Day 1: International flight and arrival in Abidjan
We will arrive in Ivory Coast on an international flight and, after landing, transfer to the hotel to rest.
Day 2: Abidjan–Tiassalé
We will head to Tiassalé in the hopes of spotting hippos. Afterwards, we will visit a cocoa plantation, where we will learn about the entire process — from cultivation to chocolate production — and immerse ourselves in the local culture.
This experience will help us understand why Ivory Coast is one of the world’s leading cocoa exporters.
Day 3: Tiassalé–Yamoussoukro–Daloa
We will set off for Yamoussoukro, the country’s capital, where we will visit the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Peace — one of the largest religious buildings in Africa, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. We will also visit the Presidential Palace and its famous Crocodile Lake, completing a tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Our journey will then continue to Bouaflé, home to the Guro ethnic group, where we will have the chance to witness the Zaouli dance — one of the most striking and spectacular dances in the region, known for the performers’ energy and swift movements.
Days 4 and 5: Man
Our next stop is Man, a mountainous region renowned for its cool climate, lush vegetation, and rich traditions. Here we will search for the masks of the Gueré ethnic group — rare and stunning, known for their devilish style and accompanying raffia costumes.
In Man, we will also attend magical dances, traditional celebrations, explore sacred forests, and witness the ritual of the “snake girls” — a mesmerising event where young dancers perform symbolic choreographies guided by a spiritual leader.
Day 6: Man–Goudefouma–Odienné
As we head westward, we’ll make several stops in small villages to observe their lifestyle and gain insight into their customs. During the journey, we will witness one of the country’s most magical and special dances — the Yacouba stilt bird dance — where performers move on one leg like long-legged birds.
As we venture further into the country’s interior, we will have the opportunity for a unique visit with the Fulani, the largest nomadic ethnic group in Africa. Their fascinating way of life and striking facial decorations are a cultural treasure waiting to be discovered.
Day 7: Odienné–Korhogo
We continue eastward to Niofoin, a village known for its clay granaries and fetish houses — symbols of ancient tradition. In this deeply animist region, the Senoufo people preserve their roots through powerful rituals and masked dances.
We will have the opportunity to visit fetish houses, where ancient rites are still practised, and witness the magical Boloye and Wambele dances. These ceremonies express their worldview, connecting the spiritual and earthly realms through movement, music, and a tradition passed down for generations.
Day 8: Korhogo–Kong
We continue our route to Kong, where we will visit the impressive Kong Mosque — a masterpiece of Sudanese mud architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9: Kong–Bouaké
We will head to the region of the Baoulé ethnic group — one of the most significant in Ivory Coast, representing nearly a quarter of the country’s population.
Here, we will attend the Goli dance, a Baoulé tradition used to pass on community values and customs to younger generations. During the ceremony, dancers perform rapid movements and staff strikes, creating a spectacular performance.
Day 10: Grand-Bassam
We will travel south to Grand-Bassam, one of Ivory Coast’s gems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a colonial capital, it is renowned for its mansions and colonial buildings, which, though now weathered, retain a unique charm.
Day 11: Abidjan and return
After a final stroll through Grand-Bassam, we will return to Abidjan — a city full of contrasts, where we can enjoy its unique energy. From there, we will head to the airport to catch our return flight.
