Africa is increasingly becoming a popular destination for visitors from all around the world.
It stands out as the continent with the fastest tourism growth in 2023, with international arrival numbers at 96 percent of 2019 levels.
Some 66.4 million people visited the continent last year, and many more are set to arrive in the near future.
One country that deserves much more attention is Liberia, a nation founded by freed American Slaves in the early 19th century.
It was never subjected to colonial rule and is Africa’s oldest republic.
The country’s history is set out in fascinating detail at the National Museum in the capital city, Monrovia.
Its displays contain the country’s most comprehensive collection of historical documents, photographs and artefacts.
Visitors can also learn more about the past by visiting Providence Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was one of the first places where freed American Slaves arrived to build a new life in West Africa in 1822.
Liberia is also a paradise for nature lovers with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches and abundant wildlife.
The Sapo National Park provides sanctuary to some of the world’s most exotic species, such as pygmy hippos.
It is also home to seven different species of primates, like the endangered Diana monkey, the Upper Guinea Red Colobus and Western Chimpanzee.
Over 90 percent of the park is covered by rainforest, that is populated by 200 different bird species – these include the African Fish Eagle, Great Blue Turaco and an array of bee-eaters, kingfishers, rollers and sunbirds.
Liberia offers great surfing opportunities, in particular at Robertsport, where year-round warm weather and long waves that peel along the coast provide ideal conditions for the sport.
Significant progress has been made in terms of safety and security in recent years, making Liberia more attractive as a destination.
According to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) report, which ranks the peacefulness of 163 countries, Liberia is the 10th safest nation in Africa.
Yet travellers should be on the look out for pickpockets when visiting markets or finding themselves in crowded areas.
