IVORY COAST…A Heritage of Tribes, Dances, and Masks
January 27 - February 06, 2026
Led by Tour Lecturer, Mohamed Halouani
Situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire - or Ivory Coast as some may call it, has a fascinating cultural heritage and some of the greatest mask dances in the world. On this overland journey, discover villages that have had little interaction with foreign visitors and spend time with different ethnic tribes such as the talented Baulé, a group known for their unrivaled masks and human sculptures, and the Senoufo another artistic group whose highly prized sculptures were an inspiration for Pablo Picasso’s “African Period.” Notice each tribe’s own style of music when taking part in colorful tribal festivals, rituals, initiations, and amazing mask dances such as the mesmerizing “Dance of Goli Masks” and the energetic Boloy Mask Dance, also known as the “Panther Dance.”
This trip is an exceptional program for those looking to dive deep into African culture with a strong interest in unique mask dances virtually unknown to the western world.
Can be combined with Nigeria Highlights tour (January 18 - January 27, 2026) 25)
Tour Cost Tour Cost (Land Only): $6,495.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $895.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: **-*****
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers.
Accommodation as mentioned from best available to superior 3-5* (twin rooms may not be available at some hotels).
A/C transportation in 4x4 vehicles and minibuses throughout the tour.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, and D: dinner).
Professional English-speaking guide throughout and local guides at various villages.
All activities described in the tour and entrance fees to all sites mentioned unless listed as optional.
Bottled water while on drives.
Escort of a Tour Lecturer (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International air USA - Abidjan - USA
Ivory Coast Visa (currently an e-visa - approx. $90 - subject to change).
Beverages with or without meals.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Gratuity to your tour Lecturer (optional).
Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable, but busy schedule. Roads throughout this part of Africa are often poorly maintained and driving distances are long.
LODGING Level:
**_*****Basic to Deluxe Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to western standards (2 to 5 stars).
Special tour Remarks:
Tourist infrastructure and facilities outside the cities are very limited & often quite primitive. In the more remote areas, hotels will be very basic with poor service, few amenities, and possible equipment failure such as no hot water, broken faucets, clogged drains, etc. Typically, they will be the best in the region.
Participants should understand that this trip involves long drives in hot weather over poorly maintained roads in 4x4 vehicles. The physical shape you are in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of the trip. There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote regions such as sickness and lack of modern medical facilities. If you have any chronic health problems, we recommend considering a different trip. Knowing the nature of traveling to remote areas, all travellers on this tour will require a high level of flexibility, tolerance, and willingness to go with the flow if things change.
By signing up for this tour, you are acknowledging a full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that you are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the tour. There are a lack of modern medical facilities and chronic health problems should be discussed with your physician before joining this tour.
We have the full right to substitute or replace hotels and sites or activities previously described in the itinerary without notice due to possible circumstances beyond our control. It is highly advisable to purchase travel protection insurance for this tour.
