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Liberian citizens can travel to 51 destinations visa-free as of August 2024, expanding their access to global exploration. Liberia, a country nestled along the western coast of Africa, boasts diverse terrains ranging from sandy coastal plains to rolling hills and dissected plateaus further inland. Home to lush rainforests teeming with a rich variety of flora and fauna, Liberia offers a unique and vibrant natural landscape. Remarkably, Liberia is the only Black state in Africa that was never subjected to colonial rule, standing as Africa’s oldest republic. It was established on land acquired for freed slaves from the United States by the American Colonization Society, which founded a colony at Cape Mesurado in 1821.
TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan says: “Liberia’s abundant natural resources and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rolling hills, make it a unique and captivating destination. Despite facing economic challenges, the ability for Liberians to travel visa-free to 51 destinations as of August 2024 highlights their increasing desire to explore the world beyond their borders, showcasing a growing interest in global exploration. This trend, coupled with Liberia’s rich history and vibrant culture, underscores the nation’s dynamic presence on the global stage.”
The Allure of Liberia’s Natural Beauty
Liberia boasts year-round evergreen vegetation, with valuable trees such as red ironwood, camwood, whismore, teak, and mahogany. The country’s natural resources extend to rubber, cacao, coffee, and the raffia palm, making its forests both a natural wonder and an economic asset.
Economic Landscape
Liberia’s GDP growth is estimated to have declined slightly from 4.8% in 2022 to 4.5% in 2023, driven by growth in mining and construction, as well as public spending. The official estimate for Liberia’s GDP at the end of 2023 was $9 billion in purchasing power parity terms, although World Economics estimates it to be $14 billion, considering the informal economy and out-of-date GDP base year data.
Outbound Tourism Trends
Despite economic challenges, Liberia’s outbound tourism sector remains significant. In 2019, outbound tourism expenditure was valued at $5.7 million, a decrease from $7.7 million the previous year, marking a change of 25.97%. This trend highlights the growing interest of Liberians in exploring destinations beyond their borders.
Visa free Countries list:-
Bangladesh VOA
Barbados
Benin
Bolivia VOA
Burkina Faso
Burundi VOA
Cambodia VOA
Cape Verde Islands
Central African Republic
Comoro Islands VOA
Cook Islands
Cote d’Ivoire
Djibouti VOA
Dominica
Ecuador
Ethiopia VOA
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Iran VOA
Kenya ETA
Macao (SAR China) VOA
Madagascar
Maldives VOA
Mali
Mauritania VOA
Mauritius VOA
Micronesia
Mozambique VOA
Namibia VOA
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Palau Islands VOA
Philippines
Rwanda
Samoa VOA
Senegal
Seychelles VOA
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Somalia VOA
Sri Lanka ETA
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Tanzania VOA
The Gambia
Timor-Leste VOA
Togo
Tuvalu VOA
Modes of Transportation
Liberia offers various modes of transportation for both domestic and international travel:
Taxis and Car Rentals: Bush taxis and minibus taxis are the main forms of ground transportation, linking towns and cities with Monrovia. Minibus taxis also provide travel within the capital.
Water Taxis: River transport and coastal journeys are often provided by local fishing boats, although these can be unsafe. Charter boats offer a safer alternative for coastal travel.
Air Travel: Roberts International Airport (RIA) serves as the main hub for international flights, with additional services provided by Spriggs Payne Airport and Cape Palmas Airport for regional travel.
Key Cruise Ports
Liberia’s ports play a vital role in its economy and connectivity:
Port of Monrovia: The largest port, exporting iron ore, crude rubber, and other commodities while importing petroleum products and general cargo.
Port of Buchanan: Built for exporting iron ore from the Nimba ranges, it is the second-largest port in Liberia.
Port of Greenville: A multimodal port accessible by waterways, roads, and railways, facilitating timber and log exports.
Port of Cape Palmas: A medium-sized port primarily dealing with timber and rubber exports.
Airports in Liberia
Roberts International Airport (RIA): The main international gateway, featuring a modern passenger terminal and a long runway accommodating large aircraft.
Spriggs Payne Airport: Primarily used for domestic flights, this airport connects Monrovia with other regions in Liberia.
Cape Palmas Airport: Serving the southeastern region, this airport supports regional flights and is crucial for local connectivity.
Airlines and Logistics
Air Liberia: Once the national airline, it connected Liberia with other West African countries but ceased operations in the early 1990s.
Air Cargo Liberia: Specializing in air freight services, it plays a key role in logistics within and outside Liberia.
Air Cargo Plus: Another logistics provider offering comprehensive air freight services, contributing to Liberia’s supply chain infrastructure.
Liberia is a country of untapped potential and rich natural beauty, offering a unique experience for outbound tourists. With its diverse landscapes, significant historical background, and growing interest in international travel, Liberia stands out as a fascinating destination for travelers seeking new adventures. Whether exploring its rainforests, navigating its bustling ports, or connecting through its key airports, Liberia promises an unforgettable journey for every visitor.
