Basilica Our Lady of Peace

After a 3h30 journey towards Yamoussoukro, our first stop will be at the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix, for a visit to the largest religious building in the world, and the Foundation for Peace. These emblematic monuments were erected under the initiative of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, true father of the nation. During this visit, you will dive into the heart of the history of the first President of the Ivorian Republic and discover his essential role as a former French deputy, his commitment to the non-violent struggle for the independence of the Côte d'Ivoire, as well as his relentless promotion of peace.

Following a lunch break, we will meet traditional Baoulé loincloth weavers established in the village of Gbomizambo, with the intention of introducing you to ancestral manufacturing methods, including testing. On site, you will attend a captivating N'goli masked dance show, emblematic of Baoulé culture and commonly celebrating the transition to adulthood of young people initiated into the ancestral traditions of this civilization.

After a 5-hour transfer, we will reach the town of Korhogo, capital of the Savanes region in the north of the country. The program includes an immersive discovery of the typical "maquis" of the north, during a lunch break. You will have the opportunity to taste dishes in emblematic sauces of the region, as well as grilled meats seasoned with exquisite spices. The day will continue with a visit to the granite breakers of the north, before going to meet local shea butter makers and essential oil producers. This experience will immerse you in the heart of the ancestral manufacturing methods of these two products for cosmetic and medical use, anchored in the local culture. Our adventure will be followed by an immersion in the art of bead making in the village of Kapélé. The objective will be to allow you to create your own unique set, which you can keep as a souvenir of this unforgettable experience.

Mont Korhogo

We will end this day with an ascent of Mount Korhogo, culminating at about 560m above sea level, offering from its summit a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and an enchanting sunset over the savannah.

To start this day, we will visit the traditional village of Niofoin with its traditional African huts, a treasure that is becoming rare these days in Côte d'Ivoire. On site, we will introduce you to the "balafon", a typically Senufo instrument, punctuating a multitude of dances and traditional initiation ceremonies. This will be an opportunity for you to learn to play this relatively simple instrument, emblematic of the region. On the way back to Korhogo for lunch, we will stop at the blacksmiths of Komi, where you can talk with the village elder his sons. Passionate, they will be happy to reveal their ancestral secrets to you.

Korhogo

On the way back, we will enjoy a break and a local buffet at the foot of Mount Gnanbeléké, enjoying the surrounding nature. The more adventurous will also have the opportunity to climb this mountain of about 250m above sea level, before starting the continuation of the route. We will then visit the sacred rocks with animist characters in the region, which will allow you to understand the background of local traditional beliefs. Then continue by meeting the wood sculptors of the Koko district, who will present their magnificent works to you and immerse you in the history of their civilization.

Danse De Panter, Waraniene

We will conclude our program of the day with a visit to the weavers of Waraniéné, where you can learn about their weaving techniques, thus discovering the secrets allowing these different garments, sheets or other bags to maintain a lifespan of several decades. Finally, we will enjoy a demonstration of the panther dance, commonly called “Boloye” in the traditional language, marking the end of the initiatory journey of young Senufo men, as well as their transition to adulthood. With strong sacred symbolism, this show will plunge you into the heart of northern traditions.

2 hour transfer to the city of Kong for an exciting visit to the Grand Mosque, a timeless symbol of the Islamization of the North of the country. Although the date of its construction still remains shrouded in mystery, found writings dating from 1741 already mentioned its existence. In neo-Sudanese style, this architectural wonder has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.

We will continue with a meal and a relaxing afternoon in the heart of the eco-farm of the village of Lokoli, nestled on the banks of the Bandama river. There, a well-deserved moment of relaxation will await you. You will be spoiled for choice between canoe trips on the river, hiking or cycling through the savannah or swimming in the pool or in the river.

