The bamboo tunnel
At the entrance.
Durand ndri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Durand ndri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Durand ndri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Durand ndri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Durand ndri — CC BY-SA 4.0
Dahliafleur Nature Reserve is a protected area in Bingerville, east of Abidjan, covering about 148 hectares on the shore of the Ébrié Lagoon. It is a quiet green space amid fast-spreading housing, visited for walks, photography and a break from the crowded city. It is managed by the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves. In the 1960s an Italian botanist named Barbeta settled on the site, and President Félix Houphouët-Boigny granted him the land, then about 200 hectares. He built his house and a laboratory for grafting and crossing flowers, naming it Dahlia after his favourite flower. He died in 2001 and is buried there. The state declared it land of public interest in 2004 and raised it to a partial nature reserve in 2013. Its best-known sight is at the entrance, a long tunnel of bamboo arching over a dirt path. Beyond it you enter secondary forest with tall trees, thick leaves and a small pool. Inside are a bamboo hut, wild flowers and small termite mounds among the plants. It is about 12 km from Le Plateau in a straight line. Wear light clothes with long sleeves and carry insect repellent. Treat the founder's grave with respect. Ask at the gate which paths are open.
At the entrance.
Tall trees and shade.
Inside.
Abatta, Bingerville, Abidjan district, Côte d'Ivoire
The dahlia, favourite flower of the botanist who lived there.
Yes, the paths are easy, but bring insect repellent.