Côte d'Ivoire Tours
Côte d'Ivoire Discovery Tour
Join our small group tour as we travel through Côte d'Ivoire.
Tour Overview
Explore one of the least visited destinations in West Africa on our Côte d'Ivoire tour. Côte d'Ivoire, previously known as Ivory Coast, nestles on the west coast of Africa. It also boasts a captivating tapestry of history and culture that has shaped its identity. Its legacy dates back to ancient times. For example, the region has witnessed the rise and fall of influential empires, including the powerful Ashanti and Kong civilisations. The colonial era then left an indelible mark, as the French established control. They introduced Western influences that blend with traditional values. Amidst economic progress and modernisation, the echoes of ancient kingdoms and colonial legacies remain integral. As a result, this is a nation where history and culture entwine harmoniously.
This 13 day escorted small group tour gives the intrepid traveller a truly authentic experience. For example, the Côte d'Ivoire Discovery tour features mask dances and ancient iron ore blacksmiths. In short, it delves deep into the culture and history of the country previously known as Ivory Coast.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Côte d'Ivoire
On arrival at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, we meet you. Then we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Hotel Azalai, Abidjan
DAY 2
Abidjan to Abenguru
Leave Abidjan and head towards a region bordering Ghana. Here you meet a community of Komians, who are Akan spiritual mediums and mainly women. They use dance, shells and water-reading to communicate with the spirit world. There is also a chance of witnessing a divinatory dance. During it, the diviner enters a trance and the spirit speaks through her. The spirit then reveals the nature of a problem and the way forward. Driving time is about 5 hours (260km).
Overnight in Hotel Royaume, Abenguru · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3
Abenguru to Yamoussoukro
First, visit the royal palace of the Anyi Monarchy. Its origins trace to the Akan ethnic group of southwest Ghana and southeast Ivory Coast. It also shares traditions with Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom. Here you meet senior nobility in ceremonial robes and the priest guarding the throne's fetish. Then continue to Yamoussoukro, the country's capital since 1983 and birthplace of first president Félix Houphouët-Boigny. There you visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Paix. According to the 1989 Guinness Book of Records, it is the largest Christian religious building in the world. It also has the biggest stained-glass section. Driving time is about 5 hours (250km).
Overnight in Hotel Royal, Yamoussoukro · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
Yamoussoukro to Bouake
Meet the Baule people, who arrived from the East. They have enriched their culture by adopting traditions from neighbouring tribes. Their complex craftsmanship and fine statues therefore reflect this. Afterwards, attend the dance of Goli masks, adopted from the neighbouring Wan tribe. People perform it for both entertainment and high-status funerals, with singing, dancing and palm wine. Driving time is about 5 hours (260km).
Overnight in Hotel Mon Afrik, Bouake · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Bouake to Korhogo
Drive north as the landscape changes from bushland to open savannah dotted with baobabs. You then reach Korhogo, whose history dates to the 13th century. Today it is the capital of the Senufo people, producers of some of Africa's greatest artworks. In fact, their patterns inspired Picasso himself. First, visit a craft market for wooden sculptures and textiles. Then drive to a remote village to witness the rare traditional technique of iron melting. An endogamous caste of blacksmiths, believed to possess magical powers, practises it. Driving time is about 6 hours (225km).
Overnight in Hotel Mont Korhogo, Korhogo · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Korhogo
Return to the village to see the blacksmiths at work, heating and hammering metal into shape with traditional tools. This technique was once believed lost for over 80 years, until this village's discovery. Afterwards, return to Korhogo to witness the spectacular Senufo panther mask dance.
Overnight in Hotel Mont Korhogo, Korhogo · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Korhogo to Boundiali
Leave the main road to discover the village of Niofoin, with its clay granaries decorated with symbolic bas-reliefs. It also has a unique sacred house with a tall conical roof. This house is used for animistic cults that the Senufo still practise. Later, in the late afternoon, attend the dance of the Ngoro, part of the Poro Initiation. During this initiation, young initiates spend months in secluded sacred groves learning social and religious secrets. Driving time is about 5 hours (150km).
Overnight in Hotel Le Paysan, Boundiali · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
Boundiali to Odienne
First, meet the Fulani nomads, recognisable by their conical straw huts. They are always in search of pasture for their zebu herds. You visit a village of mostly women and children with beautiful traditional jewellery. Then, in the Odienne region, meet the Malinké, descendants of the old Mali Empire. You also meet the Dozo, initiated hunters descended from Samory Touré's warriors. They are now respected as local guardians, mediators and healers. Dressed in bogolan fabric costumes, they give an introduction to herbal medicine. Finally, they give a dance demonstration at a sacred site. Driving time is about 5 hours (150km).
Overnight in Hotel Les Frontières, Odienne · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 9
Odienne to Man
Meet the Yacuba (Dan) people, visiting hillside villages of big round thatched huts. You also visit a pond inhabited by venerated catfish, considered custodians of ancestors. After that, initiated men bring masks out of the sacred forest for an unforgettable performance. Then continue south towards Man, capital of the We and Guéré ethnic groups, as Mount Tonkpi comes into view. Driving time is about 5 hours (270km).
Overnight in Hotel Les Cascades, Man · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10
Danani region
Discover the rainforest stretching between Ivory Coast, Liberia and Guinea, famous for its long liana bridges. Young initiated men are said to build them secretly in a single night. Later, in a nearby village, masks emerge from the forest in a Dan Guéré ritual dance. This dance connects the human and spirit worlds. Driving time is about 5 hours (200km).
