Sassandra

Sassandra sits where the river of the same name reaches the sea, a fishing town with a working harbour, a run of small coves along the coast either side of it, and the remains of a colonial-era commercial quarter including an old wharf and the residence known as the governor's house. Beaches to the east and west, including Poly and Batelebre, are the reason most people stop, and fishing pirogues work off all of them.

What you actually see

• The coves - a run of small beaches either side of the river mouth.
• The old wharf - the colonial commercial buildings along the waterfront.
• The fishing harbour - pirogues and the working catch landing.
• The river mouth - the Sassandra meeting the sea at the town.

When to go

November to March is the dry season and the most comfortable. The rains from April to July are heavy on this coast. The sea is rough and swimming should be judged carefully at any time.

Honest expectations

Currents on this coast are strong and there are no lifeguards; drownings happen. Colonial buildings are largely derelict. Accommodation is limited and basic.

Nearby

Monogaga is west along the coast, and San Pedro is beyond it.