Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) \” Liana Bridges, Cocoa, and Colonial Legacies \” (West Africa Grand Expedition)

by David Smyth29 August 2025

$Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) \” Liana Bridges, Cocoa, and Colonial Legacies \” (West Africa Grand Expedition)$

Quick Summary
The Ivory Coast leg of the West Africa Grand Expedition covers vine-built liana bridges, Dan and Guere mask dances in Man, rare girls’ juggling rites, cocoa plantations, Yamoussoukro’s Basilica of Peace, Abidjan’s skyline on the Ebrie Lagoon, and Grand Bassam’s preserved colonial town and Costume Museum.
Table of Contents

Introduction
Liana Bridges in the Forest
Dan Masks in Man
Guere Traditions and Jugglers
Yamoussoukro and the Basilica of Peace
Skyscrapers and Logoons in Abidjan
Colonial legacy of Grand Bassam
Travel Summary: Ivory Coast Leg (Days 43 – 48)
Must-visit Places in Invory Coast
Accommodation during a tour of Ivory Coast
Historical and Cultural Facts
Full West Africa Grand Expedition Route

Introduction
The Cote d’Ivoire ( Ivory Coast ) leg of the expedition moves through forest villages, cocoa-producing savannahs, and fast-changing cities. Over six days we encounter tribal mask traditions, liana bridge engineering, and colonial architecture, while visiting both the formal capital Yamoussoukro and the economic hub Abidjan.
FAQ: Is Ivory Coast safe for overland travel?
Yes. With structured routing, local partners, and experienced expedition leaders, travel across Ivory Coast is safe and provides unique access to cultural and historical sites.
Liana Bridges in the Forest
A remote village in western Ivory Coast preserves the tradition of liana bridges, structures made entirely from vines and wood without nails or ropes. Believed to be constructed overnight by spirits, these bridges are restricted to initiates during preparation. We cross one of these unique spans before reaching the town of Man, surrounded by the “18 Mountains.”
FAQ: Can travellers use the liana bridges?
Yes. Once completed, liana bridges are open to visitors and villagers alike. They remain functional for several years and are safe to cross under local guidance.
Dan Masks in Man
Man is the centre for Dan, We, and Guere ethnic groups. Their masks are recognised in African art for their balance and precision. Villages host mask dances accompanied by drumming, with masks acting as spiritual intermediaries. At Man’s market, regional handicrafts and occasionally authentic masks are traded.
FAQ: What makes Dan masks unique?
Dan masks are distinguished by oval shapes, fine carving, and symbolic roles in social order and spiritual mediation. Each mask represents a different function, from justice to initiation rites.
Guere Traditions and Jugglers
By 4×4, we access a remote Guere settlement where foreigners are rarely seen. Guere masks, highly expressive and collected worldwide, perform during village ceremonies. If conditions allow, travellers may also witness the rare girls’ initiation juggling tradition, where painted performers leap acrobatically between dancers.
FAQ: What is the girls’ juggling ceremony?
The girls’ juggling ceremony, performed with faces painted in white kaolin, is part of an initiatory tradition. It is now rare, making any opportunity to witness it exceptional.
Yamoussoukro and the Basilica of Peace
Driving southeast, we cross cocoa and coffee plantations before reaching Yamoussoukro. Here we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest church building on earth, modelled on St Peter’s in Rome. Built in the late 20th century, it dominates wide boulevards lined with government buildings, hotels, and crocodile-filled lakes.
FAQ: Why is Yamoussoukro the capital of Ivory Coast?
In 1983, President Houphouet-Boigny declared his hometown the political capital. However, most government offices and embassies remain in Abidjan.
Skyscrapers and Lagoons in Abidjan
Abidjan is the country’s economic hub, growing vertically along the Ebrie Lagoon. Key sites include the Plateau business district, the port, and Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, built in 1980. Traffic reflects Abidjan’s rapid post-war economic growth, at times reaching 6% GDP annually.
FAQ: What is Abidjan known for?
Abidjan is recognised for its skyscraper skyline, lagoon setting, and status as one of West Africa’s largest ports and commercial centres.
Colonial Legacy of Grand Bassam
Once the colonial capital, Grand Bassam today preserves tree-lined avenues, colonial villas, and the Costume Museum in the former governor’s palace. The museum contains a collection of traditional costumes, masks, and ethnographic photographs. In the evening, we dine at Aboisso’s central square before overnighting locally.
FAQ: Why is Grand Bassam a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Grand Bassam was inscribed in 2012 for its colonial architecture and role as a trading and administrative hub in the French colonial network.
Travel Summary: Ivory Coast Leg (Days 43–48)