A little more
Liberia.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Liberia: what to know before you go

Liberia, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, has long surf beaches, the region's largest remaining blocks of rainforest and a history unlike any of its neighbours. It suits independent travellers, surfers and nature lovers who are comfortable with limited tourism infrastructure and plenty of improvisation.

Where to go

• Monrovia. The capital spreads along a peninsula between the Atlantic and the Mesurado River.
• Robertsport. A small town near the Sierra Leone border with some of West Africa's best-known surf breaks, long left-hand point waves and a quiet beach backed by forest.
• Lake Piso. A large coastal lagoon close to Robertsport, fringed with mangroves and fishing villages.
• Sapo National Park. Liberia's largest protected area covers a huge stretch of lowland rainforest in the south-east, home to forest elephants, chimpanzees and the rare pygmy hippo.

Best time to visit

The dry season, roughly November to April, is the best time to visit: roads are passable, beaches are sunny and forest areas are easier to reach. December to February can bring the dusty harmattan wind from the Sahara, which leaves a haze in the sky.

Staying online in Liberia

Mobile coverage is generally reasonable in Monrovia and in county capitals, and 4G is available in parts of the capital. In the forests, the south-east and along rural roads coverage is patchy or absent, and power cuts can affect network performance. Wi-Fi is offered in hotels and some cafés in Monrovia but can be slow. Download offline maps before leaving the capital. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can contact your driver or accommodation from the airport.