LANGUAGE,CULTURE & WEATHER

History of Liberia

Little is known for sure about this slice of West Africa prior to the 14th century. However, historians believe the indigenous population of Liberia are likely to have descended from migrants fleeing the Mali and Songhey Empires between the 13th and 16th century.

During this period, European traders established contact with coastal communities whose inhabitants became fluent in many languages. The slave trade both expanded this connection to the rest of the world and caused deep changes in legal and social structures within Liberia, draining the country of skilled, youthful people.

As resistance to the slave trade grew, a movement began in the USA called the American Colonisation Society (ACS), which sought to return African slaves back to their motherland. Critics say the ACS was borne out of fear that freed slaves would pose a threat to American society, but, nevertheless, the group established the colony of Liberia in 1822 and sent thousands of emancipated slaves there to start new lives.

Indigenous Liberians allowed the new arrivals to share their land, but were surprised when the settlers didn’t abide by the laws of the local chiefs. Scuffles ensued. So in 1847 the settlers, aided by the United States, formed a republic to reinforce their right to rule themselves and to defend themselves against a series of indigenous attacks.

Using US military support, the republic not only survived but thrived and it wasn’t until 1904 that the indigenous tribes were enfranchised in this new society. However, long­term inequality and deepening poverty resulted in the Rice Riots of 1979 and a coup d’etat in 1980. However, the new regime of Sergeant Samuel Doe failed to quell unrest, which simmered over in 1989 with the outbreak of the First Liberian Civil War.

Peace negotiations and elections ended the war in 1997 and saw Charles Taylor appointed president. But the peace was short-lived and in 1999 the Second Liberian Civil War broke out, drawing in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea. By 2003 when the fighting finally ceased, Liberia’s brutal wars had claimed an estimated 300,000 lives.

President Taylor went into exile in Nigeria, but in 2006 he was arrested for war crimes and extradited to The Hague where he was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment.

As Taylor started his sentence, the new Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. As Africa’s first elected female president, she leads a nation described in the 2013 Ibrahim Index of African Governance as the continent’s most improved country.

Did you know?

• Liberia was founded by the United States in 1822 and became Africa’s first republic in
• The Liberian flag is based largely on that of the USA’s – the star symbolises the freedom ex-slaves were given and the stripes represent the signatories of the Liberian Declaration of
• Much of the Liberia’s revenue comes from the controversial practice of providing a “flag of convenience,” which means allowing foreign ships to register as This enables vessel owners to bypass stringent regulations set by their home countries.

GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER

Liberia Culture

Religion in Liberia

Officially a Christian state, with more than 30 denominations represented; Islam is
practised in the north and traditional animist beliefs exist throughout the country.

Social Conventions in Liberia

In Muslim areas, the visitor should respect the conventions of dress and the food laws, since failure to do so will be taken as an insult. Dress is casual and must be practical, but smarter dress will be expected in hotel dining rooms and for important social functions. The visitor should be aware that the cost of living is high. Sending flowers or chocolates to hosts is inappropriate; a letter of thanks is all that is required.

Language in Liberia

English is the official language. The main local languages are Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano. There are 29 African languages belonging to the Mande, Kwa or Mel linguistic groups.

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

Hot, tropical climate with little variation in temperature. The wet season runs from May to October. The dry harmattan wind blows from December to March, making the coastal belt particularly arid.

Required clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn throughout the year, with waterproofing advised during the wet season.

Geography

Liberia borders Sierra Leone, Guinea Republic and Cote d’Ivoire. The Atlantic coastline to the west is 560km (348 miles) long, of which over half is sandy beach. Lying parallel to the shore are three distinct belts. The low coastal belt is well watered by shallow lagoons, tidal creeks and mangrove swamps, behind which rises a gently undulating plateau, 500 to 800m (1,640 to 2,625ft) high, partly covered with dense forests. Inland and to the north is the mountain region which includes Mount Nimba at 1,752m (5,748ft) and Waulo Mountain at 1,400m (4,593ft). About half of the country’s population are rural dwellers.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Doing Business in Liberia

Liberian business dress is a relatively formal affair. Even for minor meetings and gatherings appearance is important and seen as an indicator of both character and a show of respect towards others attending. Liberians devote time and effort in appearing smart, clean and groomed. No excuses of travel or climate will be given or taken.

