Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE SOUTHEAST
TOP OF CHAPTER
Zwedru
Flanked by thick, lush rainforest that runs along the Côte d'Ivoire border, Zwedru is the
capital of Grand Gedeh, one of Liberia's greenest counties. It's only 200km from Mon-
rovia, but you'll need to allow at least 10 hours to get there by road, for the route is long,
rough and bumpy. This is the hometown of Samuel Doe, who stole power in a bloody coup
in 1980. His mark is still evident in Zwedru, where he installed pavements and was in the
process of constructing a house on the edge of town when he was murdered. Many people
in Grand Gedeh, particularly those who feel forgotten by the Monrovia administration, re-
main vocal supporters of Doe.
The best place to stay is the
Munnah Guesthouse
( 0886-485 288; r from US$30)
, also used by
NGOs working in the area's Ivorian refugee camps. The modern, airy rooms have fans. The
other option is the more basic
Monjue Hotel
( 0880-748 658),
which can be noisy at weekends.
Florida restaurant
, on the main road that runs through town, is a popular meeting spot that
serves cheap Liberian dishes and European mains.
Sapo National Park
PARK
(scnlib2001@yahoo.com)
Sapo, Liberia's only national park, is a lush 1808-sq-km tract of
rainforest containing some of West Africa's last remaining primary rainforest, as well as
forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, antelopes and other wildlife, although these
populations suffered greatly during the war. If you'd like to visit, your best bet is to go with
a tour organised by the likes of Barefoot Safari (
Click here
), as the park is not set up for in-
dependent travel. The park is in Sinoe Province. You'll need to allow at least a full day's
travel to reach Sapo from Monrovia. Take a 4WD from Monrovia to Greenville, then head
north to Juarzon and then southeast to Jalay's Town.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Harper
