How to get to Man

If you are looking for information on how to get to Man, prepare yourself for an encounter with the amazing "City of 18 Mountains," located in the picturesque west of Côte d'Ivoire. This important regional hub attracts travellers with its famous waterfalls and authentic culture, and you can reach it via various routes by choosing a suitable flight or ground transport.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own airport (IATA code: MJC), located just a few kilometres from the centre.

Regular air service connects Man with the country's economic capital, Abidjan. Flights are operated by the national carrier Air Côte d'Ivoire. Choosing to fly allows you to save significant time, as travelling by land from the coast can take a substantial part of the day.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Man, so it is not possible to get here exclusively by train. The country's railway network runs further east, connecting the coast with the northern regions, but does not reach this mountainous area.

The nearest major transport hub with an operating railway station is Bouaké, located approximately 280 kilometres from your destination. Tourists can travel to this station by train and cover the remaining part of the journey by bus or taxi, enjoying the scenic views during the trip westward.

Bus services connect Man with key regional transport hubs, turning the journey into an exciting excursion through West African landscapes. A popular route runs from the north, from the city of Odienné: covering approximately 180 kilometres on the road usually does not take much time. Equally popular is the route from the central city of Bouaké, from where transport covers about 330 kilometres in 6–7 hours.

Travellers heading from the Atlantic coast often choose services from San-Pédro. The distance is about 480 kilometres, so the journey requires endurance, but it is compensated by colourful views of tropical nature. It is recommended to choose morning departures with major carriers to reach your destination comfortably before nightfall.

Travelling by car to Man offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the "City of 18 Mountains." The route from the north, from Odienné, is quite compact: the distance is about 180 kilometres. If you are departing from the central part of the country, from the city of Bouaké, the journey will be longer — you will have to cover approximately 330 kilometres.

Road conditions can vary, so for comfortable travel across the region, it is highly recommended to use a 4x4 SUV. Many travellers prefer to rent a car with an experienced driver: this relieves the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and allows you to safely admire the mountain landscapes along the way.

Preparing for a trip to Man requires considering the local specifics, as this city is surrounded by mountains and jungles. To ensure your introduction to the western part of Côte d'Ivoire is comfortable and safe, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Footwear. Since the region is known for its nature trails, be sure to bring comfortable, broken-in trekking shoes with non-slip soles. It is best to choose clothing made from light natural fabrics (cotton, linen), but bring a windbreaker or raincoat: in the mountainous terrain, the weather can be changeable and cooler than on the coast.
2. Transport. For movement within the city limits, you can use taxis, which are often painted orange. Meters are rarely used, so the fare must be agreed upon with the driver strictly before boarding. For trips to waterfalls or into the mountains, it is more reliable to rent a car with a local driver.
3. Finances. The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Bank cards are practically not accepted in the province, and ATMs may work intermittently. Always carry a sufficient supply of cash, preferably in small denominations for payments at markets and in transport.
4. Health and Safety. Drink only bottled water and check the integrity of the cap when purchasing. Be sure to use mosquito repellents at all times of the day for protection against malaria and carry a basic first aid kit.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is French. English is understood extremely rarely here, so tourists are strongly advised to learn a few basic phrases in French or install an offline translator on their phone.
6. Local Etiquette. Ivorians value politeness: any conversation should begin with a greeting and the question "How are you?". It is categorically forbidden to photograph people, especially participants in traditional ceremonies and masked dancers, without their prior and explicit consent.
7. What to Avoid. Do not go hiking in the mountains (for example, to the Tooth of Man or Mount Tonkpi) alone. The trails can be confusing and the slopes steep, so it is safest to hire an official guide from among the locals.
8. Interaction with Nature. When visiting the famous sacred monkey forest, remember that for the locals, this is a revered place. Behave modestly, do not shout, and feed the animals only with bananas purchased on-site, without trying to catch them.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid logistical difficulties and focus on the beauty of the "City of 18 Mountains." Respect for local traditions and reasonable caution will make your journey truly pleasant and memorable.