Liberia Adventure: 3-Day Monrovia Culture, Nature & Coastal Fun

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Liberia on this 3-day adventure, from the vibrant capital of Monrovia to the traditional villages of the Kpelle and Bassa peoples, the pristine beaches of Robertsport, and the beautiful wetlands and nature reserves. Liberia, a unique West African nation founded by freed African-American slaves, offers a rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Monrovia Culture & History

Arrive at Roberts International Airport (Harbel, Liberia). Transfer to your hotel in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Explore Monrovia: visit the Providence Island (the historic island where the first freed African-American settlers arrived in 1822, the founding of Liberia, with its historic markers and beautiful views of the Mesurado River), the Liberian National Museum (housed in the historic Old Town Hall, with its exhibits on Liberian history, culture, and the slave trade, including artifacts from the founding of the nation, the presidency, and the civil wars), the Centennial Pavilion (built in 1947 to commemorate Liberia’s 100th anniversary of independence, a beautiful pavilion in the center of Monrovia), the Executive Mansion (the presidential palace, the official residence of the President of Liberia, a beautiful building with its distinctive architecture), the Capitol Building (the seat of the Liberian legislature, a beautiful building modeled after the US Capitol), the Temple of Justice (the seat of the Liberian judiciary), and the Providence Baptist Church (the first church in Liberia, founded in 1822 by the first settlers, a historic and important church). Visit the Waterside Market (one of the largest markets in Monrovia, a bustling market with its fresh produce, fish, meat, clothing, crafts, and household goods, a great place to experience the vibrant Liberian culture), the Red Light Market (a bustling market in Paynesville, named after the red traffic light at the intersection, with everything from food and clothing to electronics and car parts), and the Duala Market. Visit the Masonic Temple (a historic building in downtown Monrovia, the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Liberia, with its distinctive architecture and important role in Liberian history, as many of Liberia’s presidents were Masons). Visit the Sapo National Park information center (to learn about Liberia’s largest national park, home to the rare pygmy hippopotamus, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and many other species). After lunch, visit the historic district of Monrovia, including the Old Court Building, the Post Office, and the various historic buildings from the early days of the republic. Visit the beach at Congo Town or the ELWA Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the ocean. Evening welcome dinner with Liberian cuisine including jollof rice (a popular West African rice dish), fufu (a starchy staple made from cassava, plantains, or yam, served with soup), pepper soup (a spicy soup with meat or fish), fried plantains, and fresh seafood. Overnight in Monrovia.

Day 2: Kpelle & Bassa Country – Culture & Nature

Morning drive from Monrovia to Kpelle Country (approximately 1-2 hours), the homeland of the Kpelle people, the largest ethnic group in Liberia, who live in the central part of the country. Visit a traditional Kpelle village, meeting the village chief and elders, and learning about the traditional Kpelle culture, social structure, and the Poro (men’s secret society) and Sande (women’s secret society) traditions, which are central to Kpelle culture. Watch a traditional Kpelle mask dance performance, with the dancers wearing beautifully carved wooden masks and colorful costumes, dancing to the rhythm of drums and xylophones. The masks represent various spirits and ancestors and are an important part of Kpelle culture and ceremonies. Visit the Kpelle craft workshops, where artisans make traditional crafts including pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, woodcarving, and basketry. After lunch, drive to Bassa Country (approximately 1-2 hours), the homeland of the Bassa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Liberia, who live along the coast in Grand Bassa County. Visit the port city of Buchanan (the second-largest city in Liberia, named after Thomas Buchanan, the cousin of US President James Buchanan, who served as the governor of Liberia before independence). Visit the Buchanan port, the Bassa beaches, and the historic buildings. Visit a traditional Bassa village, meeting the local people and learning about the Bassa culture, including their traditional storytelling, proverbs, music, and the famous Bassa bamboo orchestra (a unique musical tradition using bamboo instruments of various sizes, creating a unique and beautiful sound). 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 the cultural visits, visit the nearby Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Plant (the largest hydroelectric plant in Liberia, located on the Saint Paul River, providing electricity to Monrovia and the surrounding areas) and the beautiful White Plains Beach (a beautiful beach near Monrovia, with its white sand and clear water). Evening return to Monrovia. Dinner with traditional Liberian cuisine and a cultural performance (if available). Overnight in Monrovia.

Day 3: Robertsport Coastal Adventure & Departure

Morning drive from Monrovia to Robertsport (approximately 2.5-3 hours), a historic coastal town in Grand Cape Mount County, in the northwestern part of Liberia, near the border with Sierra Leone. Robertsport was founded in 1856 and named after Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first president of Liberia. The town is located on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Piso (the largest lake in Liberia, a beautiful and large lake with its calm waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and hills). Robertsport is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing (some of the best surf breaks in West Africa), its historic architecture, and its stunning natural setting. Explore Robertsport: visit the historic downtown with its 19th-century architecture, the Robertsport lighthouse, the old trading posts and warehouses, and the beautiful waterfront. Visit the nearby Vai and Gola villages (the Vai and Gola are the indigenous peoples of this area, with their unique cultures and traditions, the Vai are famous for their own writing system, the Vai script, invented in the 19th century, one of the few indigenous writing systems in Africa). Visit a Vai village and learn about the Vai script and culture. After lunch, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Robertsport: swim in the Atlantic Ocean, try surfing (with instruction if desired, Robertsport is one of the best surfing destinations in West Africa, with consistent waves and beautiful beaches), relax on the beach, or take a boat ride on Lake Piso (the largest lake in Liberia, with its calm waters, beautiful scenery, and abundant birdlife, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many other species). Visit the Lake Piso area for birdwatching, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Visit the nearby fishing village and watch the fishermen bring in their catch. After the coastal adventure, drive back to Monrovia (approximately 2.5-3 hours), enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Do some last-minute shopping for Liberian products including traditional crafts, textiles, wood carvings, and local products. Visit the Monrovia markets for souvenirs. Transfer to Roberts International Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 3-day Liberia adventure of culture, nature, and coastal fun.

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