Liberia

War is over in Liberia and normality is returning to this beautiful but poverty-stricken west African nation. Bradt's "Liberia" takes travellers on a journey from the world-class beaches of Robertsport, through to the funky fishing village of Harper, where fishermen ply the waters of the Atlantic in traditional painted dugout canoes. It explores mangrove swamps, palm groves and rainforests, and leads the energetic to some of the best surfing spots in the world. Whether you're one of Liberia's aid workers looking to enjoy time off, a backpacker exploring the wild Lofa County, a business traveller looking for a top hotel or a surfer seeking an adrenaline rush, Bradt's "Liberia" leads the way. Kate Thomas is a travel writer, photographer and the only published international journalist based in Liberia. An experienced guidebook author, she also writes for UK daily newspapers and speaks the local language, Bassa.