Things to Do in Ivory Coast

About Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast produces about a third of the world's cocoa, and you can smell it roasting in the air alongside coffee beans and hear talking drums echoing through cities and villages alike. In Abidjan, glass towers climb skyward while craftsmen in rural areas still carve sacred masks using centuries-old methods. The contrast is sharp. The Atlantic coastline runs along golden beaches. Inland, cocoa plantations cover vast stretches of land under hot skies. The misty rainforests of Taï shelter endangered chimpanzees in dense canopy, and the trees here are older than most nations. Grand-Bassam shows off French colonial buildings—reminders of a difficult history. The markets are loud and crowded. Vendors sell everything from fabric to spices, and locals navigate the chaos with ease. Villages operate differently. Master craftsmen work slowly. Their techniques haven't changed in generations, and they won't compromise for speed or profit. The country is rebuilding. You can see it in the construction cranes, the new roads, the investment in infrastructure that wasn't there a decade ago. Progress is real but uneven. Ancient baobab trees dot the landscape. They've stood for centuries. Locals treat them with respect, sometimes reverence, and they anchor communities that have grown up around their massive trunks. People here are welcoming. Language barriers exist but don't stop much. Shared meals and gestures bridge most gaps, and the ubuntu philosophy—we are because we are— plays out in daily interactions.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use registered taxis with meters in Abidjan or negotiate fares beforehand. For intercity travel, book seats with reputable bus companies like UTB or STIF. Avoid traveling at night due to poor road lighting and security concerns outside major cities.

Money: The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the local currency. Credit cards work in upscale hotels and restaurants in Abidjan, but carry cash for markets and rural areas. Exchange money at banks or official bureaux de change for better rates.

Cultural Respect: Greet with handshakes and use both hands when giving or receiving items. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Ask permission before photographing people, and avoid pointing with your index finger – use an open hand instead.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Eat freshly cooked meals from busy local spots where turnover is high. Try national dishes like attieké and grilled fish, but avoid raw vegetables and street vendor salads.

When to Visit

Ivory Coast's tropical climate offers distinct seasons that dramatically affect travel experiences. The dry season (November-March) provides ideal conditions with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F) and minimal rainfall (less than 50mm monthly). This peak season sees hotel prices increase 30-40%, but rewards visitors with perfect beach weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. December through February offers the most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity. The rainy season splits into two periods: April-July experiences heavy downpours (150-400mm monthly) with temperatures around 26-30°C (79-86°F), while September-October brings shorter, intense showers. During rainy months, accommodation costs drop 25-35%, and the landscape transforms into lush green great destination, though some roads become impassable. Major festivals include the Fête du Dipri in Gomon village (April), the lively Festival des Masques in Man (February-March), and Abidjan's FEMUA music festival (March-April). Beach lovers and safari ensoiasts should visit November-March, while budget travelers and photographers seeking dramatic landscapes will appreciate May-June. The brief dry spell in August has a compromise between good weather and moderate prices, perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience both cultural sites and natural attractions without extreme costs or weather challenges.