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Ivory Coast’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Ivory Coast’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Ivory Coast’s Background

 

Archaeological findings to confirm the presence of early people in what is now Côte d’Ivoire are abundant, but the remains were not well preserved in the country’s humid climate to confirm any date before the 13th century. Northern groups in the Ivory Coast were attracted to the Ghana and Mali empires’ trans-Saharan trading networks. As commerce flourished, Malinke merchants brought Islam with them. Mali’s fall in the 16th century caused a huge upheaval, sending waves of migration south, where they established new kingdoms in the forest zones.

During the pre-colonial period, many kingdoms thrived. In the savanna, settlements sprang up around Dyula trading villages. Before Sekou Ouattara and his sons created a new dynasty in the early 18th century, Kong had existed for several centuries. Kong reigned until 1897 when it was overthrown by Samory Touré, who was establishing a new Muslim kingdom that comprised what is now northern Côte d’Ivoire. Bounkani, an immigrant from Dagomba, founded the Bouna kingdom in the late 17th century (now Ghana). It, like Kong (Wattara Empire or Ouattara Empire), the remnant of the Mali empire, became a prominent center of Islamic study.

The first Europeans to reach the shore were Portuguese explorers. They began trading in gold, ivory, and pepper. Until the nineteenth century, European interaction was limited to the coast, where the French, right after the Portuguese, joined in the trade. In 1893, as the European desire to split Africa intensified, France claimed Côte d’Ivoire as a colony. Following the struggle for Africa in the 1880s, formal French colonial control was established. Ivory Coast joined French West Africa in 1904 and remained so until 1960 when it earned independence from France. Ivory Coast was an example of stability and economic prosperity for almost a hundred years, before the first military revolution in 1999.

Close links to France since independence in 1960, as well as the expansion of cocoa production for export and international investment, have made Cote d’Ivoire one of the richest tropical African governments, but it has not been immune to political turbulence. The 1999 military coup, the first in Cote d’Ivoire’s history, deposed President Henri Konan Bedie’s administration. Later on, in the following election, falsified polls by Guei created widespread outrage. Ever since the coup, instability has been the word everyone uses to describe the Ivory Coast. Rebel groups, terrorism, and civil war followed. Several thousand French and West African forces remain in Cote d’Ivoire to keep peace and support the process of disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation.

Ivory Coast has a rich cultural history, and over sixty ethnic groups, some of which can be found in the nation, are the Baoulé, Bété, Gouro, and Dioula. They are classified into four groups: Akan, Gour, Krou, and Mandé. Historically, the tribes were independent of one another, but internal movement and cross marriages have severely weakened group identification with a specific cultural legacy in any area.

 

“A rich coast, with the North Atlantic ocean bordering the nation to the south, gorgeous coastlines, and a thick forest inland filled with biodiversity. Ivory Coast is a country with a rich history, varied ethnic groups, and a wilderness paradise for those who want to discover it.“

 

Beneath the troubles, Côte d’Ivoire is a sight to behold. It borders five countries on the West African coast and overlooks the Gulf of Guinea. Starfish lies on the sands, palm-tree forests, and roads that are so orange that they seem like makeup powder. This is the scenery of a truly tropical paradise and a country that is progressing economically – a country that is advancing its lifestyle and culture while maintaining its individuality.

The country’s south and center are flat and lush, with plantations, woods, and national parks. Under the lush trees, the Parc National de Ta hides mysteries, diverse species, and nut-cracking chimpanzees. The highlands, the town of Man and Mount Nimba, the country’s highest peak at 1,750m, are to the west. Man’s peaks and valleys provide a highland temperature, fresh air, and wonderful trekking opportunities through tropical woods. As you reach Mali and Burkina Faso farther north, the environment changes to parched savannah.

Aside from a few major routes, roads outside of metropolitan areas are generally substandard and might be inaccessible during the rainy season. Small group excursions keep things easy because you’ll be driven in a private car and will visit towns without interfering with local life.

The beach resorts of minimal Assinie and arty Grand Bassam were designed for weekend escapes from Abidjan. The beaches of Grand Bassam are bordered by age-stained French villages and colonial ruins that slop down to the sea in yellow, white, and, of course, ivory. Abidjan is the capital in all but name, where lagoons weave between skyscrapers and cathedral spires pierce the sky-blue skies. From the rising grassy uplands of Mount Nimba in the north to the lagoons and roaring Atlantic surf of the south, the mist-topped rainforests where chimps dwell in the west to the vast cocoa and plantain plantations in the east, the Ivory Coast is a seriously massive piece of West Africa.

Yes, the country has had its share of hardships, including coups, terrorism, and Ebola, to mention a few, but tourists continue to visit this magnificent, diverse country. They come to trek the deserted routes of Ta and Comoe; to taste spicy cassava and cashew curries in the mud-caked alleyways of Korhogo; to experience the lush forests and see the diverse wildlife and curious monkeys swinging in the trees; and to feel the excitement of Abidjan, the country’s biggest city of almost four million people.

