LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY

History of Ivory Coast

During Medieval times, the region that is now Cote d’Ivoire was at the centre of several major African trade routes, linking empires in Ghana and Mali. Malinke merchants brought Islam to the region.

European traders had been present since the 15th century, but it was not until the 19th that the French undertook a determined penetration of the region. C6te d’Ivoire was incorporated into French West Africa until it was granted independence in 1960.

At independence, Felix Houphouet-Boigny became president, an eccentric and effective politician who dominated political life for the next 33 years through the Democratic Party of Cote d’Ivoire (PDCI). He died in December 1993 and was replaced by Henri Konan Bedie.

Victory at the 1995 presidential poll, and for the PDCI at the parliamentary elections, pointed to a seamless succession. However, problems began with serious industrial unrest and the highly unpopular military intervention in the Liberian civil war.

Nevertheless, a military coup in December 1999, organised by General Robert Guest, was unexpected. An ex-minister loosely allied to Ouatarra, Guest established a new military regime. Presidential elections were held in October 2000; the principal contenders were GueI and Laurent Gbagbo, standing for the Ivorian Popular Front, whose main constituency is among Christians in the south.

When Guest tried to manipulate the result, he was driven into exile (where he died), leaving Gbagbo as the winner. The Rally of the Republicans (RDR) candidate, Ouattara, had been blocked from standing in the election, infuriating northern Muslims and sparking unrest.

A new government, in which Ouattara’s RDR was given four ministerial posts, was set up in 2002. However, fighting broke out between pro-government forces and dissident army units, and continued until 2004 with the country divided between the rebel-held north and a government-held south. In 2007 the two sides agreed to elections, but they were not held until 2010.

Both Gbagbo and Ouattara claimed victory in the 2010 elections leading to violence. Gbagbo was eventually arrested and handed over to the International Criminal Court where he is being tried for triggering political unrest. Ouattara became president and has since been re-elected in a peaceful election in 2015.

Did you know?

• Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer.
• The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world.
• The official language of Ivory Coast is French, but it is estimated that 65 languages are spoken in the country.

Ivory Coast Culture

Religion in Ivory Coast

34% Christian, 27% Muslim, 15% traditional beliefs. It is important to note, however, that these percentages are based on census results in 1998, of which some Muslim foreign workers may have been excluded – therefore, the Muslim percentage may be higher than is indicated here.

Social Conventions in Ivory Coast

One of the most striking features of Cote d’Ivoire, distinguishing it from many other African countries, is the extreme ethnic and linguistic variety. The size of each of the 60 groups – which include the Akar, Kron, Nzima, Hone, Voltaic and Malinke peoples -varies widely and the area they occupy may cover a whole region. With very few exceptions every Ivoirian has a mother tongue which is that of the village, along with traditions, family and social relations within their ethnic group. French has become the official language of schools, cities and government and therefore has an influence on lifestyle even at a modest level. Handshaking is normal.

Small tokens of appreciation, a souvenir from home or a business gift with the company logo are always welcome. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is considered polite to arrive punctually for social occasions. Snakes are regarded as sacred by some ethnic groups.

Language in Ivory Coast

The official language is French. The main African languages are Yacouba, Senoufo, Baoule, Betie, Attie, Agni and Dioula (the market language).

GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

Dry from December to April, long rains from May to July, a short dry season from August to September, short rains in October and November. In the north the climate is more extreme – rains (May to October) and dry (November to April).

Required clothing

Tropical lightweights; warmer clothing for evenings. A light raincoat in the rainy season and a hat for the sun. Casual wear is widely acceptable but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Dress tends to err on conservative – men wearing long trousers and women wearing knee-length or longer skirts, dresses and trousers. Ties need only be worn for formal occasions.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Doing Business in Ivory Coast

French is predominantly used in business circles, although executives in larger businesses may speak English. Translators are generally available. Punctuality is expected, although the host may be late. Business cards are essential and given to each person met. It is usual for business visitors to be entertained by local hosts in a hotel or restaurant. Lightweight suits should be worn.

