Ivory Coast – Travel Guide
Explore Ivory Coast, a land of vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, from the bustling streets of Abidjan to the pristine beaches of Grand-Bassam. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like attiéké and kedjenou, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO-listed colonial buildings of Assinie and the vibrant markets of Yamoussoukro. Marvel at the natural beauty of Taï National Park and the majestic waterfalls of Man. Experience the rhythmic beats of Ivorian music in the lively nightlife of Abobo and the traditional festivals of Gagnoa. Ivory Coast invites you to discover its rich heritage and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable journey in West Africa.
All about Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast FAQ
What is Ivory Coast known for?
Ivory Coast is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning beaches along the Atlantic coast, dense rainforests teeming with wildlife in national parks like Taï and Comoé, and picturesque mountains such as Mount Nimba. The country’s diverse geography offers opportunities for eco-tourism, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Furthermore, Ivory Coast’s vibrant music scene, particularly its popular dance music genre called Zouglou, has gained international recognition. The country has produced renowned musicians who have made significant contributions to African music. Overall, Ivory Coast’s combination of agricultural prominence, cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant music scene make it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences.
What are the best places to visit in Ivory Coast?
One of the must-visit places is Grand Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and beautiful sandy beaches. Its charming streets and historic buildings take you back in time. In the northern part of the country, the vibrant city of Abidjan beckons with its modern skyline, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant Treichville district, wander through the colorful Marche de Cocody, and experience the energetic nightlife. For nature lovers, Tai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven of biodiversity, housing rare species such as chimpanzees and pygmy hippopotamuses. The Comoe National Park, another UNESCO site, boasts vast savannahs, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. If you’re seeking relaxation, the coastal town of Assinie is known for its pristine beaches and water sports activities. Additionally, the stunning Mount Nimba Nature Reserve, shared with Guinea and Liberia, offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique flora and fauna.
How many days should I spend in Ivory Coast?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Ivory Coast?
Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around cities and towns in Ivory Coast. They can be easily hailed on the streets or found at designated taxi stands. It is recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey or use a taxi meter if available.
Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, especially for exploring remote areas or embarking on a road trip. International car rental agencies are available in major cities. However, be aware of the local driving conditions and consider hiring a driver if you’re not familiar with the area.
What is the currency of Ivory Coast?
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes and is linked to the euro at a fixed rate of exchange. Abidjan has many ATMs but they may not be reliable. Travellers should make sure they have enough cash for their trip, as ATMs are rare outside of the city. Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and more established restaurants.
Do people speak English in Ivory Coast?
Even though a lot of people understand English, but not a lot of people speak English. Ivory Coast is a multi-language country, meaning they speak a lot of languages. Most people in Ivory Coast speak French, because that’s the main language. Most men speak French than women. But there are more languages that are spoken in the Ivory Coast. So that means there are 78, or over those numbers that are spoken.
Best time to visit Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast features a tropical climate in the south and along the coast, including Abidjan with average temperatures ranging from 78-104F degrees. The humidity is fairly constant and varies between 80-90%, making temperatures feel high throughout the year. January is the least humid month, and August is the wettest.
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There is a long dry season from December to February, and a short one that occurs in August, the short rainy season usually lasts from September to November, and the longer rainy season is from March to July. The hottest months are February, March, and April, it is generally the warmest in mid-April with temperatures exceeding 91F degrees.
Ivory Coast Seasons:
Dry Season
The Dry season in the Ivory Coast runs from Mid November to May with a long dry season from mid-November to April, and then a short dry season that occurs in August. This is one of the most pleasant times of year to visit the country, there are some excellent festivals held this time of year with the Fete de l’Abissa in Grand Bassam held in November and the Fetes des Masques held in the villages around Man in February.
From December to March, the Harmattan winds blow down from the Sahara desert bringing some cooler temperatures, along with dusty haze and major dryness, there can be reduced visibility this time of year. The months of November through March bring less humidity to the Ivory Coast along with lower temperatures and less precipitation. The national parks here are open to the public at this time of year before they close for the wet season.
Temperatures on the Ivory Coast seem hot all year round, the hottest months are March, April, and February with average temperatures averaging around 75-93F degrees. The lowest chance of rain occurs around early January.
Rainy Season
The Ivory Coast features a tropical wet, and dry climate that closely resembles a tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season lasts from May to October with the heaviest rainfall in the south from May to July, a short rainy season lasts from September to December. The lowest average temperature months are August and September, June to October is not a great time to visit the West as the rain can cause flooding making roads and hiking paths deteriorate quickly.
Rain is predominant during the summer months, except for August due to the activation of the Benguela Current, which reduces the precipitation throughout that month. The current lower the mean temperature during August and makes it the coolest month of the year with average temperatures around 76F degrees. Many of the national parks and other attractions shut down for the wet season from June to October. The North experiences the dry season more than the South. May and June bring heavy rains to the coast, and shorter rains follow in August and September.
Holidays – Event and Festivals
There are several annual festivals held in the Ivory Coast to celebrate cultural traditions, most of the population honors the Muslim faith with religious events related to Islamic beliefs that are widely observed. The Cote d’Ivoire Holidays include celebrating different pieces of history, many characterized by festive parades and colorful performances. These holidays and festivals showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and provide visitors with a unique and exciting experience.
The Carnival in Bouake is a week-long celebration and the Ivoirian’s version of Mardi Gras. It is one of the most well-attended events held in the region in March.
The eccentric Fete du Dipri is a celebration held in April in the town of Gomon, where people perform different kinds of rituals in order to exorcise and drive away evil spirits from the village. The event begins at midnight and continues until late afternoon the following day.
The Ivory Coasts Independence Day is celebrated on August 7th each year to commemorate the country’s liberation from France. The event is filled with all kinds of cultural activities, lively performances, parades, and other festivities.
The Fetes des Masques is one of the most popular events on the Ivory Coast, the Festival of Masks is an annual event held in November, to pay homage to the forested spirits embodied by the villagers. The villagers dress up in colorful costumes and wear authentic traditional masks. The event is held in the northern town of Man.
Christmas Day is celebrated by local Christians on December 25th each year with all-night church services that begin on Christmas Eve and end at 6:00 am. During these worship services you can expect singing, group dancing, poetry recitation, skits, testimonies, prayers, and a sermon.
Tipping in Ivory Coast
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis. Tipping in the Ivory Coast is part of the culture and tips should be left for servers in restaurants, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides.
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Tipping in Ivory Coast
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Franc?
The currency in Abidjan is the West African Franc (CFA) “say-fa”, and the smaller pesewa the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the West African Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Abidjan, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
When dining in the Ivory Coast a service charge added to your bill is usually added. Leaving a 10% tip is a good guide depending on the service received. The average tipping percentage in restaurants in Cote d’Ivoire is anywhere between 8-15%.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping hotel staff is common and is determined by the level of service received. Leaving a few franc for the bellhop is sufficient and the same for cleaning staff and your concierge. The average tipping percentage is anywhere from 8-20%.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping your taxi driver a few francs or rounding up the change is sufficient. The average tipping percentage is anywhere from 8-20% depending on the service. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping your tour guide in Cote d’Ivoire is common and leaving a 8-20%% tip is appreciated by your tour guide and driver. A tip of 10% per day or the equivalent of $10-$20 is the norm.
Miscellaneous: other services
If visiting a spa or hair salon in the Ivory Coast, you should tip up to 10% of the bill if you received great service. You can always tip more if you feel as if the service deserved it.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top City in Ivory Coast
What to expect while traveling
