A Taste of Ivorian Cuisine & Culture
-
Port
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$249
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Meet your guide at the pier and drive to Le Plateau -- downtown Abidjan. Enjoy the view from your bus and take in some of Le Plateau's most modern architectural buildings, such as St Paul's Cathedral and La Pyramide, designed by the Italian architect Rinaldo Olivier and celebrated as one of Ivory Coast's most impressive structures.
In the district of Cocody, you will visit one of the world-famous dance academies -- Les Guirettes Dance Company. This dance company is one of three founded by Ms Rose Marie Guiraud -- internationally-acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actress, singer, storyteller and teacher who began her professional career at the age of four. You will be treated to a captivating dance show by young artists from diverse backgrounds.
Have lunch at a popular local restaurant, where you can taste many delicious Ivorian dishes. Among these may be poulet braisé (braised chicken) and poisson braisé (braised fish) smothered in onions and tomatoes, served with attiéké (cassava ground into couscous-like grains) and sweet aloco (fried plantains).
Your guide will point out numerous notable houses on a panoramic drive through Cocody. Look out for the presidential palace and the United States Embassy - the largest in Africa.
Cross the beautiful Ébrié Lagoon via the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, built in 2014.
At Centre Artisanal de Abidjan (the Art and Crafts Market), located in the area of Treichville, stroll through the market browsing at the stalls stocked with souvenirs.
Notes:
This tour focuses on giving to the Ivorian community, and there will be a donation ceremony during your visit at Les Guirettes Dance Company, where the tour operator makes a donation on your behalf at no cost to you. Photographing military or government installations is not allowed in Ivory Coast. Local logistics can be challenging; please expect to be flexible. Your understanding is appreciated. Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of the city's charm, and bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter. Your guide will likely have a very strong Ivorian accent. Transportation is basic and falls well short of the standard you will find in many other ports. Participants should be in good physical condition; please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking, as the weather is very hot. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring bottled water and a hat and wear biodegradable sunscreen. Leave all valuables in a safe on board the ship. Bring local currency (CFA), as credit cards are not widely accepted.