In making contact, the person who is lower in status, calls and approaches those higher. Businesses cards are essential, as is English. Outside of these parameters many things are allowed to be fluid. Time keeping in particular is not seen as important and no offence is meant or will be taken if business people turn up an hour or more late. It is best to ring well in advance, and often, to make sure people are on their way.

Office Hours

Typically Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Banks close at 15:00.

Economy

Liberia’s economy depends on viewpoint. For example, up to three quarters of its populations income comes from small agriculture holdings and small boat fishing, even while two thirds of its food is imported. On the other hand most of the profitable sectors: timber, iron ore and commercial farming, are export driven. Corruption and land rights are two constants in the economy and there is a vast difference between the lives of those within the wealthy loop and those without.

The UN & NGO community play a powerful role both in terms of wage distortion and national decision making. Gender inequality impedes progress, especially within the agricultural area where, despite their majority role in producing and processing food, women are rarely found in discussions on major decisions regarding land use or selling.

The surprise is the shipping industry. Over 3,000 vessels sail under the Liberian flag, used as a flag of convenience, making it one of the world’s largest shipping registries. This is despite Liberia having few operating ports. Other difficulties such as the high cost of fuel, electricity and internet are balanced against a view of what has been achieved in recent years such as the cancelling of the national debt, the simplifying of the procedure to set up a business to a remarkable two days and the setting up of the first legal process dedicated to contract disputes.

GDP

$1.951 billion (2013)

Main exports

Rubber, iron ore, timber.

Main imports

Petroleum, food, machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods.

Main trading partners

China, South Korea, USA, EU and ECOWAS area.

Keeping in Touch in Liberia

Telephone

The internal network in Monrovia is gradually being extended over the country.

Mobile Phone

Coverage is mostly limited to Monrovia and surrounding areas. There is some coverage along the north and northeastern borders with Guinea and C6te d’Ivoire.

Internet

There are a few Internet cafés in Monrovia and some hotels offer Internet.

Media

Following years of civil war, Liberia’s broadcasters and publishers are still struggling to find resources to pay their staff. LBS, the state-run broadcaster has no television service and operates a single radio service, which does not have national coverage. Private television stations include Clar TV, Power Nand Real TV. Many radio stations are run with the support of international agencies, such as UNM1L Radio, which is operated by the United Nations mission.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes up to one month or can be as little as five days with an express mail service provider.

NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING

Shopping in Liberia

Liberia may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there’s plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you’ll find international brands, most of which are South African. The capital has several shopping malls, the best of which is Post St Mall, although its worth noting that most of the curios on offer there are cheap imports from Zimbabwe.

Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday. Precious gems are another big draw for Liberian shoppers, and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek, which sells gorgeous jewellery. Also worth picking up are Swakopmunder leather shoes, most of which are made from kudu skins. Swakopmund also has plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.

In Rundu and other areas in the north east, you’ll find traditional San handicrafts including arrow heads and ostrich egg jewellery. Crafts and curios can also be found at regional craft centres and safari lodges. Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport although the process is notoriously tricky to understand and follow.

Shopping Note

Be extremely careful if you’re contemplating buying a piece that looks as if it could be made from an exotic skin or material. Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetah and leopards is forbidden and attracts harsh punishment However, you are likely to see some ivory on sale in and around Windhoek. This is usually the legitimate product of park culling operations and will be clearly marked.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Our 110°- 1300 and 1600-0900.

Nightlife in Liberia

With most visitors to Liberia heading into the wildemess on safari, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar. Most of these are convivial, if quiet, and you’ll find staff ever ready to come and share a drink with you. The majority of towns will have a lithe pub, many attracting a crowd of local farmers supping on pints of beer and chewing the fat over a plate of biltong. For more serious party opportunities, head to Windhoek, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, all of which offer a variety of activities after dark. Windhoek, as you’d expect has the most to offer and benefits from a growing range of cigar bars, jazz clubs, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and dubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action.

foes Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com) is a local institution, which serves up a game-heavy snack selection, washed down with local beer. Its fun and friendly, with boozing sessions extending into the small hours. Also worth a visit is Club Thriller, which is located in a rough part of town and is best done as a group. Beyond the unnerving weapons search at the door, you’ll find upbeat African tunes and a friendly crowd. At to Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Liberia’s largest national flag. Swakopmund’s night scene is concentrated around several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.