Ivory Coast is the place to visit if you want to experience real West African villages and beaches and take amazing shots of African nature in its safaris and national parks. If you’re as excited as other fellow tourists who visit Ivory Coast, then let us help you with the information you will need for your trip there. In this Cruisit ultimate guide to Ivory Coast, we will provide you with the things to do, transportation to get around Ivory Coast, safety concerns and places to avoid, and much more as you read this thorough article. Let’s dig right in!

Top Places in Ivory Coast

Taï National Park

The extensive reserves of the Taï National Park cover over 3,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most important protected sections of what remained of the Upper Guinean rainforests, which were once the dominating environment in all of West Africa, stretching from Gabon to Senegal. It’s a wild area cut with massive river valleys and clad in damp woodlands, punctuated with bizarre inselberg mountains and surrounded by undulating savannah. Then there’s the wildlife, which includes the critically endangered pygmy hippopotamus, swinging olive colobus monkeys, duikers, and chimps.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is located in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire’s administrative capital. It is the biggest church in the world, according to Guinness World Records, having surpassed the previous title holder, Saint Peter’s Basilica. The basilica was built between 1985 and 1989 for an estimated cost of $175 million to $600 million. Although not an exact reproduction, the dome and encircled plaza are influenced by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.

Banco National Park

Banco National Park is a Côte d’Ivoire national park located along Highway North in the area of Attécoubé. Banco National Park is 30 km2 in size and is an example of a primary forest, featuring species that have become scarce wood. Walking trails have been improved, and several motels of various sorts will provide convenient lodging.

Comoé National Park

The Comoé National Park is a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north-eastern Ivory Coast’s Zanzan and Savanes Districts. With an area of 11,500 km2, it is West Africa’s largest protected region, ranging from the wet Guinea savanna to the arid Sudanian zone. This significant north-south gradient allows the park to support a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife.

Abokouamekro Game Reserve

The Abokouamekro Game Reserve is a conservation area in Côte d’Ivoire. It was founded in 1993. The wildlife reserve encompasses 135 square kilometers. The reserve was established in 1986 and is home to several wild creatures that were previously thought to be extinct in the Ivory Coast. Poaching is still a danger to the park’s environment.

9-day Itinerary in Ivory Coast

Day 1

 

Arrive in Abidjan

Arrive in Abidjan and head to your hotel, drop your bags, and stroll around the city if you prefer, just make sure you are in your private transport or taxi at all times. Abidjan, the pulsing center of the Ivory Coast, is New York City with a tropical West African twist. 

A seemingly unending spread of islands, peninsulas, and lagoons capped by gleaming skyscrapers. It may look chaotic at first glance, but delve deeper and you’ll discover superb galleries and marketplaces, a fine national museum, and some of West Africa’s best music. Not to mention restaurants serving meals with the style you’d expect to find in Paris, and bustling markets like the Adjamé Market.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: Ibis Abidjan Plateau Hotel
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is enough crime recorded in Abidjan to warrant a bit of worry. So, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Days 2 to 3

 

Head to Sassandra

After an early breakfast, you will be heading to Sassandra, the core of an old royal realm and the home of the Fanti people, who live off the sea. Sassandra is a historic colonial outpost with a strong sense of a better past. Continue to view the holy crocodiles, mosques, and polytechnic schools after seeing the Basilica “Notre Dame de la Paix” (the tallest in the world). The ancient French colonial quarter, the fishing harbor, and the surrounding countryside can all be explored during your stay in Sassandra.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: Hotel Le Pollet
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is less crime recorded in Sassandra to warrant any worry. But, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 4

 

Off to Yamoussoukro

Abidjan may seem like a metropolis, but it is the laidback “Yamkro” that wins the political prize. It was erected on the birthplace of the country’s first president, Félix Houphout-family Boigny’s town, and is home to a remarkable number of gigantic buildings, including the presidential palace and the magnificent Basilica, which is supposedly larger than the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica.

Head to Yamoussoukro, after your breakfast, formerly a hamlet but now the bizarre administrative capital of Cote d’Ivoire. The massive Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, supposedly the greatest Christian site of worship on the planet, towers over the city. Before returning to your hotel, spend some time examining the Basilica’s immense complex and the Grand Mosque.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: Hotel Aho
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is significant crime recorded in Yamoussoukro to warrant some worry. So, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 5

 

Head to Korhogo!

Korhogo, the Senufo people’s capital, dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by dry bush, savannah, and mud-caked roads. It was the site of combat during the 2002-7 and 2011 civil conflicts, although it is again reclaiming its image as a cultural center. Weavers, painters, metalworkers, and wood carvers operate in adjacent communities, many employing traditional techniques. Look for initiated young males performing a Boloy, or panther dance.

