Discover Nimba County
Located in northeastern Liberia, a mere 4- to 5-hour drive away from the national capital, Monrovia, Nimba stands out as one of Liberia's most beautiful counties. Adorned with mist-shrouded mountains and verdant forests interlaced with lively butterflies and sprawling savannahs, Nimba is a true gem. It is also Liberia's second-largest county in terms of population and one of Liberia’s most prosperous counties.
The county's allure is in the majestic mountains, with Mount Nimba reigning supreme. Mount Nimba offers a vantage point that reveals the borders of three nations – Liberia, Guinea, and Cote d'Ivoire. The Nimba range is home to the Giant African Swallowtail butterfly, Africa’s largest butterfly. Moreover, Mount Nimba provides an educational journey through Liberia's mining history, as it was once a site for LAMCO, the Liberian-American Swedish Mining Company.
East Nimba Nature Reserve, established in 2003, protects 11,500 hectares of the Mount Nimba Range on Liberia's side. Two paved roads leading up the mountain were built in the ’60s by the Liberian American Mining Company, LAMCO. On your way up, you will pass through a Forestry Development Authority gate, where you will pay a visitor fee. As you make your way up to the summit, the landscape of Mount Nimba changes dramatically from forest to savannah and then to the misty green staircase of the former mine. The main road into the park will bring you to Blue Lake, an old mine hole now transformed into a gorgeous lake. From Blue Lake, hikers can go on a guided trek on the tri-border trail that leads to a breathtaking lookout of the three neighboring countries.
While Sanniquellie boasts the honor of being Nimba County's capital, the largest city is Ganta, which also ranks as Liberia's second-largest urban center. Meanwhile, nestled at the base of Mount Nimba, Yekepa, serves as the closest town for those embarking on adventures awaiting them within the East Nimba Nature Reserve. Sanniquellie and Yekepa serve as convenient locations to stay to access East Nimba Nature Reserve. Ask your guest house or hotel to help you arrange for a guide for day hikes in the reserve.
Share This Page