Akwaba Monument (Port-Bouët) - Image 1
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Akwaba Monument Port-Bouët

4.1
·636 reviews·Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

A monumental statue symbolizing Ivorian hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms at Abidjan's southern gateway.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Akwaba Monument (Port-Bouët) - Image 1

Akwaba Monument Port-Bouët

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Best light for photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental statue symbolizing Ivorian hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms at Abidjan's southern gateway.

4.1
(636 reviews)

"Nice symbolic place! A giant statue embodying the warm welcome of Côte d'Ivoire."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning photos of the monument, especially during sunrise or sunset for golden hour light.

🚗 Traffic Awareness

The Akwaba interchange can be busy; be mindful of traffic when visiting, especially during peak hours.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Akwaba Statue

The Akwaba Statue

Port-Bouët Interchange

A monumental statue of a woman with open arms, embodying the warm welcome of Côte d'Ivoire.

Symbolic Welcome

Symbolic Welcome

Base of the Monument

Experience the powerful symbolism of Ivorian hospitality as you approach this iconic landmark.

Gateway to Grand-Bassam

Gateway to Grand-Bassam

Southern Entrance of Abidjan

A prominent landmark marking the route towards the historic coastal city of Grand-Bassam.

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Planning Your Visit

Symbol of Ivorian Hospitality

The Akwaba Monument is a giant statue symbolizing Ivorian hospitality. Its open arms welcome visitors, making it a significant landmark at the southern entrance of Abidjan.

Strategic Location

Situated at the Akwaba interchange in Port-Bouët, this monument is a key point on the route to Grand-Bassam, making it easily accessible for those entering or leaving the city.

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Kehepart à Abidjan, il y’a ce magnifique endroit mythique nommé Akwaba. Situé à l’entrée sud de la ville, sur la voie qui mène vers Bassam, ce monument géant en forme de femme symbolise l’hospitalité ivoirienne. Avec ses bras ouverts, elle accueille chaque visiteur comme pour lui dire : “Bienvenue chez nous”. Autour d’elle, le décor est vivant : la route qui file, la mer non loin, et ce carrefour ...
@carlmarsphotography
230 likes • 13.9K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning photos of the monument, especially during sunrise or sunset for golden hour light. TikTok

🚗 Traffic Awareness

The Akwaba interchange can be busy; be mindful of traffic when visiting, especially during peak hours. TikTok

La statue de l’Echangeur AKWABA a Port-Bouet inauguré merci à sa majesté ADO et le vice président Koné 🤝🥰@Afrik'Eveil225 @Président du RACD @l elu @NANIS 🦋LA PERLE RARE 🦋 @LaLionne801
@labonnegouvernence30
89 likes • 1.4K views
#abidjan225🇨🇮 #statut échangeur akwaba#infrastructure
@labelivoire
197 likes • 9.6K views

🤝 Symbol of Welcome

Appreciate the statue's meaning as a symbol of Ivorian hospitality and its role in welcoming visitors. TikTok

📍 Landmark for Navigation

Use the monument as a key reference point when navigating the southern part of Abidjan. TikTok

🚨EXTRA🚨La Nouvelle statue Akwaba 🥵😍🇨🇮👏🏽demain je go là-bas 🏃‍♂️
@musicivoireofficial
71 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning photos of the monument, especially during sunrise or sunset for golden hour light. TikTok

🚗 Traffic Awareness

The Akwaba interchange can be busy; be mindful of traffic when visiting, especially during peak hours. TikTok

🤝 Symbol of Welcome

Appreciate the statue's meaning as a symbol of Ivorian hospitality and its role in welcoming visitors. TikTok

📍 Landmark for Navigation

Use the monument as a key reference point when navigating the southern part of Abidjan. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.1
(636 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Akwaba Monument to be a 'very nice, historic place' and a 'nice symbolic place!' Its grand statue is appreciated as a representation of Ivorian hospitality. While it's a popular photo stop, some may find it to be a brief attraction with limited activities directly at the site.

"Alhassan God bless you in life and and after life incha Allah you did a lot of your people"

Abdourazak Malam Brahim

"Very nice, historic place"

komenan boka

"Nice symbolic place!"

André TUO

What People Like

Symbolic hospitality
Iconic statue
Historic landmark

What People Dislike

Brief attraction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Akwaba Monument is located at the Akwaba interchange in Port-Bouët, on the southern entrance road to Abidjan, leading towards Grand-Bassam. It's a prominent landmark easily visible from the road. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Abidjan to take you directly to the monument. TikTok+1

While direct public transport routes might be complex, you can take a bus or shared taxi towards Port-Bouët and then a shorter taxi ride to the interchange. It's often easier to arrange a taxi directly to the monument. TikTok

The monument is situated at a major interchange. It's best to approach it by car or taxi, and you can usually find safe spots to pull over briefly for photos, being mindful of traffic. TikTok

Yes, the monument serves as a significant landmark for Port-Bouët and is a good reference point for further exploration of the area. TikTok

If you are coming from Abidjan city center, take the road towards Grand-Bassam. The Akwaba Monument will be one of the first major landmarks you encounter at the interchange. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Akwaba Monument is an outdoor public landmark and does not require an entrance ticket. You can view and photograph it freely. TikTok

