Bingerville lies 10-20 km east of Plateau within the Abidjan Autonomous District, a 30-60 minute ride by woro-woro, gbaka or taxi compteur from Cocody or Adjamé. The town served as Côte d'Ivoire's first colonial capital before Abidjan, and its centerpiece is the Jardin Botanique de Bingerville, a colonial-era botanical garden with shaded paths through tropical tree species overlooking the Ébrié Lagoon. Nearby stand the former Governor's Palace and other early administrative buildings, and the town is also known for pottery and craft workshops tied to its old orphanage art school tradition. A half-day visit typically covers a morning walk through the botanical garden while temperatures are still cool, followed by a look at the historic administrative quarter and a stop at the pottery workshops for handmade souvenirs, with lunch available at a local maquis before the short trip back to Abidjan. The dry season from November to March gives the most comfortable walking conditions in the garden's shaded paths, and a weekday morning visit avoids both midday heat and weekend crowds.
| Distance | 10-20 km east of Plateau |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30-60 minutes depending on traffic |
| Getting there | Woro-woro or gbaka from Adjamé or Cocody; taxi compteur |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bingerville, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire |
How to get there
- Taxi compteur or ride-hail (Yango) from Plateau/Cocody - approx. 3,000-5,000 XOF ($5-$9), 30-45 minutes
- Woro-woro (shared taxi) or gbaka from Cocody or Adjamé - approx. 300-500 XOF ($0.55-$0.90), 45-60 minutes
- Self-drive via the Bingerville road east of Cocody
Location
Bingerville, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire
5.3559, -3.8894 View on map
Highlights
- Jardin Botanique de Bingerville, Abidjan's colonial-era botanical garden
- Former Governor's Palace from Côte d'Ivoire's first colonial capital
- Bingerville pottery and craft workshops
- Shaded walking paths among tropical tree species
- Views over the Ébrié Lagoon
Tips for visiting
- Take a woro-woro or gbaka from Cocody for the cheapest way in, or a taxi compteur for a direct ride
- Visit in the morning when the botanical garden is coolest and quietest
- A small entrance fee applies at the botanical garden; bring cash in XOF
- Combine with a stop at the pottery workshops for handmade souvenirs
When to visit
Best visited on a weekday morning between November and March, when temperatures are milder for walking the garden's shaded paths.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bingerville from central Abidjan?
About 10-20 km east of Plateau, roughly 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the botanical garden known for?
A colonial-era garden dating to the early 1900s, with tropical tree species and shaded walking paths.
Is a full day needed for Bingerville?
No, a half day is sufficient to cover the botanical garden and the historic quarter.