PONTS DE LIANE

The authentic liana bridges that are the pride of the region are inherited from sacred Yacouba traditions. You have to go as far as the Danané region to see them, some 80 km west of Man where the Cavally River cuts off some villages from road access. Imagine a bridge of spindly, intertwined vines that you have to cross while keeping your balance above the bubbling river... a thrilling Indiana Jones-style ordeal! Few of these bridges now exist - no more than a dozen or so - as concrete has replaced these fragile bridges, which must be constantly renewed, but the tradition is centuries old and still alive and well. Creeper bridges were once legion where the paths leading to villages had to span the bubbling Cavally River to return from the fields.

The most visited and accessible today is Lieupleu, 20 km from Danané, where the river is wider than towards other villages. But a concrete bridge just beside it spoils the scenery, which is a pity.

You have to push on to Vatouo to see an authentic liana bridge, rebuilt in March 2022. Authentic because it links the village to the other bank of the Cavally River, the road, the fields... that's been its primary use since time immemorial, as a vital artery through which all kinds of goods transit. It's also authentic because it was built in one night, as tradition dictates. Legend has it that Yacouba initiates build the liana bridge in a single night, aided by a sacred spider that weaves the lianas like a giant web.