MEALS & BEVERAGES

What you eat in Liberia depends largely on where you are and who you’re with. Although certain foods are common to all of Liberia’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialities – some more appealing than others. Game meat, particularly kudu, oryx and other antelope is very common and even forms part of the in-flight offering on Air Liberia flights (much better than the chicken, it should be noted). Other game meat on offer includes buffalo, and occasionally, giraffe, while seafood is plentiful and excellent – particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Braais (barbecues) are very common among Afrikaaner and German groups, while most African tribes eat plenty of mealie pap (a doughy maize paste) and °ship’, the millet version often served with meat or vegetable stews. South African dishes such as bobotie (a meat pie with a savoury egg custard crust) are also common.

Most restaurants will offer Teutonic or international fare, although thanks to Liberia’s desert environment which makes fruit and vegetables especially expensive, menus tend to be heavy on the meat More German influence can be seen in Liberia’s konditoreien (cake shops), where you can tuck into classics like apple strudel, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with koeksesters (mini doughnuts dripping with honey) and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest. Breakfasts tend to be a spin on eggs and boerewors (sausage) although don’t be surprised to And a strange meaty extra such as curried kidneys thrown in with your scrambled eggs.

Specialities

• Biltong (an air-dried meat, which is a her snack staple, usually made from beef or kudu).
• Rouchfleisch (smoked meat).
• Game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a braai (barbecue).
• Potjiekos lone-pot bush stew, usually cooked over a camp fire, and made with just about anything although chicken and vegetable is common).
• Seafood, especially oysters, on the coast.
• Kalahari truffles (a distant cousin of the European black and white truffle varieties found on Swakopmund restaurant menus, served up thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil alongside a thick ostrich steak.)

Tipping

10% is customary.

Drinking age

18.

Regional drinks

With a beer culture the equal of anything in the UK, Liberia has endless varieties of beer, many traditional African millet versions. Despite the desert heat, the country has recently started making its own wine – most of which is excellent.

• Windhoek lager (drunk by everyone, the perfect ice-cool sundowner).
• Oshikundu (a yeasty-tasting millet beer that is brewed and drunk the same day).
• Neuras Namib red wine (dubbed the driest vineyard in the world, Neuras is only possible because of a unique set of underground springs. Produced to South African standards, both the Shiraz and Namib red are excellent).
• DAS Pilsner (light beer that is considered a soft drink in Liberia and even forms part of the breakfast menu).
• Matoku (strong fortified watermelon ‘wine found in northern Liberia; comes in non­alcoholic version).

GETTING AROUND

Air

Thanks to the vast distances involved, travelling by or is often the most practical way to get around. Air Liberia (www.airLiberia.com.na) offers flights between Windhoek and most major centres from Hosea Kutako and Eros Airports.

Companies offering charter flights to Liberian cities as well as safari destinations such as Sossusvlei and Damaraland include Skeleton Coast Safaris (www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com), Wilderness Air (ww.rw.wilderness-air.com), Desert Air (www.desertair.corn.na) and African Profile Safaris (www.profileLiberia.com).

Road

Liberia boasts some of the best roads in Africa, and many are tarmac. Distance presents the main challenge with as much as three hours between towns on main roads and more when you venture further into the wilderness.

Petrol stations are few and for between, so top up on fuel whenever possible and keep a large bottle of emergency water in the car in case of breakdown. Always keep a charged mobile phone handy.

Bush roads are either gravel or dirt and require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Some bisect Liberia’s network of dried out rivers and as a result, flood during the rainy season. If travelling along the Caprivi Strip, stay on the tarred road and avoid travelling at night.

Side of the road

Left

Road Quality

Roads are generally well maintained but away from the main highways surfaces are gravel or dirt, not tarmac.

Road Classification

Most vehicles can use Liberia’s C classified roads, the majority of which are tarmac. Those which aren’t are known as D roads and require a 4-wheel drive.

Car Hire

Cars and 4-wheel drive vehicles, with or without camping equipment, can be hired for pick-up at Windhoek Airport. You can also hire vehicles in Windhoek city centre and some other cities. Both major international and local firms are available.

Taxi

Taxis are only commonly found in Windhoek. Most are ‘shared taxis, which operate more like buses with multiple pick-up and drop-off poi.. Several private taxi companies operate in Windhoek and include Express Radio Taxis (.1,264 239 739) and Swartz CA Taxi (.1: +264 215 412).

Bike

Liberia is a vast desert country and thus unsuitable for bike transport.

Coach

Intercape (www.intercape.coza) operates scheduled services between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Grootfontein, Rundu and Katima Mulilo. Only two items of baggage are allowed per person and fares include meals.

