Soubré, Côte d’Ivoire
Region: Bas-Sassandra
Geographic Coordinates: 5.783300, -6.600000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.
Population: 272773
Language: French
Soubré is a city located in the southwestern part of Côte d’Ivoire. It serves as the capital of the Nawa region and has an estimated population of around 100, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of Sassandra River, Which provides water for irrigation and fishing activities. One of Soubré’s main attractions is its bustling marketplaces where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and purchase fresh produce such as fruits, Vegetables, Spices, And fish. These markets are also known for their vibrant textiles and crafts made by local artisans.
The city boasts several natural attractions including Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans across Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, And Liberia. Mount Nimba offers stunning views over Soubré’s tropical rainforest landscape. Visitors can take guided hikes through the reserve to see rare wildlife species such as chimpanzees, Leopards, And elephants. Another popular attraction in Soubré is Lake Buyo National Park – covering an area of over 300 square kilometers with its main feature being Lake Buyo; an artificial lake created by damming Sassandra River in the 1980s.
The lake provides opportunities for fishing activities while visitors can explore its surrounding forests on foot or by boat. Soubré has a rich cultural heritage that reflects both traditional Ivorian culture as well as French colonial influence from its past history. Visitors can learn about this heritage at various museums such as Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire (Museum of Ivorian Civilization) showcasing artifacts from different ethnic groups across Ivory Coast. Food enthusiasts will enjoy tasting local dishes such as attiéké (a cassava-based dish), Kedjenou (chicken stew), Or foutou (pounded yam).
These dishes are often accompanied by soups made from palm oil or peanut butter sauce. Soubré is famous for its vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs offering live music performances and DJs playing local and international music. Visitors can dance the night away while enjoying a cold beer or cocktail. Soubré is a city that offers visitors an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, Delicious cuisine, And vibrant nightlife. It’s definitely worth exploring for those looking to experience the authentic Ivorian lifestyle.
- Agriculture: Soubré is known for its fertile land and is a major producer of cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, and timber.
- Mining: The town has deposits of gold and diamonds which are mined by small-scale miners.
- Fishing: The nearby Bandama River provides a source of livelihood for many locals who engage in fishing activities.
- Trade: There are several markets in Soubré where locals sell goods such as foodstuffs, clothing, and household items.
- Manufacturing: There are a few small-scale manufacturing industries that produce products such as soap, textiles, and furniture.
- Services sector: The town has a few service providers including banks, hotels/restaurants which cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike.
- Soubré was founded in the early 20th century as a small village.
- In recent years, Soubré has become known for the construction of the Soubré hydroelectric dam, which is one of the largest infrastructure projects in West Africa.
- Côte d’Ivoire is one of the world’s largest producers of cocoa, and many farmers in and around Soubré are involved in this industry.
- Laurent Gbagbo was a former president of Côte d’Ivoire who was born near Soubré.
- Alassane Ouattara is another former president of Côte d’Ivoire who has ties to the region around Soubré.
- During the Ivorian Civil War, which lasted from 2002-2011, there were several clashes between government forces and rebels near Soubré.
- In 2014-2015, there was an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa that affected several countries including Côte d’Ivoire; though no cases were reported near or in Soubre itself.
- Several agriculture development programs have been implemented by World Bank and African Development Bank to support farmers’ livelihoods with their sustainable agricultural practices around Soubre region.
- The Cascade de la Dent de Man – a beautiful waterfall located about 3 km from Soubré.
- The Musée des Civilisations du Sud-Ouest Ivoirien – a museum that showcases the cultural heritage of the southwest region of Côte d’Ivoire.
- The Parc National de Taï – a national park known for its rich biodiversity and home to various animal species like chimpanzees and elephants.
- The Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix de Yamoussoukro – a stunning basilica located about 140 km from Soubré that is one of the largest churches in the world.
- The Centre Culturel Jacques Aka – an art center that promotes Ivorian culture through various artistic activities and exhibitions.
- Le Barrage hydro-électrique de Soubré – a hydroelectric dam built on the Sassandra River that provides electricity to many parts of Côte d’Ivoire.
- Le Monument aux Morts – a war memorial dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during World War II and other conflicts in Côte d’Ivoire’s history.
- The festival takes place in November
- Features traditional dances
- Storytelling
- Exhibitions of local crafts
- Attieke: A dish made from cassava that is grated, fermented, and steamed.
- Fufu: A starchy dough made from cassava or plantains and served with soup or stew.
- Grilled fish: Fresh fish grilled over an open flame and served with a side of attieke or fufu.
- Kedjenou: A slow-cooked chicken dish with vegetables like eggplant, tomato, onion, and garlic.
- Bangui: A traditional drink made from palm wine mixed with ginger, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Restaurant Chez Désiré
- Restaurant Le Jardin
- Restaurant La Paillote
- Restaurant Le Soleil Levant
- Restaurant Les Trois Palmiers
- Parc National de Taï: A national park situated in the southwestern region of Côte d’Ivoire, which is home to various wildlife species such as chimpanzees, elephants, and leopards.
- Parc Zoologique de Soubré: A zoo located in the city of Soubré that houses different animals like lions, monkeys, and birds.
- Lac de Buyo: A large lake near Soubré where visitors can go fishing or take boat rides.
- Jardin Botanique de Daboussi: A botanical garden located near Taï National Park where visitors can explore different plant species.
- Centre Equestre de Soubré: An equestrian center that offers horseback riding lessons and tours around the city.
- Stade Municipal de Soubre: A sports stadium where locals gather to watch football matches or participate in other sports activities like athletics and volleyball.
- Plage du Village des Pêcheurs: This beach situated on the coast of Côte d’Ivoire near Sassandra offers visitors an opportunity to swim or relax on sandy shores while enjoying fresh seafood from local fishermen’s markets nearby.
Some popular restaurants in Soubré include:
