Sand tracks across the principal island of the Ébrié Lagoon archipelago attached to the commune of Yopougon, running between coconut plantations, lagoon beaches and mangrove edges. The island is roughly 11 km long and 3 km wide and can be reached only by boat, which is what keeps the walking quiet.
Île Boulay is the principal island of the Ébrié Lagoon archipelago attached to the commune of Yopougon, reachable only by boat from jetties in Zone 4 (Marcory) and Yopougon, with crossings taking roughly 20-30 minutes; resorts on the island also run their own scheduled boats from a private dock for guests and day-pass holders. There is no hiking permit required, but the boat crossing itself is a paid, essential part of reaching the trailhead. The island runs about 11 km long by 3 km wide, and the sand tracks used for walking cover 3-8 km depending on the route chosen, on completely flat ground at or barely above lagoon level, so there is no elevation gain and no technical difficulty beyond soft sand underfoot. Paths pass between coconut plantations, lagoon-facing beaches and mangrove edges, with the plantations and open beach stretches offering the most shade-free walking and the mangrove margins the most sheltered. A natural turn-around point is wherever a route reaches the mangrove edge or an open beach, since onward tracks beyond the resort areas become less defined. There is no potable water source away from the island's resorts, and mangrove margins are waterlogged from May to July, which limits walking to the plantation and beach tracks in that period.
| Distance | Sand tracks of 3-8 km depending on the route; the island itself runs about 11 km end to end |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-3 hours of walking, plus the lagoon crossing each way |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | December to February and August to September; mangrove margins are waterlogged from May to July |
| Address | Île Boulay, commune of Yopougon, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Île Boulay, in the Ébrié Lagoon west of Le Plateau; boat access only
What to bring
- Trainers or sandals that cope with sand and wet ground
- 2 litres of water — there is nothing to buy away from the resorts
- Strong insect repellent for the mangrove margins
- Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Cash in XOF for the boat crossing
Location
Île Boulay, commune of Yopougon, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire
5.2960, -4.0790 View on map
Highlights
- Boat-only access keeps the island's beaches and tracks quiet
- Coconut plantations running the length of the island
- Mangrove-edge walking distinct from Abidjan's mainland trails
- Lagoon beaches used for swimming after the walk
Tips for visiting
- Carry cash in XOF for the pirogue crossing, since resorts' private boats are for guests and day-pass holders only
- Bring strong insect repellent for the mangrove margins, where mosquitoes are persistent
- Avoid the mangrove-edge tracks from May to July, when they become waterlogged
- Arrange the return boat time before setting out, since crossings are not continuous
When to visit
December to February and August to September give the driest tracks; visitors should also time the walk around the twice-daily boat schedule.
Accessibility
The island's sand and mud tracks are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and the boat crossing itself requires stepping in and out of a pirogue or speedboat.
Frequently asked questions
How does one reach Île Boulay?
The island is reached only by boat, with pirogue crossings from jetties in Zone 4 (Marcory) and Yopougon taking roughly 20-30 minutes.
Is the walking on the island difficult?
No, the sand tracks are flat throughout, with the main challenge being soft sand and mangrove mud rather than elevation.
What does a boat crossing cost?
A shared pirogue costs from about 5,000 XOF per person, with a private speedboat charter costing considerably more.
Is there anywhere to buy water or food on the island?
Only at the resorts; walkers away from resort areas need to carry their own water and supplies.
When are the mangrove sections passable?
The mangrove margins are waterlogged from May to July, so plantation and beach tracks are the better option in that period.