TRAVEL TIPS
IVORY COAST
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW The Ivory Coast, or Cote d’Ivoire, is located in
deep religious value, each mask, each dance
West Africa, a must go for anyone visiting the
represents the good versus evil in the fight to
continent. It has an area of 322,462 square
protect his people.
kilometers, it represents 1% of the entire African continent. It borders the following
Their villages are charming and their hotels
countries: Liberia, Republic of Guinea, Mali,
located in the middle of nature are true
Burkina Faso and Ghana.
sanctuaries for those who want to relax and forget about the big city life. The tourists that
The Ivory Coast is in Black Africa, a country
go to the Ivory Coast experience a real journey
with white sand beaches and coconut trees.
to a Tarzan movie. With unspoilt nature, birds
Assinie, Grand-Bereby, Monogaga and
singing and huge reserves where you can see
Sassandra are some of the most beautiful
footprints of buffalos, lions and elephants.
coastal cities of the continent. Ivory Coast, unlike some other African It is a country rich in ethnic groups, with over
countries, is a Multiparty Presidential Republic,
60 different ones, where culture, folklore,
where the president is both chief of state and
dances and traditions are everywhere, in the
government and where there is the Legislature
life of all its inhabitants. Everything has a
that is up to the parliament.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS IVORY COAST
The country’s constitution was established
July is the period of heavy rains in the country,
after the military board led by General
so be cautious. From December to February is
Robert Guei, who organized a referendum
the Hamattan, wind from the Sahara carrying
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
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
tropical in the north coast. There are two main
parties are always full of color and traditional
seasons: hot and wet (June to October) and
music, with many different ethnic groups.
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.
PLANE African airlines offer direct flights from the major European capitals. The international airport of Abidjan is 15 km away from downtown, in Port Bouet.
TRAIN There is a 630 km long railway that goes through the Ivory Coast to its bordered countries. Their prices are very advantageous.
BUS Although their prices are very low, local buses are not very comfortable.
ATTRACTIONS
BOAT The port of Abidjan is a very lively place in
For nature lovers, the Ivory Coast is a
the Ivory Coast, where all the boats arrive
paradise, with many attractions and almost
every day from the major companies around
untouched beaches, where you can enjoy a
the world.
swim in crystal clear water or just lie down
BY LAND The country has a very efficient road system,
and rest under a coconut tree. Sports such as windsurfing and sailing are often practiced at the country’s beaches.
over 55,000 km long. You can rent a car and discover on your own the country’s life and
For those who enjoy fishing, the country’s
culture. But remember that in the rainy season
rivers are perfect, and the country offers great
(May to July) is recommended to get to know
opportunities for hunters.
the country before you travel. 1752 meters high, Mount Nimba is perfect for those who enjoy trekking or mountaineering.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS IVORY COAST
The tourists can also visit the great National
art. Its vegetation is magnificent and the
Parks and Natural fauna and flora. There you
business life is lively.
can see elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, lions and other monkeys in their natural habitat.
Assine - where the best beaches in the east
Considered a treasure for bird lovers, the Ivory
part of the country are. Rent a canoe to
Coast is a paradise.
explore the area and enjoy the great beaches.
In addition to all the possibilities that nature
Grand-laou – it is where Assagny National
offers, you can still go to museums, craft
Park is, a place where you can see birds and
centers, traditional dances and markets full of
elephants in a spectacular landscape. The
color and life.
beach, with huge waves, is perfect for those
SOUTH COAST:
who like to surf.
Characterized by tropical vegetation, colonial
Sassandra - a meeting point for those who
buildings and beautiful beaches.
enjoy water sports.
Abidjan - capital of the country, the city has an
Grand-Bébéry - fishing community where you
architecture that blends modern and traditional
can practice surfing.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS IVORY COAST
MIDDLE COUNTRY:
WEST COAST:
Yamussukro - administrative capital of the
Danané - famous for its bridges and the
Ivory Coast, home to a major university in the
villages around Vine Vatouo andLieupleu.
country. Some of the most important sights are: thePresidential Palace, the Mosque, the
Touba – the highlights are the market and the
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace,Crocodile Lake
traditional dances.
and Marahoué National Park.
NORTH:
Bouaké - home to the Grand Mosque, the
Bondoukou – where the Islamic center is, with
Botanical Gardens, the Museum in a former
more than 40 mosques and tombs decorated
Benedictine monastery and the Market.
with Abrom sculptures.
Katyola - famous for its ceramics, this city
NATIONAL PARKS:
is a real history class. The old huts became
Tai National Park - a community of
stores, where Mangoré women make all
chimpanzees and hippos, is the last primary
kinds of utensils.
forest of Africa.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS IVORY COAST
MarahouĂŠ National Park - situated in the center of the country, here you can see
DINING OUT
crocodiles, buffalo and other animals. A true food of the gods, that is the Ivorian Mount SangbĂŠ National Park - one of the great
cuisine. Really rich and diverse, the food,
natural wonders of the country, including 14
even though it is not very elaborate, has an
hills over a thousand meters high.
excellent quality ingredients.
Etoiles Island Park - with more than 500
The dishes with fish and shellfish, from
hectares, it is located in theLagoon of Abi and
freshwater and saltwater, are greatly
is dedicated to archaeological research.
appreciated. Grilled with sauces made with sesame seeds or nuts, it is served with rice, cassava and corn, It melts in the mouth at
WHERE TO STAY
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
The best places to stay in the Ivory Coast
and cocoa base.
are the major cities, where you can choose between five star hotels to hostels. In Abidjan
The best place to eat a typical meal is the
andYamoussoukro is where the best hotels are.
Treichville region.
With prices ranging from $ 60 to $ 300 three
In cities like Abidjan, there are restaurants
and four stars hotels are highly recommended.
that serve international cuisine, like Italian,
Japanese, Caribbean and others, especially to
STREET MARKETS
please the tourists.
The towns and villages in the Ivory Coast are the places with more life and exotic markets.
Is also a good choice to try the national maize
In addition to low prices, the environment is a
beer, that has a great quality, as well as the
spectacle for tourists from around the world.
coffee that grows in the country. Here you can find everything, from objects made from wood crafts to spectacular jewelry.
SHOPPING
The objects are varied, from carved boxes, traditional musical instruments or furniture. Much appreciated by tourists, they are the
For shopping, the big cities of the Ivory Coast
handicraft by the country’s ethnic groups.
are the place to be. Abidjanand Yamoussoukro
Shades of Dan, the grotesque forms of Ngueré
for being the capital and seat of government
of Beth and statuettes are among the items
institutions are the best cities to buy. Shopping
most sought by visitors.
malls, traditional markets and fashionable boutiques, buy whatever you want.
The pottery of Katyola mostly household objects like vases and tea sets, made by Mangoré women are also highly sought in the markets.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS IVORY COAST
The markets also sell some types of natural products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, nuts and palm oil.
CURRENCY The 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.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
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