Domaine BINI — Attraction in Lagunes

Domaine Bini is a wonderful experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and appreciative of the Ivorian riches found in nature.

The breakdown of the day is excellent.

Upon arrival, you dance along with the percussion group who welcome you with music and singing. After drinking from a hydrating coconut, you can enjoy some fresh bandji right before a healthy guided hike.

The hike itself was 3.54 km and took us roughly two hours with plenty of stops with thorough explanations of plants and trees, including their scientific names and uses. One caveat was that we waited until all of the groups were present before we set off, and the group was a bit too large to control, especially considering some who were disrespectful toward the guide and even the Kapok tree (don't mess with the Kapokier!).

Just as your hunger is reaching it's high point is right around when lunch time is and you're presented with a buffet of various options that are all stellar. Of note, if you weren't hungry enough they offer an aperitif that definitely opens your stomach up and allows you to keep going back for more, and trust me there's plenty.

As lunch dies down, the percussion group revs up again and just when you thought you're too full to move, you're dancing and laughing with everyone.

There are leisure activities afterward that include the clay bath, and a rinse in the spring water lagoon, as well as board games and archery.

If you're feeling adventurous still, there is the zipline that ensures an extra shot of adrenaline before they close for the day.

Highly recommend, and thank you to the guides, to all the staff and to the boutique workers who hand picked tea...

Quite disappointing... the photos do not show the reality. As the website says, the place opens at 9am. We arrived at 9, ready for the hike but the staff themselves weren't there on time. They insisted we wait until other guests arrive before we could go for the hike. We waited till 12:30... it was quite inconvenient. The hike itself was enlightening and wonderful. Our tour guide was great too! Very knowledgeable and polite. After the hike, we got back to the main camp for lunch, only to find at least 5 other groups who had only come for the food. Logically, those who arrived before should have been served their lunch first but it was some sort of all you can eat buffet and the other guests literally pushed and kicked their way to the food as soon as it was placed on the tables. We had to wait till everyone had eaten before getting food. After the lunch, we were meant to finally enjoy the clay bath. What a disappointment. It was a small pool full of clay but only a handful of people could fit in it. Of course the children were already in and there was no room for anyone else. Finally, I must admit that the staff were really polite and accommodating, except for one elderly man who was drunk since morning and low-key racist. Constantly making some racially oriented comments which made us feel really uncomfortable. He even asked us for more money before we left and asked us if in our culture we don't give money to our uncles when we visit the village... I was quite upset at that comment. I definitely wouldn't go back. Not worth 15000...

Bini Fôret was one of our favorite experiences in Côte d'Ivoire! We LOVED everything about it. We decided to stay for two nights and we were amazed with the incredible hospitality, great company, delicious food and plenty of activities including music & dance, evening bonfire and stories, clay baths, zipline, guided walks through the forest and plenty more! We will definitely go back. Great THANK YOU to Bini Fôret team for making this such a memorable experience for us :)

In addition, the booking process with Domaine Bini team was prefectly smooth - great communication and clear...