From Abidjan to Colonial Grand Bassam
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Port
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$260
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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
Historic Town of Grand-Bassam
"The first capital of Côte d’Ivoire, the Historic Town of Grand-Bassam, is an example of a late 19th- and early 20th-century colonial town planned with quarters specializing in commerce, administration, housing for Europeans and for Africans. Grand-Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire. It bears witness to the complex social relations between Europeans and Africans, and to the subsequent independence movement."
An hour's drive east of Abidjan is the city of Grand Bassam -- a late 19th-century colonial town.
You will stop for photos at some of the historical sites, such as the old post office, Palais de Justice and Cathédral du Sacré Coeur -- Ivory Coast's oldest cathedral.
Visit Maison des Artistes (House of the Artists). This building is a cooperative of craftsmen selling a beautiful array of paintings, masks, batik and woodwork. The center is doing a good job of preserving the artistic and cultural legacy of Grand Bassam, and you can support their work by purchasing one of the many souvenirs if you wish.
A delicious lunch of traditional Ivorian food is served at one of the great local restaurants.
Don't miss a guided visit to the National Costume Museum, housed in an impressive Colonial-style building. This architectural gem is one of the main attractions in town. Explore their excellent collection of traditional clothing, masks, ornaments, and ethnographic photos for a fascinating insight to the culture and history of the Ivory Coast.
Relax on the return drive to Abidjan.
Please note:
Photographing military or government installations is not allowed in Ivory Coast. The level of guide experience varies in Abidjan due the remoteness of its location. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here, and you are trading breadth of experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties your guide may encounter and with any operational surprises that may crop up. 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. Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is available to wheelchair guests traveling with a collapsible wheelchair, and who are able to make their own way on and off the coach with a companion to assist. 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 (euros), as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.