Ganta

Ganta sits on the Guinean border in Nimba County and is Liberia's busiest land crossing, a trading town with goods, people and money moving across constantly, and its market reflects that. It is the second largest city in the country by population. A Methodist mission and leprosy hospital founded in the 1920s operate there and the Nimba range rises to the east. The town's proper name is Gompa City, though almost everyone uses Ganta. Its growth came from the border trade rather than from any administrative role.

What you actually see

• The border market - the trade crossing from Guinea constantly.
• The scale - the second largest city in the country.
• The mission hospital - the Methodist institution working since the 1920s.
• The Nimba range - the mountains rising to the east.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the roads are best. The heavy rains from May make travel difficult. Market days are busiest.

Honest expectations

There is little arranged for visitors and the town is a working border point. Facilities are basic. Border formalities and checkpoints affect movement.

Nearby

East Nimba is east, and Sanniquellie is northeast.