Monrovia

From Halal Explorer

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Monrovia is the capital, and with a population of around 1,000,000, also the largest city in Liberia.

Monrovia Halal Explorer

From the harbor city's establishment in 1822 to Liberia's 1847 declaration of independence and the American Colonization Society resettled roughly 3200 former African-American and Caribbean slaves and their descendants. The city was named Monrovia in 1824 after US president James Monroe and then a prominent supporter of the colony. There are now more than a million people (roughly 29% of the Liberian population) in the 5 square mile (13 km²) capital city.

The downtown is the image of a tropical capital, melting in the hot sun. Monrovia is a low-rise capital on the sea, lined with palm trees and paint-chipped buildings of no more than three stories. The city, however, has a vibrant vibe on the street.

There are a number of merchants lining the streets of downtown, selling used clothes, household wares, and an interesting selection of DVDs. Waterside market is the largest local indoor/outdoor market, with narrow walkways between busy stalls. There are two large, well-stocked supermarkets in the downtown to offer a surprising selection of International foods.

Still, despite its woes, Liberia has the feeling of a country on the ascent. Billboards line the streets, inviting citizens to pay their taxes to make their country stronger and to take pride in their success. It is not cliché to say that Liberians are extremely friendly, so the streets seem alive and peppy.

How is the Climate in Monrovia

Monrovia is one of the wettest capitals in the world with over 5,100 mm of annual rainfall.

Travel to Monrovia

By plane

  • Roberts International Airport IATA Flight Code: ROB - kilometers 56 from the downtown. - Roberts International Airport Roberts International Airport

Brussels Airlines offers a flight from Brussels, Belgium. Monrovia is connected to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. From there, connections exist to Europe and North America.

Before the 2014 Ebola outbreak, a dozen airlines flew into Monrovia. The Brussels flight used to make a stop in [Accra]], Ghana or Dakar, Senegal. Air France had been flying from Paris via Conakry. Delta Air Lines had established a weekly flight from Atlanta to Monrovia in 2010 via [Accra]]. Connections from the African continent also existed to the Addis Ababa hub of Ethiopian Airlines, to the Nairobi hub of Kenya Airways, and to Lagos, Nigeria with Arik Air via [Accra]]. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways offered excellent connections to other African destinations and to the Middle East.

Some of the service (a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi-Accra-Monrovia and a return to four flights a week on Brussels Airlines) was restored in 2015, but many others have yet to return.

How to get around in Monrovia

Taxis are plentiful and affordable but there have been rumors of robberies and pickpocketing in taxis. If you do take a taxi, don't take a shared taxi but rather hire one just for yourself.

What to see in Monrovia

  • National Museum of Liberia 6.3158, -10.804 - Houses cultural artefacts and historical items depicting Liberia's legacy. Much looted during the long civil war it is now trying to regain stolen artifacts. Also includes exhibitions on the civil war itself.
  • Ducor Hotel 6.3203, -10.81306 - A former luxury hotel now abandoned, and occupied by squatters.
  • The Waterside Market
  • The Blo Degbo—Rock formation shaped like a human face in Paynesville

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Monrovia

  • Waterside Market.
  • Ranzeno. Fine men’s clothing. ☎ +231 6-530-799. Benson Street (Between Randall and Gurley Streets).
  • The Best Jewelry. For high-end African-inspired jewelry. ☎ +231 6-513-578. 15th Street and Tubman Blvd, Sinkhor.
  • Little Angels. Children’s clothes and supplies. ☎ +231 6-699-699. Randall Street, next to Computech.
  • Rima’s Fashions.Jewelry. ☎ +231 6-239-001. Randall Street.
  • Sorayah Laurice Fashion House. Customized tailoring and interior decorating. ☎ +231 0-82-78-49. Camp Johnson Road.
  • LIB Electronics. Electronics of all sorts. ☎ +231 6-530-057. 195 Broad Street.
  • Aretha. Women’s fashions and accessories. ☎ +231 6-517-945. Gurley and Benson Streets.
  • Unboxed. Women’s shoes. ☎ +231 6-698-005. Broad Street.
  • Touba Art Center. Traditional arts and crafts. ☎ +231 6-373-939. Next to Cape Hotel on Mambo Point.
  • Picasso Art. ☎ +231 7-7006-666. Randall Street.
  • Fuchsia.Arts and crafts. +231 6-446-688. Randall Street, across from Stop and Shop Supermarket with selected Halal food.

Halal Restaurants in Monrovia

Dining options in Monrovia are pretty good, all things considered. Anything other than Lebanese and Liberian tends to be expensive, but there are a few reasonable places.

There are hundreds of "cook shops" serving Liberian fare, but if you're yearning for something other than spicy Sauces and Rice, you can try one of the following (in no particular order):

