Must see attractions in Liberia

Beautiful Mt Nimba is Liberia's tallest peak, 1362m above sea level, and you can feasibly climb it if you have a few days on your hands (it's a rewarding way to beat the heat of Monrovia). You can camp along the...

Originally built by the now-defunct Pan Am Airlines, this former luxury hotel and site of key political meetings is now a decayed but stunning colonial ruin. It is one of the city's most popular tourist...

Chaotic Waterside Market offers almost everything for sale, including colourful textiles, shoes, leather goods and pottery, all with a dose of foul smells and lots of noise. Haggle hard, smile, and embrace raw...

This small archipelago is home to chimpanzees that were evacuated from a hepatitis research lab during the war. Enquire in town about the most up-to-date options for viewing the island and chimps from a canoe...

Sapo, Liberia's only national park, is a lush 1808-sq-km tract containing some of West Africa's last remaining primary rainforest. Within it lurk forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, antelopes and other...

The museum's collection was depleted during the war years, but renovations (always ongoing) have created space for photo and art exhibitions as well as the ethnic and historical exhibits. Check out founding...

This lighthouse can be climbed for an outstanding panoramic view of the cape. Although no longer functional, it's on a UN base, so get permission first, and don't attempt to scale the small, slippery steps during...

This is the world's largest rubber plantation, which is leased from the government on a controversial 99-year plan. You can view how rubber is processed (not official tours, just ask at the entrance and they will...

Destroyed during Liberia's war, the shambles of this former museum and current ruin yields a few onlookers. Its draw is often to see how the overgrowth keeps gaining ground. Remnants of its bright red colour can...

In the early evenings, the soft light gives an eldritch feel to the shell of the presidential mansion of former president William Tubman, who was born in Harper, and the remnants of the Morning Star Masonic...

Once the most important structure in the capital, this 10-storey building fell into ruin during the Liberian coup. Attempts to rebuild have, so far, not materialised, but for now, even in its wrecked state, it's...

This is a fantastic spot to swim in a lagoon sheltered by rocks, and is a quieter option than other Monrovia area beaches. It lies in the shadow of the now-skeletal Hotel Africa, 62km west of Monrovia.

This pretty beach is fun and relatively easy to get to, plus it's home to the best beach snack joint in the area. It's located about 15km southeast of Monrovia (a US$12 charter taxi ride).

You might spot President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf attending a Sunday service here. The church is open to the public.

This popular beach gets crowded on weekends and is known as the party beach. It's about 17km south of Monrovia.

This beach is for ambitious surfers – it heaves towards the shiny granite rocks.

Closest of the surf beaches to town, it's good for beginners.

The surf along this shallow sand bar is beautiful.

On the site of the old Africana Museum, which once had a 3000-piece collection, this is one of West Africa's oldest universities. The campus consist of one white structure and is a worth a visit to pay tribute to...

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor (who is currently serving a sentence for war crimes in a UK prison) masterminded rebel operations in Sierra Leone and Liberia from this spot on the outskirts of town....