Overnight stay at Hotel La Taverne Bassamoise or similar.
Our day kicks off with a tour of tour of this historic city. Wander through its streets adorned with colonial architecture, capturing the essence of Ivory Coast's past capital. Enjoy the sunset on the beach or opt for a serene canoe ride along the lagoon.
Overnight stay at Hotel La Taverne Bassamoise.
Today, we embark on a scenic drive to Yamoussoukro (3.5 hours), the capital of Ivory Coast. Upon arrival, we'll marvel at the grandeur of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest basilica globally, consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation, renowned for its architectural splendor. We'll also have the opportunity to observe Nile crocodiles residing in the lake surrounding the presidential palace, some reaching astonishing sizes of up to one ton and 6 meters in length. With luck on our side, we may witness their feeding rituals, featuring live chickens.
Overnight stay at Hotel Sephora (Bouaflé).
Following breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to a village where the Gourou ethnic group will enchant us with the mesmerizing Zaouli dance—a truly enchanting spectacle. After that, our journey continues towards Man, with a stop in Bangolo, where we will attend the performance of the acrobat girls called Snake Dance, from the Guéré people. We will continue the drive to Man,the capital of the picturesque 18 Mountains District. Man is nestled in breathtaking surroundings and is renowned as the ancestral homeland of the Dan people.
Overnight stay at Hotel Beau Séjour
In the morning, we'll immerse ourselves in the artistry of mask carving at a local gallery and visit the forest of the sacred monkeys, believed to be ancestral spirits that transformed into primates to evade persecution by Samoury Touré. After this, we will go to a Dan village, where age-old animistic traditions still thrive. We start with an audience with the village chieftain, seeking permission to explore and capture the essence of village life through photography. Subsequently, the village community will come together for the captivating Stilt dance and ceremonial mask rituals.
Overnight Stay at Hotel Dan - Sé (Touba).
In the morning, we will start our drive to Boundiali (around 4 hours) where we will visit an ancient mosque. Then, we will attend the N’Goro dance, performed by young girls as an initiation rite.
Overnight stay at Hotel Iman’s in Boundiali
We will start the day with a visit to a Fulani settlement. The Fulani are an ethnic group known for their nomadic lifestyle in the Sahel region. Some groups from Mali and Niger have relocated to Ivory Coast and established settlements. After this cultural immersion, we will drive for 1:30 hours to Korhogo, where we’ll visit the jewellery makers, who skillfully utilize tree leaves to create vibrant hues. Next, we venture to a neighboring village renowned for its time-honored craft of Ivorian fabric weaving, while anticipating a mesmerizing performance of the Panther Dance by the Sénoufo ethnic group.
Overnight Stay at Hotel Printemps Mont Korhogo
Our day unfolds with a visit to yet another village, where traditional metalworkers demonstrate their inherited craftsmanship—an art passed down through generations. Guided by animist beliefs, the community's witch doctors conduct rituals and sacrifices to honor their deities. En route to the Shea Butter Women’s Cooperative, we pause at a "balafon" workshop, offering insights into the creation of this iconic West African instrument. We will continue to the artisans neighborhood and visit different workshops where they carve masks. To finish the day, we will visit the Shea Butter Women’s Cooperative and witness the remarkable process as these resilient women craft this butter brimming with beneficial properties.
Overnight Stay at Hotel Printemps Mont Korhogo
Embark on a 3.5-hour drive to Bouaké and immerse yourself in a Baoulé village experience featuring the famed Goli mask. Explore pottery-making traditions in Bouaké before delving into the culture of a Baoulé village and meeting its chief. Then, witness the captivating tradition of the Goli mask.
Overnight stay at Hotel Les Oliviers in Bouaké.
Depart for Abidjan, a 4.5-hour drive, and delve into its iconic landmarks: Plateau, La Pyramide, Museum of the Civilisations of Ivory Coast, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Hôtel Ivoire. Later, around 8 pm, we'll transport you to the airport (a 45-minute drive) for your midnight flight back home.
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