As an outdoor monument, it is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better visibility. TikTok

There is no admission fee to see the Akwaba Monument. It's a public space for all to enjoy. TikTok

While accessible, visiting at night might be less safe due to traffic and lighting conditions. Daylight hours are generally preferred. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions, but visitors should be respectful of the monument and its surroundings, and always be aware of traffic. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are early morning and late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' when the light is soft and creates a beautiful glow on the statue. TikTok+1

While some videos show drone footage, it's advisable to check local regulations regarding drone usage in public spaces before flying. TikTok

Try capturing the monument from the front to emphasize its welcoming gesture, or from a slightly elevated position to show its scale within the interchange. TikTok

Absolutely! Many visitors take photos with the monument as a backdrop to commemorate their visit and the symbol of hospitality. TikTok

The open arms of the statue provide a unique framing opportunity for portraits. Consider capturing the monument with the city skyline in the background. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The Akwaba Monument is famous for its towering statue of a woman with open arms, symbolizing the warm hospitality of Côte d'Ivoire. It's a significant cultural landmark. TikTok

The monument itself is the main attraction. It's a great spot for a quick photo stop. Nearby, you can find local eateries and it's a gateway to other attractions in Port-Bouët and Grand-Bassam. TikTok

It represents 'Akwaba,' the Akan word for 'welcome,' embodying the spirit of hospitality in Côte d'Ivoire. It was inaugurated as part of infrastructure development. TikTok+1

While the monument is a public space, it's an active interchange. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when stopping for photos, and to visit during daylight. TikTok

Yes, visitors often stop briefly to take pictures. Be cautious of the traffic flow around the interchange when doing so. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Akwaba Monument is a great, quick stop for families. Kids will be fascinated by the sheer size of the statue, and it offers a fantastic opportunity for memorable family photos. It's a safe and accessible landmark, perfect for a brief educational moment about Ivorian culture and hospitality. TikTok

Since it's an outdoor monument at an interchange, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Keep an eye on children near the roadside, and consider bringing snacks and water as there aren't many amenities directly at the monument itself. It's an ideal spot for a short, impactful visit before heading to other family-friendly destinations like the beaches near Grand-Bassam. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

The Akwaba Monument is a dream for photographers and content creators. The monumental scale of the statue, combined with its symbolic meaning, offers compelling visual narratives. The best light for capturing its grandeur is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues. TikTok+1

Experiment with different angles to showcase its welcoming gesture and its integration into the urban landscape. Drone footage can provide breathtaking aerial views of the interchange and the monument's placement. Remember to be mindful of traffic and local regulations when setting up shots. TikTok

🚗 Day-Trippers to Grand-Bassam

For those embarking on a day trip from Abidjan to Grand-Bassam, the Akwaba Monument is an unmissable landmark right on your route. It serves as a perfect, brief stop to mark your departure from the city and to capture a quintessential Ivorian welcome. TikTok

Take a few minutes to snap photos and appreciate the symbolism before continuing your journey. Its location makes it an easy and worthwhile addition to any itinerary heading south, offering a cultural touchpoint before you reach the historic coastal town. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Symbolism of Akwaba

The Akwaba Monument is more than just a statue; it's a powerful symbol of Ivorian culture. The word 'Akwaba' itself comes from the Akan language and means 'welcome.' The monumental statue, depicting a woman with outstretched arms, is designed to convey a message of warmth, openness, and hospitality to all who enter Abidjan from the south. It was inaugurated as part of significant infrastructure development in the area, highlighting its importance as a gateway. TikTok+1

This symbolic gesture is deeply ingrained in Ivorian tradition, and the monument serves as a constant reminder of this cherished value. It's a visual representation of the country's desire to embrace visitors and foster positive interactions. Many visitors find the statue to be a moving and memorable introduction to the nation's spirit. TikTok

The monument's location at a major interchange further amplifies its role as a welcoming beacon. It's one of the first things many travelers see upon arriving, setting a positive tone for their experience in Côte d'Ivoire. The statue's grandeur and its clear message make it an unmissable cultural landmark. TikTok+1

Navigating the Akwaba Interchange

The Akwaba Monument is strategically located at a bustling interchange in Port-Bouët, a key traffic artery in Abidjan. This location, on the road leading towards Grand-Bassam, means it's a vital point for both local traffic and travelers heading to coastal destinations. The interchange itself is a testament to the city's infrastructure development, aiming to ease congestion and improve flow. TikTok

Visiting the monument requires a degree of awareness due to the constant movement of vehicles. While it's a popular spot for quick photo stops, drivers and visitors should exercise caution. It's advisable to find a safe place to briefly pause rather than stopping directly in active traffic lanes. Many TikTok videos showcase the monument from various angles, often highlighting its presence amidst the city's dynamic traffic. TikTok+1

For those unfamiliar with Abidjan's traffic patterns, it's recommended to use navigation apps or rely on taxi drivers who are familiar with the area. The interchange's prominence makes it a useful landmark for orientation, even if you're not stopping for an extended period. TikTok+1

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