Northern Savanna Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Northern Savanna, Côte d'Ivoire with our comprehensive travel guide highlighting the best places to visit, hiking trails to explore, activities to do, food and drink, and local culture and customs. We also provide essential information about safety, health, transportation, and logistics.


Introduction to Northern Savanna

Located in the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire, Northern Savanna is a destination that offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. The region is known for its vast savannah plains, dry forests, and a variety of wildlife species. Visitors can explore the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting museums and historical places, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and biking. This travel guide will take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and essential information about Northern Savanna.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Savanna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Savanes - Located in Korhogo, the Museum of Savanes is a center that showcases the cultural history and traditions of the region’s ethnic groups. Visitors can learn about the Indénié Kingdom, which existed from the 17th century until the arrival of French colonizers in the 19th century.

  • Bouna Museum - The Bouna Museum is a cultural center that preserves the history and traditions of the Thakambouli and Pounihin ethnic groups. The museum displays artifacts, sculptures, and masks that represent the cultural heritage of the region.

Natural Attractions of Northern Savanna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve - The Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans across three countries, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia. Visitors can explore the reserve’s unique ecosystem, which is home to a diverse group of flora and fauna, including chimpanzees, leopards, and endangered species like Nimba otter shrew and Nimba white-necked rockfowl.

  • Funcinpec Forest Reserve - The Funcinpec Forest Reserve is a protected area that spans over 3,500 hectares. The reserve has several bird species and is a popular destination for birdwatching. Visitors can also explore the reserve’s trails and waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Savanna

Northern Savanna has several routes that offer scenic views of the region’s landscapes. Some popular hiking and biking spots include:

  • Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve - Visitors can hike through the reserve’s trails and see scenic views of the savannah plains.

  • Lamto Ecological Research Station - The research station has several trails that lead visitors through the reserve’s forests and savannah plains. Visitors can also explore the reserve’s museum, which showcases the ecological research conducted in the region.

Best Things to Do in Northern Savanna: Activities and Tours

  • Attend the N’Gouan festival - The N’Gouan festival is an annual celebration of the Dioula community held in Boundiali. The festival is a colorful event featuring cultural performances, traditional dances, and a parade.

  • Visit the colorful markets - Northern Savanna has several vibrant markets where visitors can buy local handicrafts, fabrics, and foods.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Savanna

Day 1: Arrival in Korhogo - Visit the Museum of Savanes Day 2: Explore Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve Day 3: Visit the Bouna Museum Day 4: Hike the Lamto Ecological Research Station Day 5: Attend the N’Gouan festival in Boundiali Day 6: Visit the markets in Ferkessedougou and Dabakala Day 7: Departure from Northern Savanna

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Savanna

Must-Try Dishes

  • Garba - Garba is a dish made of millet or cassava flour and served with a spicy sauce or soup.

  • Thiéré - Thiéré is a dish made of couscous and served with vegetables, meat, or fish.

Local Beverages

  • Bissap - Bissap is a popular drink made from hibiscus flowers.

  • Tchapalo - Tchapalo is a traditional drink made of corn, millet, or sorghum and is similar to beer.

Where to Stay in Northern Savanna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Savanna has several accommodations ranging from budget to luxurious. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel les Cascades de Man - Located in Man, the hotel has comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

  • Chez Alice - Chez Alice is a guesthouse with cozy rooms and a restaurant that serves local dishes.

What to Buy in Northern Savanna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bogolon fabric - Bogolon is a handwoven fabric with traditional patterns and designs made by the Senufo community.

  • Masks and sculptures - Northern Savanna has several artist communities that produce intricate wooden sculptures and masks.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Savanna

The people of Northern Savanna are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and dress modestly while visiting religious sites. It’s also customary to ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Best Time to Visit Northern Savanna

The best time to visit Northern Savanna is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The temperatures can be high, so visitors should bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Savanna

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly while visiting religious sites.
  • Learn basic French expressions before visiting.

Don’t:

  • Photograph people without asking for permission.
  • Disrespect wildlife or their habitats.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Savanna

Northern Savanna is generally safe for visitors, but visitors should take common precautions like not leaving valuables unattended and keeping an eye on their belongings.

Health in Northern Savanna

Visitors to Northern Savanna should take precautions like using mosquito nets, drinking purified water, and getting the recommended vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Northern Savanna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Savanna

The nearest airport to Northern Savanna is the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan.

Bus Stations Near Northern Savanna

There are several bus stations in Abidjan that offer connections to Northern Savanna, including the Gare Routière Internationale d’Abidjan and Bassam Bus Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a driver to take them to Northern Savanna.

How to Get Around in Northern Savanna

Visitors can explore Northern Savanna by car or by bike. Taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Northern Savanna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sassandra - Sassandra is a beach town located on the Atlantic coast that offers beautiful beaches and watersports.

  • Danane National Park - The Danane National Park is a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, monkeys, and chimpanzees.

Conclusion

Northern Savanna is a destination that offers a unique mix of cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the region’s cultural heritage by visiting museums and historical places and engage in outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Northern Savanna with ease and have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

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