Abidjan & the Botanical Gardens of Bingerville
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Port
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$309
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Start your day with a walk through the Art and Crafts Market (Centre Artisanal de Abidjan) in Treichville, where you can browse among the wares and practice your haggling skills as you pick up some local souvenirs.
You'll drive across the popular Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, which links the north and south of Abidjan by way of Ébrié Lagoon.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant, where you can try a range of traditional Ivorian dishes.
A panoramic drive through the residential area of Cocody showcases many of Abidjan's wealthy businesspeople, politicians and ambassadors as well as the largest United States Embassy in Africa.
Leaving the city, you'll head east to Bingerville -- named in honor of Louis-Gustave Binger, a French officer and explorer who was appointed governor of the Ivory Coast in 1893. The botanical gardens were created during the Colonial period, though they were originally the gardens Governor Angoulvant's residence. A wonderful guided walk is your chance to learn the history behind the various trees, plants and flowers.
Your next stop is at a boys' orphanage. The orphanage was once the Governor's house, but became a home for boys in 1972 when the capital relocated. Some of the boys will perform a dance show during your visit.
Return to the pier via the city center of Abidjan, through the area of Le Plateau. You'll pass St Paul's Cathedral with marvelous views of the Ébrié Lagoon along the way.
Notes:
This tour focuses on giving to the Ivorian community, and there will be a donation ceremony during your visit to the boys' orphanage, 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.