Ecosystems and Ornithology
A naturalist expedition through Benin's ecosystems, from the shores of Lake Nokoué to the Atlantic beaches.
Duration
10 days
From
€2,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This is not a typical trip, but a thematic circuit for wildlife and flora lovers, naturalists, ornithologists and scientific researchers.
More than a trip, it is an expedition through Bénin's ecosystems.
We lose ourselves on the banks of the Zou river, we take time to observe a bird, we walk for hours through the bush listening to and identifying animal calls, … we share a passion for nature and its inhabitants !
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Lake Nokoué
This morning we are heading 25 km from Cotonou towards the lake city of Ganvié.
This village is located in the middle of Lake Nokoué and has been inhabited since 1770 by the Toffin, a tribe that fled inter-ethnic conflicts and the evils of slavery.
The spectacle unfolding before our eyes is exceptional: its floating market with a thousand colors and a thousand scents, and its bamboo and straw houses on stilts. The trip is made by canoe.
But Lake Nokoué is also an ecosystem. With binoculars we can admire the beauty of the birds that live there.
A diversity of species fly above our heads: Niger Waxbill, Grey Heron, Senegal Kingfisher, Slaty Egret, Pied Kingfisher, Spur-winged Plover, Great Egret, African Cormorant, African Jacana, Black Kite, Striated Heron, Squacco Heron, …
Tonight we sleep in a lodge on the lake and fully enjoy the tranquility of the place as night falls.
Lokoli Forest
Today we will explore the Lokoli forest located in the commune of Zogbodome.
A swampy forest with a permanent watercourse, Lokoli is very rich in plant and animal species. It has the particularity of being home to red-bellied monkeys.
Excursion by canoe on the water in the forest, bird watching and census.
At the end of our visit we head to Dassa-Zoumé for the night.
Dassa-Zoumé
This day is marked by a hike on the Dassa Hills in search of small rodents.
But before reaching the top of the hills we will make a stop to hear and observe a particular species of bats nested in the hollows of the hills.
At the summit, with a bit of luck, we can spot small rodents on the baobabs. A few lizards are also visible on the hills.
Return to the hotel for the night.
Savalou and the Crocodile Lake
A very relaxing day where we drive very little.
Savalou is a historic city founded by King Soha. It is a region populated essentially by the mahis from Abomey.
It is in this city that we will observe a rare species of palm tree, the 7-branched palm. A real tourist attraction, this palm tree which is found in the village of Kpataba has become a venerated tree over time.
A detour will be made via the fetish Dankoli, then the Crocodile Lake.
Return to Dassa-Zoumé for the night
On the banks of the Zou River
The Zou River crosses at the level of the village of Atcherigbé the road that leads to Bohicon.
It is at this level that we make a descent on the banks of the river to observe some bird species: black heron, rufous-bellied swallow, collared pratincole, ringed plover, …
We continue our route to Abomey where we visit the royal palaces and settle at our hotel.
Grand-Popo, nest of migratory birds
We are joining today the shores of the Atlantic ocean.
It is in Grand, a town that is home to the most beautiful beaches in Bénin, that we set up camp for 2 days.
Water excursion, visit to the voodoo village, bird island, meeting point between the sea and the Fleuve Mono, we tour the remarkable sites of the area.
We also have the chance in this town to observe several other bird species: Senegal coucal, blue-bellied roller, royal tern, dove, white kite, brave cuckoo, Vieillot's barbet, …
We spend the night by the ocean, at the Grand-Popo inn.
Ouidah and the Slave Route
This morning we make the short transfer to the city of Ouidah, close to the Atlantic coast.
We dedicate the day to long hours of leisurely wandering in this historic city and start with the Python Temple. This is located opposite the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the city's cathedral, with which it forms a striking contrast.
Then, we stretch our legs by exploring The sacred forest Kpassè Zoun. It is a wooded area where century-old trees stand. We enjoy discovering its vodoun temple with its statues of voodoo divinities, as well as admiring the king's iroko tree.
The Slave Route remains an essential circuit in Ouidah. We walk several kilometers of beach to trace one by one the 5 stages of this path, symbol of the slave trade in Bénin.
We finish our visit to the city with a short stop at the Zinsou Foundation to admire contemporary art from Africa.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Air transport
- Visa fees
- Insurance
- Meals and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- The extras
Included
- Accommodation
- The services of an English-speaking coordinating guide
- Transportation throughout the entire stay (driver and fuel included)
- The activities mentioned
- Site entrances
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Benin for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Benin, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Benin, including for tourism purposes.
Benin has implemented an electronic visa (e-visa) system, which is the recommended entry method. This visa must be requested online before departure, via the official portal of the Beninese authorities. It is issued for a tourism stay of up to 30 days.
It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports, particularly at Cotonou (Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport), but the e-visa is strongly recommended to avoid any delays or complications upon entry.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation booking.
Health and vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Benin. The international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) must be presented upon entry to the country. Without this document, entry may be refused or vaccination on arrival may be required.
It is furthermore strongly recommended to:
take an antimalarial treatment appropriate to the region, as malaria is present throughout the territory,
keep up to date with routine vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, tetanus, poliomyelitis),
consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Benin in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have repatriation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be requested online before departure. Processing takes 48 to 72 hours. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. The conditions for obtaining the e-visa (fee, validity period) vary depending on your nationality. We recommend that you verify the rules applicable to your situation with the consular authorities of the destination before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 120 and 210 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Benin is an authentic destination, the birthplace of Voodoo.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lake Region
Cultural bridge builder across West Africa, based in Bénin
We understand Benin through the colors of a market, the rhythm of a drum, and the warmth of a welcome
— Isaac
