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Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast - Things To Do

User By Azure Lee | Update on: Jun 19, 2024

Ivory Coast's political and administrative capital, Yamoussoukro, is situated in the country's center. This is one of the biggest cities in Ivory Coast, home to about 300,000 people. The city is home to several famous buildings, including the Presidential Palace, which serves as the official house of the President of Ivory Coast, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the biggest Christian churches in the world.

Yamoussoukro also has several parks, museums, and cultural institutions that highlight the Ivory Coast's rich past and customs. There are two seasons in the city's tropical climate: the dry season, which runs from November to April, and the rainy season, which runs from May to October. Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA franc as the local currency, and French is the official language spoken there.

What to visit in Yamoussoukro

Yamoussoukro is bigger than most other Ivorian cities at 3,500 km². Having said that, the top restaurants and lodging options are all located a short distance from one another.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

One of Ivory Coast's top tourist destinations is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Situated in Yamoussoukro's main city, this magnificent basilica is regarded as one of the world's largest churches.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace was constructed between 1985 and 1989 using St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City as its model. It is a must-see destination for both tourists and religious pilgrims due to its astounding size and architectural magnificence.

Travelers can discover the interior of the basilica. It can hold up to 18,000 people. The exquisite sculpture of the Virgin Mary adorns the marble altar. In addition, the basilica has a museum with religious items and artwork on display.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is a house of worship and that guests should dress modestly while making travel plans. Men should dress decently, too, and women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts that fall below the knees.

Yamoussoukro is one of the biggest cities in Ivory Coast, home to about 300,000 people

Yamoussoukro is one of the biggest cities in Ivory Coast, home to about 300,000 people

Presidential Palace

One of the top attractions in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is the Presidential Palace. This gorgeous building is the official residence and office of the President of Ivory Coast.

The Palace is a magnificent architectural work that was created to display the opulence and wealth of the country. It is well known for its striking golden dome, which is visible from a distance and represents strength and elegance.

The Presidential Palace offers visitors the opportunity to explore its majestic halls and hallways, which are richly decorated with a variety of art items. The interior design creates a distinctive and enthralling atmosphere by fusing modern components with traditional African motifs.

Yamoussoukro Crocodile Lake

For those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, this city-centered natural wonder is a must-visit location.

Hundreds of Nile crocodiles may be found living in Yamoussoukro Crocodile Lake, sometimes called Lac aux Crocodiles. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation. The lake, which is more than two hectares in size, gives these amazing animals a secure habitat and gives guests a rare chance to see them up close.

Along the authorized nature trails, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or guided boat cruises to learn more about the area. These outings offer fantastic chances for wildlife and birding photography.

Make sure your itinerary includes a visit to the Crocodile Lake for an unforgettable time in Yamoussoukro. Take in the breathtaking splendor of the natural world and see these amazing species in their habitat. Remember to pack your camera so you can record the wonder of this exceptional sight.

Yamoussoukro also has several parks, museums, and cultural institutions

Yamoussoukro also has several parks, museums, and cultural institutions 

National Museum of Ivory Coast

The museum holds a wide range of exhibitions that showcase the artistic, historical, and cultural riches of the Ivory Coast. Galleries showcasing traditional masks, sculptures, fabrics, and pottery that showcase the Ivorian people's distinct cultural diversity are open to visitors. Archaeological items from various eras of the nation's history are also on show.

The National Museum engages visitors of all ages with educational activities and events in addition to its displays. There are accessible guided tours that offer guests insightful commentary and tales about the exhibitions. The skilled and enthusiastic museum staff makes sure that visitors have an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Yamoussoukro Botanical Garden

Discover a variety of palm trees, tropical plants, flowers, and shrubs as you stroll along the exquisitely landscaped pathways. The garden is a sensory delight for the senses, awash in an abundance of vivid hues and scents.

