We continue our tour across Africa.

This second flight departs from Yamoussoukro (DIYO), Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is the world's single largest producer of cocoa beans, supplying roughly 40% of the global market. Cocoa is the country's most valuable export and a primary source of income for millions. Yamoussoukro is the official administrative and political capital of the Ivory Coast, designated in 1983. However, Abidjan remains the economic capital and is still listed as the primary capital in most international contexts, and where most foreign embassies are located. It is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest church buildings in the world, covering 30,000 square meters. It was consecrated in 1990. The presidential palace in Yamoussoukro is famously surrounded by a moat populated by crocodiles, which are a symbol of power in the region.

Our first stop is Abidjan (DIAP), the economic capital and largest city in the Ivory Coast, often regarded as one of the most developed and dynamic cities in West Africa. It is frequently nicknamed the "Paris of Africa" due to its vibrant lifestyle, stunning skyline, and high level of urbanization and culture. Abidjan has one of the largest populations of French-speaking individuals in the world, outside of Europe.

We are now in Ghana. Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast) was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule (British) on March 6, 1957. This event was a major catalyst for the African independence movement. Ghana is renowned for its distinctive fantasy coffins, which are functional coffins crafted by skilled artisans to represent the deceased person's life or profession. Designs can include a fish, a car, a camera, a chicken, or even an airplane. Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial reservoir by surface area, covering about 8,502 square kilometers (3,283 sq mi). The construction of the Akosombo Dam created it. The Akan people (Ghana's largest ethnic group) often name their children after the day of the week they were born, such as Kofi (Friday-born) or Kwame (Saturday-born).

We land at Takoradi (DGTK), often referred to along with its neighbor as Sekondi-Takoradi, making it a major metropolitan and industrial hub in Ghana's Western Region. Historically known for its harbor and railway repair, Takoradi is now a significant center for the country's emerging oil and gas industry after the discovery of offshore sweet crude oil. Our next stop is Kumasi (DGSI). It is the historic and spiritual capital of the Ashanti Kingdom (Asanteman), a powerful and influential kingdom that once controlled much of Ghana. It is still home to the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti. It is known as "The Garden City" due to its many species of flowers and lush vegetation in the past. Kumasi is a major cultural and commercial center known for its thriving markets (like Kejetia) and traditional crafts such as Kente cloth weaving and pottery. The next landing is at Accra (DGAA), the capital and largest city of Ghana. Its name comes from the local Ga language word "Nkran" or "Anti Hill", referring to the numerous ant hills that once covered the area. The city's coastal location led to the construction of several historic European forts and castles along the Gulf of Guinea, remnants of the Gold Coast era. Accra is a vibrant hub that blends modern architecture with historical sites like Jamestown, an old fishing harbor and neighborhood known for its lighthouse and colonial-era buildings.

We cross into Togo. Togo is one of the smallest countries in Africa, and one of the world's narrowest countries, with a width of less than 115 km (71 mi) in some places, and a coastline of only about 56 km (35 mi). Togo, along with Benin, is considered one of the birthplaces of the Voodoo (or Vodun) religion. The Akodessewa Fetish Market in the capital Lomé is one of the largest traditional markets in the world for voodoo-related items, traditional medicines, and talismans. The Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic mud-brick tower houses called Takienta. These two-story structures are a symbol of Togolese national identity. We land at Lomé (DXXX), the capital and largest city of Togo, uniquely located right on the Gulf of Guinea in the narrow southern part of the country, close to the border with Ghana. Lomé is an important regional commercial and trade center, with one of West Africa's most significant ports. Togo is also known for having the fourth-largest phosphate deposits in the world. The city features the Palais de Lomé, a former colonial palace that has been transformed into a museum and cultural center. Lomé is sometimes referred to as the "Pearl of the West African Coast" for its attractive beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Only about 40 miles east, we reach Benin. The Kingdom of Dahomey was known for its highly organized military, including the Ahosi (known by Europeans as the "Dahomey Amazons"), an all-female military regiment.

The southern coast of Benin was tragically known as the "Slave Coast" due to its role as a major hub in the Atlantic slave trade. Ouidah, a coastal town, has the infamous "Gate of No Return" memorial. Benin was the first African country to successfully transition from a dictatorship to a multi-party democratic system in the early 1990s, making it a pioneer for democracy on the continent. We finish this flight at Cotonou (DBBB), Benin's largest city, economic hub, and its chief port. While Porto-Novo is the official capital, Cotonou serves as the seat of government for the President and most ministers, as well as housing most embassies, leading to its designation as the de facto or functional capital. The name Cotonou comes from the Fon language, meaning "the mouth of the river of death", a reference to the area's history during the slave trade. As the location of its largest port and the focal point of its commerce, Cotonou plays a vital role in the economy of Benin, centralizing major industries such as brewing and palm-oil processing.

The flight is 640 miles long with 5 landings. We want to be fast, cruising around 400 TAS. I will be in the IFE Tornado, but the F-35, the F-14, the Hawker Hunter, or the M348 are popular choices.

The flight plans are here.

 

Additional scenery:

The Africa to Go freeware offers slight improvements for DIYO, DGSI, and DGTK

Please set your simulator for an 8 am local departure. We try real weather.

 

Multiplayer Particulars:

Date and time: Sunday, November 2, 2025. 1700 UTC

Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.

These flights are events posted at DigitalThemePark and use DTP's Teamspeak Channel for communication.

If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

 

For eye-candy aficionados. Try DXXX Tokonin International Lome by caribbeansky (FS2024).