travel tips | ivory coast (eng.)

IVORY COAST

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

The Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, is located in West Africa, a must go for anyone visiting the continent. It has an area of 322,462 square kilometers, it represents 1% of the entire African continent. It borders the following countries: Liberia, Republic of Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

The Ivory Coast is in Black Africa, a country with white sand beaches and coconut trees. Assinie, Grand-Bereby, Monogaga and Sassandra are some of the most beautiful coastal cities of the continent.

It is a country rich in ethnic groups, with over 60 different ones, where culture, folklore, dances and traditions are everywhere, in the life of all its inhabitants. Everything has a

deep religious value, each mask, each dance represents the good versus evil in the fight to protect his people.

Their villages are charming and their hotels located in the middle of nature are true sanctuaries for those who want to relax and forget about the big city life. The tourists that go to the Ivory Coast experience a real journey to a Tarzan movie. With unspoilt nature, birds singing and huge reserves where you can see footprints of buffalos, lions and elephants.

Ivory Coast, unlike some other African countries, is a Multiparty Presidential Republic, where the president is both chief of state and government and where there is the Legislature that is up to the parliament.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSIVORY COAST

July is the period of heavy rains in the country, so be cautious. From December to February is the Hamattan, wind from the Sahara carrying clouds of sand that drop the temperatures.

The Ivory Coast is great to visit year-round, but some holidays of the country should be considered when choosing the date of the trip. On August 7th the country celebrates its independence day, when there are parades and other exciting festivities, people take the streets turning the holiday into a true spectacle.

The Ivorians also celebrate the Islamic festival, which vary according to the lunar calendar. The parties are always full of color and traditional music, with many different ethnic groups.

The country’s constitution was established after the military board led by General Robert Guei, who organized a referendum where all parties encouraged people to vote. A new constitution was approved with over 86% of voters.

The Armed Forces in the Ivory Coast have never played a political role. But after the strike against the state, powered by General Robert Guei, its position became symbolic, just to always avoid a risk of a rebellion.

The climate in the country is semi-arid and tropical in the north coast. There are two main seasons: hot and wet (June to October) and hot and dry (November to May).From May to


TRANSPORT

There are several options for getting around in the Ivory Coast. From airplanes to boats, choose the one that best suits your needs.

PLANEAfrican airlines offer direct flights from the major European capitals. The international airport of Abidjan is 15 km away from downtown, in Port Bouet.

TRAINThere is a 630 km long railway that goes through the Ivory Coast to its bordered countries. Their prices are very advantageous.

BUSAlthough their prices are very low, local buses are not very comfortable.

BOATThe port of Abidjan is a very lively place in the Ivory Coast, where all the boats arrive every day from the major companies around the world.

BY LANDThe country has a very efficient road system, over 55,000 km long. You can rent a car and discover on your own the country’s life and culture. But remember that in the rainy season (May to July) is recommended to get to know the country before you travel.

ATTRACTIONS

For nature lovers, the Ivory Coast is a paradise, with many attractions and almost untouched beaches, where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear water or just lie down and rest under a coconut tree. Sports such as windsurfing and sailing are often practiced at the country’s beaches.

For those who enjoy fishing, the country’s rivers are perfect, and the country offers great opportunities for hunters.

1752 meters high, Mount Nimba is perfect for those who enjoy trekking or mountaineering.


The tourists can also visit the great National Parks and Natural fauna and flora. There you can see elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, lions and other monkeys in their natural habitat. Considered a treasure for bird lovers, the Ivory Coast is a paradise.

In addition to all the possibilities that nature offers, you can still go to museums, craft centers, traditional dances and markets full of color and life.

SOUTH COAST:Characterized by tropical vegetation, colonial buildings and beautiful beaches.

Abidjan - capital of the country, the city has an architecture that blends modern and traditional

art. Its vegetation is magnificent and the business life is lively.

Assine - where the best beaches in the east part of the country are. Rent a canoe to explore the area and enjoy the great beaches.

