Liberia Logistics - Planning Your Surf Trip to Robertsport

FLIGHTS

Four airlines currently fly to Monrovia worldwide - Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, ASKY Airlines, and Air Côte D'Ivoire. One of the most common flights from Europe is via Brussels with Brussels Airlines.

The major hubs for flying in and out of Monrovia include Accra Kotoka International Airport, Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, Brussels Airport, and Conakry Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport. 

Liberia's international airport is called Roberts International Airport (ROB). It is located near the town of Harbel and is about 56 km (35 miles) from the nation's capital of Monrovia. There is one (and only one) hotel across from the airport, Farmington Hotel, and several hotels in and around Monrovia provide shuttle services. Taxi drivers will also be eagerly waiting to give you a lift into town.

DRIVE

Get yourself kitted out with an Overlanding vehicle and hit the road! We recommend looking at the Overlander website for their recommendations. The Robertsport Surf Club offers a place to park, toilets, a shower and a restaurant that serves meals, cold beer, coffee and coconut bread.

GETTING TO ROBERTSPORT

Robertsport is about 110 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Monrovia and is about a 3 to 5-hour drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can hire a private car and driver in advance or take a taxi to Robertsport. A private taxi from Roberts International Airport directly to Robertsport is also possible and will cost you about $150. The personnel at the Robertsport Surf Club can arrange this for you. 

Alternatively, you can take a shared taxi to the Duala Market (located on the northwest side of Monrovia) then catch another taxi from there to Robertsport. Robertsport has a specific pick-up and drop-off spot in Dualla Market. Be prepared to wait for the car to fill up with passengers before you depart. The cost of a taxi from Duala Market to Robertsport is approximately $15.

It's recommended to arrange transportation in advance. Please get in touch with the Robertsport Surf Club to help you with this. The Brussels flights arrive later in the evening, so unless you have a taxi or driver organized in advance, we don't recommend starting this journey in the evening.

Insiders Tip: The Brussels flight arrives in Monrovia in the evening. If the surf report looks good in the greater Monrovia area, you can stay the night in Paynesville, close to Kendeja Beach Break, go for a surf in the morning and head to Robertsport later in the day. There is a great apartment in this area that sleeps 2-3 people and is home to a local NGO working on promoting surf tourism and economic development in Liberia. $50/night. Call +231 775 703 326 or +231 776 929 535 to make a reservation.

CLIMATE

Liberia’s climate remains consistently hot and tropical, with two distinct seasons. The rainy season spans from May to October, while the dry season spans from November to April. Heavy rainfall, with daily rain showers, occurs throughout the rainy season. Year-round, daily temperatures vary between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius (79 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The humidity in Liberia is high, even in the dry season. 

VISA

Visas are required for most nationalities to enter Liberia. Visas must be applied for at one of the Liberian diplomatic missions. Visas upon arrival can also be arranged. Please contact the Robertsport Surf Club to direct you to people who provide this service. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Liberia. 

SAFETY

The people of Liberia are known for being friendly and hospitable. Even so, it is recommended that visitors exercise the same level of caution as they would in any developing country. This involves refraining from nighttime travel, maintaining continuous awareness of your surroundings, ensuring that valuable items are discreetly stored, avoiding crowds or gatherings, and exclusively engaging with reputable tourism businesses and credible agencies in Liberia. 

CURRENCY

The Liberian dollar is the official currency in Liberia. United States dollars (USD) are also accepted. You can find ATMs in Monrovia, but they don't always have cash. Outside of Monrovia, you will need to rely primarily on cash. There are money changers along the way to Robertsport who will convert your USD to Liberian Dollars. They will not convert other forms of currency and if you travel with British Pounds or Euros, you will end up leaving with them.