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Soubré Dam

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Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)

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The Soubré Dam on the Sassandra River in southwest Ivory Coast is the country's largest and most powerful hydroelectric power plant. Officially inaugurated in 2017, it marks a turning point in Ivorian energy strategy toward renewable energies. The dam was built with significant financial and technical support from China (Sinohydro) in just four years. With an installed capacity of 275 MW, Soubré produces approximately 1,100 GWh of clean electricity annually and has noticeably reduced the country's dependence on fossil fuels. The resulting reservoir serves not only for power generation but also provides opportunities for local fishing and plantation irrigation. The construction of the dam required extensive environmental studies and social compensation programs for the local population. Soubré is the centerpiece of a cascade of hydroelectric plants on the Sassandra River.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262726262625242425252626
Rain mm22771361591802371181051511699643

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This monumental structure on the Sassandra River is the most powerful hydroelectric power plant in Ivory Coast, playing a crucial role in national energy independence.
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Visiting
As a critical national infrastructure facility, official interior tours are generally not permitted for regular tourists due to strict security measures.
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Where to view it
The impressive scale of the massive concrete dam and the resulting expansive reservoir can typically be observed from adjacent public roads and nearby elevated riverbanks.
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Local products
While the dam itself does not sell products, the surrounding towns often host dynamic markets where fresh river fish and regional agricultural goods are readily available.
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Active season
The hydroelectric plant operates continuously year-round, but the surrounding river landscape is most dramatic during the wet season when water flow is at its absolute peak.
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Nearby
A stop here pairs excellently with an exploration of the wider Nawa region, known for its lush vegetation and proximity to the majestic Taï National Park.

Geography

Coordinates
5.79500, -6.65300

Facts

  • The dam is 4.5 kilometers long and 20 meters high.
  • Construction costs were around 572 million US dollars.
  • Soubré increased the country's power production by about 10%.
  • The reservoir covers an area of approximately 17 square kilometers.
  • The project was completed one year earlier than originally planned.
  • Soubré is part of a larger plan to utilize the Sassandra potential.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Soubré Animal ParkSoubré Animal Park6 km · NExplore →
Buyo DamBuyo Dam64 km · SEExplore →
Taï ForestTaï Forest72 km · SExplore →
IssiaIssia77 km · EExplore →
Cavally ForestCavally Forest84 km · SExplore →
Historic Center of GagnoaHistoric Center of Gagnoa87 km · NEExplore →
TaïTaï89 km · SExplore →
Sassandra BasinSassandra Basin99 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Soubré Dam (1)

Nawa waterfall📍 landmark

This cascading waterfall serves as a prominent natural attraction in the surrounding tropical landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Soubré dam?
A major hydroelectric power plant on the Sassandra River for electricity generation.
Is the site open to tourists?
The dam crest is closed to the public for safety reasons.
How can one experience the Soubré region?
One can explore the scenic surroundings and visit local markets.
What is the best season for this area?
The period outside of the heavy rains is good.
What should one consider when traveling?
The infrastructure is basic, good preparation and vehicle choice are necessary.
Soubré Dam: where is it located?
Soubré Dam is located in Côte d’Ivoire.
Soubré Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Soubré Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Soubré Dam on the Sassandra River in southwest Ivory Coast is the country's largest and most powerful hydroelectric power plant.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Issia — Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)
Issia
An emerging city in the Haut-Sassandra region.

More places

Railway Town Anyama — Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)
Railway Town Anyama
An important hub of the historic Abidjan-Ouagadougou railway line built by the French.
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Buyo Dam
Important dam on the Sassandra River in the west, creating Lake Buyo.
Former capital Bingerville — Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)
Former capital Bingerville
Was the capital of the French colony from 1900 to 1934 and houses the former governor's palace.
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Comoé Plain
The Komoe plain is a wide, flat region in the northeast through which the Komoe River flows.
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Northern Savanna
The northern savanna relief consists of vast, gently undulating plains that extend toward the border with Mali and Burkina Faso.
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Ferké Savanna
The Fere savanna relief consists of open plains in the north-central part of the country.
Soubré Animal Park — Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)
Soubré Animal Park
A small zoo showcasing local species.
Taï Forest — Soubré Dam (Côte d’Ivoire)
Taï Forest
The Tai forest relief represents one of the last major remnants of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa.