ivory coast
Why Film in ivory coast?
Côte d’Ivoire is one of West Africa’s most dynamic and modern countries, offering a striking city skyline, a monumental basilica, colonial heritage, rainforest, savanna and Atlantic beaches – rich, increasingly accessible material for a fast-growing production scene.
- The modern Abidjan skyline – the “Manhattan of West Africa”
- The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world’s largest church
- UNESCO colonial Grand-Bassam and its beaches
- Rainforest and chimpanzees in Taï National Park
- Savanna wildlife in Comoé
- The mountains and mask culture of Man
- Atlantic beaches and lagoons
- A dynamic economy and growing film sector
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Capital City
Yamoussoukro (political); Abidjan (economic)
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Main Cities
Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and San-Pédro
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Main Languages
French (official); Dioula and many others
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Currency
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
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Weather
The best time to film in Ivory Coast is during the dry season from November to April. This period ensures stable weather conditions, with minimal rainfall and clear skies, ideal for outdoor shoots. The rainy season, from May to October, brings heavy downpours and high humidity, which may pose challenges for filming logistics.
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Climate
Tropical – rainforest in the south, savanna in the north, with a dry season November to March
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Best Time to Shoot
November to March (dry season)
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Main Production Hubs
Abidjan
Production Services
Our Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) production services include:
- Local Producers
- Film Fixers
- Production Management
- Film, Video & Stills Crew
- Camera Equipment
- Lighting & Grip
- Drone Operators
- Location Scouting
- Film Permits
- Casting
- Transport & Logistics
- Crew & Cast Accommodation
- Security
- Catering
Crew & Equipment
Côte d’Ivoire suits commercial, documentary, travel and music productions, with a growing crew base and experienced fixers centred on Abidjan.
Available crew includes local producers, fixers, production managers, camera and drone operators, stylists and production assistants, with senior technical crew and specialist gear supplemented from the region.
Camera and grip equipment is available in Abidjan for many productions, with specialist packages imported when required.
Top Filming Locations
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Abidjan
A modern high-rise cityscape on the Plateau, alongside the Ébrié Lagoon.
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Grand-Bassam
A UNESCO colonial town and beaches.
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Taï National Park
A UNESCO rainforest home to chimpanzees.
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Yamoussoukro
The country's planned political capital.
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Assinie
Beach resorts and lagoons.
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Cocody & the Ébrié Lagoon
Leafy suburbs and lagoon life.
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St Paul's Cathedral, Abidjan
A striking modern cathedral.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro
The world's largest church.
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Comoé National Park (UNESCO)
Northern savanna wildlife.
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Man
Mountains, waterfalls and a sacred forest.
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La Dent de Man
A tooth-shaped peak.
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Sassandra & the Southwest Coast
Cliffs and fishing towns.
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Cocoa & Coffee Plantations
The country's economic backbone.
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Ébrié Lagoon Fishing Villages
Stilt communities.
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Man Mask Dances & Culture
Dramatic traditional performance.
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Rainforest Rivers & Waterfalls
Lush interior scenery.
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Abidjan Markets & Nightlife
Vibrant city culture.
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Northern Savanna & Korhogo
Open plains and craft towns.
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Korhogo Cloth & Craft
Distinctive painted textiles.
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Atlantic Surf & Palm Coast
Long ocean beaches.
Luxury Hotel Options (Filming Locations)
Côte d’Ivoire offers landmark city hotels and beach resorts for hospitality, lifestyle and travel productions. Access for filming is subject to approval and availability.
- Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire – Landmark lagoon-side luxury.
- Radisson Blu Abidjan Airport – Modern business hotel.
- Mövenpick Abidjan – Central city luxury.
- Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau – Design-led city hotel.
- Assinie beach resorts – Coastal bases.
- Hôtel Président, Yamoussoukro – The capital’s landmark hotel.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Cast and crew accommodation is world-class in Abidjan, with beach resorts at Assinie and Grand-Bassam. We arrange group bookings, transfers and logistics.
Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
- Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire / Mövenpick, Abidjan – Premium city bases for talent and clients.
Mid-range (main crew, production team)
- Abidjan: Radisson Blu, Noom and Pullman – Reliable city bases.
- Grand-Bassam & Assinie: beach resorts – Comfortable coastal bases.
Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
- Abidjan business hotels and guesthouses – Value options for larger crews.
- Coastal and regional hotels – Practical bases near locations.
Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.
Best Time to Shoot
- November to March – The main dry season, best for most locations.
- December to February – Cooler, clearer conditions in the south.
- The southern rainforest is wet much of the year.
- The north is best in the dry season for savanna and roads.
Visa Requirements
International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.
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Required Documentation
Passport (valid for six months), visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and a letter of invitation.
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Timings
Usually takes 5–7 working days.
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Cost
Fees vary based on nationality and visa type.
International Crew Accreditation
International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.
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Required Documentation
Passport copies, Crew list, Proof of professional accreditation, Insurance certificate
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Timings
The process takes 5–10 working days
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Cost
Fees depend on the project size.
General Film Permit
Filming permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with national-park and heritage permissions where needed. Abidjan is increasingly film-friendly. Work through a local fixer and allow lead time.
Drone Permit
Drone filming requires authorisation from the civil aviation authority, with restrictions near cities and sensitive sites. Permissions should be arranged in advance.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Professional equipment can usually be temporarily imported with the correct customs documentation. An ATA Carnet may be used where applicable, and equipment lists should be prepared in advance.
Safety and Security
Côte d’Ivoire is stable and dynamic, with Abidjan a modern, well-serviced hub where standard urban precautions apply. Some northern border areas near the Sahel warrant caution and current advice, and malaria precautions are advised, but the main production areas are safe and accessible.
Rebates & Incentives
Côte d’Ivoire does not currently operate an established national film cash rebate for international productions, though its film sector is growing quickly.
African Fixer will confirm the latest position on any incentives and permit fees during planning, and manage the permissions and logistics that make the country accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with additional permissions for protected and heritage areas. Work through a local fixer and allow lead time.
Côte d'Ivoire has a growing crew base and experienced fixers in Abidjan, with specialist crew and gear supplemented from the region.
The Abidjan skyline, the Yamoussoukro basilica, colonial Grand-Bassam and the rainforest and beaches of the coast.
World-class hotels in Abidjan and beach resorts at Grand-Bassam and Assinie.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Plan to import camera, drone and specialist packages.
Yes. Drone filming requires civil-aviation authorisation, with restrictions near sensitive sites and protected areas.
No established national rebate currently, though the sector is growing. We confirm the latest position before you budget.
Yes, especially for commercial, documentary, travel and music work, in one of West Africa's most dynamic and accessible countries.
Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including permits and logistics.
Did You Know?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world, modelled on St Peter’s in Rome and rising improbably from the West African savanna – one of the most surreal and monumental locations on the continent.
PRO TIP:
Base in modern, well-connected Abidjan and pair its skyline and lagoons with the Yamoussoukro basilica and colonial Grand-Bassam; shoot the dry November-to-March season and check current advice for the northern border areas.
