About Liberia

As a Digital Media employee at National Geographic, I have always been somewhat disappointedin the coverage of Liberia as a travel destination, and understandably so: the 14-year civil warended in 2003, and Liberians only just elected Africa's first female president, Ellen JohnsonSirleaf, in 2006. Today, Liberia is on the road to recovery, and the people of Liberia aredetermined to restore her to a nation thriving with export, agriculture, commerce, and tourism.Rich in natural resources like iron ore, rubber, timber, diamonds and gold, coffee and cocoa,Liberia teems with more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including the pygmy hippo, uniqueto Liberia, and boasts numerous waterways and beautiful rain forest vistas. One of West Africa'smost pristine rain forests is the Sapo National Park, a natural wonder for ecotourists.

I'd been hearing stories about Liberia's big comeback, and now I would be seeing firsthand theredevelopment of a country marred by death and destruction for so many years. Armed with mybrand new Fuji Film s8100fd camera, and the directives of friends and family to "take lots ofpictures!" I was prepared for my monumental return home.

Crunched for time, as my obligation was volunteering with the first conference in Liberia since1979, the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development,International Peace and Security, I gave up trying to find a way out of the city to see the mostamazing parts of Liberia. Some of the country's most beautiful sites, like Cape Mount, Blue Lake,Buchanan, and Cape Palmas, where the tented beach resort Nana's Lodge is located, were out ofmy reach on this trip. But what I can provide is an introduction to the country, if nothing more thanto encourage you to explore for yourself.

Where to Stay and Eat

In the little free time I had to myself, I was determined to see the capital city of Monrovia, where Igrew up in the 1970s and 80s. Renting a taxi for $40 for the day, my mother and our driver servedas tour guides for the city, and demonstrated that Liberia was indeed moving into the 21st century.

The first stop was at La Pointe Restaurant in Mamba Point. Though it was closed on theweekends, the owner gladly let me in to check out the breathtaking views of the ocean from thedining room. Looking over the balcony, I took in the dizzying expanse of rich greens and blues,framed by the purple bougainvillea endemic to Liberia.

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What a Trip

Also in Mamba Point are two other hotels worth mentioning: Krystal OceanView Hotel (MambaPoint, Monrovia, Liberia; +231 6 510 424) and Mamba Point Hotel, both of which offerspectacular views of the Atlantic. Krystal's decor blends African art with contemporary design, andwhen I arrived, brunch was being served adding intoxicating aromas. My mouth watered from thescent of the traditional Liberian breakfast -- cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains and fried fishgravy are my favorites.

Stepping into Mamba Point Hotel, I felt almost like I'd entered a hotel in Miami Beach. The tableswere more conservatively dressed, but the art still reflected the Liberian traditions. Sampling abuffet of Chinese food (served with the hot pepper sauce that Liberians eat with every meal) wasa bit unusual but tasted great nonetheless.

Royal Hotel, which served as our satellite office because they offer Wi-Fi, housed the LivingRoom, a traditional Japanese sushi bar, with eclectic art, a state-of-the-art sound system, and amodern setting. And the RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas, developed by Bob Johnson (founder ofBET), opened just in time for the Colloquium's 500+ international guests and is proving to be oneof West Africa's finest resorts.

Across town, on Airfield Road, Ro-zi's Gourmet Food Services is tucked away on a back road,but is certainly worth a visit. The restaurant offers a menu of Liberia fusion cuisine; sit outdoorsunder the stars and enjoy the natural breezes.

Sun and Surf

for the article, it is absolutelybeautiful, and puts intoperspective what so maMattie on Liberia: Return toMy Personal Paradise: Liberiais a great place to travel to.The history of Liberia is uniqueamong African nations becausjondth on Liberia: Return toMy Personal Paradise:Monrovia, Liberiaʼs capital andlargest city, is situated in thenorthwest part of the countryon thPaureta Johnson Teage onLiberia: Return to My PersonalParadise: Every human hasfour endowments - selfawareness, conscience,independent will and creativeimaginat

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On my one free day, I knew had to visit one of Liberia's many beaches. Thinker's Beach Village(ELWA Area, Monrovia, Liberia; +231 6 588 382), gave me amazing shots of Liberia's beautifulsunsets. There's not much better than listening to the sounds of people splashing in the surf overa cold Club Beer (the local Liberian brew).

Club-Hopping in Monrovia

At night, we visited several of Monrovia's hotspots: La Noche Bar, a hip lounge downtown whereUN personnel frequently gather; Deja Vu, a smoky, but lively nightclub where we danced the nightaway; and Palm Spring Resort & Casino (Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia, +231 5654 111), where karaoke, live bands, and a full casino cater to the night owl.

With so many more places to visit and report on, I can hardly call this a comprehensive list. But itis my hope to return one day soon to explore Liberia's full potential, and to share the true beautyof my country.

You can see more of Teri Weefur's photos by visiting her Flickr page.

Categories: Arts and Culture, _Africa

Tags: Africa, Beach, Hotels, Liberia, Monrovia, National Geographic, Nightlife, Travel

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6 Comments

Paureta Johnson Teage said:Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will and creativeimagination. Teri, your words gave us the ultimate human freedom...the power to choose, torespond, and to change. A beautiful read... Thanks.

April 21, 2009 5:36 PM

jondth said:Monrovia, Liberia’s capital and largest city, is situated in the northwest part of the country on theAtlantic Ocean at the mouth of the St. Paul River.

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November 18, 2009 6:07 AM

Mattie said:Liberia is a great place to travel to. The history of Liberia is unique among African nationsbecause of its relationship with the United States. It is one of the few countries in Africa, and theonly country in West Africa, without roots in the European Scramble for Africa. It was founded andcolonized by freed American slaves with the help of a private organization called the AmericanColonization Society in 1821-22, it was created on the premise American slaves would havegreater freedom and equality there.

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January 19, 2010 6:09 PM

Frederica Nelson said:Thank you so much for the article, it is absolutely beautiful, and puts into perspective what somany people would like to see. I would like your permissions to use the article though, as mybusiness partner and I are setting up or about to propose a trip for next year April, and this is anexcellent intro into the purpose of the trip. We're looking at promoting tourism to Liberia, and thisseem to be a nice place to start. Some of the places mentioned in the article are the same placeswe have been discussing. I will send you an e-mail off line.

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May 21, 2010 9:52 PM

mike said:Hi, excellent article. Would u have any information on the surrounding islands in the area, boatsfor rent , planning a off the map get away.any info much appreciated

June 25, 2010 5:54 AM

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