In this video, we take you on a journey to Ivory Coast, a beautiful country situated in West Africa. We explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Ivorian people. Then we head to a beautiful Ivory Coast border town where I expect to cross the border into either Liberia or Guinea Conakry for an experience of the local people of West Africa.
One would almost think this road is taken from a movie. This is not a movie. This is real. This is Ivory Coast in Africa. When you have roads like this across a village, it changes the way the people living in the villages see themselves and it changes the way we see the people. This is the quality of roads across the entire ivory coast from south to north, east and west.
I left the country's economic capital Abidjan and headed to the country's capital city Yamoussoukro. Yamoussoukro is a city located in the central region of Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire. It is the political capital of the country and has a population of approximately 355,000 people. Yamoussoukro is known for its impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, located in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that is widely recognized as one of the largest churches in the world. The basilica was constructed between 1985 and 1989 at the behest of the then-President of Ivory Coast, who wanted to build a grand church that would rival the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Inside, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is just as impressive. The nave can accommodate up to 18,000 worshippers, and the altar is made of Italian marble and features a life-size statue of the Virgin Mary. The basilica is also home to numerous works of art, including stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is not just a place of worship but also an important symbol of national pride for Ivory Coast. The grandeur and scale of the basilica are a testament to the country's ambition and its desire to be recognized as a major player on the world stage. Today, the basilica remains a popular tourist attraction and is a must-see for anyone visiting Ivory Coast.
From the Basilica, I proceeded to the Ivory Coast border town called Danane where I expected to cross the border into either Liberia or Guinea Conakry.
Despite its natural and cultural attractions, Danane remains relatively unknown to most travelers, making it a hidden gem in Ivory Coast. It is a great place to visit for those who want to get off the beaten path and experience the beauty and diversity of this fascinating country.
The distance from Yamoussoukro to Danane in Ivory Coast is approximately 345 kilometers by road. The journey by car took around 6 hours. There are several transportation options available. Private taxis are available in Yamoussoukro, and there are also bus companies that operate services. The journey provides an opportunity to explore the countryside and witness the changing landscape as you travel towards the western region of the country.