Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines
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Inspiring images from Ivory Coast, the world’s leading producer of cocoa
Images Getty Images
A plantation owner checks his cacao trees in the south-western village of Godilehiri near Divo
The mature bean pods of the cacao tree are harvested to be used to make chocolate
Sacks of coffee beans in a warehouse in Abidjan. Coffee and cocoa account for 40% of the Ivory Coast’s exports and about 20% of its GDP
A round-up of exciting travel news from Brussels Airlines’ long-haul destination, Ivory Coast
Hotel with a view
Best of Africa
Where is it?
Dagbego, Ivory Coast, tel. +225 34 72 06 06, www.bestofafrica.org
What’s the view?
Each of the 12 bungalows has its own terrace that looks out over the resort’s flower garden and out towards the Atlantic Ocean.
What to expect
Wooden bungalows set in six hectares of landscaped gardens, with thatched roofs, ensuite bathrooms and low-slung divans.
Need to know
The hotel sits on one of the Ivory Coast’s best beaches – it has a freshwater pool and facilities for sea canoeing, body boarding and deep sea fishing. The onsite restaurant’s menu changes daily, featuring classic French dishes like duck a l’orange.
Why go there?
For year round warm waters, and splendid seclusion. If you do get bored of lolling about on the beach, you could visit the old colonial town of Sassandra or take excursions to the nearby cocoa and citrus plantations. There are trips to Gaoulou Island Nature Park and the surrounding mangroves, and tours up Sassandra river to see hippos, crocodiles, monkeys and tropical birds. Outdoor fans can take quad bike rides into the rainforest.
What does it cost?
Rooms from €48 per night.
Insider tips
Ilka Herbinger, director of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, gives us her tips for first timers to the Ivory Coast
Best beach
Along Assinie there are some good hotels. For something a bit wilder, try the beaches along Sassandra and Monogaga.
Best hotel
African Queen Lodge in Assinie.
Don’t miss Banco National Park, a rainforest in the middle of bustling Abidjan, which has an eco-museum attached to it.
Get away from it all.
Head to Tai National Park, near the Liberian border.
Don’t leave without trying Foutou
The local dish of mashed plantain and cassava.
Don’t miss
Ki-Yi Mbock
If you take one cultural trip while you’re on the Ivory Coast, then make it an excursion to village Ki-Yi Mbock. A one-stop shop for Ivorian arts, the commune can count artists like rapper Ben Mpeck and singers Manou Gallo and Dobet Gnahoré amongst its alumini. Graduate and local Leandre Wognin describes the school as a “school of panafrican knowledge, where African heritage, culture and hope come together”. Founded by Cameroonian playwright Werewere Liking (pictured), the village teaches dance, music, writing and sculpture, and pulls in pupils from all over Africa. But tourists are welcome too; the village stages regular shows, including performances by Werewere’s eponymous dance troupe.
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