Must See

Yamoussoukro

This lively administrative and political capital located 230 km north of Abidjan is unlike any other place in Africa. It's a bizarre example of wasteful spending, typified by deserted eight-lane highways and the lavish Basilique de Notre Dame de la Paix. Only slightly smaller than St Peter's in Rome, the cathedral incorporates more stained glass than all the stained glass in France. The city also has a lively market and an international standard golf course.

Abidhan

Known as the 'Paris of West Africa', this cosmopolitan city and former capital abounds in French charm. It is the largest city in the country (home to up to 5 million people), and its streets bustle with people going about their daily lives. There is an excellent museum called the Ifon Museum, along with the National Museum, which contains statues, historic artefacts and ivory. The traditional heart of the city is Treichville, noted for many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Man

Set in a region of thickly forested mountains and plateaux, this attractive town in the west of Cote d'Ivoire is known for its first rate market. The area around Man is home to the Yacouba stilt who perform at the annual Fete des Masks (see Good Time to Visit). There's also the impressive La Cascade waterfall in a bamboo forest west of the town and the nearby peak of Mount Tonkoui, which is very popular among climbers.

Parc National De La Comoe

The largest game park in the Côte d'Ivoire is the Parc National de la Comoe, located in the elevated savanna and forest in the northeast. The park occupies over 11,000 sq km and is home to a variety of animals including lions, elephants, green monkeys, hippos, baboons and waterbucks, together with several species of antelope and wild pig.