Akwaba! Welcome!
to the land of legendary hospitality
join us on a 10-day immersive trip of a lifetime and embrace a mix of modernity and tradition
NOVEMBER 2-11, 2023
What's Included
- Accommodation (6 nights in Abidjan, 2 nights at Nzi River Lodge, 1 night in Assinie)
- All meals, including Welcome Brunch and Farewell Dinner
- Activities at Nzi River Lodge and Domaine Bini
- City tour of Abidjan
- Entrance fees to sites we visit as a group
- Private air-conditioned transportation between Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Assinie
- Transfers from and to ABJ International Airport
- English-speaking tour guide
What's NOT Included
- Visa fees
- Vaccines
- COVID testing
- Your flight to and from Côte d'Ivoire
- Optional activities not included in the group program
- Taxis/Ubers
- Tips
- Personal souvenir shopping
- Alcoholic beverages
- Mandatory travel insurance
*Subject to change
DAY 1 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2023
After a long flight over the Atlantic, you've finally reached the Motherland.
Akwaba! Welcome to Abidjan!
After you go through customs and baggage claims, our group will meet with our tour guide and head to the hotel.
We will have a light dinner and rest.
DAY 2 - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2023
On our first morning, we'll have our welcome brunch at the hotel where you'll get to taste some of the local delicacies, such as alloco (fried plantains), gbofloto (donuts), and bissap (hibiscus juice).
We'll tour the city, including the business district of the Plateau, also known as "little Paris" to get impressive views of the city from the hilltop of St Paul's Cathedral with its breathtaking glass-stained windows.
We will also stop by the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire to learn more about the history of the country and its people and appreciate the rich archeological finds.
DAY 3 - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2023
Today's highlight is a series of memorable cultural experiences in the coastal town of Grand Bassam.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand-Bassam is the former first colonial capital of Côte d'Ivoire. We'll visit the town center, the Royal Palace of Grand Bassam, the National Museum of Costumes, and participate in a traditional fabric dyeing workshop (Batik).
We'll take part in the Abissa Festival celebrated by the N'zima people as we witness various dance processions of kente-adorned groups led by the transcending rhythm of traditional instruments. This week-long celebration centers around forgiveness and rebirth among the N'zima people.
Beyond its sacred character, the Abissa has now become a popular event and it is an opportunity for Ivorians, as well as for tourists who have come for the occasion, to meet and celebrate the union of peoples.
Côte d'Ivoire has a rich cultural heritage with more than sixty ethnic groups.
DAY 4 - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2023
Get ready for another day of discovery of the rich culture and beauty of Côte d'Ivoire.
We'll head North to Yamoussoukro, the country's political capital.
We'll stop in the Kanga Nianze village at a UNESCO monument honoring the lives of victims of the slave trade.
Once in Yamoussoukro, we'll witness the splendor of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world's largest church.
We'll also visit the residence and foundation of the country's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
We will leave the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to our eco-lodge in the middle of the savanna.
DAY 5 - MONDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2023
You will wake up to the sounds of the nature reserve surrounding your highrise chalet in the exceptional Nzi River Lodge. A champion of ecotourism, the hotel offers safaris and hiking excursions in the bush.
You'll appreciate the beauty of the country's biodiversity and encounter wild animals like buffalos, antelopes, and elephants.
The perfect environment to completely disconnect from the busyness of life and the stress of technology. Trade the tweets with engaging storytelling around the campfire.
The country's biodiversity is a treasure for lovers of ecotourism
DAY 6 - TUESDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2023
As we depart from the Nzi River Lodge, we'll make a quick stop in Bouaké to spend time with traditional weavers. We'll appreciate the intricate art of traditional cloth weaving that has been passed from fathers to sons for centuries.
We'll pass through Yamoussoukro and stop in Tiassale for lunch. We'll visit a cacao farm and understand the process of transformation from cacao pod to chocolate bars.
We'll probably spot a bloat of sacred hippopotami along the Bandama River and then continue our way south to reach the beach town of Assinie.
Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer of Cocoa
DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Today is completely yours to relax on the beach or by the pool.
We'll head to Abidjan towards the end of the day.
Optional: experience the fun and vibrant city of Abidjan by night.
Whether you choose to sip cocktails from the best rooftop restaurants or enjoy a chill evening at a jazz club, Abidjan’s vibrant and renowned nightlife won’t disappoint you.
DAY 8 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2023
It's time to learn how all the delicious dishes you've been eating for the past week are actually made. We'll have an engaging cooking class with an award-winning chef.
Another significant highlight of this trip is the visit to an orphanage to not only spend time with the children but also bring them toys and school supplies.
You can't leave Côte d'Ivoire without souvenirs and the CAVA Market is the place to get the best at the best prices. Make sure you bring at least one checked luggage on this trip so you have enough space for all the masks, jewelry, paintings, and other souvenirs you'll purchase.
@afrofoodie
Indulge in the country's rich and diverse gastronomy
DAY 9 - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Feeling adventurous?
We'll spend the day at Domaine Bini, an eco-friendly park in the woods about 30 miles outside of Abidjan for fun activities like ziplining, educational coconut trees tour, petanque (“French bocce”), and a rejuvenating clay bath.
Enjoy the "10 fingers feast", an assortment of traditional local dishes served on banana leaves and without cutlery.
At the end of the day, we'll have our farewell dinner.
DAY 10 - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023
It's time to say goodbye. After breakfast, the group will be taken to Abidjan's Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport for your flight home.
Come discover a dynamic country with one of the most cosmopolitan city in the continent
Home country of Oliva Yace, 2nd runner Miss World 2021, Côte d'ivoire is Africa's hub of fashion, music, and business.
Accommodation in Bouaké
Eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by lush greenery
Accommodation in Assinie
Luxurious villa-style accommodation at white-sand beach resort
What's Included
- Accommodation (6 nights in Abidjan, 2 nights at Nzi River Lodge, 1 night in Assinie)
- All meals, including Welcome Brunch and Farewell Dinner
- Activities at Nzi River Lodge and Domaine Bini
- City tour of Abidjan
- Entrance fees to sites we visit as a group
- Private air-conditioned transportation between Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and Assinie
- Transfers from and to ABJ International Airport
- English-speaking tour guide
What's NOT Included
- Visa fees
- Vaccines
- COVID testing
- Your flight to and from Côte d'Ivoire
- Optional activities not included in the group program
- Taxis/Ubers
- Tips
- Personal souvenir shopping
- Alcoholic beverages
- Mandatory travel insurance
Is the airfare included?
Airfare is not included in the price. However if you need assistance in booking your flight to Abidjan (ABJ), contact us at bureautourismciusa@ambacidc.org and we will assist you.
Is there a discount for double occupancy?
Yes, you will benefit from an additional discount if you're sharing your room with a guest.
What does the price include?
The price included all accommodation, transportation within Côte d'Ivoire, meals, and group activities on the itinerary. Personal and souvenir shopping, tips, and travel to/from Abidjan are not included.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Yellow fever shot is required for travel to Cote d'Ivoire. At this time, COVID vaccination is no longer required.
What type of hotels are we staying in?
We will be staying at a 5* hotel in Assinie, a 4* hotel in Abidjan, and an eco-lodge in Bouaké.
What is your cancellation policy?
Payments are non-refundable but your booking is transferable and may be used by another participant.
By the end of this trip, you will truly understand our national slogan:
"Abidjan est le plus doux au monde"
[Abidjan is the sweetest in the world]
Terms & Conditions
Participants are required to secure travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances or acts of God. Payments are non-refundable but your booking is transferable and may be used by another participant.
If you need to cancel, please contact us: bureautourismciusa@ambacidc.org
A non-refundable $100 deposit is required to secure your spot. Your deposit will be applied to your total balance.
If you have more questions before you book, just let us know below
240-756-8332
bureautourismciusa@ambacidc.org
Akwaba to the land of hospitality