Head north to Korhogo, the northern capital of the Senoufou people, stopping at villages and markets along the way while exploring the different cultures of the Ivory Coast. Also, visit the large white Mosque in Korhogo.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: Hotel Mont Korhogo
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is little crime recorded in Korhogo to warrant worry. But, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 6

 

Exploring the Senoufou Culture

A day to learn about Senoufou culture. The Senoufou are known for their workmanship, but they are also mystic people who believe in a variety of gods and adhere to animist ideals. Use the opportunity to visit many communities in the surrounding region and learn about their culture.

When you’re done with the day, head back to your hotel.

Day 7

 

Off to  Comoé National Park

Drive to Comoé in the east. On the way, stop at Kong, a little hamlet with an amazing 17th-century mosque built in the typical adobe style. Stop at villages and marketplaces along the road before arriving in the late afternoon at Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast’s largest protected area.

 

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: Kafolo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is little crime recorded in Comoe National Park to warrant worry. You will likely be only moving with the tour that is with you in the park. We don't recommend you walk alone in the forest, especially at night, it is better to stay in the camp.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 8

 

Exploring Comoé

Continue your journey today by visiting Comoe National Park. The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered during the lengthy civil war, so wildlife populations are not as abundant as they once were, but expect to see some of the species that still live here, such as hippos, crocodiles, and many species of antelope. The park also has rare instances of rainforest, which are generally found far further south, as well as an abundance of birds.

Day 9

 

Head to Abidjan

This 9-day trip to Ivory Coast opened up the country’s many cultures and wildlife, as well as experiences that you wouldn’t have elsewhere. It is now time for your departure, and sadly your last goodbyes to the Ivory Coast. Head back to Abidjan to catch your flight back home from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport.

 

The Most Popular Food in Ivory Coast

Ivorian cuisine incorporates foods from all of the country’s ethnic groups, therefore it differs from area to region. Each major ethnic group has its own set of regional culinary specialties. It is fairly similar to those of neighboring West African countries. But despite different diets and culinary practices, Côte d’Ivoire’s population mainly relies on grains and root vegetables to support their diet. Yams, plantains, rice, millet, corn, and peanuts are common staple foods. Côte d’Ivoire is a major cocoa producer around the globe. Together with Ghana, producing more than 60% of the world’s cocoa.

Sauces and stews are a key aspect of Ivorian cookery; there are several sauces and stews available, including slippery sauce, seed sauce, vegetable sauce, groundnut sauce, eggplant sauce, and many others. Ivorian food is diverse, typically spicy and rich, and well worth getting to know. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular Ivorian Coast delicacies.

Attiéké

Attiéké is a popular meal prepared with grated cassava, together with plantain are important components of Ivorian cuisine. The dish tastes and feels similar to couscous. It is a popular dish in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan. It’s accompanied by braised fish or beef, plantain, couscous, and cassava.

Alloco

Alloco, ripe plantain chopped into thin pieces and fried and salted in palm oil with a spicy onion and chili sauce, is a popular street snack. It can be eaten as a snack on its own or with a hard-boiled egg and a side dish.

 

Kedjenou

Kedjenou is a slow-cooked chicken and vegetable dish from Ivory Coast. This meal hails from the country’s center and is pressure cooked in a canari (pot made out of clay). It is prepared without the use of water or oil and can be served with rice or attiéké. For around 40 minutes, the veggies are carefully cooked in their water and chicken fat. Never remove the lid! It’s also a good idea to shake the pot every 10 minutes to combine the flavors.

Garba

The national Garba is the King of Côte d’Ivoire’s street food. It is made up of attiéké and deep-fried tuna chunks. You may eat it well-seasoned with tomatoes, sliced onions, and peppers, as well as a dab of fried tuna oil and spice. It is sometimes served wrapped in a banana leaf. Once everything is in place, it is eaten with the hands (did we mention the hands?).

Mafé Sauce

The peanut butter stew is out of this world. If you like peanut butter and chicken, especially drumsticks, you’ll love this. This recipe pairs well with white rice and is flavored with pepper, tomatoes, okra, and other veggies, as well as, of course, peanut butter. It is a traditional dish orignating from the country’s north.

What's the Travel Budget for Ivory Coast?

Final Thoughts on Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast has a sophisticated and rich heritage that can be seen across the nation dating back to at least the 13th century AD, with its colonial constructions and indigenous heritage, traditional buildings, spectacular and distinct landmarks, amazing hospitality, thrilling songs and dances, and breathtaking picture-perfect backdrop of forests and pristine beaches. A superb choice for anybody looking for a perfect place to visit in Western Africa. The Ivory Coast is stunningly gorgeous, with magnificent national treasures, wildlife, and breathtaking landscape. Would you travel to Ivory Coast?

Have you ever visited Ivory Coast? Please leave your opinions and experiences in the comments section below.

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