Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire
Region: Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire is located in the region of Savanes
Geographic Coordinates: 9.416700, -5.616700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
Population: 286071
Language: Baoulé
Korhogo is a city located in the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and serves as an important center for commerce, Culture, And education. The city is home to a diverse population of ethnic groups including Senoufo, Malinke, Dioula, And Baoulé. The history of Korhogo dates back to the 17th century when it was founded by Senoufo tribes who migrated from Burkina Faso. The city served as a major trading center for ivory and slaves during the colonial era.
Today, It has transformed into a bustling urban hub with modern infrastructure and amenities. One of the most notable features of Korhogo is its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year that celebrate traditional music, Dance, And art forms such as mask-making. The most famous festival is called Fête des Masques (Festival of Masks) which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Korhogo also boasts several historical landmarks that showcase its rich cultural heritage.
One such landmark is Mount Korhogo which rises 672 meters above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Another popular attraction is Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various ethnic groups in Ivory Coast. In addition to its cultural offerings, Korhogo has a thriving economy driven by agriculture and trade industries. The region produces cotton, Coffee beans, Yams, Maize among other crops which are sold locally or exported to other countries in West Africa or Europe.
The people living in Korhogo are known for their welcoming nature towards visitors with their kindness being one thing that stands out about them . Tourists can expect warm hospitality while exploring this beautiful part of Ivory Coast. Overall , Korhogo offers visitors an authentic African experience with its rich cultural heritage, Breathtaking scenery, And bustling urban lifestyle. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the diverse cultures of West Africa.
Important Landmarks
- Mount Korhogo: A sacred mountain that offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
- Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire: A museum that showcases the history and culture of the different ethnic groups in Côte d’Ivoire.
- La Place Konan Bédié: A public square where cultural events, concerts, and festivals are held.
- Le Marché de Korhogo: The largest outdoor market in northern Côte d’Ivoire, where visitors can buy traditional crafts, textiles, and food items.
- Les Cascades de la Comoe: A series of waterfalls located about 30 km from Korhogo that offer a refreshing break from the heat.
- La Forêt Classée du Haut-Sassandra: A protected forest area with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- La Mosquée Centrale de Korhogo: The central mosque of Korhogo is an impressive architectural landmark that attracts visitors from all over West Africa.
- Les Grottes de Koniagui et Kassoum-Bougouda: Two sets of caves located near Korhogo that contain ancient rock paintings and carvings dating back to prehistoric times.
- La Grande Mosquée De Fakaha : It is one of the oldest mosques in Ivory Coast built around 1440 AD by Muslim scholars who came to teach Islam to local people.
Primary Industries
- The major industries and businesses in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire are:
- Agriculture including cotton
- Coffee
- Cocoa
- Cashew nuts
- The city is also home to a number of small-scale manufacturing industries such as:
- Textiles
- Handicrafts
- Additionally, there is a growing service sector with the development of tourism in the region.
- The Kingdom of Gbèpleu: This was a powerful kingdom that existed in the region before the arrival of Europeans. It was known for its military might and trade relations with neighboring kingdoms.
- The French colonial period: Korhogo became part of French West Africa in 1895 and remained under French rule until independence in 1960.
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny: He was a prominent Ivorian politician who served as the first president of Côte d’Ivoire from 1960 to 1993. He was born near Yamoussoukro, but spent much of his political career in Abidjan.
- The Baoulé rebellion: In 1914, a rebellion broke out among the Baoulé people against French colonial rule. The rebellion spread to other parts of Côte d’Ivoire, including Korhogo.
- Traditional art and culture: Korhogo is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including weaving, pottery, woodcarving, and mask-making.
- Senufo people: Korhogo is home to many Senufo people who have their own unique language and culture.
- Ivory Coast Civil War (2002-2007): During this period there were several clashes between government forces loyal to President Laurent Gbagbo and rebel groups based in northern cities like Korhogo which supported Alassane Ouattara’s claim to presidency after disputed elections.
- Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre Culturel Jacques Aka
- Grottes de Diankana
- Mont Tonkoui
- Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix de Yamoussoukro (located about 2 hours from Korhogo)
- Parc National du Mont Péko (located about 1 hour from Korhogo)
- La Mosquée Centrale de Korhogo
- Le Palais Royal des Sénoufo à Fakaha (located about 30 minutes from Korhogo)
- Fêtes de la Cité: This is an annual festival held in Korhogo to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage. The festival features traditional music, dance, and food from different ethnic groups in the region.
- Festival des Masques: This is a biennial festival that celebrates the masks of the Senufo people of Korhogo. The festival includes mask dances, traditional music and drumming, and other cultural events.
- Festival de la Danse: This is an annual dance festival held in Korhogo that features performances by local dance troupes as well as guest performers from other parts of Côte d’Ivoire and beyond.
- Fête des Ignames: This is a harvest festival celebrated by the Senufo people of Korhogo in which yams are offered to ancestors and spirits as a sign of gratitude for a successful harvest.
- Festival de la Musique Moderne et Traditionnelle (FEMUT): This is an annual music festival held in Korhogo that showcases both modern and traditional Ivorian music.
- Marché des Arts et du Spectacle Africain (MASA): Although not specific to Korhogo, this biennial arts and culture fair takes place in Abidjan but attracts many artists from all over Côte d’Ivoire including those from Korhogo.
- Festival International du Film des Lacs et Lagunes (FESTILAG): Another event taking place outside of Khorogho but attracting visitors from all over Ivory Coast including those residing here due to its proximity – this film fest showcases African films with screenings taking place across multiple locations throughout Ivory Coast including Abidjan, Yamoussoukro & San-Pedro among others.
- Poulet Braisé: Grilled chicken served with spicy sauce and plantains.
- Attiéké: A traditional Ivorian dish made from cassava that is grated, fermented, and steamed.
- Maquis du Nord: A popular restaurant in Korhogo that serves traditional Ivorian dishes like grilled fish, chicken, and beef.
- Piment Rouge: Another popular restaurant in Korhogo known for its grilled meat dishes and local beers.
- Koudougué: A local market where you can find a variety of fresh produce including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish to prepare your own meals at home.
- Le Bambou Bar-Restaurant: A cozy bar-restaurant that serves delicious cocktails along with a variety of Ivorian dishes like poulet yassa (chicken marinated in lemon juice) and aloco (fried plantains).
- Les Jardins de la Paix: A beautiful outdoor restaurant located on the outskirts of Korhogo that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside along with delicious food like grilled tilapia fish and attiéké salad.
- Parc des Sculptures de la Forêt de la Sama: This park is located on the outskirts of Korhogo and features a collection of traditional sculptures from the region.
- Parc National de la Comoé: This national park is located south of Korhogo and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping.
- Jardin Botanique de Korhogo: This botanical garden is located within the city limits and showcases a variety of plant species from around Côte d’Ivoire.
- Stade Municipal de Korhogo: This stadium hosts local soccer matches and other sporting events throughout the year.
- Piscine Municipale de Korhogo: This public swimming pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat during the hot summer months.
- Centre Culturel Franco-Ivoirien (CCFI): The CCFI hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and film screenings throughout the year in its theater space.
- Musée du Poro: The Musée du Poro showcases traditional masks, costumes, and artifacts related to Poro society – an important cultural institution in northern Côte d’Ivoire that plays a significant role in social organization and education among young men.
- Marché Central de Korhogo: The central market in Korhogo is a bustling hub of activity where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts to clothing items at bargain prices.
Noteable History
Overall, Korhogo has played an important role in Ivorian history as a center for trade, politics, artistry & craftsmanship over time having been associated with notable historical events such as rebellions against colonialism & civil wars while being home to some remarkable personalities such as Felix Houphouet-Boigny.