Savanes, Cote d'Ivoire Travel Guide

Discover the untouched wilderness of Savanes in Cote d'Ivoire, where vast savannahs, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage await the adventurous traveler.

Savanes in Cote d'Ivoire is a breathtaking region that offers a stark contrast to the country's coastal and forested areas. This northern part of the country is known for its vast savannah landscapes, majestic baobab trees, and unique wildlife. It's a destination that captivates with its raw, untouched beauty and offers a genuine taste of West African nature. One of the highlights of Savanes is the Komoé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and various species of antelope. The open grasslands and riverine forests create a stunning backdrop for safari adventures, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The region is also rich in cultural heritage. Traditional villages dot the landscape, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the local people and learn about their customs and way of life. The annual festivals and vibrant markets provide a colorful insight into the local culture, making your visit to Savanes not just a visual delight but a cultural immersion as well. For those seeking adventure, the Savanes region offers numerous opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The serene environment and the rhythmic sounds of nature provide a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Savanes.

Visit during the dry season (November to March) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Carry insect repellent and sun protection as the climate can be harsh and insects prevalent.
Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, offering insights into the wildlife and culture.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting villages and participating in festivals.
Ensure you have adequate travel insurance as medical facilities in remote areas can be limited.

Destinations in Savanes

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Comoé National Park

Comoe River

Best restaurants in Savanes

Top-rated picks

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Restaurant Pizzeria Chawarma La Villa

Experience diverse flavors and warm hospitality at Restaurant Pizzeria Chawarma La Villa in Korhogo - where local meets international cuisine.

3.6

La Colombe D'or Plus

Experience authentic Ivorian cuisine with a twist at La Colombe D'or Plus in Korhogo - a culinary delight for every palate.

3.7

Restaurant le Savanna

Experience authentic Ivorian cuisine at Restaurant le Savanna in Korhogo - a delightful dining destination with local flavors.

4.1

MONT BLANC

Experience the fusion of culinary delights and fitness at Mont Blanc in Korhogo – where every meal fuels your adventure.

4.0

Best bars in Savanes

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Maquis Monde arabe

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Maquis Monde arabe, a must-visit bar in the heart of Ferkessédougou.

3.4

Plage Des Stars

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Plage Des Stars, Korhogo's favorite bar for relaxation and entertainment.

3.7

London Bar

Discover the energetic nightlife at London Bar in Korhogo, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and live entertainment.

4.0

Indenié Plus Bar VIP

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Boundiali at Indenié Plus Bar VIP, where local flavors and friendly faces await.

3.0

Best nightclubs in Savanes

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London Bar

Discover the lively spirit of Korhogo at London Bar, where great drinks and vibrant music create the perfect night out.

4.0

SUPER MAQUIS AMBASSADE DU NORD VIP

Discover the energetic nightlife at SUPER MAQUIS AMBASSADE DU NORD VIP, where music and culture collide in an unforgettable party atmosphere.

3.8

Best shops in Savanes

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Cap Sud

Discover vibrant shopping, dining, and culture at Cap Sud, Abidjan's premier mall, offering a unique blend of local and international experiences.

4.2

Sococe Mall

Experience Abidjan's Sococe Mall: A shopping paradise blending local culture and modern retail.

4.1

Grand tchedal market

Experience the vibrant culture of Korhogo at Grand Tchedal Market, a bustling hub of local goods, flavors, and authentic Ivorian life.

3.7

Def Mini Space

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Def Mini Space, Korhogo's premier beer store offering an extensive selection and a lively atmosphere for all.

3.8

Explore Savanes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Savanes, mapped for you.

