Ivory Coast travel guide

Ivory Coast Tourism | Ivory Coast Guide

You're Going to Love Ivory Coast

Tropical but modern, Côte d'Ivoire is a one of a kind destination that manages to remain authentic. A must-visit for nature lovers, this country is also famous for its beach resorts near Assinie.

What to do in Ivory Coast

1. Go to the Beach

Head to Assinie to swim or surf at some of the best beaches in Cote d'Ivoire. It's a popular vacation destination for locals, too, so expect some crowds in the summer and on the weekends.

2. Head to Man for the Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Man are one of the top tourist attractions in Côte d'Ivoire, as are the mountains surrounding the city. Visitors should plan their trip during the rainy season to see the site in its full force.

3. Explore Abidjan

A mix of tropical atmosphere and urban environment, Abidjan is a surprising city. Markets, street food stalls, and contrasting neighborhoods are all part of the appeal of this West African capital.

4. Visit Taï National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rainforest is still not fully explored. Tai National Park is also a popular destination to observe chimpanzees, buffalos, and elephants in the wild.

5. Admire the Basilica in Yamoussoukro

An architectural marvel and an unusual landmark, this church in Yamoussoukro was designed to resemble St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. French stained glass and Italian marble are some of the materials used in this impressive building that's become one of the must-sees in Côte d'Ivoire.

1. Go to the Beach

Head to Assinie to swim or surf at some of the best beaches in Cote d'Ivoire. It's a popular vacation destination for locals, too, so expect some crowds in the summer and on the weekends.

2. Head to Man for the Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Man are one of the top tourist attractions in Côte d'Ivoire, as are the mountains surrounding the city. Visitors should plan their trip during the rainy season to see the site in its full force.

3. Explore Abidjan

A mix of tropical atmosphere and urban environment, Abidjan is a surprising city. Markets, street food stalls, and contrasting neighborhoods are all part of the appeal of this West African capital.

4. Visit Taï National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rainforest is still not fully explored. Tai National Park is also a popular destination to observe chimpanzees, buffalos, and elephants in the wild.

5. Admire the Basilica in Yamoussoukro

An architectural marvel and an unusual landmark, this church in Yamoussoukro was designed to resemble St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. French stained glass and Italian marble are some of the materials used in this impressive building that's become one of the must-sees in Côte d'Ivoire.

When to visit Ivory Coast

The dry season in Côte d'Ivoire is between November and May and it's the best time of year to visit. If traveling exclusively for the beaches in the south, avoid the months of May, June, July, October, and November.

How to Get to Ivory Coast

Entry requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire unless they're nationals from other countries in Africa and some other countries, including Brazil and Austria.

All passengers need a valid certificate of vaccination for yellow fever to enter the country.

Plane

Cote d'Ivoire is served by one international airport only, Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport. There are regular nonstop flights from other African cities and some destinations in Europe.

Passengers traveling from elsewhere in the world should account for at least one layover.

Train

There is a regular train between the city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and the capital city of Côte d'Ivoire. The journey takes close to 30h and a one-way second-class ticket for one passenger costs approximately 30,000 CFA (50 USD).

Bus

Enter by bus in Côte d'Ivoire by taking the regular connection from Accra in Ghana.

Entry requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire unless they're nationals from other countries in Africa and some other countries, including Brazil and Austria.

All passengers need a valid certificate of vaccination for yellow fever to enter the country.

Plane

Cote d'Ivoire is served by one international airport only, Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport. There are regular nonstop flights from other African cities and some destinations in Europe.

Passengers traveling from elsewhere in the world should account for at least one layover.

Train

There is a regular train between the city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and the capital city of Côte d'Ivoire. The journey takes close to 30h and a one-way second-class ticket for one passenger costs approximately 30,000 CFA (50 USD).

Bus

Enter by bus in Côte d'Ivoire by taking the regular connection from Accra in Ghana.

Popular airports in Ivory Coast

Popular airlines serving Ivory Coast

Lufthansa
Good (7,134 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,345 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,833 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,683 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,622 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,926 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,455 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,660 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,811 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,519 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,135 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,309 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (357 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,340 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (788 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (902 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (421 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (510 reviews)
Kenya Airways
Good (284 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Ivory Coast

Hotels are usually more expensive in Abidjan than in the rest of the country. The price paid for a room doesn't always match the comfort level expected when paying a higher rate.

Where to stay in popular areas of Ivory Coast

Most booked hotels in Ivory Coast

Hotel Tiama Abidjan
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
S$ 181+
Pullman Abidjan
5 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
S$ 243+
Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire
5 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
S$ 271+
Radisson Blu Abidjan Airport
5 stars
Good (7.4, Good reviews)
S$ 272+
Seen Hotel Abidjan Plateau
4 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
S$ 138+
Onomo Hotel Abidjan
3 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
S$ 101+

How to Get Around Ivory Coast

Public Transportation

The larger towns and cities are served by a network of minibuses and shared taxis. Although they are scheduled to leave every hour, they don't depart until they're full, so account for some waiting time.

Trains

There are regular train connections every day from Abidjan to Ferkessédougou, operated by Sitarail. A one-way ticket costs approximately 12,000 CFA (20 USD) per person.

Bus

Long-distance buses are operated by local company Sotra and they connect most towns and villages. They are more comfortable than minibuses and shared taxis, and a one-way ticket costs approximately 300 CFA (0.50 USD).

Car

The condition of the roads and traffic in major cities make getting around by car a bit of a challenge. If renting a car, keep in mind that insurance is mandatory, so check the rates with the car rental company before booking.

Public Transportation

The larger towns and cities are served by a network of minibuses and shared taxis. Although they are scheduled to leave every hour, they don't depart until they're full, so account for some waiting time.

Trains

There are regular train connections every day from Abidjan to Ferkessédougou, operated by Sitarail. A one-way ticket costs approximately 12,000 CFA (20 USD) per person.

Bus

Long-distance buses are operated by local company Sotra and they connect most towns and villages. They are more comfortable than minibuses and shared taxis, and a one-way ticket costs approximately 300 CFA (0.50 USD).

Car

The condition of the roads and traffic in major cities make getting around by car a bit of a challenge. If renting a car, keep in mind that insurance is mandatory, so check the rates with the car rental company before booking.

The Cost of Living in Ivory Coast

Larger businesses, such as hotels, accept payments with credit cards. For other payments and businesses, carry cash. ATMs are widely available in the main cities. General groceries, such as milk, bread, and vegetables, can cost approximately 7,000 CFA (12 USD).