Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a country located on the south coast of West Africa. Most Western governments recommend that their citizens steer clear of Côte d’Ivoire. This should be taken particularly seriously by people who are not travelling on French passports.
*Yamoussoukro – It is a large grid of paved streets and lights with almost nothing at all in between them. *Abidjan is the biggest and most important city. *Grand-Bassam (map) – Filled to the brim with French colonial charm. On the south side of the Ébrié Lagoon is Ancien Bassam, the old French town where most of the colonial buildings and attractions are located.
*Yamoussoukro • *Abidjan
+ More info > Wikipedia • Wikivoyage • UNESCO
Intercity travel in Côte d’Ivoire is usually more comfortable than travel in neighbouring West African countries. The roads are generally in good condition and the bus service is relatively modern. The downside is the very frequent military checkpoints which add hours to a trip. Though the stops are a hassle, Ivorian soldiers tend to be quite professional and don’t hassle non-French Western travellers. Soldiers in Ghana, for example, are much more likely to demand a bribe than in Côte d’Ivoire.
Most Western governments recommend that their citizens steer clear of Côte d’Ivoire. This should be taken particularly seriously by people who are not travelling on French passports. An Ivorian soldier’s attitude towards you will change very quickly when and if you explain that you are not French.
Travelling around Abidjan is easiest when you have your own vehicle. The roads are very good and the traffic rules are obeyed to the T, except some taxi drivers who steer everywhere on the road. Lane discipline and traffic lights are followed with rigour.