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US Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Côte d’Ivoire: “Do Not Travel to The Northern Border Region’

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The United States Department of State has reissued its travel advisory for Côte d’Ivoire on February 18, 2026, maintaining the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution while issuing a refreshed assessment of ongoing security concerns.

The update, which includes no change to the overall advisory level, emphasizes heightened vigilance due to risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, and piracy in nearby Gulf of Guinea waters.

In the advisory, U.S. officials explicitly advise: “Do not travel to the northern border region of Côte d’Ivoire for any reason.”

This restricted zone is highlighted for elevated threats from crime and terrorism, particularly activities linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qa’ida-affiliated extremist group operating in the Sahel region. The group has previously crossed borders from neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali to conduct attacks in northern districts, including areas near Comoé National Park. While most incidents have targeted security forces, civilians have occasionally been affected.

The broader advisory urges travelers nationwide to prepare contingency plans, share detailed itineraries with trusted contacts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and avoid overt displays of wealth such as expensive jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash. U.S. government employees face specific travel restrictions in certain areas, underscoring the seriousness of the risks.

Despite these cautions, Côte d’Ivoire continues to position itself as an emerging tourism and business destination in West Africa. Coastal attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grand-Bassam, with its colonial-era architecture and beaches, remain popular, as do landmarks such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro—the world’s largest church—and the country’s growing beach tourism sector. Abidjan, the economic hub, draws international visitors and investors for its vibrant culture, markets, and infrastructure.

The advisory reflects a refreshed evaluation of persistent challenges rather than a new escalation, with the Level 2 designation in place since 2024. U.S. authorities stress that travel to most parts of the country is possible with appropriate precautions, but travelers are encouraged to monitor local media, follow official updates, and consult the full advisory for the latest details.

For the complete U.S. Department of State travel advisory, visit the official page.

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Sights and Sounds

Above Accra: A Day at Aburi Botanical Gardens

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The road out of Accra winds upward, the air sharpening as the city’s heat loosens its grip. By the time you arrive at Aburi Botanical Gardens, the world feels softer—quieter.

Towering trees stretch overhead like cathedral pillars, their leaves filtering sunlight into shifting mosaics on the ground.

A gentle breeze carries the scent of damp earth and flowering plants, while birds stitch the silence with song. It’s not just a garden; it’s a living, breathing pause.

Paths, Palms, and a Living History

Laid out in 1890 during the colonial era, the gardens still hold echoes of their past, but today they feel unmistakably Ghanaian—open, welcoming, and full of life. Wide, walkable paths invite slow exploration.

You’ll pass rows of royal palms standing in perfect formation, their trunks rising like exclamation marks against the sky.

Fig trees spread their roots dramatically across the earth, while medicinal plants quietly tell stories of traditional healing practices.

Visitors drift through the grounds at their own rhythm. Some come for quiet picnics under shaded canopies; others cycle along the gentle slopes, laughter trailing behind them.

Photographers linger over textures—bark, leaves, light—while couples find tucked-away corners that feel almost private.

The cool climate makes every step feel effortless, a contrast to the bustle below.

Beyond the gardens, the town of Aburi offers small roadside markets where fresh pineapples and roasted plantains tempt passersby.

A short drive away, the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm connects visitors to the roots of Ghana’s cocoa story, adding another layer to the journey.

@kiddojunior101 Tour Update – Aburi Botanical Gardens 🇬🇭🌿 As part of the Kiddo Junior Ghana Tourism Tour, I also had the chance to visit the beautiful Aburi Botanical Gardens. The peaceful environment, tall trees, fresh mountain air, and the amazing landscape make it one of the most refreshing places to visit in Ghana. Standing there today made me realize something — Ghana truly has some of the nicest tourism sites in the world. From waterfalls to botanical gardens and natural reserves, our country is blessed with beauty that many people around the world would love to experience. This tour is not just about traveling; it’s about showing the world the beauty of Ghana and encouraging everyone to explore our own land. Ghana is rich in nature, culture, and history, and we should all be proud of it. 🇬🇭 Let’s keep exploring and celebrating Ghana. #KiddoJuniorTour #ExploreGhana #VisitGhana #AburiGardens #GhanaTourism ♬ original sound – kiddojunior101

Why Aburi Stays With You

There’s something quietly restorative about Aburi Botanical Gardens. It doesn’t overwhelm with spectacle; instead, it draws you in with calm, with space, with the simple pleasure of being surrounded by green.

