Côte d’Ivoire is a beautiful nation in West Africa that was formerly known as Ivory Coast. The Côte d’Ivoire territory, or the Ivory Coast, can be defined by its geography and natural resources.
It is a largely undiscovered country and is best known for its beach holidays, especially the luxury resorts of Grand-Bassam and Port Bouet.
Côte d’Ivoire is known for its beautiful beaches, rainforests, resorts, and religious and ethnic harmony.
From grassy mountains, lagoons, and Atlantic coastlines, Côte d’Ivoire is truly nature’s paradise. It is an amazing country to go for hikes.
While exploring the country, you can try the spicy cassava and cashew curries.
The country has its fair share of political instability. However, it still boasts impressive places to visit.
You can also visit several museums and cathedrals when you’re here.
Some of the great places to visit in Côte d’Ivoire are Abidjan, Man, Tai National Park, Jacqueville, San-Pedro, Korhogo and more.
Geography
Côte d’Ivoire is bordered by Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, the Gulf of Guinea to the south, Liberia to the southwest, and guinea to the northwest.
The land of this country recedes from the coast. It has high savanna on its northern half, whereas mountain ranges shape the western region.
Côte d’Ivoires highest point is Mount Nimba (5,748 feet).
The country consists of lagoons, beaches, equatorial forest zone, cultivated forest zone, and savanna.
Climate
Côte d’Ivoire has equatorial and southern savanna climates.
The dry season in this country begins from November to March.
The rainy season in Côte d’Ivoire begins in April and lasts till October. Its annual precipitation ranges from 1,100mm in the northeast and center and 1,500 mm in the northwest.
If you move towards the mountain region farther west, you’ll find no dry season, and the precipitation rate ranges to about 2,000 mm.
Best time to visit Côte d’Ivoire
The best time to visit this land is in the dry season, between November to March. These are the months when the temperatures are bearable warm.
Visiting this country during this season will show you beautiful views of the national parks and wild animals.
Nature and Wildlife
The country’s tropical rainforest houses valuable timber species such as the African mahogany and African teak. Visit the Tai National Park to check out trees that are more than 150 feet high. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The population of wild animals is comparatively lower than in other African countries. However, you’ll find bongo, forest buffalo, dwarf antelope, and an abundant number of forest hogs.
The savanna woodlands in the north are home to ten species of antelope species, lions, leopards, elephants, green monkeys, and 20 species of pigs.
This country is also an excellent place for birdwatching as it houses more than 400 bird species.
Also, visit the Bereby Marine Protection Area to check out coral reefs, rays, sea turtles, and sharks.
People
Côte d’Ivoire has more than 60 ethnic groups. However, due to extensive intermarriage and internal migration, the identity of these groups has been reduced.
The country’s ethnolinguistic composition consists of the maximum percentage of Akans and Gurs followed by Northern Mande, Kru, Southern Mande, and others.
The official language of this Côte d’Ivoire is French; however other languages are also spoken. In addition, the Muslim traders use a trade language called Dyula-Taboussi throughout the country.