Overnight in Hotel Les Cascades, Man · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 11
Man to Abidjan
Travel by 4×4 into a remote forest region where the arrival of foreigners is rare. You cross wooden bridges to isolated Guéré settlements to witness the rare "Jongleurs" performance. In this performance, initiated girls with faces painted in white kaolin perform a unique acrobatic dance. Then, in the afternoon, fly back to Abidjan.
Overnight in Hotel Azalai, Abidjan · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 12
Abidjan to Grand Bassam
First, explore Abidjan's Plateau district by public ferry for a view from the water. Then see the lively Treichville market and the peaceful residential area of Cocody. After that comes the Youpugon quarter, home to the Fanico laundrymen. They wash and dry clothes along the riverbank in a giant colourful patchwork. Later, visit the National Museum's tribal art collection of masks and statues from various Ivory Coast ethnic groups. Finally, drive to Grand Bassam.
Overnight in Hotel Etoile du Sud, Grand Bassam · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 13
Grand Bassam to Abidjan
Grand Bassam, the former capital of French Côte d'Ivoire, is an old town on a sand bank. It sits between the lagoon and the ocean. It also has calm tree-shaded avenues, bougainvillea and well-preserved colonial buildings. First, visit the old post office, a jewel of French colonial architecture. Then see the Costume Museum in the former governor's palace, with its unique collection of tribal costumes, masks and ornaments. Finally, transfer to the airport this evening, with use of your hotel room until 6pm.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Assistance at airport upon arrival (Day 1) and departure (Day 13)
Transfers and tour in minibuses/microbuses, and on Day 11 in 4WD vehicles
Flight from Man to Abidjan (economy class)
English-speaking local guide
Tours and visits as per the programme
Accommodation in standard rooms, as per itinerary
All meals as described – breakfast, lunch and dinner
One bottle of mineral water in the bus/car each day during the visits
Entrance fees to parks, concessions, protected areas and cultural sites
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Earlier (prior Day 1) and/or later (after Day 13) transfers from and to the airport. Contact us for additional costs.
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Mineral water and drinks at meals
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
All departures are small group tours with a guaranteed English-speaking guide throughout.
What the tour status means
- Available
- Places are open for booking. This departure needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and your booking could be the one that guarantees it. Contact us to find out how close it is.
- Guaranteed
- Enough travellers have booked, so this departure is confirmed to run.
- On Request
- There are only a few places left, or the date is close to departure. Contact us and we'll check with our local team before confirming your place.
- Full
- This departure is sold out. Get in touch and we can add you to a waiting list or suggest another date, or a private tour on dates that suit you.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). We also always advise clients of any travel warnings. Parts of Côte d'Ivoire are currently subject to a travel advisory. Therefore, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Côte d'Ivoire before booking.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of return. We also strongly advise that it contains a minimum of two blank pages, ideally opposite each other. This is because local immigration authorities may require this. Visitors from most countries, including the US, require a visa. You can obtain it in advance as an e-visa via the official e-visa website. We can also provide the necessary documentation. You then collect the e-visa at the e-visa office in Abidjan airport. However, it is only available for travellers entering via that airport. Other entry points therefore require a visa in advance from your nearest embassy.
Religion has a strong influence on life in Côte d'Ivoire, which has a tradition of respecting different beliefs. Therefore, respect local religious customs at all times, and dress and behave conservatively. Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence carrying lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. It is also prohibited to photograph sensitive installations. For example, these include military sites, government buildings, radio and TV stations, and certain bridges in Abidjan. Homosexuality is not illegal. However, same-sex partnerships and marriage are not legally recognised, and there are no specific anti-discrimination protections.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical treatment of a reasonable standard is available in Abidjan, but it can be expensive. Emergency facilities are also limited to a few major hospitals. Moreover, facilities outside major towns are often rudimentary, and serious treatment could require medical evacuation to Europe. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. These should cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
What to Bring
Côte d'Ivoire is generally very warm, so light cotton clothes are a good idea. Bring a hat for the strong sun too, even in winter. Shorts are generally acceptable. However, long trousers are appropriate on some occasions and offer better protection on nature walks. Also bring a swimsuit for hotel pools. Walking shoes or boots plus a pair of sandals are ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a high-factor sun cream and insect repellent (including bite spray). Finally, bring a torch or flashlight for poorly-lit areas or unexpected power outages.
While You're There
The official currency is the CFA Franc (XOF), used only in West Africa. It is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. You can easily change euros and US dollars in big cities, banks and some hotels. Abidjan has many ATMs, although they may not be reliable. Moreover, ATMs are rare outside the city, so bring enough cash for your trip. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and more established restaurants.
The best time to visit is generally November to March. During these months, heat and humidity are lower, rainstorms rarer, and malaria-carrying mosquitoes fewer. However, most national parks close for the wet season (June-October). If exploring the west, avoid June-October, because rain can damage roads and hiking paths. For the north, go before the harmattan dust season begins in June. The country code for Côte d'Ivoire is +225. Local prepaid SIM cards are available for unlocked phones. Wifi is also available in Abidjan hotels and restaurants, although it is harder to find in rural areas. Finally, the country uses a 230V/50Hz supply with round-pin plugs.
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