Top Co-Working spaces in Abidjan to explore during your stay

As business travelers, we understand the importance of having a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your work. While we do our best to provide this atmosphere at Gaia’s Garden, you may wish to explore:

The HAP (From CFA 15,000/pp/day)

HAP is a 100% African space for creative and ambitious people. HAP, a place open to everyone, offers you a space suited to your pace and budget.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a creative, you can come and work in their coworking space. At HAP, you can also exchange ideas, share your resources, or enjoy an atypical and intimate space for your events.

Le Phare (From CFA 9,000/pp/day)

Le Phare’s mission is to foster meetings and synergies between entrepreneurs, freelancers, small teams, and business people by creating a meeting place, a place of inspiration, and a place of learning.

Netzify Coworking (From CFA 5,000/pp/day)

Netzify is considered the specialist in coworking office rentals in pleasant, clean, and decent work environments. Their space is located in the heart of Angré, close to banks, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and more. All of this within a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and SMEs. They also offer IT services and document translations.

Top 5 locations to explore during your stay in Abidjan

Although Abidjan is not Côte d’Ivoire’s main tourist destination, it still offers many opportunities to discover the local culture and cuisine. All you need is an interest in culture and exploration:

1. Grand-Bassam

The historic town of Grand-Bassam was the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. There are a few remaining colonial homes that take you back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the beaches closest to Abidjan are located here, and there are several hotels and restaurants where you can spend a pleasant afternoon.

2. Treichville

It is a place to visit if you would like to explore local crafts and pick up a few souvenirs from Abidjan. Spices, textiles, masks, pottery, jewelry, works of art—you only have to ask. It also offers competitive prices and you can bargain with the sellers.

3. Plateau

A Roman Catholic cathedral is located in Abidjan’s Plateau district. The cathedral, designed by architect Aldo Spirito, serves as the mother church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan. The cathedral’s foundation stone was consecrated on May 11, 1980, by Pope John Paul II during his first pastoral visit to Côte d’Ivoire. Plateau is also a district with many shops. Overall, it is a bustling district with large buildings and offices, but it also offers interesting architecture and many restaurants and cafés to explore.

4. Jardin botanique de Bingerville

Take a walk through this garden and discover various species of trees, plants, insects, and reptiles native to Côte d’Ivoire. It is located about 18 km (30 minutes) from the guest house, making it ideal for a short day trip on your day off.

5. Banco National Park

If you are a nature lover and enjoy walking or hiking, you may want to pay a visit here. The park is home to several bird species and, if you are fortunate, monkeys and chimpanzees may be seen from time to time. There are short and long trails available and is best to take a guide to avoid getting lost. Also about 18 km or 30 minutes from Gaia’s Garden.

The best ways to get to and from work in Abidjan

While Abidjan continues to evolve and develop, the public transportation system is yet to receive its upgrade leaving taxis as the most recommended choice for getting around the city for work and pleasure.

Abidjan residents prefer to use minibuses called WoroWoro or yellow taxis, which are typically shared, make multiple stops, and are consequently much less expensive.

To get around, most of our guests at Gaia’s Garden prefer orange taxis or private taxis such as Uber. The most popular options include the following:

All three offer a mobile application you can download on both Apple and Android devices and conveniently book and pay for your rides in Abidjan. Our recommendation would be to use Yango. We use it ourselves. and secondly, it offers a broader range of prices and comfort options to suit all needs. For example, you can go for a cheaper basic ride (red taxi without A/C) or a comfort ride, usually a private car with A/C. Using these taxis is safer because the price is set from the start.

Note: If you ever decide to take a city taxi, always make sure the meter is working or agree on the price before getting into the taxi.

The other option is to rent a vehicle. and we do receive occasional requests for this from our guests. In such situations, we can:

We can put you in direct contact with two private car rental services that we know to be reliable.
You may arrange the rental directly in your own name. It is also important to note that the rental price will always include a driver, as it is not permitted to rent a car otherwise. While this may be perceived as unusual, it is helpful as driving in Abidjan can become hectic.

In conclusion, the best way to get around Abidjan is undoubtedly by car, whether by taxi or rental, and we will always do our best to advise you on the safest and most economical option.

How to Apply for a Visa to Côte d’Ivoire

The visa application process for Côte d’Ivoire is relatively simple and is done entirely online; you simply need to complete the online form and attach the necessary documents.

It is important to note that the only officially approved site by the State of Côte d’Ivoire for visa applications is SNEDAI.

The process:

Step 1 – Pre-registration and Payment

First, you must register your application by providing your contact details, travel information, and local contacts. You will also have to upload the following documents:

- Passport (identity page(s))

- Copy of your round-trip flight details

- Invitation letter or copy of accommodation certificate

- After submission, you will need to pay a fee of 73 EUR, which will cover the total cost of the application for a three-month multiple-entry visa.

Step 2 – Response

After applying and paying the associated fees, you should expect a formal document from the DST in your email within 48 working days. This document will contain the authority's response indicating whether your visa has been approved or not.

Step 3 – Registration at the Airport

Next, you will board your flight to Côte d'Ivoire with the pre-approved document received in step 2. The same document will be required to obtain your printed visa upon arrival. Note: your fingerprints and photo will be taken in the process.

As you can see, obtaining a visa for Côte d’Ivoire is a very simple and convenient process. Please ensure that you apply using only the official channel and avoid any 3rd party websites that offer this service. We hope to see you in Abidjan soon!