3-Day Liberia Heritage Weekend: Mask Dancers & Monrovia Markets

Tour Overview

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Liberia on this 3-day heritage weekend, from the bustling markets of Monrovia to the traditional mask dances of the Kpelle and Bassa peoples. Discover the history, culture, and warm hospitality of this West African nation, founded by freed African-American slaves in the 19th century.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Monrovia & City Tour

Arrive at Roberts International Airport (Harbel). Transfer to your hotel in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Explore Monrovia: visit the Liberian National Museum (housed in the historic Old Town Hall, with exhibits on Liberian history, culture, and the slave trade), the Providence Island (where the first freed African-American settlers arrived in 1822), the Centennial Pavilion (built to commemorate Liberia’s 100th anniversary of independence in 1947), the Executive Mansion (the presidential palace), the Capitol Building, and the Temple of Justice. Visit the Waterside Market (one of the largest markets in Monrovia, with textiles, clothing, food, and crafts), the Red Light Market (a bustling market in Paynesville), and the Duala Market. Visit the historic Providence Baptist Church (the first church in Liberia, founded in 1822) and the Masonic Temple (a historic building in downtown Monrovia). Evening welcome dinner with Liberian cuisine including jollof rice, fufu with soup, fried plantains, and pepper soup. Overnight in Monrovia.

Day 2: Kpelle Country & Mask Dances

Morning drive to Kpelle Country (approximately 1-2 hours from Monrovia, in Bong County), the homeland of the Kpelle people, the largest ethnic group in Liberia. Visit a traditional Kpelle village, meet the village chief and elders, and learn about the traditional Kpelle culture, social structure, and the Poro (men’s secret society) and Sande (women’s secret society) traditions. Watch a traditional mask dance performance by the Kpelle dancers, with their beautifully carved wooden masks, colorful costumes, and energetic dancing to the rhythm of drums and xylophones. The masks represent various spirits and ancestors and are an important part of Kpelle culture. Visit the Kpelle craft workshops, where you can see traditional crafts including pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and woodcarving. After lunch, visit the nearby Kpelle town of Gbarnga (the former capital of Liberia during the civil war, now a bustling commercial center). Visit the Gbarnga Market and the nearby rubber plantations (Liberia is one of the largest rubber producers in Africa). Evening return to Monrovia. Enjoy a traditional Liberian dinner with drumming and dancing. Overnight in Monrovia.

Day 3: Bassa Country & Departure

Morning drive to Bassa Country (approximately 1-2 hours from Monrovia, in Grand Bassa County), the homeland of the Bassa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Liberia. Visit the port city of Buchanan (the second-largest city in Liberia, named after Thomas Buchanan, the cousin of US President James Buchanan). Visit the Buchanan port, the Bassa beaches, and the historic buildings. Visit a traditional Bassa village, meet the local people, and learn about the Bassa culture, including their traditional storytelling, proverbs, and the famous Bassa bamboo orchestra (a unique musical tradition using bamboo instruments of various sizes). Watch a Bassa cultural performance with traditional dances, music, and storytelling. Visit the Bassa craft workshops, including the famous Bassa textile weaving and pottery. After lunch, visit the nearby Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Plant (the largest hydroelectric plant in Liberia) and the beautiful White Plains Beach. Return to Monrovia. Do some last-minute shopping for Liberian crafts, textiles, and traditional products. Transfer to Roberts International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 3-day Liberia heritage weekend.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses