Travel - Ivory Coast - top places to visit & other details of this mesmerizing African country

 


Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, is a West African country known for its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. Bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, and with a southern coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Ivory Coast has a mix of savannah, rainforest, and coastal ecosystems. Abidjan, the largest city and economic hub, is often referred to as the "Paris of West Africa" due to its modern skyline and cosmopolitan vibe.


### Best Spots to Visit


1. **Abidjan**

   - **Description:** The largest city and economic capital, known for its skyscrapers, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife.

   - **Highlights:** The Plateau district, St. Paul's Cathedral, Banco National Park, and the Abidjan Zoo.


2. **Yamoussoukro**

   - **Description:** The political capital, famous for its grandiose architecture.

   - **Highlights:** Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Presidential Palace, and the man-made lakes with sacred crocodiles.


3. **Grand-Bassam**

   - **Description:** A historic town and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.

   - **Highlights:** Colonial buildings, the National Costume Museum, and the tranquil beaches.


4. **Taï National Park**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to one of the last primary rainforests in West Africa.

   - **Highlights:** Wildlife viewing (including pygmy hippos and chimpanzees), guided tours, and bird watching.


5. **Comoe National Park**

   - **Description:** One of the largest protected areas in West Africa, with diverse ecosystems ranging from savannah to rainforest.

   - **Highlights:** Wildlife safaris, bird watching, and exploring the rich flora and fauna.


6. **Sassandra**

   - **Description:** A coastal town known for its picturesque beaches and fishing villages.

   - **Highlights:** Relaxing on the beaches, visiting traditional fishing villages, and exploring nearby natural attractions.


7. **Man**

   - **Description:** A town surrounded by beautiful mountains and waterfalls, offering great hiking opportunities.

   - **Highlights:** La Dent de Man, Les Cascades de Man (waterfalls), and the vibrant local markets.


### Best Seasons to Visit


The best time to visit Ivory Coast is during the dry seasons. The long dry season runs from November to March, and the short dry season occurs in July and August. During these periods, the weather is more favorable for travel and outdoor activities. The rainy seasons, from April to June and September to October, can bring heavy rains and make travel more challenging.




### Best Cuisines


Ivorian cuisine is rich and diverse, reflecting the country's agricultural abundance and cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include:


- **Attiéké:** A popular dish made from fermented cassava, similar to couscous, often served with grilled fish or meat.

- **Alloco:** Fried plantains typically served with a spicy sauce and grilled fish or chicken.

- **Kedjenou:** A slow-cooked stew made with chicken or guinea fowl, vegetables, and spices, traditionally cooked in a sealed pot.

- **Foutou:** A dough-like food made from mashed plantains or yams, often served with a variety of sauces and stews.

- **Garba:** A street food favorite made from attiéké and fried tuna, usually accompanied by spicy pepper sauce.

- **Peanut Soup:** A rich soup made with peanuts, tomatoes, and spices, often served with rice or fufu.


### Airlines Connectivity


Ivory Coast is primarily served by Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. Some of the airlines providing connectivity to Ivory Coast include:


- **Air France:** Offers flights from Paris to Abidjan.

- **Brussels Airlines:** Provides connections from Brussels to Abidjan.

- **Royal Air Maroc:** Connects Abidjan with Casablanca and other destinations.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Offers flights from Istanbul to Abidjan.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Provides connections from Addis Ababa to Abidjan.

- **Asky Airlines:** Offers regional flights from various West African cities.


Travelers from other parts of the world can usually find convenient connecting flights through major hubs such as Paris, Brussels, Casablanca, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympics24 : Julien Alfred of St Lucia becomes fastest woman on earth by winning 100 mtrs

Image
  Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred did wonders to put her country in the Olympics map by beconing the fastest woman on earth . Before the semi-finals, when Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew, everyone thought Sha'Carri Richardson would easily win the gold. She was expected to become the world's fastest woman. However, Sha'Carri disappointed. St. Lucia's Julien Alfred won the gold in the women's 100 meters at the Olympics, finishing in 10.72 seconds. Sha'Carri secured the silver by finishing second, while America's Melissa Jefferson took bronze. The event was delayed slightly due to rain before the race. Despite the wet track, Julien seemed unaffected. She took the lead right from the start and maintained it until the end. Despite her efforts, Sha'Carri couldn't catch up. Julien set a national record by finishing in 10.72 seconds. Her celebration after winning gold showed how significant this victory was for her and her country. Sha'Car
Read more

Travel - Western Sahara - Places to visit & other details of this disputed country

Image
  Western Sahara is a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is rich in phosphate resources and has significant fishing grounds. Despite its arid landscape, Western Sahara has a unique cultural heritage influenced by Arab, Berber, and African traditions. The declared capital of Western Sahara is Laayoune (also known as El Aaiún). However, due to the ongoing territorial dispute, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, designates Tifariti as its temporary capital. Laayoune is the largest city and serves as the administrative center under Moroccan control. Spots to Visit 1. **Dakhla**    - **Dakhla Peninsula**: Known for its stunning beaches and water sports, particularly kitesurfing and windsurfing.    - **Dragon Island**: A small island offering pristine beaches and clear waters, ideal for sn
Read more

Sporting icons : Mats Wilander - Career HLs & video of Swede Tennis great

Image
  Mats Wilander, born on August 22, 1964, in Växjö, Sweden, is hailed as one of the most versatile and intelligent tennis players of his era. Known for his exceptional tactical acumen, remarkable consistency, and cool demeanor on the court, Wilander was a key figure in the golden age of Swedish tennis during the 1980s. His ability to adapt his game to different surfaces and opponents made him a formidable competitor and a multiple Grand Slam champion. Style of Play - **All-Court Versatility:**   - Wilander was renowned for his all-court game, excelling on all surfaces—clay, grass, and hard courts. His game was built around his exceptional baseline consistency, strategic shot selection, and the ability to outthink his opponents.   - He possessed a strong two-handed backhand, which was a key weapon in his arsenal, and his forehand was reliable and consistent, allowing him to construct points with patience and precision. - **Mental Toughness and Tactical Intelligence:**   - Wilande
Read more