Yamoussoukro Attractions and its surrounding areas
With an estimated population of 310 056 inhabitants and a surface area of 3,500 km², Yamoussoukro is the political and administrative capital of Côte d’Ivoire since 1983. YAMOUSSOUKRO is found some 248 km from the city of Abidjan. The warmth, hospitality and friendliness of the people will not leave you indifferent. Yamoussoukro has wide avenues engulfed with buildings with an exceptional architecture whose culminating point is Our Lady of Peace Basilica mission. It is the first Ivorian city to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has an aura and a reputation that makes it one of the most visited African capitals in the world.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
Located in the city of Yamoussoukro, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace was built between 1986 and 1989 and was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II. Designed on the model of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, it is the largest in the world. This cultural heritage has become a real place of prayer and blessing. The basilica can be visited every day of the week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The FHB (Félix Houphouët-Boigny) Foundation for Peace Research
Founded in 1973, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation was at the origin of the International Peace Conference, organized under the auspices of UNESCO. The building’s architectural richness will not leave you indifferent. The rooms are decorated with marble, wood and chandeliers. We advise you to visit the foundation during the day to get the most out of the lights and take great pictures. The foundation is open every day from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Visits are paid and guided (1500 FCFA per person).
The crocodile's Lake of Yamoussoukro
Crocodiles inhabit the lake surrounding the Yamoussoukro Presidential Palace. They are the Nile crocodiles, and each weighs almost a ton and measures up to six meters. They can jump for several meters to grab food that is served to them on daily basis. The crocodile lake is a famous tourist attraction throughout West Africa.
The Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve (national park)
It was created in 1986, an initiative of late President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, for the development of tourism. The Abokouamékro Wildlife Park covers an area of 20,430 hectares of which 7,230 hectares has been viabilised for tourist visits. The reserve is home to rhinoceroses, buffaloes, hartebeests, antelopes, buffalo kob, and many other animal species. The Abokouamékro Wildlife Reserve is a vital factor for tourism development in the region.
The Bomizambo weavers’ village
It is a small village in the heart of the Ivory Coast where the art of weaving is transmitted from generation to generation, commonly called ” Bomi” by its inhabitants. This small village which is harbours the outstanding weavers is found in the Tiébissou Division and it is here that the Baoulé traditional loincloths are been manufactured, with a lot of patience while respecting the tradition.
The Kondeyaokro Goli danse
The Goli is a sacred dance of the Baoulé people. It is a masked dance show that involves the whole village. The central element of the Goli is the use of a mask. The masks are varied and have different characteristics. They are carved with wood has antelope horns, crocodile face and the image of an elephant, which signifies strength and wisdom. The two red discs on the sides symbolize the sun. The dancers wear a costume consisting of an antelope skin cloak over a cluster of fresh palm leaf fibers. The Goli dance is an exceptional cultural event that must be preserved.