This was one trip that wasn’t really planned. A friend of mine and I simply wanted to explore Africa and thought South Africa was too far for a 3-night trip from lagos. Given I had already been to South Africa, there was also an incentive on my part to explore new territory. Ivory Coast is a francophone country which meant I had a great opportunity to brush up on that French I spent summer 2014 in Lausanne, Switzerland (not to excluded my 6 months life in France in 2014 and 2015) learning. I wasn’t expecting all the beauty I saw so here it is:
About to board by flight from Lagos to Abidjan, Ivory Coast with Air Cote d’Ivoire. The ticket was so expensive for this less than 2 hr flight. Next time, I am walking!! lol perhaps a road trip 🙂 (I actually found out that there was a road direct to Ivory Coast from Lagos).
I stayed at the Novotel Abidjan in the business district. Loved these flying orchids in the lobby. Only complaint was the small rooms (the breakfast was great). When you live in Lagos, most places in the world seem smaller.
Visting the busiest market in Adjame, Abidjan. It is so funny how I was exploring this market but to go to the market in my home town Lagos, Nigeria is a mission lol
We literally took a walking tour of plateau (the business district in Abidjan) and came across these boutiques (not your everyday boutique).
Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan. Impressive but a small giant in comparison to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
Selfie ready for our 2 hour drive to Yamoussoukro (from Abidjan) to visit the BIGGEST CHURCH IN THE WORLD.
That backdrop – Moi at the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
That View
The interior of the church. The church was a gift from the 1st president of the Ivory Coast to the pope. When asked how much he paid for the church’s construction, he responded that one could not price a gift to God. The tour of this church was one of the most impressive tours I have had (So much thought and precision was put into its construction).
I also visited the “Felix Houphouet-Boigny Foundation”. Here, is the peace room. The goal of the foundation is to contribute to the research, preservation, maintenance and promotion of peace in Africa and the world, in the spirit of the Constitution of UNESCO and the United Nations Charter.
A great meal at Aboussouan, a lovely african restaurant with a lovely vibe. This place was full by the time we left on a sunday – definite testament to the quality of the food and service.
What I loved about Ivory Coast?: Hands down the Basilica in Yamoussoukro (Such beauty) and the thorough FREE tour guide given by (even though I gave a small tip) . The people – very friendly and did I mention the incredibly FUN nightlife (with of course music from Nigeria – Nigeria is truly taking over the world with its beats).
What I didn’t like?: Its a francophone country so no one had an interest in speaking english lol (honestly I loved that I was forced to practice french though). Also I didn’t like the flight ticket price. African airlines need to do better to encourage africans to explore Africa or else we will carry our cash outside the continent.
Would I go back?: Well possibly but not any time soon. This does not take away from the fact that I enjoyed my trip.
Have you visited Ivory Coast before? If so, share what you loved and what you didn’t. And if you have any tips for travelling to Ivory Coast