Eastern Plantations Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive tour guide to Eastern Plantations, Côte d'Ivoire, to discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, hiking and biking routes, and more.


Introduction to Eastern Plantations

Eastern Plantations is a beautiful region located in the country of Côte d’Ivoire, which lies in West Africa, Africa. This stunning region is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. If you are planning to visit Eastern Plantations, make sure you plan your itinerary well in advance.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Plantations

Here are some of the top places to visit in Eastern Plantations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pays Ashanti Palace Museum: Visit this museum to learn about the Ashanti people’s traditional way of life.
  • National Museum of Abidjan: This museum houses a collection of traditional arts and crafts from all over Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Peace: A beautiful church built in the 1980s by the then-president of Côte d’Ivoire, Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It is the largest church in the world.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Plantations: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Comoé National Park: This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles.
  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve: This reserve offers stunning views, and visitors can hike through the lush green forests.
  • Assinie-Mafia Beach: This beautiful beach is perfect for water sports and offers a relaxing getaway.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Plantations

Eastern Plantations offers several hiking and biking routes for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the top routes include:

  • Mount Nimba Hiking Trail: This trail offers a challenging hike through the lush green forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • La Cascade Waterfall Trail: This trail offers a picturesque hike through the green forests to a beautiful waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Plantations: Activities and Tours

To make the most of your visit to Eastern Plantations, here are some of the best things to do:

  • Visit traditional markets: Visit the local markets to experience the local culture and try out some traditional foods.
  • Take a boat tour: Take a boat tour on the Comoé River for a chance to see the diverse wildlife.
  • Explore the mountains: Explore the mountains on a guided tour for a chance to see the stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Plantations

Here’s a week-long itinerary to get the most out of your visit to Eastern Plantations:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Pays Ashanti Palace Museum, and explore the local market
Day 2 Hike Mount Nimba Trail and enjoy the stunning views
Day 3 Take a boat tour on the Comoé River
Day 4 Relax at Assinie-Mafia Beach
Day 5 Explore the National Museum of Abidjan
Day 6 Visit La Cascade Waterfall for a picturesque hike
Day 7 Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Plantations

Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to try while in Eastern Plantations:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Attiéké: A local dish made with cassava and served with fish, chicken, or vegetables.
  • Garba: A popular dish made with rice, beans, and vegetables.
  • Kedjenou: A delicious stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine: A local alcoholic beverage made from palm trees.
  • Bissap: A cold drink made from hibiscus flowers.
  • Bandji: A refreshing drink made from ginger and sugar.

Where to Stay in Eastern Plantations: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Plantations offers several accommodations for visitors. Here are some popular options:

  • Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire: A luxury hotel offering stunning views of the city.
  • Masai Mara Guesthouse: A cozy hotel located near Poro Mountain.
  • Hotel Etoile Du Sud: A popular hotel located near Assinie-Mafia Beach.

What to Buy in Eastern Plantations: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some local products and souvenirs to bring back home as a reminder of your visit to Eastern Plantations:

  • Wooden Carvings: Hand-carved wooden sculptures and masks make for great souvenirs.
  • Traditional cloth: The region is known for its traditional cloth, which comes in various colorful patterns.
  • Ivory products: Ivory products like bracelets, necklaces, and figurines make for unique souvenirs but ensure they are ethically sourced.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Plantations

The people of Eastern Plantations are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. Respectful behavior towards elders and women is highly valued in the local communities.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Plantations

The best time to visit Eastern Plantations is from November to March, as the weather during this time is pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Plantations

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Eastern Plantations:

Do:

  • Immerse yourself in the local culture: Interact with the locals and learn from them.
  • Be respectful: Be respectful towards the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Respect the local environment by not littering.
  • Be disrespectful: Refrain from making derogatory comments about the people or their customs.
  • Drink tap water: Stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid water-borne diseases.

Safety and Health

When traveling to Eastern Plantations, it is important to take some precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Safety in Eastern Plantations

While Eastern Plantations is generally a safe destination for tourists, it is advisable to stay alert and cautious, especially at night. Travel with a trusted guide, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your belongings safe.

Health in Eastern Plantations

Before traveling to Eastern Plantations, it is advisable to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria.

Getting to Eastern Plantations: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options available to get to Eastern Plantations:

Airports Near Eastern Plantations

  • Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport: Located in Abidjan, the airport is the main gateway to Côte d’Ivoire and serves both domestic and international flights.
  • Bouaké Airport: Located north of Abidjan, the airport serves primarily domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Plantations

Several bus companies operate in the region, connecting Eastern Plantations to other cities in Côte d’Ivoire.

Other Options

Taxis, car rentals, and private transfers are other viable options to get to Eastern Plantations.

How to Get Around in Eastern Plantations

To get around Eastern Plantations, visitors can use shared taxis or hire a private car or taxi. Buses are also available but can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Plantations: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular destinations to visit near Eastern Plantations include:

  • Yamoussoukro: The political capital of the country, known for its impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
  • Grand-Bassam: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial architecture.
  • Abidjan: A bustling city, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Eastern Plantations offers a unique travel experience with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With careful planning, visitors can make the most of their time in this beautiful region. Remember to respect the local customs and traditions and take necessary health and safety precautions.



    Yamoussoukro