This is the only English-language guidebook to focus solely on Ivory Coast, a country of crimson savannas, sublime mountains and cream-hued beaches that is becoming popular for ecotourism and wildlife, surfing and off-the-beaten track travel. Having only recently re-opened for tourism, Ivory Coast is West Africa's hidden treasure. In-depth and comprehensive coverage of everything from chimp-watching and hiking to food and the Ivorian music and dance scene is featured. Packed with vivid descriptions, detailed maps and essential practical advice, Bradt Travel Guide: The Ivory Coast is invaluable to any visitor, whatever your purpose. Wide-ranging information on food and accommodation is given for each region.
Ivory Coast's nature is as alluring as its culture, whether you want to surf off beaches of Assinie, trek through the savannas of the north or scale Mount Tonkoui for panoramic views of Liberia and Guinea. In the Comoé, Taï and Marahoué national parks, it's possible to glimpse leopards, lions, chimpanzees, aardvarks, antelopes and 500 bird species. Bradt Travel Guide: The Ivory Coast includes sections offering advice on hiking and trekking the northern alpine regions and on birdwatching and wildlife-spotting in the various national parks.
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background information
Geography , Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, High commissions, embassies and representatives, Getting there and away, Health, Safety and hassles, Women travellers, Gay travellers, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Abidjan and Around
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Orientation, Tourist information and tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Entertainment, Sports and activities, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Abidjan, Further afield
Chapter 4 The Southeast
Grand-Bassam , Around Bassam, Assinie and around
Chapter 5 The Southwest
Sassandra and around, San-Pedro and around, Parc National de Tai (Tai National Park)
Chapter 6 Central Ivory Coast
Yamoussoukro, Bouake, Around Bouake, Daloa and around , Abengourou
Chapter 7 The Dix-Huit Montagnes and the West
Man, Touba, Around Touba
Chapter 8 The North
Odienne and around, Korhogo, Around Korhogo, Kong, Parc National de la Comoe (Comoe National Park), Bondoukou
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
Tom Sykes has been a travel writer and editor for 10 years. In 2013 he travelled extensively in Ivory Coast and is now a regular contributor of articles about Ivorian culture, history, politics and tourism to the New African and African Courier magazines. Few English-speaking journalists have visited the Ivory Coast in recent years and Tom is regarded as an authority on the country. His fiance is also Ivorian. His work includes research and writing in the Ivory Coast for The London Magazine, New African and African Courier. He has also published travel stories in The Telegraph, The Journalist and numerous in-flight magazines. Tom is the co-editor of five anthologies of travelogues; the first, No Such Thing as a Free Ride? was serialised in The Times and named The Observer's Travel Book of the Month. He is currently Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth and is studying at Goldsmiths, University of London for a PhD on Western travel writing about the developing world.