Plizio Visual Lab

Putu Forest

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Forest

Weather…

Putu Forest is located in the eastern reaches of Liberia within Grand Gedeh County and stands as a significant portion of the Upper Guinean rainforest belt. This dense, primary forest is a biodiversity hotspot, providing a critical sanctuary for numerous endangered species, including West African chimpanzees and forest elephants. The area is characterized by the Putu Range, whose iron-rich hills create a unique environment supporting a wide variety of endemic flora. While the forest has been at the center of discussions regarding mining and conservation, it remains one of the most untouched wilderness areas in the country. Scientific expeditions frequently identify rare plant species here, highlighting its ecological importance on a global scale. Protecting Putu Forest is essential not only for wildlife but also for the indigenous communities who depend on its resources. It represents a vital ecological corridor that maintains the region's environmental health and serves as a living laboratory for tropical biology.

Location: Liberia
Nearby: Blay (20 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	27	27	27	26	25	24	24	25	25	26	26
Rain mm	39	72	120	137	206	279	145	164	221	232	134	71

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Entering this dense eastern forest typically involves rough 4x4 tracks leading from regional logging hubs, followed by hiring local trackers to find the paths.

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Best season

Visiting is primarily recommended during the dry months, as the heavy seasonal rains can completely flood access roads and obscure the trails in thick mud.

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Terrain & paths

The environment is intensely overgrown and incredibly humid, with ground conditions often hidden beneath thick layers of decaying leaves and slippery roots.

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What to bring

Complete jungle equipment is required: snake-proof gaiters, highly breathable long clothing, copious water purifiers, and a machete for the thick undergrowth.

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Parking

Vehicles are commonly parked at the outposts of logging companies or the final villages on the fringe of the forest, guarded by arrangement.

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Safety

The density of the foliage makes getting lost incredibly easy; independent exploration is highly dangerous without a well-versed local tracker guiding the way.

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Time needed

Because of the difficulty of movement and the time required to spot wildlife, plan for at least a 2 to 3-day guided camping excursion.

Geography

Coordinates

5.60000, -8.40000

Facts

Putu Forest covers an area of 1,500 km².
Annual rainfall exceeds 2,500 mm.
Trees can reach up to 60 m in height.
Over 100 tree species per hectare are recorded.
Iron ore reserves are estimated at 2 billion tons.
The forest borders Sapo National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount Putu11 km · SExplore →

Blay20 km · SEExplore →

Sapo National Park22 km · SWExplore →

Putu Range Forest23 km · SExplore →

Grand Gedeh Plateau23 km · NEExplore →

Putu Range31 km · NEExplore →

Zleh35 km · EExplore →

Sapo Lowlands44 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Putu Forest ecologically valuable?

It is home to rare species such as chimpanzees and pygmy hippopotamuses.

Is Putu Forest accessible to visitors?

Yes, but infrastructure is minimal; expeditions require careful preparation.

Which tree species dominate the forest?

Huge tropical trees like mahogany and teak are found in this primary forest.

Are there accommodation options in the forest?

No, only basic camping is possible after consultation with local communities.

What is the terrain like in Putu Forest?

It is hilly and often very muddy, especially during the rainy season.

Putu Forest: where is it located?

Putu Forest is located in Liberia.

Putu Forest: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Putu Forest: why is it worth visiting?

Putu Forest is located in the eastern reaches of Liberia within Grand Gedeh County and stands as a significant portion of the Upper Guinean rainforest belt.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →