The Top 10 Things To Do In Cote d’Ivoire When You Visit
- By Karim Hassan
- Reviewed by Sophia Rose
- February 14, 2024
- Travel
Fresh off their triumphant victory in the African Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire is basking in the global spotlight. But the accolades for this West African gem don’t stop at football. Cote d’Ivoire is a country teeming with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history.
Cote d’Ivoire often remains an under-the-radar destination for many travelers. Many miss out on the diverse experiences it offers, from its bustling cities and tranquil beaches to its rich cultural heritage and stunning national parks.
This blog article will show you the top 10 things to do in Cote d’Ivoire! You’ll get to see the best things this country has to offer. if you’re a traveler looking for a new place to explore, Cote d’Ivoire is a great place to visit. Let’s start this awesome journey!
Table Of Content
1. Experience the Pulsating Energy of Abidjan
Abidjan is a city that’s always awake: It’s the economic heart of Cote d’Ivoire and it’s full of life. The city is a mix of old and new, and there’s something interesting for everyone who visits.
Food in Abidjan: The food in Abidjan is yummy. There are fancy restaurants with food from all over the world, and there are also street food stalls that sell local foods like “alloco” (which are fried plantains) and “attiéké” (which is like couscous but made from cassava). You should try “kédjénou,” which is a slow-cooked stew that usually has chicken or fish in it.
Fun at night in Abidjan: Abidjan is fun at night. There are lots of places to listen to music and dance, especially to “coupé-décalé,” a type of music that comes from Cote d’Ivoire.
2. Visit the Grand Bassam
Grand Bassam is like a trip to the past, this old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it shows what Cote d’Ivoire was like during colonial times.
Beaches: Grand Bassam has nice beaches, and the water of the Gulf of Guinea is a beautiful blue. You can chill under the palm trees, swim in the sea, or even try surfing at the beaches of Grand-Bassam.
Places to see:
- National Costume Museum: This museum has lots of traditional Ivorian costumes. It’s a great way to learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
- Governor’s Palace: This building used to be the home of the French governor. Now it’s a reminder of the colonial era.
- Kacou Ananzè Bridge: This famous bridge is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. And it’s a great place for a photo!
3. Explore the Capital, Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro is a city of many sides, It’s the capital of Cote d’Ivoire with busy markets and streets that are all part of the city, there are also small houses right next to big monuments.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace: The biggest thing in Yamoussoukro is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. It’s one of the biggest churches in the world and has a big dome and cross that you can see from far away.
Things to see in Yamoussoukro: The city has some cool places to see. The Presidential Palace is one of them. It’s a big building with nice gardens. You can’t go inside, but it’s nice to look at from the outside. The city also has a lake with crocodiles that you can see up close.
4. Relax in the Beach Resorts of Assinie-Mafia
Assinie-Mafia is a great place to chill out, It’s a beach resort area in Cote d’Ivoire, not too far from Abidjan. It’s a great place to take it easy and enjoy the sun.
Beaches and Resorts in Assinie: Assinie-Mafia is famous for its pretty beaches. The beaches have palm trees and warm water from the Atlantic Ocean. The sand is golden and great for sunbathing, and the water is clear and perfect for a swim.
Fun things to do in Assinie: Assinie-Mafia isn’t just for lying on the beach. There are lots of fun things to do. You can try water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. If you like to stay on land, you can rent a quad bike or a horse and ride along the beach.
5. Discover the Biodiversity at Tai National Park
Tai National Park is a real-life jungle adventure, It’s one of the last places in West Africa where you can see a primary rainforest.
What you’ll see in Tai National Park: When you go into the park, you’ll see tall trees and lots of green plants. You’ll hear all kinds of sounds from the animals that live there. The park has lots of mammals, like pygmy hippos, leopards, and monkeys.
Tips for seeing wildlife:
- Get a guide: The park is thick with plants, so it can be hard to see animals. A local guide can help you find and identify animals that you might not see by yourself.
- Be patient: Seeing wildlife takes time. Animals can be hard to find, and you might not always see them. But when you do see a rare animal in its natural home, it’s really exciting.
- Be quiet: Loud noises can scare animals away. Try to be as quiet as you can when you’re looking for wildlife.
- Be respectful: Remember, you’re visiting the animals’ home. Keep a safe distance from all animals and don’t feed them
6. Explore the Bini Lagune
Bini Lagune is a secret treasure, this beautiful place is located at Cocody Koffakoi, in Cote d’Ivoire. It’s a quiet lake surrounded by green mangroves and small islands. It’s a great place to get away from the noise of the city.
