About
Cycling in Ivory Coast can be pleasant, especially after you’ve when you come from Liberia or Guinea. The country has a large coastline with a lot of relaxing places. For a big part, the jungle has been replaced by many plantations.
Last updated 8 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit
People
The people are friendly and often invite you to their homes or let you stay in schools.
The official language is French. However, it is not spoken by everyone (often outside the cities). There are several local languages such as Mande, Malinké, Darn, Senoufo, Agni and Dioula.
Last updated 18 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Routes
Visa
Only a few African countries can access Cote d'Ivoire without a visa. All other nationalities need to have a visa.
Source: Wikipedia.
Last updated 14 Mar 2021 by Bas IdsingaEdit
Where to get a visa for Cote d'Ivoire (4)
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1. Embassy for Cote d'Ivoire in Liberia (Monrovia)Cote d'Ivoire, MonroviaI had help from a Warmshower host, which might have made the procedure a little smoother. You need to pay in large notes and there is no change. After 3 days… 3- 2. E-visa for Cote d'IvoireOnline visaWe don't have experience with obtaining the e-visa of Cote d'Ivoire. Please update this description if you have recent experience with it. 1
- 3. Embassy for Cote d'Ivoire in Ghana (Accra)Cote d'Ivoire, AccraAccording to a review in iOverlander you have to pay online first, then visit the embassy. There is no information about length of visas. $58 1
- 4. Embassy for Cote d'Ivoire in Sierra Leone (Freetown)Cote d'Ivoire, Freetown3 months, multiple entry, $70 6 months, multiple entry, $120
Border crossings (2)
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See and do (3)
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1. CoastlineSee & doExplore the vibrant and historical coastline by visiting Abidjan, Grand Bassam and Assinie. 1- 2. ManSee & doWatch the stilt dancing or visit the La Cascade – a waterfall. The area appears to be a good hiking place. The roads are rather muddy. 1
- 3. Parc National de TaiSee & doFind refreshment under the rumbling Wli waterfall and explore the mountainous region around the Volta reservoir. It’s a beautiful area with plenty of awesome…
Bike shops (1)
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Sleeping
Staying with locals
Not very common, only big cities offer CS hosts.
(Formal) camping
A great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you.
Ho(s)tels
Most cities have accommodation. Room with fan should be around 5.000 CFA, with AC a bit more. Expect bucket showers.
Wild camping
Possible, but there are lots of people everywhere, so consider asking permission first.
Last updated 4 Sept 2020 by Bas IdsingaEdit
Safety
Generally safe to cycle, be cautious in big cities.
Traffic
The roads are not in best condition, but overall the cars take good caution of cyclists. Sometimes you get scared by big trucks passing by recklessly.
Criminality
Bas: "I haven't experienced criminality, but I'm pretty sure it's around. However, while staying at a Warmshowers host in Abidjan, we regularly went out on the streets, even in the dark. Just be careful and don't look afraid. In the smaller villages there is no criminality, but people like to drink, so try to make some friends who can help you if needed."
Corruption
Bas (2019): "I have not experienced any corruption at border crossings, police checks and embassies or other places."
Nature and animals
There aren't so many wild animals left, especially around places where people live. Mosquitos are your worst enemy. There is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to nature, only some fierce rain can happen occasionally.
Last updated 18 May 2021 by Bas IdsingaEdit
Food and drink
Food in Ivory Coast is cheap and delicious. "Aloco" is sold on the street. This is banana in palm oil with spiced and steamed onions. Grilled fish tastes good with this. Other famous dishes are:
- Foutou or Attieke: Pasta made from boiled cassava jam
- Kedjenou: Chicken dish with vegetables and a mild sauce
On the road you'll find plenty of small open restaurants where they sell omelette on bread, often quite spicy for about 800 CFA. Palm wine and beer are famous drinks.
Last updated 18 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Vaccinations & health
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. It is strongly recommended to take preventive measures against malaria.
Last updated 18 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit
Blogs
Videos
Other
Best cycling time
The best cycling time is from the middle of November to the beginning of May. The climate is tropical, there is a lot of rain, especially in the south. From December, the harmatan rises, which can cause a lot of dust.
Last updated 18 May 2021 by Wereldfietser.nl / Vakantiefietser.beEdit