Abidjan

Located about an hour away from Yamoussoukro, the Parc National d'Abokouamekro (Abokouamekro National Park) is an up-and-coming Ivory Coast tourist attraction of great promise. Covering over 21,000 hectares of verdant grassland, criss-crossed by rivers and punctuated by towering trees, Abokouamekro National Park is also an important game reserve, offering refuge to the region's threatened wildlife. Visitors can gaze in wonder at the seemingly endless rolling green vistas, and be on the lookout for rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, hippos, monkeys and more.

Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito and covering a massive 14,625 square feet (4,500m square), this cathedral is reputedly Africa's second-largest church building and can seat more than 3,500 people. Pope John Paul II inaugurated the cathedral in a beautiful opening ceremony in August 1985. The tower itself is said to be a figure of St Paul, while the buildings behind the tower represent his robes. The interior of the cathedral includes a number of beautiful stained-glass tableaux. The building also offers spectacular views of the city that tourists can enjoy.

Tourists looking for a little entertainment in Abidjan should head to the area of Treichville, a small commune located in the southwest of the city. Full of bars and restaurants, as well as a race course, swimming pool and sports park, this is the area in which visitors are most likely to run into other tourists or expats based in Abidjan. While visitors should check with their hotel on the safety situation before stepping out at night, Treichville is certainly the place to go if they want to sample some of the city's surprisingly vibrant nightlife. The market is worth a visit during the day, as it offers an array of interesting and affordable items.