Africa - Your Thoughts on Traveling to Liberia

Why?

Why Not?

and

Would you travel to Liberia.

If you haven't seen them already, check out these videos. They're amazing.

http://www.vice.com/the-vice-guide-to-travel/the-vice-guide-to-liberia-1

Thanks.

iCal, welcome to FlyerTalk! Please follow as the thread moves to the Travel->Africa forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I was there shortly after the end of the civil war, and a member of my team was robbed and murdered in his room. Friends report that things have improved significantly since then, but I have no recent experience. Liberia would be far from my first choice of places to visit in Africa.

Yes, been to Monrovia several times. In general it's fine. You will likely be perfectly safe throughout the trip. If you stay at the Mamba Point (which has a very pleasant patio overlooking the ocean) you will see the crowd of aid workers, diplomats, politicans and business people hanging out. But it's not really a tourist destination. The level of destruction throughout Monrovia is enormous. It's a real post-conflict place that hasn't reconstructed yet, but remember the civil war is in the past if not forgotten. If you want to see Liberia just 'cause you're curious, you should. You'll learn a lot and likely form a different view than is portrayed in the video you posted.

Agree with HFF. I was there last year (Monrovia only, and yes, at Mamba Point). The poor state of Monrovia was eye-opening, but I felt quite safe in central Monrovia, and people were very friendly. I won't forget the huge beaming grin and booming "WELCOME TO LIBERIA" from the immigration inspector.