bodysurfing, surfing, or sliding as the Liberians refer to it.
Monrovia
Visit Monrovia and soak up all the energy of this vibrant African city, where nothing beats a refreshing drink as you watch the sun dip gloriously into the Atlantic.
Marshall
Visit Marshall, just a short drive from Monrovia, where you’ll find several resort options for beach lovers who want to spend their days relaxing on palm-fringed golden shores or perhaps cooling off in the refreshing pools of one of the resorts.
Birding
The rich forests of Liberia provide sanctuary to such rare species as the Nimba flycatcher, Gola Malimbe and Yellow-bearded greenbul. Home to a staggering 50% of the world’s Upper Guinea, Liberia provides an exciting habitat for an incredible array of bird species and an exhilarating birding adventure for intrepid twitchers.
Providence Island
Visit Providence Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the first places where freed American Slaves arrived to build a new life in West Africa in 1822 and subsequently founded the nation known today as Liberia. Conversely, Providence Island also served as a station of departure and point of no return for those who were forcibly removed from their homes and enslaved in the Americas during the slave trade.
Cultural heritage
Liberia has a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage that reflects its history and the influence of various ethnic groups. Liberia’s culture offers history enthusiasts a fascinating and unique experience with its 16 major groups, each with distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
Settlements of former slaves
Get to grips with the distinct history of the freed American slave settlements in Liberia which were established after the first settlers arrived in 1822 and began to make a new life for themselves.