You could choose to visit one of the traditional villages in the Liberian countryside such as Bai T. Moore Village or take an organized tour to one of the Bassa villages in the country’s central coastal region to learn about the culture and history of Liberia’s largest ethnic group which is said to have migrated here from Egypt many centuries ago. Liberia was founded by freed American slaves in 1847 and holds the unusual distinction of being Africa’s oldest country.

It is perhaps a spirit of independence fostered by the returning freed American slaves who landed on these shores in the 19th century that ensured it remained so and you’ll get to grips with the country’s unusual history as you explore some of the enduring remnants of the Americo-Liberian settlers that stand to this day. Abandoned mansions built in the style of the American antebellum South can still be seen today in Monrovia, Harper, Greenville and Careysburg, among others.

These settlers’ influence on every level of Liberian society, economy and political organisation can still be felt and many of the historical and cultural assets they left behind provide a deep understanding of how they came in search of their “true home” in Africa.

But beyond these colonial relics is a multi-dimensional destination which retained its independence during the Scramble for Africa and, despite a turbulent history in the past century, has emerged as free-spirited, good-natured and optimistic – the energy and enthusiasm of its locals often highlighted as a particular drawcard.  ARTICLE CREDIT TO ENJOYLIBERIA