Sacred Forest of Man | Man

The Sacred Forest of Gbêpleu, located within the city of Man in western Côte d’Ivoire, is a deeply symbolic and ecologically rich environment. It serves as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a spiritual site of immense cultural importance for the Dan people (also known as the Yacouba), the dominant ethnic group in the region.

General Overview

Size: Approximately 8 hectares

Location: Gbêpleu neighborhood, Man, in the Tonkpi Region of the Montagnes District

Legal Status: Declared a national cultural heritage site in October 2021 by the Ivorian government

This forest is one of the rare remaining urban sacred forests in Côte d’Ivoire and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in the city of Man.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Sacred Forest is considered a dwelling place for ancestors and spirits, forming a spiritual core of the Dan cosmology.

It is used for initiation rituals (notably for male adolescents), where young boys are educated in traditions, taboos, and responsibilities of adulthood.

The forest is protected by strong taboos: cutting trees, hunting animals, or removing any natural element from the forest is strictly forbidden by traditional law.

Local elders and initiated spiritual custodians (sometimes referred to as forest priests or guardians) oversee the use and protection of the forest.

Sacred shrines and ritual stones are scattered within the forest, often hidden from uninitiated eyes.

Biodiversity and Ecological Importance

Despite being in an urban setting, the forest maintains dense tropical vegetation, including species of:

Mahogany

Iroko

Bamboo

Lianas and ferns

Wildlife:

The most famous residents are the sacred monkeys—usually green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus)—considered spiritually significant and protected by custom.

The monkeys are accustomed to human presence and are often seen wandering the forest edge, especially when bananas are offered.

Birds, small reptiles, insects, and butterflies also inhabit the area, contributing to urban biodiversity.

Visitor Experience

Accessibility: The forest is located just minutes from the center of Man and is easy to reach on foot or by local transport.

Touring the Forest:

Entry is permitted but should always be done accompanied by a local guide or elder, who can explain the forest’s significance and ensure that taboos are respected.

Photography may be restricted in certain sacred zones, especially near altars or ritual sites.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and not touch or remove anything from the forest.

Monkeys: Feeding the sacred monkeys is a popular experience, but it must be done respectfully. Bananas are typically accepted as offerings.

Conservation and Management

The forest’s protection is maintained through a combination of customary law and national recognition.

Community elders, together with local youth groups and some NGOs, are engaged in raising awareness about conservation, particularly with urban expansion threatening the forest’s edges.

The official heritage designation in 2021 aims to promote eco-cultural tourism while preserving the integrity of the forest.

Cultural Etiquette and Guidelines

Do not enter alone—a guide or elder is mandatory.

Do not photograph sacred altars or masked dancers (if present).

Do not litter—even small acts of disrespect are taken seriously.

Avoid walking off established paths, as certain areas are spiritually restricted.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors often combine a trip to the Sacred Forest with:

Les Cascades de Man – a scenic waterfall a short drive from the city

La Dent de Man – a tooth-shaped mountain ideal for hiking

Mont Tonkoui – the second-highest peak in the country, offering breathtaking views

The Sacred Forest of Gbêpleu is not just a patch of preserved greenery—it is a living spiritual landscape, protected by tradition and revered by generations. For visitors to Man, it offers a rare opportunity to witness how ecology, mythology, and community life are deeply intertwined in the cultural fabric of the region.