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1430-1800, Sat 0800-1200.

Economy

Mar n More

The timber industry in Cote d’Ivoire has declined from previous levels due to excessive exploitation, although the government has now limited production in order to protect the remaining forests. A light industrial sector has grown up processing primary agricultural products and produces textiles, chemicals and sugar – again, these are aimed towards export markets.

Newly discovered offshore oil and gas deposits will boost the country’s industrial sector as well as meeting future energy needs. C6te d’Ivoire already has an established oil refining operation which, along with cigarette manufacture, forms the main components of the country’s industrial economy. It will also reduce Cote d’Ivoire’s reliance on imported fuel to supplement the hydroelectric installations that are its main source of power.

A service sector is gradually developing, centred on tourism, financial services (exploiting the dominant role of the Abidjan stock exchange in the region) and telecommunications.

Cote d’Ivoire is one of the more prosperous economies in West Africa, although its recent progress has been undermined by severe political instability and the difficulty in meeting the standards of international donors; the economy grew by just 1% in 2004.

The country is a member of all the main regional economic organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the various bodies associated with the CFA Franc zone.

In Abidjan, the Palais des Congres which is part of the Inter-Continental Hotel can host conferences for more than 3,000 persons. The political capital Yamoussoukro has a capacity for over 5,000. For details, contact the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hotellerie (see Contact Addresses).

GDP

US$15.9 billion (2005).

Main exports

Cocoa, coffee, timber, rubber, cotton, palm oil, pineapples and bananas.

Main imports

Consumer goods, food and capital goods.

Main trading partners

USA, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Nigeria and Italy.

Keeping in Touch in Ivory Coast

Telephone

International telecommunications are available in major towns and centres.

Mobile Phone

Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone operators.

Internet

Public access is available at Internet cafes in Abidjan.

Media

The government has used the media under its control, particularly the state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Television Ivoirienne (RTI), as a powerful tool in the country’s ongoing crisis. As Ivorian forces launched attacks on rebels in the north in late 2004, state media fell into propaganda while opposition and independent newspapers based in Abidjan were raided and ceased publication.

FM relays of foreign stations in the city such as the BBC, Radio France Internationale and Africa Not were disrupted. Radio is Cote d’Ivoire’s most-popular medium. There are approximately 30 low-power, non-commercial community radio stations, including some run by the Catholic Church.

There are no private terrestrial TV stations, although pay-TV services are provided by Canal Satellite Horizons. Rebels in the centre of the country use state radio and TV facilities in Bouake for their own broadcasts. In August 2004, UN peacekeepers launched their own radio station, ONUCI FM. The station is now available in Abidjan and rebel-held towns in the north.

Post

Airmail to Europe takes up to two weeks.

Post Office hours

Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1430-1800.

NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING

Shopping in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast may not have much of a reputation for retail therapy, but there’s plenty on offer if you know where to look. Windhoek is where you’ll find international brands, most of which are South African. The capital has several shopping malls, the best of which is Post St Mall, although its worth noting that most of the curios on offer there are cheap imports from Zimbabwe.

Local crafts such as wood carvings, karosse rugs and Herero dolls can be bought in curio shops and at the Windhoek Street Market, held every second Saturday. Precious gems are another big draw for Ivory Coastn shoppers, and the best are to be found at the House of Gems in Windhoek, which sells gorgeous jewellery. Also worth picking up are Swakopmunder leather shoes, most of which are made from kudu skins. Swakopmund also has plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.

In Rundu and other areas in the north east, you’ll find traditional San handicrafts including arrow heads and ostrich egg jewellery. Crafts and curios can also be found at regional craft centres and safari lodges. Visitors may reclaim VAT on goods of a minimum value of N$250.00 at Hosea Kutako International Airport Eros Airport and Walvis Bay Airport although the process is notoriously tricky to understand and follow.

