Ivory Coast - OK or still a problem?
 

I'm contemplating going from The Gambia through Senegal, Guinea and into The Ivory Coast to get to Ghana, Togo and Benin. Is this route do-able or is the Ivory Coast still a problem? If OK where would the best/safest entry point be and where could I obtain a Visa?
Many thanks

Rob

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/reznik/

I hope it's not a problem as I'll be there shortly!

The south is 'OK' the north is technically OK but the 'rebels' still seem to have control despite the end of the war & peace declared a few months ago.

If you are coming in from Guinea, I would strongly advise NOT to go via Man, the area is still unstable .. If you're on a bike I'd go down through Liberia (Kissidougou, N'zerekore, Voingama and then to Monrovia) and enter CI via the coast at Harper border crossing)

The north; another matter I can't comment on suffice to say my friend was imprisoned in Bouake in March this year for 48hrs whilst going to Bamako from Abidjan, he was eventually escorted by the rebels to the border.

Visa - if you're in the UK, I've no idea, in France I successfully got one from the CI Consulate in Marseille a few weeks ago, run by a very nice lady from the Antilles (who doesn't mess around but wants all the documents on display!)

When do you plan to go?

Kira

Hi Kira - I should be back in Morocco late next week and then plan to head down to Gambia ASAP so should be middle/end of December when I leave for Guinea

Cheers

Rob

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/reznik/

In that case I would suggest you get a Visa Touristique d'Entente from the CI Embassy in Conakry. Someone got one there last week, it's not possible to pick one up in Dakar etc ... they seem to be 'thin' on the ground but make sure that you have your YF certificate for both Guinea (police barrages) & for the visa. I think you'll be able to get a Liberian visa in Conakry too.

Personally I'd steer clear of Gambia .. it's the pits - major hassle, just ride through it. You'll enjoy Guinea more

When do you think you'll be in CI? I will be there mid-December and again mid-January.

Where are you now?? Any chance I could get a 2kg parcel to you to take to Guinea Bissau? Nothing illegal!

Kira

Hi - sent PM