Things To Do
in Barclayville
Barclayville is a small coastal town and the administrative heart of Grand Kru County in southeastern Liberia. It sits along river networks and nearby forests, serving as a gateway to rural communities, beaches, and jungle trails. The town’s economy centers on fishing, farming, and local markets, with a warm, welcoming Kru-speaking community and a slower pace of life.
Travelers should expect hospitable locals, basic amenities, and authentic day trips into the surrounding natural scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Roberts International Airport and meet your local guide before boarding a scenic drive through verdant landscapes to Barclayville. Take in the lush greenery and rolling hills as you approach the town’s welcoming gates. Check into your eco-friendly lodge and settle in while enjoying a light Liberian breakfast.
Join a walking tour of Barclayville’s central district to learn about its founding by President Edwin Barclay and view colonial-era architecture. Stop at local stalls for fresh tropical fruits and chatting with artisans crafting woven baskets. Visit the town’s small museum to see artifacts and photographs illustrating Liberia’s early 20th-century history.
Dine at a riverside restaurant serving grilled fish and cassava fufu under the glow of lanterns. Listen to traditional Liberian string music as you savor palm wine. Return to your lodge for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nighttime wildlife.
Start your day at the bustling Barclayville Market where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with friendly merchants and sample local snacks like plantain chips and cassava dumplings. Practice greeting phrases in Krahn and Gio languages to connect with residents.
Join a market cooking demonstration where a chef shows you how to prepare peanut palm soup from freshly purchased ingredients. Learn about the sourcing of palm oil and sustainable fishing practices along nearby rivers. Help stir the pot and season with chili peppers, then sit down for a communal lunch with new friends.
Head back to the market square as vendors light up lanterns and set out plates of grilled chicken and plantains. Enjoy lively conversation over sweet hibiscus tea and charcoal-roasted corn. Wander through stalls selling beaded jewelry and hand-dyed textiles before returning to your lodging.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🛏️One night in budget guesthouse | $15-40 |
| 🚖Short local taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🥤Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee at a local cafe | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and authentic Liberian culture
- Access to forests, rivers, and coastal beaches with fewer crowds
- Limited infrastructure and amenities in rural areas
- Travel times can be long due to road conditions and weather
- "Wetin de?" - What’s happening?
- "How you dey?" - How are you?
- "Tank yuh" - Thank you
- "I dey fine" - I am fine
- "Make you help me" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Barclayville
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views at sunrise or sunset with colorful fishing boats and a lively, authentic harbor atmosphere.
Shallow tidal zones and palm-fringed channels ideal for long-exposure sunsets and reflections.
Vibrant market scenes with traders, handmade crafts, and street food that capture daily Liberian life.
Food in Barclayville
Barclayville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich palm oil-based sauce served over white rice with grilled or fried fish, a Liberian favorite in coastal towns.
Must-Try!
A savory tomato-based one-pot rice dish cooked with spices and chicken; commonly found in eateries around town.
A creamy peanut soup with vegetables and meat or fish, often served with rice or fufu alternatives.
A spicy, peppery broth featuring fish and leafy greens; light but very flavorful and commonly enjoyed as a starter or main.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market where you can buy fresh produce, smoked fish, palm oil, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Roasted plantains, fried fish, cassava chips, and cups of fresh fruit are common quick bites found along market lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a handshake and eye contact. Use polite titles when addressing elders. English is official, but local languages are widely spoken; try a few phrases when possible.
Show respect to elders and avoid overly revealing clothing in villages. Dress modestly, especially when visiting homes or religious sites.
Small tokens or sharing food and beverages is common in social visits; reciprocity is valued in many communities.
Safety
Tipping in Barclayville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small venues. A small amount (5-10% or more for good service) is common in better establishments; for basic services and street vendors, a few Liberian dollars or US cents is often sufficient.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with lower rainfall and hot days; ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. Dust from the Harmattan can reduce visibility occasionally; carry a scarf or mask if sensitive to dust.
May to November brings heavy tropical rains and lush vegetation. Roads can be muddy and travel slower; plan extra travel time and waterproof gear.
Intermittent rains with still-warm temperatures; good for birdwatching and green landscapes while avoiding peak crowds.
Barclayville at Night
Hiking in Barclayville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle to moderate hike suitable for beginners, offering rainforest scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
A scenic loop along the river, ideal for birdwatching and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Barclayville by plane.
Liberia’s main international gateway located near Monrovia; serves international and domestic flights. From there, road travel to Barclayville can take several hours depending on road conditions.
A regional airstrip in Sinoe County providing domestic connections; useful for ambitious itineraries but services may be limited and subject to weather.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the area’s primary ethnic groups, contributing to local language, crafts, and cultural traditions.
A mix of neighboring communities and Liberian residents; English is the official language, with local languages commonly spoken in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport; expect community games and informal matches on village fields.
Common in towns and schools; pickup games and local tournaments occur when facilities are available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barclayville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in smaller establishments. Rely on rice, beans, cassava-based dishes, plantains, leafy greens, and vegetable stews; communicate clearly about avoiding meat or fish and using vegetable oils.