Savanes Essentials

Savanes is located in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire. The nearest international airport is Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, approximately 600 kilometers away. From Abidjan, you can take a domestic flight to Bouaké Airport and then a bus or taxi to Savanes. Alternatively, you can travel by bus directly from Abidjan to Savanes, which takes around 10 to 12 hours. Renting a car for a road trip is also an option, but be prepared for varying road conditions.
Within Savanes, local transportation options include taxis and minibuses (gbakas). Taxis can be hired for short trips within towns or for longer journeys between towns. Gbaka minibuses are an affordable option for traveling between towns. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a convenient option, but make sure to have an international driver's license. Bicycles are also a great way to explore smaller towns and rural areas.
The official currency in Côte d'Ivoire is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns, but cash is preferred, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling to smaller villages. Ensure you have small denomination notes for everyday transactions.
Savanes is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Some neighborhoods in larger towns may have higher crime rates, so ask locals or your accommodation staff for advice on areas to avoid. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. It's also recommended to use reputable transportation services.
In case of emergency, dial 170 for police assistance and 185 for medical emergencies. Larger towns have medical facilities, but for serious conditions, you may need to travel to a major city. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available in towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing religious activities or sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport as it is considered impolite. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it might be considered rude.
To experience Savanes like a local, visit the vibrant markets where you can buy fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss visiting the natural parks and reserves, such as Comoé National Park, for a chance to see wildlife and enjoy the stunning landscapes. For a unique experience, attend a traditional dance or music performance, which are integral parts of the local culture.

When is the best time to visit Savanes?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Savanes

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Savanes. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [Oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [Wee]
- NoNon
  [Nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [Seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [Ex-kew-zay mwah]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byan. Ay voo?]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kom-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [Ah led!]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [Ah-lay voo zahn!]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees!]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [Ah-peh-lay uhn dok-teur!]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-due]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray ah-she-tay...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde seulement
  [Zhuh ruh-gard seuhl-mahn]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [Say kohm-byen?]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree?]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell uhr eh-teel?]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel eh toon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [Dee uhr eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [Swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [Ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-meh]
- 1Un
  [Uhn]
- 2Deux
  [Duh]
- 3Trois
  [Trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [Kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [Sank]
- 6Six
  [Sees]
- 7Sept
  [Set]
- 8Huit
  [Wheet]
- 9Neuf
  [Nurf]
- 10Dix
  [Dee]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [Oo eh uhn/oon...?]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell eh la-dress?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur la kart)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahn eh luh proh-shan (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Un ticket (pour....)
  [Uhn tee-kay (poor....)]

History of Savanes

Before colonial presence, the Savanes region was part of the ancient kingdoms of the area, most notably the Kong Empire. Founded in the early 18th century by Dyula merchants, the Kong Empire became a significant center for trade and Islamic learning. The town of Kong, with its famous mosque built in the Sudanese architectural style, was a critical hub in trans-Saharan trade routes.
In the late 19th century, French colonial forces began to exert control over the region. By 1898, the Kong Empire fell under French rule, and the area was integrated into French West Africa. The colonial era brought about significant changes, including the introduction of new administrative systems, infrastructure development, and the spread of Christianity alongside Islam.
The people of the Savanes region did not accept colonial rule passively. Various resistance movements and revolts occurred, most notably the Samory Toure-led resistance against French colonization. Samory Toure, a prominent West African leader, fought against the French until his capture in 1898. His legacy is remembered as a symbol of resistance and defiance in the region.
After Cote d'Ivoire gained independence from France in 1960, the Savanes region underwent significant transformations. The government focused on modernizing agriculture, improving infrastructure, and integrating the region more fully into the national economy. The development of roads and schools, along with improvements in healthcare, played a vital role in the region's post-independence growth.
The Savanes region is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous ethnic groups such as the Senoufo, Malinke, and Lobi contributing to its vibrant cultural tapestry. Traditional music, dance, and festivals are integral parts of daily life. One of the most notable festivals is the Poro initiation ceremony of the Senoufo people, which is a rite of passage for young men and involves elaborate rituals and performances.
Today, the Savanes region is known for its blend of historical and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the ancient town of Kong, with its historic mosque and traditional architecture. The region also boasts natural reserves like the Comoé National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and various bird species.