After a restful evening in the city, we will depart after breakfast, and enjoy a scenic drive through lush regions, stopping to taste local fruits, until ultimately reaching Yamoussoukro. Before the festivities of the afternoon, it is customary to meet the village chief and share a welcome drink. We will witness the renowned Zaouli tribal dance in the village square, which has been inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A homage to feminine beauty, Zaouli is inspired by two masks: the Blou and the Djela. The overall performance is a combination of the mask, the costume, the music and the dance itself. This performance is definitely a highlight of this Côte d'Ivoire photo tour! Another highlight in Yamoussoukro is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, listed as the largest church in the world.
On route to Bouaké we will visit local artisans, and by the afternoon get ready to watch a traditional Goli dance performance of the Baoulé masks. These dances are usually performed for village entertainment, as well as at funerals of elders, and four mask types will appear during these dance rituals, so have your camera ready to document this very lively expression of local tradition!