What’s at Bini Lagune: Bini Lagune is a great place for people who love nature. The mangroves around the lake are full of birds, so it’s a great place for birdwatching. The clear water of the lagoon has lots of different fish, so it’s a good place for fishing.
How to see Bini Lagune: The best way to see Bini Lagune is by boat. You can rent a pirogue (a small boat with a flat bottom) and go around the calm water at your own speed. This lets you get close to the mangroves and see the wildlife. Or, you can take a guided tour of the lagoon.
7. Hike the Mountains of Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s dream. It’s known for having lots of different plants and animals, as well as beautiful views
What you’ll see at the reserve: The reserve is where you’ll find Mount Nimba, the tallest mountain in the area. If you hike up the mountain, you’ll see amazing views of the land around you.
The reserve has lots of different plants and animals, including some that are endangered. You might see pygmy hippos, viviparous toads, and lots of birds and butterflies
Hiking in the reserve: The hike can be tough because the mountain is steep and there are lots of plants. But when you get to the top, you’ll feel peaceful and the views are worth it.
Tips for hiking:
- Plan your hike: Check the weather before you go and start early so you don’t have to hike in the dark.
- Pack what you need: Bring lots of water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit, and wear the right clothes and shoes for hiking.
- Stay on the path: To keep the reserve’s plants and animals safe, make sure to stay on the trails.
- Get a guide: Think about hiring a local guide who can help you with the hike and tell you about the reserve’s plants and animals.
8. Taste the Local Cuisine
Ivorian food is really tasty, It’s a mix of traditional African food with some French and Lebanese influences. it’s different in each region.
Ivorian food is made with fresh, local ingredients like tubers, grains, and proteins. People often eat cassava, plantains, yams, and rice, usually with tasty sauces made from palm nuts, groundnuts, or tomatoes.
Dishes to try:
- Kedjenou: This is a stew that’s cooked slowly with chicken or guinea fowl and vegetables. It’s cooked in a sealed pot over a low fire, which makes the flavors mix.
- Attiéké: This is like couscous, but it’s made from grated and fermented cassava. It’s often served with grilled fish or meat.
- Alloco: This is a popular street food. It’s ripe plantains that are fried until they’re golden and crispy, usually served with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Garba: This is a filling dish made from attiéké and canned tuna, often served with a spicy onion and tomato sauce. It’s a popular fast food, especially in Abidjan.
- Poulet Braisé: This means “grilled chicken.” It’s a favorite at roadside stalls. The chicken is marinated with a mix of spices before being grilled.
9. Visit the Comoe National Park
Comoe National Park is a big outdoor adventure, It’s in the northeastern part of Cote d’Ivoire and one of the biggest protected areas in West Africa. The park is really big, about 11,500 square kilometers, and it has different types of places, from the wet Guinea savanna to the dry Sudanian zone.
When to visit: The best months to visit Comoe National Park are January, February, June, July, October, November, and December. These months have the best weather for exploring the park and seeing wildlife. But remember, seeing wildlife can take time and you might not always see them.
10. Delve into the Country’s Influential Music Industry
Cote d’Ivoire has a great music scene, It’s a mix of traditional African music and modern sounds. This makes a unique kind of music that people all over the world enjoy.
The most popular music styles in Cote d’Ivoire are reggae from Jamaica, hip hop from the United States, Ndombolo from Congo, Zouk from the Caribbean, and Coupé-Décalé. Other popular music includes R&B, pop, rock, and traditional Ivorian music.
Artists to listen to:
- Alpha Blondy: He’s known for his reggae music and he’s one of the most famous Ivorian artists in the world.
- Magic System: This group is famous for their catchy beats and energetic performances.
- Serge Beynaud: He’s known for his Coupé-Décalé music and he’s a big name in the Ivorian music scene.
- Dobet Gnahoré: She’s a talented singer, songwriter, and dancer. She’s known around the world for her strong voice and amazing performances.
Producer Tam Sir‘s Coup du Marteau was a dance hit at the Africa Cup of Nations and has travelled far beyond the borders of Côte d’Ivoire.
Cote d’Ivoire is an amazing country, It’s full of culture, history, and beautiful places. You can explore the busy city of Abidjan, relax on the peaceful beaches of Assinie-Mafia, watch traditional stilt dances in Man, or see lots of different animals in Tai National Park and Comoe National Park. There’s something fun for everyone in this country in West Africa.
If you love food, you can try the local dishes. If you love music, you can learn about the country’s music scene. If you love adventure, you can explore the mountains of Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Visiting Cote d’Ivoire is an experience you won’t forget.
So, get your bags ready, be open to new experiences, and get ready to explore the top 10 things to do in Cote d’Ivoire. It’ll be a trip you’ll remember. Bon voyage!
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