On the way to Yamoussoukro, we will make a fascinating stopover with the painters-on-canvas of the village of Fakaha. This village is particularly known for having once hosted a certain Pablo Picasso, who then made a spiritual retreat in the region. The latter contributed to introducing innovative artistic processes, still used until now for the creation of these timeless works, and transmitted from generation to generation. This visit will also be an opportunity for you to leave with one of the most original souvenirs. Exploration of the natural wealth of the region with the discovery of the majestic baobabs, mahogany trees and shea trees typical of the North, with if possible a planned tasting.

Around 1:00 p.m., we will stop in downtown Bouaké for a lunch break. Then, we will go to the potters of Tano Sakassou, emblematic figures of Baoulé craftsmanship. There, we will have the opportunity to take part in an introduction to the ancestral methods of making pottery. During this unusual workshop, you will have the chance to get hands-on and immerse yourself in the legendary stories surrounding the exodus of the Baoulé civilization, led by Queen Abla Pokou.

On the way to Tiassalé, we will make a slight detour to the archaeological park of Ahouakro, with its prehistoric remains such as caves or other stones, testifying to the presence of the first Homo Sapiens established in the region.

Once we arrive in Tiassalé, we will head to the banks of the Bandama River, following its course south to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. There, we will board canoes for an excursion that will allow us to observe the hippopotamuses. These animals being among the most dangerous in the world, our local guide, particularly experienced in the region, will make sure to maintain an adequate safety distance. Then, we will enjoy a well-deserved buffet, worthy of a meal of champions, before embarking on a hike in the heart of the artisanal banana and pepper plantations, which are emblematic of the city. This hike will be accompanied by a pepper tasting session through various exotic blends. We will then conclude this late afternoon with a bathing session in the Tiassalé river, under its unmissable bridge.

The Plateau

During this day, we will begin a discovery tour of the city of Abidjan with a visit to the historic district of the Plateau, in particular the Place de la République, which was the first meeting place between the French settlers and the native Ebrié tribes, marking thus the beginnings of French colonization in the Ivory Coast.

Musee des Civilisations de Cote d’Ivoire

We will then pass by the museum of civilizations of Côte d'Ivoire, which will enlighten you on the different processes of settlement of this territory.

St. Paul's Cathedral

During this discovery tour of Abidjan, we will finally pass by the Cathedral of Saint-Jean du Plateau, before going to a maquis in the city for lunch.

CAVA - Centre Artisanal de la Ville

After our lunch break, we will have the opportunity to visit the Center Artisanal d'Abidjan before returning to our hotel by the sea. This place will offer you a fascinating insight into local art, featuring a variety of artistic objects such as jewelry, clothing, creams and other all-natural cosmetics. It will indeed be a unique opportunity to admire and acquire authentic creations made by the region's most talented artisans.

Grand Bassam

On the program, we will dive into a visit to the "Quartier France", a veritable open-air museum, housing central remains from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, such as the costume museum of Grand-Bassam, the former post and customs office, the courthouse, the craftsmen's village, as well as the French War Memorial which pays tribute to the victims of the yellow fever epidemic which killed two thirds of the settlers present in Bassam in 1899. You will discover a remarkable example of colonial architecture with functional houses with exterior galleries, verandas and gardens that testify to the relations between Europeans and Africans. We will then immerse ourselves in the history of the first movements in favor of independence, initiated by the women's revolt of December 24, 1949, demanding the release of their husbands. Finally, we will conclude this day with idleness facing the sea, in a haven of peace.

Assinie

Free time by the sea. Conducive to meditation, this place offers rest and peace of mind. You will be able to enjoy various water activities, such as surfing on sensational waves and kayaking between the mangroves and on the lagoon. Options available on site: a tree climbing site a surf school Various water activities: jet-skiing, boat driving, water-skiing and tubing.

Travelers whose return flight is scheduled for earlier in the morning will be transferred at the appropriate time (ex: between 00:00 and 6:00 AM). For visitors with a later return flight, the offer includes pick-up until 6 p.m. (6:00 PM), when they will be dropped off at FHB airport in Abidjan. On the other hand, visitors with deferred return dates, due to special reservations, will be dropped off at the hotel of their choice between Assinie and Abidjan.