Ivory Coast..

Ally · 02-07-2006, 06:07 AM

The Republic of the Ivory Coast, on the south coast of the western bulge of Africa, is bordered to the north by Mali and Burkina Faso, to the east by Ghana, to the south the Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean and to the west by Liberia and Guinea.

Except for the prolongation of the Guinea Highlands in the northwest (from Man to Odienne), with peaks rising to 4000 and 5,000ft, the most part the Ivory Coast is vast plateau, tilted gently towards the Atlantic. It is drained by four major rivers running roughly parallel from north to south, the Cavally (on the Liberian frontier), Sassandra, Bandama and Comoe. They are not of much value for transportation as they are sluggish in the dry season, broken by numerous falls and rapids and subject to torrential flooding in the rains.

There are three main climatic regions, the coast, the forest and the savannah. The greatest rainfall (80 to 120 inches) and the small range of average temperature, 73°F-80°F (23°C to 26.6°C) occur in the coastal region, which has a long dry season from December to April, followed by the great rains in mid May to mid July. The short dry season is from mid-July to October and the little rains in October and November. In the central forest region, rainfall is high (53 to 100 inches), humidity continuous, and the season less clearly marked. The earlier, shorter dry season (November to mid-March) is followed by a short wet season (mid-March to mid-May), a short dry season from mid May to mid July and the great rains for mid July to mid November. Temperatures reach their maximum in the northern savannah at between 90°F-94°F (32°C -24.4°C) minimum is around 14°C (57°F). There is a long wet season from June to October, and the dry season extends six or seven months.

Ally · 02-07-2006, 06:08 AM

Visas are required by all except for nationals from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia, and USA. Passports must be valid for at least least months after your proposed departure date.

We advise you to check the latest visa requirements with your local embassy of representative prior to your departure.

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air: International Flights

Domestic Flights

Air Ivoire operates a domestic service connecting Abidjan, Bouaké, Bouna, Korhogo, Man, Odienné and San Pedro run by
Rail: Trains travel between Abidjan, Bouaké and Ferkesssédougou several times a day and the service is a of the best in Africa.
Public Transport: All the major towns are connected by a good bus and taxi service.
Self Drive / Car Hire:
Ivory Coast Sheet Map The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Ivory Coast - Sheet map (Maps Worldwide)

The majority of the roads are sealed and in good condition. There are very few problems during the heavy rains. Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence and insurance is required.

Ally · 02-07-2006, 06:09 AM

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st Jan New Year's Day
1st May Labour Day
21 May Ascension Day
15th August Assumption Day
1st November All Saint's Day
7th December National Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day

If you need medical care whilst in Ivory Coast, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

(All information courtesy of the Ivory Coast Tourism Board)

Ally · 02-20-2006, 03:13 AM

Images of the Ivory Coast..