Heritage, lagoons, wild beaches and forest: our weekend ideas for a change of scene without flying.
No need to go far to recharge. Côte d’Ivoire is full of beautiful places a few hours’ drive from Abidjan. Here are our five favourites.
1. Grand-Bassam, history by the sea
40 minutes from Plateau, the country’s first capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the Quartier France, visit the National Costume Museum, then enjoy grilled fish facing the ocean.
2. Jacqueville, total calm
Since the bridge opened, Jacqueville is 1h15 from Abidjan. Wild beaches, palm trees and small lagoon-side hotels: perfect to unplug.
3. Assinie, lagoon and ocean
Between the Aby lagoon and the Atlantic, Assinie-Mafia is the place for lively weekends: jet-ski, canoe, kayak and beach restaurants. About 1h30 by road.
4. Yamoussoukro, city of grand monuments
2h30 via the northern motorway: the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest churches in the world, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation and the crocodile lake.
5. Banco National Park, a forest in the city
A 3,400-hectare primary forest in the heart of Abidjan. Go early for a cool morning hike. For a real forest adventure, we also organise weekends in the Man region.
Ready to go? We handle transport, accommodation and activities: all you need to do is pack.