The expansive pond of the Yamoussoukro Botanical Garden, which is home to several fish and turtle species, is one of the garden's highlights. It's also a great area for birdwatching, as visitors may view a variety of bird species that live in the garden.

The Yamoussoukro Botanical Garden is the ideal getaway for people looking to unwind and escape the bustle of the city. Take a stroll, pack a picnic, or just find a peaceful place to sit and relax in the middle of nature.

Yamoussoukro Central Mosque 

The famous Al-Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, served as the inspiration for the Yamoussoukro Central Mosque, which was constructed in the 1980s. Visible from a distance, the mosque has a remarkable golden dome that shimmers in the sunlight.

Travelers to the mosque will be impressed by its magnificence and splendor. Thousands of worshippers may fit in the main prayer hall, and lovely gardens and ornamental elements surround the courtyard. The mosque's interior is equally magnificent, with elaborate patterns and superb artwork.

Yamoussoukro Municipal Museum

This museum, which is centrally located, provides a fascinating look into the history and culture of the area.

Yamoussoukro Municipal Museum offers a wide range of historical items, artworks, and antiques that give visitors a better knowledge of the rich legacy. The museum also has a gallery showcasing contemporary African art, with pieces by both domestic and foreign artists. This area gives up-and-coming artists a stage and offers a welcome diversion from the historical displays.

When to go on holiday to Yamoussoukro

Between December and March, when the weather is dry and more comfortable, is the best time to visit Yamoussoukro. You can enjoy sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and clear skies during this busy time of year, which is ideal for outdoor activities. Yamoussoukro sees a lot of rainfall and sporadic storms throughout the rainy season, which is from May through October. This can interfere with your outdoor activities.

Between December and March is the best time to visit Yamoussoukro

Between December and March is the best time to visit Yamoussoukro

How to get to Yamoussoukro

Getting to Yamoussoukro is quite easy, you can:

  • Fly: Yamoussoukro has its airport, Yamoussoukro Airport (ASK), from which it receives flights from several African locations as well as Abidjan.
  • Drive from Abidjan: To get to Yamoussoukro, you can drive from Abidjan in a rental car or use a cab. It takes between three to four hours, depending on traffic.
  • Take a bus: Buses are available on the route between Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. Although the trip is less expensive than other possibilities, it might not be as comfortable.

Is Yamoussoukro an expensive destination for tourists?

Tourist-wise, Yamoussoukro might be seen as somewhat pricey, particularly when compared to other Ivory Coast locations. In general, Yamoussoukro has more expensive lodging, food, and travel than other places. 

With a little planning and study, budget travelers can still find reasonably priced options. To control the total expense of the vacation, it's wise to plan and evaluate the rates of Yamoussoukro hotels, meals, and activities.

Yamoussoukro is the political and administrative capital of the Ivory Coast

Yamoussoukro is the political and administrative capital of the Ivory Coast

Is Yamoussoukro a safe destination for tourists?

Although Yamoussoukro is usually thought to be a secure area for tourists, it's still crucial to exercise caution and take the appropriate safety measures when visiting any city or tourist attraction. Pickpocketing and stealing are examples of small-time crimes that can happen, particularly in busy places like bus terminals and marketplaces. 

It's best to avoid going for nighttime walks by yourself and store important belongings like cash and passports securely. Keeping up with the most recent travel warnings issued by your local government or consulate is also a smart idea. Yamoussoukro will surely be a fantastic travel location if the right safety measures are taken.

Before your journey, ensure you have obtained all required travel documents, including your visa and any necessary vaccinations. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, don't worry! Obtaining a visa for Ivory Coast is a straightforward process thanks to the eVisa system. You can conveniently apply for your Ivory Coast eVisa through our website, which provides a seamless and user-friendly application process.

This approach saves you time and effort, allowing you to avoid the hassle of embassy visits and lengthy procedures. With just a few clicks, you can submit your application from the comfort of your home. Visit our website to start your eVisa application today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Ivory Coast.

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