Hafen
Abidjan

Explore two important Ivory Coast cities both with an African heart and colonial heritage reflected in their architecture on this illuminating coach tour. Delve into Bingerville, capital of the Ivory Coast for 25 years in the early 1900s and named in honor of Louis-Gustave Binger, a French officer and explorer appointed governor of the region in 1893. Notice the city’s prevalent French influence from Boulevard François Mitterrand that connects Abidjan to Bingerville, sitting on a plateau overlooking the lagoon, to French Colonial buildings in various states of restoration. Even though the official language is French, you’ll feel a distinct West African atmosphere in the Combes Museum, which features sculptures depicting the Ivory Coast’s enthralling ceremonies and rituals. View other noteworthy sights such as the governor’s house, now an orphanage, and lush botanical gardens. You’ll pass through Cocody, an upscale residential Abidjan neighborhood that’s also home to the presidential palace and numerous embassies, including the largest United States Embassy in Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Revel in the French-influenced former Ivory Coast capital of Bingerville.
• Experience the Combes Museum, showcasing West African ceremonies and rituals.
• View Abidjan’s Cocody district, site of the largest United States Embassy in Africa.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Behold the natural wonders that await in Banco National Park on a hike through the woodlands and while browsing its arboretum and ecological museum. The park’s resources have been protected since the early 1950s so there is plenty to see within the forest, which blankets much of the area due north of Abidjan. While following the naturalist guide through the landscape of tropical hardwoods – the city’s so-called “green lung” and primary source of water – you will hear fascinating facts about the indigenous plants and animals commonly found there. You may spot monkeys in the trees, deer-like duikers and striking black-and-white African civets. The biodiversity is remarkable, especially for a national park so close to a densely populated metropolis. Hundreds of different plant species thrive in the arboretum, including native teak and shrubbery. You will learn more about the natural world in the museum, giving you plenty to reflect upon after your visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through a heavily wooded national park on the outskirts of Abidjan.
• Be awed by the biodiversity that the naturalist guide will describe in detail.
• Learn more about the park’s biological wealth in the arboretum and ecological museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

VVenture to Grand Bassam, the former colonial capital of the Ivory Coast, tucked between a lagoon and the ocean, on this enlightening coach tour, briefly the French colonial capital of the Côte d’Ivoire in the late 1890s until government administration was transferred to nearby Bingerville. View splendid French Colonial buildings in the Ancien Bassam district during your narrated tour, some restored to their original grandeur, and pass sights such as the colonial governor’s palace. In the fascinating National Costume Museum, browse exhibits of colorful native garb, ceremonial masks and models of traditional houses and gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant history of the Ivory Coast. Wander through one of Grand Bassam’s finest arts and crafts markets with ample time to survey exquisite brass carvings, colorful batik paintings, eye-catching ceramics, intricate wickerwork and finely embroidered scarves in a dazzling display of Ivory Coast artistry.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the colonial buildings of Grand Bassam, briefly the capital of the Ivory Coast in the 1890s.
• Gain a greater understanding of the Ivory Coast through fascinating exhibits at the National Costume Museum.
• Browse Grand Bassam’s finest craft market and appreciate the handiwork of local artisans.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.