  • Casablanca. Great Moroccan food at the top of Broad Street. Again, expensive, but tasty tagines (the Chicken with raisins is particularly good.)
  • Great Wall. Pretty good, authentic Chinese food on Tubman Boulevard. Hot pot (shabu shabu) available in the front room. Back room available for karaoke parties.
  • Le Griot Cafe Opposite the American Embassy is an outdoor bar/restaurant offering a daily African special and a Sunday Brunch ranging from African food to Southern Creole Buffet. Friday Happy Hour Grill Bar Wireless internet. Cell +231 7 155 242 or +231 6 815 242
  • Jamal's Boulevard Cafe. Very reasonably priced, restaurant that serves pizza/Lebanese/International cuisine on Tubman Boulevard and Sinkor. Happy hour on Saturdays includes live, Liberian band. Pizzas delivery available. Cell +231 77969969
  • The Living Room (Royal Hotel Sushi Restaurant). Sinkor, between 14th and 15th Streets, on Tubman Boulevard. Expensive, especially for the mediocre sushi. Very nice, sleek atmosphere - you could almost be in New York. Almost. The Royal Hotel also has another Western/Lebanese restaurant, where the Chicken Burgers is pretty good. Pirate (seafood) soup also not bad.
  • Sajj House Restaurant - Tubman Blvd, Sinkor at 18th St. ☎ +231 7255 Venerable Lebanese establishment with outdoor dining, a big screen TV, and wi-fi internet along with a wide-range of menu options. Cell phone number is "SAJJ" (7255)
  • Taaj. Indian food at 5th Street (beach side) and Tubman Boulevard. Great Baigan Bharta (eggplant). Home to expat trivia game on Thursday nights.

Self-catering

The best produce (salad, vegetables, herbs, fruit, squash, etc.) can be found on Benson St., around Newport St. Raw honey is available outside the mosque (you'll need to strain it).

There is an excellent strip of Halal butchers on Somalia Drive, near the port, where they slaughter and sell fresh cow, goat, and sheep meet. A butcher shop on Benson St. in town sells Meat from these butchers (freshest Wed/Sat).

Fresh fish is available in Sinkor just past the Vavoma building (where Sinkor becomes Congo Town), on the beach side of Tubman Blvd. Or call Musa at 06368158.

There are several supermarkets that sell imported (usually American, Lebanese, and some Western European) goods.

  • Stop 'n' Shop (Randall Street) is small and crowded but has a good assortment of groceries. Sometimes imports specialty items (i.e., strawberries.)
  • Monoprix (Benson Street) is conveniently located right by the good outdoor produce market in town.
  • Greenland (Tubman Boulevard) Small and a bit dark, but it's the only one open on Sundays (from about 8AM to noon). Overpriced (but convenient) produce stands in front.
  • UN Drive Supermarket (Tubman Boulevard, between 15th and 16th Streets). Decent array of imported goods.
  • Exclusive Supermarket (Tubman Boulevard at 19th Street in Sinkor). A well-stocked supermarket with many imported goods of international standards. Excellent range of spices and Indian pulses. One of the only sources of whole wheat flour. Western cereals, energy drinks, and a wide range of are on sale. There is a small bakery offering sandwiches and Indian foods for take-away.
  • Exclusive Supermarket (Second location in town on Center St at Carey St.). Not as large as its Sinkor cousin, but large housewares section and reasonable prices.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Monrovia

Monrovia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Monrovia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Monrovia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Monrovia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Monrovia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Monrovia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMonrovia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Monrovia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Monrovia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Monrovia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Monrovia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Monrovia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Monrovia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Monrovia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Monrovia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Monrovia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Monrovia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Monrovia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Monrovia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Monrovia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Monrovia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Monrovia Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Monrovia

St. Teresa's Convent, Randall Streets - the only hostel in the city - beds are $10–15/night.

  • Corina Hotel - Tubman Blvd at 24th Street next to Sam's BBQ ☎ +231 6538588 - Former Peace Corps HQ, now hotel and conference center, on edge of Congo Town. Single rooms advertised at US$65 + tax at airport, actual price usually at least US$90. Small, dark, old rooms and minimal breakfast are not great value for money at that price. Sam's BBQ in front of the hotel serves as its main restaurant.
  • Greystone Suites Bed & Breakfast of Mamba Point - 1 Greystone Access Road ☎ +231 77 155242, +231 6-815242 Starting at US$110 per room or US$250 for an entire suite, monthly arrangements available. - One-, two- or three-bedroom suites with 24-hr electricity, hot water, AC, wireless internet, DTSV, security, housekeeping and laundry. Opposite the American Embassy and the European Union building.
  • Hotel Provident - 9th St., Sinkor beach side ☎ +213 6-553-943 - Simple, clean rooms. Popular for workshops - good catering, nice conference spaces.
  • Moko's Guest House ☎ +231 77-515747, +231 6-515897 - About US$80-100 per day This guesthouse is located on a secure compound in Sinkhor. Prices include a generous and delicious breakfast of omelette, pancakes, or fish. Laundry services, cable television, and wireless internet are available. The staff are extremely attentive and competent.
  • Mamba Point Hotel 6.311444, -10.814240 ☎ +231 226693, +231 226452 - Mamba Point has 55 air-conditioned rooms, TV, 24-hour electricity, a and an international restaurant. It's near the water and several of the western embassies and UN agencies. It also has wireless internet connection in the lounge.
  • Royal Hotel Tubman Blvd 6.292089, -10.779251
  • Kendeja Resorts and Villas - ☎ +231 22 100 100 Built by the owner of the U.S. cable channel, Black Entertainment Television, is a luxury resort with spa and beach access. A bit far from town, past SKD Stadium on the Robertsfield Hwy.
  • The Renaissance Hotel Cheeseman Ave 6.293538, -10.779293 ☎ +231 6-552-200 Boutique hotel and restaurant with cable television and restaurant.
  • The Cape Hotel - United Nations Dr 6.311764, -10.815259 ☎ +231 77-006633 Posh hotel with African-inspired décor at Mambo Point, close to the U.S. Embassy.

Travel Next from Monrovia

Careysburg is a town founded by freed slaves in 1859, about 30 minutes from Monrovia. The sleepy city and nearby townships have examples of homes and churches built in the style of the American South, set against a cool, lush landscape. The Quelu and Wulki Farms both offer accommodations with swimming pools and horseback riding.

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