Grand-laou – it is where Assagny National Park is, a place where you can see birds and elephants in a spectacular landscape. The beach, with huge waves, is perfect for those who like to surf.

Sassandra - a meeting point for those who enjoy water sports.

Grand-Bébéry - fishing community where you can practice surfing.


MIDDLE COUNTRY:Yamussukro - administrative capital of the Ivory Coast, home to a major university in the country. Some of the most important sights are: thePresidential Palace, the Mosque, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace,Crocodile Lake and Marahoué National Park.

Bouaké - home to the Grand Mosque, the Botanical Gardens, the Museum in a former Benedictine monastery and the Market.

Katyola - famous for its ceramics, this city is a real history class. The old huts became stores, where Mangoré women make all kinds of utensils.

WEST COAST:Danané - famous for its bridges and the villages around Vine Vatouo andLieupleu.

Touba – the highlights are the market and the traditional dances.

NORTH:Bondoukou – where the Islamic center is, with more than 40 mosques and tombs decorated with Abrom sculptures.

NATIONAL PARKS:Tai National Park - a community of chimpanzees and hippos, is the last primary forest of Africa.


Marahoué National Park - situated in the center of the country, here you can see crocodiles, buffalo and other animals.

Mount Sangbé National Park - one of the great natural wonders of the country, including 14 hills over a thousand meters high.

Etoiles Island Park - with more than 500 hectares, it is located in theLagoon of Abi and is dedicated to archaeological research.

WHERE TO STAY

The best places to stay in the Ivory Coast are the major cities, where you can choose between five star hotels to hostels. In Abidjan andYamoussoukro is where the best hotels are.

With prices ranging from $ 60 to $ 300 three and four stars hotels are highly recommended.

DINING OUT

A true food of the gods, that is the Ivorian cuisine. Really rich and diverse, the food, even though it is not very elaborate, has an excellent quality ingredients.

The dishes with fish and shellfish, from freshwater and saltwater, are greatly appreciated. Grilled with sauces made with sesame seeds or nuts, it is served with rice, cassava and corn, It melts in the mouth at every bite. Another gastronomic option in the country is a tasty antelope steak and couscous. For dessert, delicious fresh fruit, especially the famous fried bananas or sweet made of nuts and cocoa base.

The best place to eat a typical meal is the Treichville region.

In cities like Abidjan, there are restaurants that serve international cuisine, like Italian,


Japanese, Caribbean and others, especially to please the tourists.

Is also a good choice to try the national maize beer, that has a great quality, as well as the coffee that grows in the country.

SHOPPING

For shopping, the big cities of the Ivory Coast are the place to be. Abidjanand Yamoussoukro for being the capital and seat of government institutions are the best cities to buy. Shopping malls, traditional markets and fashionable boutiques, buy whatever you want.

STREET MARKETSThe towns and villages in the Ivory Coast are the places with more life and exotic markets. In addition to low prices, the environment is a spectacle for tourists from around the world.

Here you can find everything, from objects made from wood crafts to spectacular jewelry.

The objects are varied, from carved boxes, traditional musical instruments or furniture. Much appreciated by tourists, they are the handicraft by the country’s ethnic groups. Shades of Dan, the grotesque forms of Ngueré of Beth and statuettes are among the items most sought by visitors.

The pottery of Katyola mostly household objects like vases and tea sets, made by Mangoré women are also highly sought in the markets.


The markets also sell some types of natural products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, nuts and palm oil.

CURRENCYThe African Franc (XOF) is the official currency of the country, equivalent to 100 cents. There is no restriction on the exportation or importation of coins and you can exchange them at banks or hotels in the country.

225 COUNTRY CODE

EMERGENCY SERVICES

05 80 79 79

POLICE

20 21 42 2

AMBULANCE

05 80 79 79

FIREFIGHTERS

07 81 18 18

TOURIST INFORMATION

707202000

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

225 21 75 79 00

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

travel tips | ivory coast (eng.)

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