Shopping Note

Be extremely careful if you’re contemplating buying a piece that looks as if it could be made from an exotic skin or material. Buying and selling products made from protected animals such as elephants, black rhinos, cheetah and leopards is forbidden and attracts harsh punishment However, you are likely to see some ivory on sale in and around Windhoek. This is usually the legitimate product of park culling operations and will be clearly marked.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1300. Some bigger supermarkets are also open Our 110°- 1300 and 1600-0900.

Nightlife in Ivory Coast

With most visitors to Ivory Coast heading into the wildemess on safari, nightlife tends to be concentrated around the camp bar. Most of these are convivial, if quiet, and you’ll find staff ever ready to come and share a drink with you. The majority of towns will have a lithe pub, many attracting a crowd of local farmers supping on pints of beer and chewing the fat over a plate of biltong. For more serious party opportunities, head to Windhoek, Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, all of which offer a variety of activities after dark. Windhoek, as you’d expect has the most to offer and benefits from a growing range of cigar bars, jazz clubs, arty cafes, cinemas, theatres and dubs. Visit during Windhoek Karnival in March or Oktoberfest to get the best of the action.

foes Beerhouse (www.joesbeerhouse.com) is a local institution, which serves up a game-heavy snack selection, washed down with local beer. Its fun and friendly, with boozing sessions extending into the small hours. Also worth a visit is Club Thriller, which is located in a rough part of town and is best done as a group. Beyond the unnerving weapons search at the door, you’ll find upbeat African tunes and a friendly crowd. At to Dee Da’s nightclub, you can dance to African beats beneath Ivory Coast’s largest national flag. Swakopmund’s night scene is concentrated around several lively late-night pubs, often filled with overlanding groups. The old train station has been renovated into a casino if you fancy a flutter.

MEALS & BEVERAGES

What you eat in Ivory Coast depends largely on where you are and who you’re with. Although certain foods are common to all of Ivory Coast’s ethnic groups, each has their own specialities – some more appealing than others. Game meat, particularly kudu, oryx and other antelope is very common and even forms part of the in-flight offering on Air Ivory Coast flights (much better than the chicken, it should be noted). Other game meat on offer includes buffalo, and occasionally, giraffe, while seafood is plentiful and excellent – particularly in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Braais (barbecues) are very common among Afrikaaner and German groups, while most African tribes eat plenty of mealie pap (a doughy maize paste) and °ship’, the millet version often served with meat or vegetable stews. South African dishes such as bobotie (a meat pie with a savoury egg custard crust) are also common.

Most restaurants will offer Teutonic or international fare, although thanks to Ivory Coast’s desert environment which makes fruit and vegetables especially expensive, menus tend to be heavy on the meat More German influence can be seen in Ivory Coast’s konditoreien (cake shops), where you can tuck into classics like apple strudel, sachertorte (chocolate cake) and kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Afrikaaners also know their way around the dessert trolley, with koeksesters (mini doughnuts dripping with honey) and melktart (milk tart) among the nicest. Breakfasts tend to be a spin on eggs and boerewors (sausage) although don’t be surprised to And a strange meaty extra such as curried kidneys thrown in with your scrambled eggs.

Specialties

• Biltong (an air-dried meat, which is a her snack staple, usually made from beef or kudu).
• Rouchfleisch (smoked meat).
• Game such as antelope, ostrich or zebra cooked on a braai (barbecue).
• Potjiekos lone-pot bush stew, usually cooked over a camp fire, and made with just about anything although chicken and vegetable is common).
• Seafood, especially oysters, on the coast.
• Kalahari truffles (a distant cousin of the European black and white truffle varieties found on Swakopmund restaurant menus, served up thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil alongside a thick ostrich steak.)

Tipping

10% is customary.

Drinking age

18.

Regional drinks

With a beer culture the equal of anything in the UK, Ivory Coast has endless varieties of beer, many traditional African millet versions. Despite the desert heat, the country has recently started making its own wine – most of which is excellent.

