There is something exhilarating about trading the icy springtime winds of Minnesota for the lush, untamed wilderness of Liberia. My journey took me from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, to the remote beauty of Nimba County, where the Nimba Ecolodge & Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable escape into nature.
Traveling from Minnesota to Liberia is an adventure in itself. My trip started at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), where I boarded a United Airlines flight to Brussels via Chicago O’Hare Airport, a typical layover for flights heading to Liberia. It was a smooth flight from Brussels to Roberts International Airport (ROB) near Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, with a short layover in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
After landing in Monrovia, I took a moment to adjust to the warm tropical air before beginning the next leg of my journey — a road trip to Nimba County. Before heading out, I spent a few days in Monrovia, exploring local restaurants, entertainment centers, and the bustling eateries along Tubman Boulevard.
The drive to Yekepa, Nimba County, is long but rewarding. The 209-mile (336 km) journey takes 5–6 hours on paved, two-lane roads where speed limits are often ignored. Along the way, we passed through bustling towns, palm-lined roads with music blaring from colorful makeshift waterholes, and scenic countryside. The final 22-mile (35 km) stretch from Sanniquellie, Nimba’s capital, to Yekepa is unpaved, dusty, and rough in some areas, so a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
We stopped briefly in Unification Town, just outside Yekepa, to stretch our legs after the bone-jarring 45-minute drive from Sanniquellie. But entering Yekepa was profoundly disappointing. I remember visiting this town as a child when it was organized, clean, and lively — with manicured lawns, theaters, ice cream shops, and bustling downtown.
Today, cattle graze the open fields, the streets are dirty, homes are dilapidated, and many live in shipping containers. Yekepa is now just a shell of its former glory — a casualty of the civil war and the neglect of its current concession owner, the steel giant Arcelor Mittal.
Just a 10-mile (16 km) drive from Yekepa, tucked away in the foothills of the Nimba Mountains, lies the Nimba Ecolodge & Nature Reserve — a true hidden gem. This eco-friendly retreat is perfect for travelers looking to disconnect from city life and immerse themselves in nature. Surrounded by thick rainforest, steep valleys, caves, and towering peaks, the lodge offers breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and an atmosphere of pure tranquility.
The accommodations are rustic yet comfortable, featuring solar-powered lighting, wooden chalets, swimming pools, and open-air dining areas seamlessly blending with the environment. At night, around bonfires, the jungle comes alive with a natural symphony—chirping crickets, bats flitting through the air, frogs croaking in the nearby Blue Lake, distant howls of monkeys, and the gentle rustling of trees in the wind.
The true magic of this trip lies in exploring the Nimba Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. Mount Nimba, which rises over 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level, dominates the landscape and offers thrilling adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking to Mount Nimba’s Summit is a challenging and bruising trek, but the panoramic views of Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire make it all worthwhile. The reserve is home to rare species like the Nimba otter shrew, the endangered Western chimpanzee, and various exotic birds.
Many hidden caves are plentiful throughout the forest, with small waterfalls, bat caves, and untouched trails, perfect for exploration. Along the trails, you’ll find plum trees (mangoes), berries, and other native fruits — a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Visiting the Nimba Ecolodge & Nature Reserve was an experience unlike any other. Growing up in Nimba, I never knew such a place existed. From the long but scenic journey from the Bold North to the heart of West Africa, where clouds kiss the peaks of the Nimba Range, to the incredible landscapes and wildlife, every moment felt like an adventure.
Suppose you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that combines rugged beauty, cultural richness, and eco-friendly travel. In that case, Nimba County, Liberia, should be on your bucket list.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’ll bring friends and an even better camera — because no photo can truly capture the raw beauty of this place.
