FROST Photo Tours
FROST Côte d'Ivoire - Masked Cultures of the Ivory Coast Photo Tour 2025

2 - 13 November 2025 (12 Days/11 Nights)

Limited to only 4–6 guests

Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa

Cultural/Ethnographic

FROST photo tour leader Kirsten Frost

Information

If nations were assessed by the evocative nature of their names, Côte d’Ivoire would rank among the most captivating! FROST Photo Tours is excited to offer a photographic journey through this destination in West Africa where few have had the privilege of documenting! Nestled between Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and the Atlantic Ocean, our Côte d’Ivoire photo tour promises an amazing experience for those who want to leap into the ancient cultures and brilliant masks just waiting be shared.

This photography tour invites you to discover the magic of the ‘Ivory Coast’, where secret mask societies, spiritual ceremonies, and stunning dances merge with modern life. From the moment you land in the bustling city of Abidjan, the FROST team will ensure that you experience the country’s rich cultural expressions—masked rituals, music, and art that tell the stories of entire communities.

As we journey across the country, you’ll photograph architectural wonders, sacred dances like the UNESCO-listed Zaouli dance, and the enigmatic Wambele masks, which symbolize both good and evil. With its variety of ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and performances, this tour will immerse you in experiences that are unforgettable both visually and spiritually. Join us on this Côte d’Ivoire cultural photo tour that will open your eyes to these hidden cultures only a few have seen!

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Day of Arrival

    Your journey begins in the largest city of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, where you will be met by a FROST representative at the airport on arrival. At dinner, we will discuss your upcoming Côte d'Ivoire photo tour and share ideas for inspiration before your adventure officially begins.

  • Day 2-3: Journey to Yamoussoukro

    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!

  • Day 4-6: Travelling to the North

    Start the day with a short flight from Baouke to Korhogo as we venture more north. Enjoy visiting and interacting with local potters and craftspeople of the Sénoufo. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a traditional balafon dance of the Senoufo people to the rhythmic sounds of the drums and balafon instruments. These dances are usually performed for celebrations, during festivals, and at funerals. Be on the lookout for the village’s men who when opportunity arises may perform athletic leaps and somersaults to the music.

    The following day after breakfast we will spend the day exploring a Fulani village, visiting a blacksmith, and learning about shea butter production. The evening brings with it another exciting highlight to this Côte d'Ivoire photography tour, the sacred Panther Dance known as the Boloye. This acrobatic performance is executed by members of the Poro or by young people who are following the initiation path. The dancers wear costumes that are reminiscent of panther fur and with energetic movements dance to the music! We will also visit an ancient 17th century Sudanese-style mosque in the area.

  • Day 7-9: Cultures of the North West

    Continuing our journey to the West, we are travelling to a sacred forest to witness the  mystical Wambele dance. This performance has been specially arranged and is exclusive to FROST Photo Tour guests, one that not many have had the privilege to document. Our day doesn’t end there, as we continue to watch the ritual N’goran fire dance.

    Our circular route also takes us to visit the dozo hunters. This fraternity of men has formed a sacred brotherhood of traditional hunters. They are the guardians of the forest and nature, and rely on a strong moral and ethical code. 

    The last highlights during this part of the tour is the sacred Guere Masks and Liana bridges, a fascinating example of indigenous engineering and traditional craftsmanship made entirely from Liana vines.

  • Day 10: Back to the Coast

    After an exciting week on the road, today we will will explore waterfalls, markets, and scenic spots before a short domestic flight from Man returning back to the coastal region of Abidjan. We will end off our tour at the coastal paradise of Grand Basam bustling with a vibrant art scene. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Day 11: Life in Grand Bassam

    Grand Basam has a vibrant art scene, with street photography opportunities as we enjoy this serene coastal area scattered with palm trees and meet local fishermen going about their day. There's lots to see in Grand Bassam and we'll enjoy exploring the town!

  • Day 12: Day of Departure

    Sadly our Côte d'Ivoire photo tour has come to an end. As we say our goodbyes, you’ll be transferred to the airport before your scheduled flight. 

Ivory Coast Map FROST Photo Tours

Tour Cost

US$12,995 per person based on a small group size limited to 4-6 participants hosted by FROST photo tour leader Kirsten Frost. There is no single supplement charge for this tour.

  • List of Inclusions

    We pride ourselves on offering top-tier travel experiences with extensive lists of inclusions for all our tours to mitigate surprise costs so you can focus on the experience while we handle the rest. This tour includes:

    • All accommodation;
    • 2x Domestic flights: Day 4 and Day 10;
    • Private 4x4 vehicles with AC for the duration of the tour (window seat for each guest);
    • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12;
    • Services of an English-speaking local guide;
    • Bottled water for the duration of the tour;
    • All photographic fees;
    • All entrance fees & photography permits;
    • Gratuities for the local team;
    • Bottled water for the duration of the tour;
    • ✦  $10/day contribution to the FROST Socio-environmental Fund; and
    • Hands-on Photographic tuition by Photo Tour Leader Kirsten Frost.
  • List of Exclusions
    • International flights;
    • Laundry & items of a personal nature;
    • Travel and medical insurance;
    • Any beverages besides water;
    • All statutory increases beyond our control;
    • Any unforeseen tax increases; and
    • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
  • BOOK NOW!

    To confirm your reservation, we require a signed booking form and a 40% deposit of the tour fee.

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Masks of Ivory Coast

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