Yamoussoukro day trip from Abidjan: World's largest basilica

The world's largest basilica, a crocodile moat, and the political heart of Côte d'Ivoire in one morning drive from Abidjan.

A full-day tour from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro covers the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (the world's largest basilica), the Foundation for Peace, and the exterior of President Félix Houphouët-Boigny's palace with its crocodile moat. The tour departs Abidjan at 7am, includes a guided tour in English or French, air-conditioned transport and a driver, and returns around 5pm. Lunch at a traditional Ivoirian restaurant is arranged but not included in the price. A guide tip at the Basilica (approximately 10,000–20,000 CFA) is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yamoussoukro Basilica and Palace Tour

• Depart Abidjan at 7:00 AM
• Drive 2.5 hours to Yamoussoukro
• Guided tour of the basilica
• Visit Foundation for Peace
• See outside of presidential palace and crocodile moat
• Eat lunch (optional, not included)
• Return to Abidjan around 2:00 PM
• Arrive in Abidjan approximately 5:00 PM

The experience

How do you fit Yamoussoukro's political and architectural landmarks into a single day from Abidjan? The tour leaves at 7am and drives 2.5 hours inland to the capital, built from scratch in the 1980s. The centerpiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (a modern marvel and the world's largest basilica), where a guide walks you through its history, architecture and construction. You'll also see the Foundation for Peace and view the presidential palace from outside, where the moat holds enormous crocodiles. Yamoussoukro became Côte d'Ivoire's political capital in 1983, and the guide explains why the country moved its seat of power here.

The return drive to Abidjan takes about 2.5 hours, arriving around 5pm. An air-conditioned vehicle and driver are included throughout. You can choose to eat lunch at a traditional Ivoirian restaurant along the way. The meal is arranged but you pay separately. The guide speaks English or French, so you pick the language when you book. If you have your own car, you can book just the tour and guide for a lower rate.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the full day.
• guided tour of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in English or French.
• viewing of the Foundation for Peace and the presidential palace exterior with crocodile moat.
• arrangement of lunch at a traditional Ivoirian restaurant (meal cost separate).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Adjo Josiane Miezan

Is this one for you?The full day, roughly 7am to 5pm, leaves no room for other Abidjan activities, so book this when you can dedicate the entire day to Yamoussoukro. If you want to explore Abidjan itself, this tour will consume your daylight hours.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace like when you arrive?

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is a modern architectural marvel and the world's largest basilica. The guided tour covers its history, architecture, and the secrets of its construction. You'll walk through the interior and learn how it came to be built in Yamoussoukro.

Can you actually see the crocodiles in the presidential palace moat?

Yes, the palace is viewed from outside and the moat holds enormous crocodiles that you can see. The guide points out this iconic feature as part of the tour.

How much time do you spend at each stop?

The itinerary centers on the Basilica guided tour and viewing the Foundation for Peace and the palace exterior. The 2.5-hour drive each way frames the day, with the morning drive arriving around 9:30am and the return departure around 1pm, leaving several hours for the main sites.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is arranged at a traditional Ivoirian restaurant, but the meal cost is separate: approximately 20,000 CFA per person. You can choose to eat there or skip it.

Do I need my own transportation?

No. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the entire day, from pickup in Abidjan through the return. If you have your own car, you can book just the tour and guide separately at a reduced rate.