Our Lady of Peace Basilica Yamoussoukro: Private Tour

Ten hours through Yamoussoukro's basilica, palace and crocodile lake

A private tour of Our Lady of Peace Basilica in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, with a live guide in English or French, hotel pickup, and visits to the presidential palace and sacred crocodile lake. The tour runs 10 to 11 hours and includes bottled water, local food and drink tasting, and all fees and taxes. Transportation is wheelchair accessible and the basilica is fully accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Basilica and local sights

• Enter largest church in the world
• Explore architectural details of Basilica
• View presidential palace and learn history
• Visit sacred crocodile lake
• Try local foods and drinks

The experience

Ten to eleven hours gives you time to move through the basilica's interior without rushing, then see the presidential palace and the sacred crocodile lake before circling back. The basilica itself is the largest church in the world, and the tour walks you through its architectural details and scale. A private guide in English or French narrates the stops and handles the route. Pickup from your hotel is included, so you don't arrange transport separately.

The presidential palace now holds the remains of Ivory Coast's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny. The sacred crocodile lake sits nearby and is believed to protect the palace. You'll see the crocodiles in the water. Between the major sites, the route passes through villages and countryside, giving a sense of the region beyond the capital's center.

A local food and drink tasting is part of the tour. You'll try regional foods and beers at a stop along the way. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. All entrance fees and taxes are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup.
• a live guide in English or French.
• entry to the basilica, presidential palace and crocodile lake.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• local food and drink tasting.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Where Next Africa

Is this one for you?The 10 to 11 hour commitment means you see the basilica's full interior, the palace grounds and the crocodile lake without backtracking: a single arc through Yamoussoukro's main sites in one morning and afternoon, leaving your evening free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

How accessible is the basilica for wheelchair users?

Our Lady of Peace Basilica is fully wheelchair accessible, with all areas and surfaces navigable. Transportation to and from the site is also wheelchair accessible, and the driver can assist with boarding.

What's included in the local food tasting?

The tour includes a complimentary stop to try local Ivorian foods, drinks and beers. Bottled water is provided throughout the day as well.

What is the sacred crocodile lake?

The sacred crocodile lake sits near the presidential palace and is believed to protect it. The tour includes a visit where you can see crocodiles in the water.

Does the tour include time in villages outside Yamoussoukro?

Yes, the route passes through villages and countryside between the main stops, giving you a view of the region beyond the city center.