STARdestination

Abidjan STAR DESTINATION

The skyline of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s largest city and economic capital, is dominated by the gleaming skyscrapers of commercial district the Plateau, which loom over the Ébrié Lagoon. However, dip deeper and the city reveals a tapestry of characterful suburbs where Abidjan’s true heart beats. Here you’ll find one of the liveliest night scenes in West Africa, vibrant markets, traditional Senufo art, wonderful street food and golden beaches. With AWA making Abidjan the 10th destination in its West Africa network with six weekly flights each way between the city and Accra, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Hailu Wudineh TSEGAYE / Shutterstock.com

TRAVEL: From 14 February, AWA will be scheduling six weekly flights between its hub in Accra and Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport, in Abidjan. All flights will operate using our Embraer ERJ-145 jets.

Flights leave Accra on Fridays at 2.50 pm and arrive in Abidjan at 3.45 pm. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays flights leave Accra at 6.25 pm before landing in Abidjan at 7.20 pm.

Leaving from Abidjan, flights on Friday take off at 4.15 pm and arrive in Accra at 5.10 pm. The Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday flights leave Abidjan at 7.25 am and land in Accra at 8.20 am.

SEE: For beaches, the palmfringed stretch in GrandBassam, about 40km east of Abidjan, is the most picturesque and popular and you can also wander the town’s old Quartier France, once the nation’s capital, which is full of faded French colonial homes and the interesting National Museum of Costumes. However, the undertow here should dissuade all but the strongest swimmers. Best to head for the safer and almost as gorgeous Assinie and Assouinde.

Nature lovers should make their way to the northwest edge of town to explore the walking trails of the Parc du Banco rainforest reserve. Rangers are on hand for guided tours.

The central business district is packed with examples of architectural ingenuity, but St Paul’s Cathedral, which dominates one of the Plateau’s highest points, still stands out. It cost US$ 12 million to build and is fronted by an enormous concrete cross that appears to be dragging the cathedral behind it. For a donation, you can explore the arena-like interior and walk the steps to the top for fantastic views of the city.

The Senufo, the people of northern Côte d’Ivoire, have one of the richest craft traditions in Africa with their weaved cloth techniques and their painted masks, which are said to have inspired Picasso’s move into Cubism. You can find examples of their work at art outlets across the city, including Musée Municipal d’Art Contemporai and Le Centre Artisanal de la Ville d’Abidjan (CAVA).

DO: Head to Treichville Market, in one of Abidjan’s liveliest districts, for a bargain, especially during ‘l’arrivage’ – the early morning hours when new stock is brought in.

You can really soak up the traditional music and dance of West Africa by joining a Yelemba d’Abidjan workshop. Classes are led by members of the troupe. Visit its Facebook site for more.

The city has a strong and varied music scene. You can catch live reggae acts at Parker Place while L’Acoustic presents everything from solo singer/ songwriters to jazz and big band ensembles for its arty crowd.

Galerie Cécile Fakhoury is a not-to-be-missed trove of African contemporary art from sculpture and painting to photography. Exhibitions are always being updated so check cecilefakhoury.com for what’s on show during your stay.

EAT: There is much to choose from whether you are after fine dining or some fiery traditional fare from one of the many maquis (rustic open-air restaurants) that pepper the city, especially, as the name suggests, on the Mille Maquis strip. You can dine under the stars at rooftop terrace restaurant of the Bushman Café and the menu is just as heavenly with a focus on local flavour. Aboussouan is a sleek take on the traditional maquis with some innovative culinary twists.

SLEEP: The Hôtel Ivoire has been an iconic part of Abidjan since 1963 with crowds flocking to its cinema (which still remains) and its ice rink (not so lucky). It underwent a massive five-star renovation in 2011 and its chic rooms have some of the best views in the city and the massive outdoor pool is out of this world.

The Radisson Blu Hotel is a fantastically flamboyant option near the airport. Quirky design touches such as its reception’s sculpted steel spiral staircase make for a memorable stay.