Overview: *While the political situation in the Ivory Coast has been
settled, the rule of law has not fully been re-established in some
areas. Travellers to the Ivory Coast should exercise extreme
caution.* The independent republic of the Ivory Coast (or Côte d'Ivoire)
lies on the south coast of the bulge of West Africa, consisting
mainly of a vast plateau (except for mountains in the northwest
extremity), hemmed in by five other countries and the Atlantic
Ocean. Once, its main cities of Abidjan and Yamoussoukro were
showpieces of the continent, politically stable and economically
sound, attractive not only by dint of the physical beauty that
abounds in the country but also boasting a rich culture. In 2002 an armed rebellion split the nation, and although a
peace deal between the rebels and the government was brokered in
2003, implementation was difficult and a further peace accord had
to be signed in 2007. After the 2003 peace deal tensions remained
high, and most foreign nationals left. Ivory Coast remains
blacklisted as a 'no-go' destination by most western governments,
with United Nations and French peacekeepers holding on to a
volatile situation. Tourists that do brave the political situation can experience
attractions in the Ivory Coast like one of the last remaining
virgin rainforests in West Africa at the Tai National Park, an
unspoilt wonderland of huge trees, gurgling streams and abundant
wildlife. Then there is the impressive Cascade Waterfall, located
in a bamboo forest in the lush region around the town of Man, which
also hosts the intriguing annual Festival of Masks with performing
stilt-dancers. The cities, too, are worthy experiences, particularly the
capital Yamoussoukro. A unique city in Africa, boasting a
full-sized replica of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. The stunning
cathedral (containing more stained glass than you will find in all
the churches of France), and other lavish edifices in the
surprising city, including an internationally-rated golf course and
multi-lane highways
|