Mesurado Wetlands

The Mesurado wetlands wrap around the edge of Monrovia, a system of mangrove, creek and open water designated a Ramsar site, holding herons, kingfishers, waders and a nursery for the fish the local trade depends on. It sits directly against a growing city, which is the problem: encroachment, filling and dumping have taken large areas and continue to. Boats work the creeks from several points.

What you actually see

• The mangrove creeks - the channels running behind the city.
• The waterbirds - herons, kingfishers and waders on the flats.
• The fish nursery - the role the wetland plays in the local fishery.
• The city edge - a Ramsar wetland pressed directly against a capital.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and best for birds. Tide governs the creeks. The heavy rains from May raise water levels.

Honest expectations

Encroachment, filling and dumping have badly degraded large parts of the wetland. There is no visitor infrastructure and boats must be arranged locally. Water quality near the city is poor.

Nearby

Monrovia is beside it, and Providence Island is at the river mouth.