• Windhoek lager (drunk by everyone, the perfect ice-cool sundowner).
• Oshikundu (a yeasty-tasting millet beer that is brewed and drunk the same day).
• Neuras Namib red wine (dubbed the driest vineyard in the world, Neuras is only possible because of a unique set of underground springs. Produced to South African standards, both the Shiraz and Namib red are excellent).
• DAS Pilsner (light beer that is considered a soft drink in Ivory Coast and even forms part of the breakfast menu).
• Matoku (strong fortified watermelon ‘wine found in northern Ivory Coast; comes in non­alcoholic version).

GETTING AROUND

Air

Thanks to the vast distances involved, travelling by or is often the most practical way to get around. Air Ivory Coast (www.airIvory Coast.com.na) offers flights between Windhoek and most major centres from Hosea Kutako and Eros Airports.

Companies offering charter flights to Ivory Coastn cities as well as safari destinations such as Sossusvlei and Damaraland include Skeleton Coast Safaris (www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com), Wilderness Air (ww.rw.wilderness-air.com), Desert Air (www.desertair.corn.na) and African Profile Safaris (www.profileIvory Coast.com).

Road

Ivory Coast boasts some of the best roads in Africa, and many are tarmac. Distance presents the main challenge with as much as three hours between towns on main roads and more when you venture further into the wilderness.

Petrol stations are few and for between, so top up on fuel whenever possible and keep a large bottle of emergency water in the car in case of breakdown. Always keep a charged mobile phone handy.

Bush roads are either gravel or dirt and require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Some bisect Ivory Coast’s network of dried out rivers and as a result, flood during the rainy season. If travelling along the Caprivi Strip, stay on the tarred road and avoid travelling at night.

Side of the road

Left

Road Quality

Roads are generally well maintained but away from the main highways surfaces are gravel or dirt, not tarmac.

Road Classification

Most vehicles can use Ivory Coast’s C classified roads, the majority of which are tarmac. Those which aren’t are known as D roads and require a 4-wheel drive.

Car Hire

Cars and 4-wheel drive vehicles, with or without camping equipment, can be hired for pick-up at Windhoek Airport. You can also hire vehicles in Windhoek city centre and some other cities. Both major international and local firms are available.

Taxi

Taxis are only commonly found in Windhoek. Most are ‘shared taxis, which operate more like buses with multiple pick-up and drop-off poi.. Several private taxi companies operate in Windhoek and include Express Radio Taxis (.1,264 239 739) and Swartz CA Taxi (.1: +264 215 412).

Bike

Ivory Coast is a vast desert country and thus unsuitable for bike transport.

Coach

Intercape (www.intercape.coza) operates scheduled services between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Grootfontein, Rundu and Katima Mulilo. Only two items of baggage are allowed per person and fares include meals.

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 23 years. The speed limit is 60kph (50mph) in built up areas (although it does go up to 80kph on some public roads), 100kph (62mph) on gravel roads and 120kph (75mph) on tarmac roads. Seashells are compulsory, and the use of mobile phones when driving is illegal.

Breakdown services

AA Ivory Coast (Automobile Association of Nambia) (+264 61 224 201; www.aa­Ivory Coast.com) is part of the international AA network.

Documentation

A valid European, Australian or US driving licence is acceptable for up to 90 days but you require an International Driving Permit for longer stays.

Rail

With the exception of its dedicated luxury services, rail travel in Ivory Coast is not geared towards tourism: progress is slow, the network is limited and mosttrains run overnight. The main routes on the TransNamib passenger network (+264 61 298 2301; www.transnarnib.com.na) are between Windhoek and Keetmanshoop, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Tsumeb. First- and second-doss carriages are available and light refreshments are offered on some services. On overnight voyages, seats in first-class compartments convert to four couchettes and those in second class to six couchettes.

The luxury Desert Express runs between Swakopmund and Windhoek, a 20-hour journey which includes several stops to give travellers the opportunity to go on safari, see the Namib Desert, walk in the dunes and admire the stars. A three-course dinner is included, as well as overnight accommodation with ensuite showers. The Northern Desert Express is a luxury service to Etosha National Park.

