After the Abidjan Marathon: A Night in Grand-Bassam

The Route: Abidjan hotel → Grand-Bassam (1 night) → Abidjan hotel Logistics: Book a driver and a room together, and check what the room price includes. Marathon Month: November Duration: 1 night

Abidjan hotel ──(car with luggage)──> Grand-Bassam (1 night)
                                           │
Abidjan hotel <──(car)────── morning walk <┘

The race is on a Sunday, so travel on the Monday and treat the journey as the whole of that day. This is the same destination as the day trip with the travel and the walking separated, which suits legs that have just run 42.2 km. UNESCO lists the Historic Town of Grand-Bassam for its colonial urban layout and its N'zima heritage.

November in Grand-Bassam: the coast is hot and humid, with a good chance of rain in a typical November. Keep the afternoon free and walk in the morning.

Getting There

Travel with your luggage in a car arranged through your hotel. UNESCO gives no journey times, so ask the driver for an estimate from your hotel and agree the price. Check any public transport schedule before you rely on it.

The Night

Choose a guesthouse or hotel through your driver or hotel concierge and ask whether the luggage is kept securely and whether breakfast can be served early before you pay. Compare rates and availability with your driver or hotel.

The Morning Walk

Walk a short section of the historic town with a guide. Check which buildings and museums are open before you set out, because heritage status does not mean interior access. The beach is near, but nothing here says the sea is safe for swimming.

Getting Home

Return to Abidjan by car on the second day and leave slack before any flight. Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is reached most easily by a hotel transfer.