Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is a beautiful destination, but it is also fascinating due to its culture and history. Approximately 2.5% of the population there is descendant from freed American slaves who immigrated to Liberia after the emancipation. Americans find Liberia a worthwhile destination not just because their currency is well accepted there, but because elegant resorts and luxury villas dot the country. If you are spending some time in Liberia, here are three things that you can do to make the most of your vacation or business trip.
Sapo National Park
There is only one national park in Liberia, and it is the Sapo National Park, comprised mostly of what is considered the last primary rain forest in West Africa. The flora and fauna of this national park are as exotic as it gets. Forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, leopards, monkeys, antelope, anteaters, and more roam the 1,808 square kilometer park. From Monrovia, it takes a full day of travel to reach Sapo in the Sinoe Province, but it is a destination well worth the travel if you want to see the natural wildlife. However, returning to one of the luxury resorts might feel less like coming back from an excursion, and more like a continuation of your tour, as exotic plants and animals are found throughout Liberia.
Liberia National Museum
Before the war in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Liberia National Museum held many more historical artifacts, but today it is still a great resource to anyone wanting to learn more about Liberia. The museum houses private documents as well as memoirs of Liberian government executives, traditional and historical artifacts of Liberian household life, contemporary art, and also archival recordings that reveal Liberian traditional dances and mask use. The museum is the only one of its kind in Liberia, and any traveler seeking a better understanding of the history and culture of their destination will find that the national museum is an important landmark and resource.
Your Paradise Resort
Whether you are in Monrovia for business or for pleasure, you are probably staying in one of the several luxury resorts that make Liberia such a popular destination. With many resorts offering massage and spa services, fitness centers, entertainment, and fine dining, you might find it hard to tear yourself away from your luxurious home away from home. No one will blame you if rather than visiting the national park or museum, you preferred instead to lounge on the beach.
Not far from Monrovia, in Paynesville, the Blo Degbo rock formation is one well-known attraction due to its resemblance to a human face. The point is, this brief list is not the extent to what you can see and do while in Monrovia, or anywhere else in Liberia. Whether you choose to stay in Monrovia hotels to stay central to the city, or in one of the luxury resorts along the coast, there are ample opportunities to experience the wildlife, culture, and history of Liberia. Check out this website for more.
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