Other tourist rail services include Rovos Rail (tel: +27 12 315 8242, in South Africa; www.rovos.co.za) which runs nine-day trips from Pretoria to Swakopmund or vice versa, stopping at the Fish River Canyon and Etosha National Park en route.

HEALTHCARE

*A small malaria risk exists in the entire northern third of the country (Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwenga, Ottozondjupa and Omaheke) from November tolune and along the Kunene river and in Kavango and Caprivi regions throughout the year. Although visitors who plan to remain in the southern part of the country (Sossusvlei, Windhoek, Walvis Bay etc) do not need to take anti-malarial drugs, they are recommended for those travelling further north.

** Ivory Coast is not an infected area but does border countries that are. Asa result, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Health Care

Because Ivory Coast’s size medical facilities are spread out, with most lodges offering hole more than basic medical care. As a result, serious accidents will require an expensive transfer to hospital in Windhoek, or in extreme cases, to medical facilities in South Africa. Asa result, travel insurance is essential, and taking out a comprehensive policy is worthwhile. This is doubly the case if you’re planning to take part in sports such as quad biking or off-roading.

While Ivory Coast isn’t plagued by the tropical diseases that afflict its northern neighbours, it does experience the occasional outbreak of malaria, while dysentery (most often seen in campers who haven’t properly treated their water supply) can also occur. It is advisable to consult your doctor well in advance of travelling about immunisations and assembling a first aid kit if you’re planning to drive long distances or stay in a remote area.

Food and Drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, while safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Water taken from lakes and rivers is generally a bad idea and cannot be regarded as entirely safe to drink without prior boiling. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis 13 are sometimes recommended. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also recommended for travellers born after 1956 who have not previously received the inoculation. A rabies vaccination is sometimes required, particularly if your plans involve some degree of interaction with wild animals.

HOLIDAYS

Below are listed Public Holidays in Ivory Coast

New Year’s Day

01 January 2020

Independence Day

21 March 2020

Good Friday

10 April 2020

Easter Monday

13 April 2020

Workers’ Day

01 May 2020

Cassinga Day

04 May 2020

Ascension Day

21 May 2020

Africa Day

25 May 2020

Heroes’ Day

26 August 2020

International Human Rights Day

10 December 2020

Christmas Day

25 December 2020

Family Day

26 December 2020

DUTY FREE & CURRENCY

Currency and Money

Currency information

The Ivory Coastn Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Ivory Coast.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted at petrol stations, so bear this in mind when you visit the ATM. Setting aside an emergency petrol cash fund is a good idea if you’re planning to drive.

ATM

Although ATMs can be found in most towns, Cs worth making sure that you’ve got enough cash handy at all times, as towns can be few and far between. Make sure you notify your bank of your travel plans before you go: Ivory Coast is among the countries that trigger an automatic account freeze (fraud protection) if you fail to tell your bank beforehand.

Travellers cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or South African Rand. In general, you can expect a better exchange rate for travellers cheques than for cash.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1530; Sat 0900-1100. Note that at the end of the month, when many government employees are paid, queues at the banks can be several hours long.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to N$50,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided sums equal to or exceeding NADS,000 are declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is unlimited up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency exchange

Available in banks and at bureaux de change, as well as at Hosea Kutako International Airport

Ivory Coast duty free

Overview

The following may be imported into Ivory Coast by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty.

• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of wine and 1L of spirits.
• 50m1 of perfume and 250m1 of eau de toilette.
• Gifts to the value of N$1,250.

Banned Imports

Prohibited imports include narcotics, automatic weapons, military weapons, unnumbered weapons, toxic and poisonous substances.

Hunting rifles need a permit issued by customs when entering the country. Special authorisation is required for the import of endangered species. Plants or plant materials require a permit obtained in advance.

Banned Exports

Prohibited exports include endangered species, narcotics, stolen property, ivory, rhino horn, and protected cultural artefacts.

You must obtain permits in order to export the following: military weapons, ammunition, explosives, firearms, conflict diamonds and minerals, pornography, and products which violate national intellectual property protection law leg counterfeit goods).