Sapo National Park

Sapo National Park, located in southeastern Liberia's Sinoe County, stands as the country's largest and most significant protected area, covering approximately 1,804 square kilometers of pristine West African rainforest. Established in 1983, this UNESCO World Heritage site candidate represents one of the last remaining fragments of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, harboring an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna including forest elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, and over 590 bird species. The park offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience with dense primary rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers that provide critical habitat for endangered species. As one of West Africa's most biodiverse locations, Sapo serves as a living laboratory for researchers and an adventure destination for eco-tourists seeking to explore one of the continent's most untouched natural environments. The park's remote location and challenging terrain make it a true frontier destination for serious nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Dining in and around Sapo National Park centers on traditional Liberian cuisine featuring rice as the staple accompanied by forest vegetables, palm oil-based stews, and when available, sustainably sourced fish and bushmeat. Meals are typically prepared by local communities or park staff using traditional cooking methods over wood fires. Visitors should expect simple but nutritious fare including cassava leaves, potato greens, dried fish, and tropical fruits like plantains and papayas. For longer expeditions, pack supplementary foods as restaurant options are non-existent within the park, though some communities can prepare meals for visitors with advance notice. Greenville offers basic restaurants and markets for stocking up on supplies before entering the park.

The optimal time to visit Sapo National Park is during the dry season from November through April when trails are more accessible, river levels are lower for easier crossing, and wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources making viewing opportunities better. December through February offers the driest conditions with minimal rainfall, though temperatures can be quite hot during midday. March and April mark the transition period with occasional rains but still good access. The wet season from May to October brings heavy rainfall making many trails impassable and significantly increasing the difficulty of wildlife spotting, though this period showcases the forest at its most lush and waterfalls at their most spectacular.