Eau de Jungle | Journey Across Cote d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire may sound like a French perfume, but it’s actually a compact West African gem packed with incredible things to see.

The French named it Côte d’Ivoire back when the area was a major exporter of elephant tusks, and in the 1980s the government politely but firmly insisted the world stick to the French name in every language— for no more “Ivory Coast” on the letterhead, merci.

Today, Côte d’Ivoire is the undisputed cocoa superpower: about 40% of the world’s chocolate begins its journey here. Add coffee, palm oil, and rubber plantations stretching to the horizon, and you get a country that essentially fuels your morning routine and your dessert cravings.

All that agriculture means the countryside is a deep, endless green; take just a short drive around and it feels as if every hillside is auditioning for a screensaver.

Indeed, when it comes to nature, Côte d’Ivoire is exceptionally blessed: over two million hectares of wooded savannahs, dense equatorial forests, granite plateaus, pristine primary rainforest, mangrove systems, expansive beaches, and vast plantations of cocoa, coffee, and bananas.

Culturally, 60 ethnic groups coexist in Côte d’Ivoire, each with their own language, wild dances and initiation ceremonies, and crafts so beautiful you’ll happily blow your souvenir budget.

Yamoussoukro, the planned political capital, offers a surreal contrast to the kinetic energy of economic center Abidjan, its broad, empty avenues lit by endless rows of streetlights and anchored by the immense Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world’s largest church (yes, even larger than St. Peter’s in Rome).

Abidjan, meanwhile, could make most major cities look practically zen, with gleaming skyscrapers, creative chaos, and traffic wilder than Sharjah on a Friday afternoon.

After a few tough decades, Côte d’Ivoire is firmly back on its feet and rolling out the red carpet for visitors again. What was once the wealthiest and most stylish country in West Africa is now eager to remind the world why it’s so special.

So spray on a little of that imaginary perfume and join us for what smells like a great adventure, with hints of cocoa.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Abidjan

Bienvenue en Cote!
Following arrival and immigration formalities, what better way to kick off our trip than on a sweet note? We’ll head to the upmarket area of Cocody for a visit to Chocoladrome, where its friendly owners will lead us through tastings of homegrown cocoa goodies, from banana laced bars and bubbly "chocolate champagne" to pure cocoa butter.

After, we’ll hit the town and see what else this neighborhood has to offer. We’ll have free time to wind down at any number of stylish restaurants and rooftop shisha bars, indulging in panoramas of Abidjan paired with grilled meats or fresh salads while grooving to Afrobeats.

DAY 2 // Yamoussoukro via Tiassale
This morning we’ll hit the road and head up north, with a stop in Tiassalé, a spot by the Bandama River famous for its hippo population.

Next we head to Yamoussoukro, the country’s administrative capital, whose most famous landmark is unmissable to visitors heading into the city. The massive Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix looms over the surrounding area, reminiscent of the famed St. Peter's in Rome – except this church is even bigger, holding the Guinness World Record as the largest church in the world.

After we’ve had our fill of grand architecture and stunning stained glass artwork, we will meet the Baoulé people, known for their sophisticated art (particularly masks and sculptures), and their rich culture linked to ancestors and rituals. We will experience the lively, UNESCO-listed Goli mask dance, with dancers in elaborate masks and outfits pulling off moves the rest of us can try to imitate…though likely at the expense of our dignity. After, we’ll witness master artisans weaving the famed Baoulé cloth, transforming humble cotton into dazzling colors and patterns.

DAY 3 // Man
Today we head west to Man, which welcomes visitors with an impressive sight: eighteen mountains encircle the town, providing a stunning backdrop in every direction. In addition to its natural surroundings, this is a lively center of trade, with rice, cassava, livestock and more changing hands in Man’s markets.

We’ll start with a short hike, crossing a swaying vine bridge and navigating a bamboo forest to make our way to a beautiful waterfall. Late in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to a Yacouba village, where stilt dancers will tower above us with the nonchalance of people who have seemingly never heard of gravity.

DAY 4 // Man
Today we start with a short drive to the trailhead of Mont Tonkpi, at 1,227m. From there, we hit the trail, and once at the top we’ll be rewarded with views covering the city of Man, the rock formation La Dent de Man, and the chain of eighteen mountains. We’ll ascend the 15-storey observation tower, built in 1965 next to a year-round spring.
After returning to the lowlands, we continue to the Sacred Forest of Gbêpleu, guarded by the Dan community, where ritual practices are still performed and masked figures may appear at any time – to the extent photography is not permitted inside the forest.

Day 5 // San Pedro ala plage
It is time to wave the Man goodbye and head south on road that threads through coffee and cocoa country, with a brief pause in Soubré for its lively market and perhaps a plate of freshly grilled fish.

Named after Saint Peter by early Portuguese mariners who adapted the Spanish “San Pedro” into the French “San-Pédro,” the city now reigns as the world’s largest cocoa exporting port, its docks alive with the rhythm of loading ships and the scent of roasted beans drifting on the breeze.

Late afternoon we’ll spend in San Pedro ala plage, where golden sand meets your “when was the last time I swam in Atlantic?” Time for fiery orange at sunset and grand welcome to the coast.

DAY 6 // Grand-Béréby
Just a short distance away is Grand-Béréby, where a traditional wooden pirogue boat awaits to take us on a serene journey along the Néro River through mangroves alive with monkeys. After, we’ll wander the timeless fishermen’s quarter: think painted pirogues resting on the sand, fishermen hauling nets and coiling ropes, and fish grilling over coconut husk fires.

Time slows down in fishermen’s quarter: painted pirogues rest sleeping on the sand, fishermen coil ropes, barracuda turn golden over coconut husks. A simple lobster dinner on a beachfront, at a humble table lit by candles and the first stars.

As night deepens, although the time is measured by tides, its time to turn the constellations. Nighttime belongs to turtles. Watch your step, the leatherback nests here.

Day 7 // Grand Bassam
After a lazy morning, we drive to San-Pédro for a short domestic flight back to Abidjan. Next, we head east to the country’s first capital, Grand-Bassam, where endless palm-lined beaches compete with the UNESCO-listed colonial town for the “best views” award. Cooled by the Atlantic breeze, we’ll explore the city, a living witness to the early ivory and cocoa trades.

Day 8 // Abidjan
Wake up to the call of sandals for a last walk on golden sands.
Its time to get back home and scream: Au revoir Cote, see you soon!

Level of difficulty: Easy
Activities: Trekking, swimming, boating, cultural immersion, encounter of wildlife.
Accommodation & meals: Hotels and lodges - single rooms.
Meals excluded.

Cost: 7,200 AED excl. flights until FEB 09.

Flights:
Excluded from trip budget.
Trip is based on Emirates schedule from DXB: DAY 1 EK-787 - DAY 8 EK-788.

Specifically excluded: Meals, visas.

Visas:
Visa on arrival at Abidjan airport (ABJ) based on a compulsory printed "Approved pre-enrolment" obtained before departure.

See yah at Cote x

Trekkup Crew

Whatsapp 0504848238 / docs@trekkup.com
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