© Vero Tours, 2014.
Vero Tours
Day 1: Arrival at Ouagadougou Airport
Meet and greet with your local tour guide and transfer to the hotel
(ca. 5 km).
(-/-), Overnight at Ouagadougou
Day 2: Ouagadougou
Begin your trip in Burkina Faso’s bustling capital and visit the huge
mudbrick cathedral and a traditional lost-wax bronze casting workshop.
After lunch, head off to Laongo village, site of a Sculpture Park whose
granite objects have been designed by international artists, and the
adjoining Opera Village, an arts education project initiated by film
director Christoph Schlingensief. In the afternoon, you can purchase
your first souvenirs at the Village Artisanal, where hundreds of artists
display their selection of local arts and crafts (ca. 70 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Ouagadougou
Day 3: Ouagadougou - Nazinga Ranch
After breakfast we take south to Tiebélé, passing through the land of
the Mossi, Burkina’s major ethnic group. The Royal Court and the
adjoining windowless houses of Tiebélé are marvellous examples of
traditional wall decoration done by the Kassena women. After the visit,
we complete our road trip crossing over in the wilder habitat of Nazinga
Ranch, home to buffalos, several species of antelope, warthogs,
primates and a sizable population of elephants. Late afternoon is the
best time to spot the animals and take great shots (ca 245 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Nazinga
Day 4 - Nazinga Ranch - Gaoua
In the morning, you have another opportunity to view elephants and
other wildlife. We then set off to the
pleasant town of Gaoua, centre of
traditional Lobi culture, which we
reach by afternoon (ca 300 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Gaoua
Day 5: Gaoua - Banfora
After breakfast head off to a nearby
Lobi village and visit some fortress-
like mud houses. The Lobi, a largely
animist people, have preserved much of their traditional customs and
religious beliefs. In the village of Kouékouéra, we experience the secret
and sacred world of a féticheur, a traditional healer. A short journey
takes us to the mystical stone ruins of Loropeni, a World Heritage site
since 2009. On a good laterite road, past marvellous savannah
landscape and isolated villages, we finally reach the small town of
Banfora (ca 270 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Banfora
Day 6: Banfora
Another exciting day is ahead of us! Outside Banfora we explore the
awesome cliff formation Dome de Fabédougou and the peaceful
Karfiguela waterfall. In the afternoon, head off to Kribina, a village
known for its basket making traditions. Before returning to our hotel, we
embark on a boat trip on Lake Tangrela, a great location for hippo-
spotting and bird watching (ca 60 km).
B/D), Overnight at Banfora
Day 7: Banfora - Korhogo
Today we reach the border of Cote d’Ivoire. We clear immigrations
before proceeding to the towns of Fessedougou and Korhogo, historic
stronghold of the Senoufo people. Skilled farmers living in tight-knit
communities, the Senoufo hold on to their pre-Islamic animistic beliefs,
and their artisans are well known for their fascinating craftwork. In the
vicinity of the city, we watch woodcarvers, beadmakers, potters and
weavers at work. Attend a traditional mask dance in the evening,
another splendid experience of local cultural heritage (ca 210 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Korhogo
Day 8: Korhogo - Yamoussoukro
After breakfast, we drive south past Bouaké, second-largest Ivorian city
and until recently seat of the rebel government, to the administrative
capital Yamoussoukro. Being the birthplace of former president Félix
Houphouët-Boigny, this small agricultural town became the country’s
capital in 1983 and was rebuilt according to a master plan to glorify the
president and his family and ancestors. Today, Yamoussoukro boasts a
population of more than 250,000 and high-profile vanity projects like the
stunning Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix (bearing a deliberate
resemblance to St. Peter’s Basilica), six-lane highways bordered by
more than 10,000 street lights or the seat of the Félix Houphouët-
Boigny Foundation. On our city tour, we soak up the special
atmosphere of these places - the basilica, the conference halls and the
stunning views over the surrounding urban landscape (ca 320 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Yamoussoukrou
Day 9: Yamoussoukro - Man
Feeling refreshed from a peaceful night’s sleep, we embark on a road
trip to Man, called “city of 18 mountains”, a reference to its scenic
location at the base of lush green hills on the eastern edge of the
Guinea highland. The whole region is rich in traditions, crafts and
natural attractions. After lunch, we make an extended excursion to one
of the country’s largest and last remaining vine bridges near the village
of Lieupleu, where you will be challenged to check the bearing capacity
of liana vines, suspended over the Cavally River. There is a stretch of
cocoa and coffee plantations on the other side (ca 520 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Man.
Day 10: Man
In the morning, visit a waterfall and a sacred forest populated by a
troup of Campbell’s monkeys. According to local tradition, a beautiful
royal princess was once sacrificed to attract spirits of glamour and
vigour to the empire. After her death, the princess turned into a
monkey. Ever since, monkeys have been revered locally. Back in town,
we visit the lively market before we drive out north in the direction of
Touba, a mountainous area inhabited by the Malinké and Dan people.