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 23 years. The speed limit is 60kph (50mph) in built up areas (although it does go up to 80kph on some public roads), 100kph (62mph) on gravel roads and 120kph (75mph) on tarmac roads. Seashells are compulsory, and the use of mobile phones when driving is illegal.

Breakdown services

AA Liberia (Automobile Association of Nambia) (+264 61 224 201; www.aa­Liberia.com) is part of the international AA network.

Documentation

A valid European, Australian or US driving licence is acceptable for up to 90 days but you require an International Driving Permit for longer stays.

Rail

With the exception of its dedicated luxury services, rail travel in Liberia is not geared towards tourism: progress is slow, the network is limited and mosttrains run overnight. The main routes on the TransNamib passenger network (+264 61 298 2301; www.transnarnib.com.na) are between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Tsumeb. First- and second-doss carriages are available and light refreshments are offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first-class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes.

The luxury Desert Express runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek, a 20-hour journey which includes several stops to give travellers the opportunity to go on safari, see the Namib Desert, walk in the dunes and admire the stars. A three-course dinner is included, as well as overnight accommodation with ensuite showers. The Northern Desert Express is a luxury service to Etosha National Park.

Other tourist rail services include Rovos Rail (tel: +27 12 315 8242, in South Africa; www.rovos.co.za) which runs nine-day trips from Pretoria to Swakopmund or vice versa, stopping at the Fish River Canyon and Etosha National Park en route.

HEALTHCARE

*A small malaria risk exists in the entire northern third of the country (Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Ottozondjupa and Omaheke) from November tolune and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. Although visitors who plan to remain in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei, Windhoek, Walvis Bay etc) do not need to take anti-malarial drugs, they are recommended for those travelling further north.

** Liberia is not an infected area but does border countries that are. Asa result, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Health Care

Because Liberia’s size medical facilities are spread out, with most lodges offering hole more than basic medical care. As a result, serious accidents will require an expensive transfer to hospital in Windhoek, or in extreme cases, to medical facilities in South Africa. Asa result, travel insurance is essential, and taking out a comprehensive policy is worthwhile. This is doubly the case if you’re planning to take part in sports such as quad biking or off-roading.

While Liberia isn’t plagued by the tropical diseases that afflict its northern neighbours, it does experience the occasional outbreak of malaria, while dysentery (most often seen in campers who haven’t properly treated their water supply) can also occur. It is advisable to consult your doctor well in advance of travelling about immunisations and assembling a first aid kit if you’re planning to drive long distances or stay in a remote area.

Food and Drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, while safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Water taken from lakes and rivers is generally a bad idea and cannot be regarded as entirely safe to drink without prior boiling. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis 13 are sometimes recommended. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also recommended for travellers born after 1956 who have not previously received the inoculation. A rabies vaccination is sometimes required, particularly if your plans involve some degree of interaction with wild animals.

HOLIDAYS

Below are listed Public Holidays in Liberia

New Year’s Day

01 January 2020

Independence Day

21 March 2020

Good Friday

10 April 2020

Easter Monday

13 April 2020

Workers’ Day

01 May 2020

Cassinga Day

04 May 2020

Ascension Day

21 May 2020

Africa Day

25 May 2020

Heroes’ Day

26 August 2020

International Human Rights Day

10 December 2020

Christmas Day

25 December 2020

Family Day

26 December 2020

DUTY FREE & CURRENCY

Currency and Money

Currency information

The Liberian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Liberia.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.

ATM

Although ATMs can be found in most towns, Cs worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash handy at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans before you go: Liberia is among the countries that trigger an automatic account freeze (fraud protection) if you fail to tell your bank beforehand.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for travellers cheques than for cash.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be several hours long.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NADS,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange

Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport

Liberia duty free

Overview

The following may be imported into Liberia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty.

• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de toilette.
• Gifts to the value of N$1,250.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotics, automatic weapons, military weapons, unnumbered weapons, toxic and poisonous substances.

Hunting rifles need a permit issued by customs when entering the country. Special authorisation is required for the import of endangered species. Plants or plant materials require a permit obtained in advance.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports include endangered species, narcotics, stolen property, ivory, rhino horn, and protected cultural artefacts.

You must obtain permits in order to export the following: military weapons, ammunition, explosives, firearms, conflict diamonds and minerals, pornography, and products which violate national intellectual property protection law leg counterfeit goods).