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Ivory Coast travel guide: what to see and when to go

The locomotive of West Africa, Ivory Coast surprises with its diversity: bustling Abidjan and its maquis where the braised fish grills, colonial Grand-Bassam listed by UNESCO, the outsized basilica of Yamoussoukro, the coconut-lined beaches of Assinie, the mountains and liana bridges of the Man region and the last forest elephants of Taï park. A journey still off the radar, warm and authentic, to the rhythm of zouglou and attiéké.

Capital
Yamoussoukro
Currency
CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Direct flight
≈ 6 hr 30 from Paris
Time difference
-1 hr in winter, -2 hr in summer
A dark rocky shore and black sand beach battered by Atlantic waves

Itineraries

Our trip ideas in Ivory Coast

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The right season

When to go in Ivory Coast?

From November to March, the great dry season is ideal on the coast as in the parks: clear skies, passable tracks, a light harmattan in January. The main rainy season (May-July) soaks the South and complicates travel. August-October alternate showers and bright spells, with a coastline often pleasant in August.

  • January : Ideal
  • February : Ideal
  • March : Pleasant
  • April : Pleasant
  • May : Avoid
  • June : Avoid
  • July : In-between
  • August : Pleasant
  • September : In-between
  • October : Pleasant
  • November : Ideal
  • December : Ideal
  • Ideal
  • Pleasant
  • In-between
  • Avoid

Quick guide

Understanding Ivory Coast

Getting around

Between cities, comfortable UTB coaches and Air Côte d'Ivoire domestic flights; in Abidjan, ride-hailing (Yango) rather than metered taxis. The coastal road to Assinie and Grand-Bassam is excellent.

Money

The CFA franc (XOF), at a fixed parity with the euro (€1 = 656 FCFA). Cash reigns, the ATMs are reliable in Abidjan. Mobile money (Orange, Wave) everywhere, down to the maquis.

Language

French is the official and everyday language, spiced with nouchi, the Abidjan slang. English is limited: a few French phrases go a long way, and the sense of welcome is legendary.

Useful apps

Yango for rides in Abidjan, Wave to pay like the Ivorians, and an Orange CI eSIM, 4G covers the coast well.

Accommodation

Business hotels and residences in Abidjan, beach-hut hotels with your feet in the water at Assinie, simple camps at Man and near the parks. Book Assinie weekends early.

Etiquette

Greet at length before any conversation, accept the garba or attiéké offered, and ask before photographing. Dress stays casual but neat.

Must-sees

The iconic places

  • Basilica of Yamoussoukro

    Yamoussoukro

    Our Lady of Peace, the largest church in the world, its dome inspired by St Peter's set on the savannah. Outsized and fascinating.

  • Grand-Bassam

    Grand-Bassam

    The former colonial capital, UNESCO-listed: the quartier France with its weathered façades, artisans and a beach at the end of the streets.

  • Abidjan

    Abidjan

    The Plateau skyline on the Ébrié lagoon, St Paul's cathedral and the energy of the Cocody maquis: the economic capital never sleeps.

  • Assinie

    Sud-Comoé

    Between lagoon and ocean, the Abidjanais' chic resort: coconut palms, water sports and sunsets over the channel.

  • Man region

    Man

    The mountains of the West, the Dent de Man, the waterfalls and the liana bridges woven in a single night according to tradition. The country's other face.

  • Taï National Park

    South-West

    The largest primary forest in West Africa, UNESCO: nut-cracking chimpanzees, forest elephants and a canopy full of sound.

Pick a point on the map, or browse the list below.

Also on the map

  • The Plateau : The Abidjan skyline on the lagoon
  • Man : Mountains, waterfalls and liana bridges
  • Korhogo : Senufo country, weavers and painters
  • Comoé Park : The great savannah of the North, UNESCO
  • San Pedro : Cocoa port and wild beaches