How to Find Luxury Hotels In Monrovia, Liberia

The American Colonization Society established Liberia in 1822 as a way to return freed American slaves to Africa. The country's capital, Monrovia, was named after American President James Monroe who supported the cause. Although the city is currently quite dangerous for visitors, many come in hopes of helping ease the suffering of the local community. Follow these steps to start planning your visit.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination
• A valid passport
• The appropriate visas
• Computer with Internet access for reservations

Instructions

Choose Your Luxury Accommodations

1. Call Travel Liberia at their Pennsylvania-based office at 610-447-8289 to book your accommodations, or visit the Web site (see Resources below).

2. Consider that many of the things we take for granted, like running water and constant electricity, are considered luxuries in Monrovia.

3. Choose your accommodations from the handful of hotels available. Despite their mitigating circumstances, some lodging options provide amenities like wireless Internet access and free laundry.

4. Stay near the Atlantic coast to enjoy some amazing scenic views. Although torn by war, Liberia still offers some impressive African vistas.

Organize Transportation

1. Know that Roberts Field International Airport is the most practical way to enter and exit Liberia.

2. See Monrovia via taxi if you can find one not in disrepair. Typically, cars are not well maintained.

3. Avoid automobile land travel outside of Monrovia as the roads in Liberia are typically difficult to negotiate due to the constant rainfall.

Know Your Destination

1. Liberia can still be a dangerous place, despite the significant progress the country has made since 2003, when its domestic fighting was declared over.

2. Be prepared to stay for only 48 hours. Immigration officials can only provide passes for that length of time. You may purchase a pass good for 3 months from the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization in Monrovia for $100.

Tips & Warnings

• The years of fighting has made luxury accommodations scarce. Hotels that could have been called luxury now have been bombed out and looted.

• Travel by foot only if you're sure to get to your destination reliably.

• Feel free to speak English. It's the official language of the country.

• Dress for humid, tropical weather and expect torrential rain during the summer.

• Liberia is a war-torn country. Lower your expectations of luxury accommodations when staying in Monrovia.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Make sure to have your cell phone with you. There are no landlines in Liberia.

• Flight cancellations are frequent when the weather's bad.

• Be aware that there is a $25 airport tax on departing passengers.

• Do not travel at night.

• Avoid crowds.