Flights to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Côte d'Ivoire is an enchanting West African country with an extraordinary coastline, several effervescent cities and an assortment of wildlife-rich national parks.

Abidjan encapsulates the nation’s offering as a destination. Here, lively urban sprawl yields to the tropical forests of Banco National Park and the gorgeous Boulay Island in Ébrié Lagoon. While exceptional natural beauty is synonymous with the city, there’s also a wealth of culture to absorb and man-made feats to admire. The thriving marketplace in Treichville is a colourful snapshot of local life and St Paul's Cathedral is an impressive and distinctive architectural marvel.

East of Abidjan is the historic town of Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its fascinating colonial centre and traditional N’zima village before retreating to its picturesque palm-fringed beach.

Further along Côte d'Ivoire’s coastline, Assinie-Mafia is another resort town bordering the Ehotilé Islands National Park. Sandwiched by the Atlantic Ocean and a large estuarine lagoon, the area’s spectacular beaches are a uniquely serene escape.

Venture north-west of Abidjan to discover Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire’s intriguing, remote capital city encircled by rainforest. Visit the colossal Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the world’s largest single church building defined by its striking domed roof, huge columns and intricate stained-glass windows.

To best experience Côte d'Ivoire’s natural beauty, head to the Comoé National Park in the north-east. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this diverse tapestry of savannah and rainforests is split by the meandering Comoé River and home to an array of animals, including 11 types of primates and carnivores, and around 500 bird species.

You can also visit one of the last areas of primary rainforest in West Africa by travelling to Taï National Park on Côte d'Ivoire’s western border – which too has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status. Spot the pygmy hippopotamus, leopards and other rare species in this unspoiled, verdant region.

Also in western Côte d'Ivoire, the city of Man is an ideal launchpad for exploring the sensational Montagnes District and Tonkpi Region. Embark on unforgettable hikes among phenomenal mountain peaks and idyllic waterfalls. Wander through a pretty bamboo forest to La Cascade, a blissful natural pool just north of Man.

There are many culinary specialties to sample in Côte d'Ivoire, including attiéké, a traditional West African dish made from fermented cassava pulp and often served with grilled fish, and kedjenou, a spicy slow-cooked stew. For dessert, boflotos are a popular street snack made of fried dough.