Excursion Banco national park & bingerville gardens tour at Abidjan

Banco National Park

Drive for 45 minutes from Abidjan cruise pier to Banco National Park. On arrival at Banco National Park, start a long/strenuous hike, lasting up to 3 hours in the park on sandy uneven trails/pathways on this hike through the park.

Banco National Park, (Parc National du Banco), lies north of Abidjan, declared a national park in 1953. Banco conserves both flora and fauna in approx. 300 sq km. Tropical hardwood trees occupy most of the park, an arboretum displays trees (teak) and shrubs from all over the country. There is the possibility to see monkeys in the park (but not guaranteed) and keep a lookout for, but rarely seen, duiker, bushbuck, genet and African civet.

Lunch at Maquis Duval Restaurant and Cultural Performance

After the morning hike, depart Banco National Park and drive into Abidjan to enjoy a buffet lunch at Maquis Duval Restaurant with a cultural performance of song and dance during lunch.

Bingerville Gardens

Continue on to Bingerville Gardens and enjoy an easy stroll to discover plants, insects, reptiles, and possible small mammals native to the Ivory Coast. Originally a market town, Bingerville grew as the capital of the French colony from 1909 until 1934. It is named after Louis-Gustave Binger, a former French colonial governor. This garden, dating back to the colonial era, and created in 1904 by the then Governor Angoulvant was initially known as the "governor's garden". Later, as the site was gradually developed, several species of trees and plants from around the world were added. In 1935 it was officially named a Botanic Garden because of its rich flora. Part of the original 70 hectares of the site was used to house the agricultural high school. Home to nearly 300 plant species there are vanilla trees, orchids, opuntia, jasmine, hydrangeas, dahlias and many other "perfume trees/plants". It offers a tranquil break from the city. Stroll down the shady paths meandering through the creaking bamboo clumps to observe different species of trees and flowers.

End the Bingerville Gardens visit with a private Silversea Tree Planting Ceremony. By end of the afternoon, it is time to drive back to Abidjan and to the cruise port to embark the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: 3 hour hike Banco Forest & National Park, Bingerville Gardens, Buffet Lunch Maquis Duval Restaurant, Cultural Performance

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of hiking/walking of approximately 5-6 km 3-3.5 milesand a few steps to negotiate. Thsi tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Guests are advised to ask for permission to take photos of locals. It is not permitted to take photographs of any Military or Government buildings.