You leave carrying the memory of rustling leaves, cool air against your skin, and the sense that time moved just a little slower there.

For travelers seeking more than sights—for those chasing atmosphere, reflection, and a deeper connection to place—Aburi offers exactly that, without saying a word.

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Taste GH

Smoky, Spiced, and Satisfying: Discover Ghana’s Zongo Rice and Stew

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The first thing that greets you is the aroma—warm spices rising from a pot, smoky rice mingling with a rich, slow-cooked stew.

In the lively neighborhoods of Accra, Zongo Rice and Stew isn’t just food; it’s a daily ritual, a comfort, and a quiet celebration of community.

Often cooked over open flames, the rice carries a distinct, slightly charred fragrance that sets it apart. The stew—usually tomato-based and deeply seasoned—comes alive with tender meat or fish, onions, and a blend of spices that linger pleasantly on the tongue. Each bite feels layered: smoky, savory, and just a little fiery.

This dish thrives in Ghana’s Zongo communities, where food reflects a fusion of cultures shaped by migration and tradition.

You’ll find it in roadside stalls, small eateries, and bustling markets, served generously on enamel plates or neatly packed for takeaway. It’s the kind of meal that fits any time of day—fuel for a busy morning, a midday indulgence, or a satisfying late-evening stop.

For visitors, Zongo Rice and Stew offers something deeper than taste. It’s an entry point into everyday Ghanaian life—the rhythm of the streets, the chatter of vendors, the shared appreciation of a well-cooked meal.

@chefabbys Authentic Ghanaian Rice and Zongo Stew🇬🇭. Rice is one of the most popular Ghanaian Staple Food, and this is one of the ways we like to enjoy our rice. It's so delicious Zongo stew is a typical fried stew, requires a lot of oil and that's why I always prefer using my Unoli Oil ❤️ Comment if you are a fan!! #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral ♬ Big Baller – Flavour

For locals, it remains dependable and familiar, a dish that never goes out of style.

Simple in appearance yet rich in character, Zongo Rice and Stew continues to hold its place at the heart of Ghana’s street food scene—one fragrant plate at a time.

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Taste GH

Spice, Smoke, and Soul: The Enduring Allure of Kyinkyinga

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As dusk settles over Ghana’s busy streets, a familiar scent rises above the hum of traffic—smoky, spicy, and impossible to ignore.

This is kyinkyinga, the beloved grilled meat skewer that has become a defining taste of everyday life.

Often prepared with beef, goat, or chicken, kyinkyinga is coated in a bold blend of ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, and fiery pepper before meeting the heat of an open charcoal grill.

The result is a perfect balance of charred edges and juicy tenderness, each bite delivering layers of warmth and crunch. For many Ghanaians, it’s more than food—it’s a ritual.

Whether grabbed on the way home from work, shared among friends at roadside spots, or enjoyed during late-night conversations, kyinkyinga fits seamlessly into the rhythm of daily life.

Across cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, vendors line the streets with glowing grills, their practiced hands turning skewers with quiet confidence.

It’s affordable, filling, and deeply satisfying. Paired with fresh onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of spicy pepper mix, kyinkyinga offers a quick yet flavourful escape from routine meals.

For visitors, trying kyinkyinga is an invitation into Ghana’s vibrant street food culture. It’s not just about taste, it’s about standing by the roadside, feeling the evening breeze, and sharing a moment that locals cherish. In every smoky bite lies a story of tradition, community, and enduring appeal.

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