Places to visit in Dominica, Caribbean
Dominica stands out in the Caribbean for its dramatic natural beauty, boasting a boiling lake, rainforest-covered volcanoes, sulfurous hot springs, and excellent diving spots.
Batibou Beach
Dominica’s premier beach, Batibou Beach, is a wild, coconut-palm-fringed crescent perfect for swimming and snorkeling. An (often unmanned) beach bar offers drinks. Accessible via a 0.6-mile dirt road, it requires a 4WD or a walk. Entry may cost US$5, and sometimes the barrier is locked, necessitating a walk to the beach.
Middleham Falls
Reaching one of Dominica’s tallest waterfalls, Middleham Falls (200ft), involves a trek through lush rainforest. The trail, though well-built, is slippery and involves rock climbing, creek fording, and steep uphill sections. The reward is a beautiful pool perfect for a refreshing swim. The round-trip hike takes about two to three hours.
Cabrits National Park
Just a mile north of Portsmouth, Cabrits National Park features Fort Shirley, a restored 18th-century British garrison. A short uphill walk from the entrance, the fort offers stunning views of Prince Rupert Bay, especially in the late afternoon. The park’s trails pass historic sites like officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, and a powder magazine.
Hotels in Dominica:
Fort Young Hotel And Dive Resort
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
The Champs, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar
Things to do in Barbados:
Shark Hole
Tucked away in Barbados, Shark Hole is a hidden gem that truly must be seen to be believed. This tranquil, tiny cove features a pristine white sand beach encircled by towering rock formations, creating a natural 300-degree enclosure. Just offshore, a reef calms the waters, making this spot a perfect saltwater swimming pool.
Rockley Beach
Rockley Beach, the area’s largest, is renowned for its stunning crescent of sand, shaded by trees and complemented by moderate surf. The newly extended boardwalk stretches over 3 kilometers west to Hastings, offering a picturesque coastal walk.
St Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey, a Jacobean-style mansion, is one of the Caribbean’s oldest plantation houses and a must-visit on any island tour. The estate features the historic Great House, beautiful gardens, and a traditional rum distillery. Visitors can also enjoy light lunches at the on-site café, which overlooks a lush, tree-filled valley.
Hotels in Barbados:
The Club, Barbados Resort & Spa
The Soco Hotel
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Rwanda:
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Located in Kigali, this deeply moving memorial honors the estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus who were systematically killed by the Interahamwe militia during the 1994 genocide. The site serves as the final resting place for approximately 250,000 victims buried in mass graves and features an informative exhibition that attempts to explain how the world stood by as this atrocity unfolded. Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully absorb its powerful message.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most significant area of biodiversity and holds the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa. Despite its rich biodiversity, Nyungwe remains relatively unknown outside East Africa. The park’s biggest draw is the opportunity to track habituated chimpanzees, offering visitors a rare and intimate wildlife experience. Another highlight is the joy of hiking along well-maintained trails that traverse the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.
Volcanoes National Park
Running along the borders of the DRC and Uganda, Volcanoes National Park encompasses the Rwandan section of the Virungas, a range of five awe-inspiring volcanoes. This park is widely considered one of Africa’s most thrilling national parks. While the Virungas offer many extraordinary sights, the primary attraction is undoubtedly the world-famous mountain gorillas, which continue to draw visitors from around the globe.
Hotels in Rwanda
Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali
YAMBI Guesthouse
Things to see in Singapore:
Battlebox
Located in the Colonial District, the Battlebox Museum is a hauntingly immersive experience that takes visitors through the former British command post during WWII. This 26-room underground complex, now eerily quiet, has been meticulously recreated with the help of war veterans and Britain’s Imperial War Museum. Life-size models dramatize the pivotal moment of the British surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, with Japanese Morse codes still etched into the walls. Due to its underground nature and the length of the tour, the museum is best suited for children over eight years old.
Gardens by the Bay
A marvel of modern Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic botanical wonderland spread over 101 hectares. This S$1 billion project features cutting-edge biodomes, towering Supertrees, and imaginative sculptures. The Flower Dome simulates the dry climates of the Mediterranean, while the Cloud Forest transports visitors to a lush tropical mountain environment. Opened in 2019, the Floral Fantasy combines floral design and technology in a magical display, complete with a 4D ride. The OCBC Skyway, connecting two Supertrees, offers breathtaking views, and the Supertrees light up for the Garden Rhapsody show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.
Singapore Zoo
Blurring the line between a zoo and a botanical oasis, Singapore Zoo spans 26 hectares of naturalistic enclosures and interactive exhibits. Visitors can get close to orangutans, navigate through a habitat of Malaysian flying foxes, and explore a replica African village. The zoo’s serene setting on a peninsula overlooking the Upper Seletar Reservoir adds to the tranquil experience. While taxis from the CBD (around S$30) offer the most convenient access, bus 138 from the Ang Mo Kio MRT station is a popular alternative.
Hotels in Singapore
Concorde Hotel Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore
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