Liberia, the Freedmen’s Republic
Eight days in the country founded by freed slaves from America: rubber, chimpanzees, the pioneers’ coast and the waves of Robertsport.
Overview
Liberia is one of the least known destinations in Africa, even for seasoned travellers. It was founded in 1822 by freed slaves who came from the United States, sent by a society that preferred them far away rather than free within it. In 1847 it became the first independent republic on the continent.
This journey follows its history on the ground: the Firestone rubber plantation, the chimpanzee islands, Edina, where the first pioneers landed, the Monrovia of Ducor Hill and West Point, and Robertsport, one of the most famous surf beaches in West Africa.
Eight days in the country, from landing at Roberts International Airport to your flight home.
Highlights
- The chimpanzee islandsMore than sixty rescued primates, seen up close from the boat.
- The Firestone plantationThe second-largest rubber plantation in the world and its latex tappers.
- Edina, land of the pioneersThe first place where the settlers of the American Colonization Society set foot.
- MonroviaDucor Hill, the National Museum, Waterside market and West Point.
- RobertsportFishermen, surf and sunsets on the country’s most famous beach.
- DimehA welcome from the chiefs and a tribal dance in the home village of the writer Bai T. Moore.
Itinerary
Harbel and the Firestone rubber
Early-morning arrival at Roberts International Airport in Harbel, 63 km from Monrovia. Meet and greet, border formalities and transfer to a nearby hotel to rest for the morning.
After breakfast, your guide takes you to the Firestone plantation, founded in 1926 and central to the country’s recent history: more than 400,000 hectares of trees, and tappers who draw the latex with remarkable skill. A visit to one of the workers’ villages and a drink at the clubhouse, overlooking the golf course. In the afternoon, on to Marshall.
Night in Marshall, Creed Lodge or similar · Breakfast
The chimpanzee islands
Very early, a boat takes us to the chimpanzee island sanctuary. More than sixty primates live there, many rescued from captivity by a foundation that returned them to the wild. There is no landing, but from the boat they are usually seen very close.
A tour of Marshall, surrounded by lagoons, with a bay where three rivers meet the Atlantic: no town in the country shows the American imprint more clearly. On to Monrovia.
Night in Monrovia, Hotel La Lagune or similar · Breakfast
Gbartala and the Kpatawee falls
North-east to Gbartala, once the base of Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front during the civil war. A walk through the market and a chat with the people who live there.
In the heart of Bong County, the Kpatawee waterfalls, surrounded by dense forest. A one-hour walk leads to the largest fall and to a lookout over the cascades and the valley of the Mein river.
Night in Kpatawee, Kpatawee Waterfall Hotel or similar · Breakfast
Gbarnga, Buchanan and Edina
Gbarnga, capital of Bong County, where the Kpelle, Mano and Bassa peoples mix. Home to Cuttington University and the Mama and Baba Shabu arts centre. Then we cross the country south to Buchanan, the oldest town in Liberia.
By canoe, across the river, Edina: this is where the nine pioneers of the American Colonization Society landed in 1820. Century-old remains of the expedition and the oldest church in the country. Back to Buchanan at sunset.
Night in Buchanan, Hotel Buchanan or similar · Breakfast
Monrovia, the capital
Last visits in Buchanan and back to Monrovia, named after President James Monroe. The National Museum, the top of Ducor Hill with the monument to Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the country’s first president, and the ruins of the Ducor Intercontinental hotel. Waterside market and a walk through West Point, the working-class district around it. Sunset and pool at the hotel.
Night in Monrovia, Hotel La Lagune or similar · Breakfast
Robertsport, facing the ocean
To Robertsport, capital of Grand Cape Mount County, 16 km from Sierra Leone, on a peninsula between the ocean and Lake Piso. A free day by the beach: swimming, surfing, the fishermen coming in and a walk through this small historic town, an Allied air base during the Second World War. Sunset on a beach famous in the surfing world.
Night in Robertsport, Nana Lodge or similar · Full board
Dimeh, the village of Bai T. Moore
Dimeh is the home village of Bai T. Moore, poet and novelist, author of a classic of Liberian literature and later Minister of Culture. A welcome ceremony by the village chiefs, a visit to the school and to his grave, and a tribal dance of thanks. Back to Monrovia for a last sunset.
Night in Monrovia, Hotel La Lagune or similar · Breakfast
Departure
Early-morning transfer to the airport for your flight home.
End of our services
What’s included
- Local guide from start to finish
- All road transfers, boat to the chimpanzee islands and canoe to Edina
- 7 hotel nights in a double room, plus a rest on arrival in Harbel
- Breakfasts, and full board in Robertsport
- Welcome ceremony and dance in Dimeh
- Visits and entrance fees as listed
Not included
- International flights
- Liberian visa and yellow fever vaccination, which is compulsory
- Travel and repatriation insurance
- Lunches and dinners not listed, drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Accommodation
| Stop | Hotel, or similar | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall | Creed Lodge | 1 |
| Monrovia | Hotel La Lagune | 3 |
| Kpatawee | Kpatawee Waterfall Hotel | 1 |
| Buchanan | Hotel Buchanan | 1 |
| Robertsport | Nana Lodge | 1 |
Good to know
The chimpanzees. They live free on their islands: there is no landing and no feeding. They are usually seen very close, but this can never be guaranteed.
A country rebuilding itself. Liberia is emerging from years of civil war. Roads inland can be rough and hotels are simple outside Monrovia. That is part of the journey.
Photography. In the markets and in West Point, ask before photographing people. Your guide will tell you when it is possible.
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