Few Dan villages still practice the tradition of ritual stilt dances, and we
are lucky to witness another authentic and spectacular dance
performance in which the whole community takes part (ca 200 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Man
Day 11: Man - Taï National Park
After breakfast, follow the Liberian border southwards on a well-
maintained, well-secured
gravel road before
reaching our next
destination, Taï National
Park. At the charming
Ecotel Touraco Lodge
located at the edge of
the forest, you can
retreat to the comfort of
your cabin, take a
refreshing bush shower
or just relax with a book
and the sounds of the
wilderness (ca 280 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Taï
National Park
Day 12: Taï National Park
The national park, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982, covers
an area of 3,300 km2 and is home to forest elephants, forest buffalos,
different species of antelope and the red-listed Pygmy hippopotamus,
olive colobus monkey, leopard, chimpanzee and Jentinck’s duiker.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we head out on a game
walk to track the wild chimpanzees. On well-maintained footpaths, we
wander far into the forest, with a good chance of viewing the chimps -
our closest relatives who share 98.6 percent of the human DNA. Taï is
also a paradise for bird lovers, with several species of Turaco and
hornbills present in the forest.
(B/D), Overnight at Taï National Park
Day 13: Taï National Park - Grand Béréby
Today we leave the expanses of open
grasslands, savannahs and forests
behind and reach the shores of the
Atlantic Ocean. On a good gravel road,
our drive takes us to the fishing village of
Grand Béréby. Perched on a hill
overlooking the magnificent beach of a
calm, protected bay lies our hotel le
Katoum. In the afternoon, embark on a
2-hour mangrove boat trip through a
maze of canals near Grand Béréby (ca
200 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Grand Béréby
Day 14: Grand Béréby - Grand Lahou
We depart Grand Béréby and pass San Pedro on our way to
Sassandra. In the late morning, we embark on a 2-hour hippo-tracking
boat trip on the pristine Sassandra River, flanked by thick gallery forest.
Later in the day, we visit a plant for the production of red palm oil.
Founded by the Portuguese on a river estuary, Sassandra was an
important outlet of timber until the construction of the modern port at
San Pedro. Today Sassandra is a bustling fishing village, with scores of
rainbow-coloured boats lined up on the beach. Before evening, we
reach the seaside village of Grand Lahou (ca 275 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Grand Lahou
Day 15: Grand Lahou
Day with excursions to Assagny National Park and Tiégba. After
breakfast, take on a beautiful boat ride to the mouth of River Bandama,
the country’s largest watercourse. Visit the fishing village of Ancien
Lahou and the Assagny National Park, whose western entrance is only
accessible by waterway. Accompanied by a park ranger, we will set off
for a two hours walk through the forest and savanna reserve, home to
a small population of forest elephants and a large variety of birds. In
the afternoon, visit of Tiégba, a lagoon village built on stilts and
accessible only by pirogue. The village’s 6,000 people are followers of
six religions who live in peaceful co-existence. Attend a dance
performed by the local Ahizy people before returning to our hotel in
Grand Lahou (ca 150 km).
(B/D), Overnight at Grand Lahou
Day 16: Gd. Lahou - Abidjan - Grand Bassam
After breakfast, we depart on a new journey taking us to the economic
capital Abidjan, for a long time the most modern and cosmopolitan city
of the whole region. Close to the city lies the Parc de Banco, serving as
a green lung for the surrounding areas. On a short walk through the
park, we might even spot a rare mona monkey. Passing the famous
skyline of Le Plateau, Abidjan’s financial district, and after a short visit
to the modern, elephant-shaped St. Paul’s Cathedral, we cross the
lagoon into the popular districts and southern outskirts of town. Grand
Bassam, some 20 km east of Abidjan, was the first Ivorian capital
under French rule. Since 2012, it has been enlisted as World Heritage
site as a typical colonial town with separate quarters for commerce,
administration, housing for Europeans and housing for Africans. A local
guide will show you the colonial-era buildings, most of them in different
stages of decay, as well as the Governor’s Palace, now housing the
National Costume Museum. A quite interesting collection of traditional
clothing, models of Ivorian architecture, fascinating old photographs
and a quality selection of masks will provide you a final overview of the
rich culture in the region you just have visited (ca 180 km).
(B/D), overnight at Grand Bassam
Day 17: Grand Bassam - Return flight
Day at leisure to enjoy your hotel, do some final souvenir shopping or
relax on Grand Bassam’s splendid beach. Day rooms are provided until
your transfer to Abidjan Intl. airport.
(B/-), Day-use rooms
•
Ouagadougou: Film and arts capital
•
Tiebélé: Painted mud houses
•
Nazinga Ranch: Elephant viewing
•
Gaoua: Traditional Lobi tribe
•
Banfora: Stunning rock formations
•
Korhogo: Mask dance, handicraft
•
Yamoussoukro: Awesome basilica
•
Man: Vine brigde, stilt dance
•
Taï Ntl. Park: Prime forest, chimps
•
Grand Béréby: Mangrove boat trip
•
Sassandra: Hippo viewing
•
Grand Lahou: Azagny forest
•
Abidjan: Modern city skyline
•
Grand Bassam: Colonial town
Highlights
Travel from Burkina Faso to Ivory Coast on a real African adventure! Follow historic trails from the savannas of the Volta region past cocoa
plantations and tropical forests to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Off limits for many years due to armed conflict, this is a region full of hidden
surprises. Be among the first to discover its last elephants and chimps, authentic villages, stunning coastlines, unique architecture in mud, brick
and steel - and be welcomed by friendly people whereever you go.
BURKINA FASO/CÔTE D’IVOIRE: O U A G A D O U G O U TO A B I D J A N
Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended