The Emotional Journey
From the Somba tatas of Atacora to the palaces of Abomey, a journey through Bénin between animist traditions and royal memory
Duration
12 days
From
€1,450/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
When the urge takes you and you are looking for a journey off the beaten path, choose Bénin, a destination that resonates in hearts as one of hospitality and fraternity.
This journey immerses you in the realities of animistic peoples, who slumber between tradition and modernity.
Ganvié, the African Venice, the Holi and Fulani ethnicities, the Tanéka-Koko and Koussoukoingou villages, the Tanougou waterfalls, the Slave Route, … will make this journey a succession of moments of discovery and escape.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Ganvié, the Lakeside City
Head to Ganvié, a traditional village built on the Nokoué Lake and nicknamed the "Venice of Africa". You will discover its stilt houses, its floating market, its shops and the daily life of this fishing community.
The Toffins, or "men of the water", settled here in the 18th century to escape slavery and attacks from the kingdom of Dahomey. According to legend, their king Agbogdobé transformed himself into a sparrowhawk to locate this place, then into a crocodile to guide his people there. The name "Ganvié" means "we are saved".
As you travel along the water, observe the bamboo houses with thatched roofs and discover local traditions, including the harvesting of water hyacinths and akadja fishing.
Towards the center of Bénin
This morning, you take the road towards the center of Bénin.
At Bohicon, you stop to discover an archaeological site and underground caves, then continue to Dassa-Zoumé, nicknamed the "city of 41 hills".
Bohicon → Dassa-Zoume
You first visit the Arigbo Marian center, a place of prayer and meditation. A hike on the hills of Dassa then takes you along the ritual path of the Omondjagou, the majority people of the former kingdom of Dassa-Zoumé. You discover fetishes and representations of voodoo worship.
The Kingdom of Djougou
Dassa-Zoume → Djougou
You leave early for Djougou, a former stop on the salt and kola nut trade route. Its position makes it a meeting place between the Yom, Dendi, Peulh, Pila-Pila, Gourmantché, Somba and Baatonou peoples.
Upon your arrival, you will attempt to meet the village king.
Night in a guesthouse in Djougou.
Taneka Koko Village
You discover the region of Tanéka-Koko, inhabited by animist hunters who cultivate millet. At the Yaka camp, you exchange with the guardians of traditions about male initiation rites and the cult of the dead.
You continue towards Natitingou, where you visit the popular museum and the market. Night in a hotel located on the city's hill.
Tanougou Waterfalls
You cross Tanguiéta to reach the Tanougou waterfalls, at the foot of the Atacora mountain. Enjoy a swim in their cool waters, then a picnic and exchanges with the local inhabitants.
In the afternoon, return to Natitingou.
Night at the hotel or with a local family.
In Somba Country
On the road to Boukoumbé, you cross essentially agricultural villages. This commune in the Atacora department is located near the Togolese border.
You then join Koutagou, whose name means "where there is happiness" in the Somba language. The village is known for its Somba tatas, traditional fortified constructions. Its plain is suitable for hiking and exchanges with the inhabitants, with the peaks of the Atacora as a backdrop.
In the Kingdom of Savalou
While traveling through the municipality of Djougou, you make a stop to meet the Lokpa and Yom people, as well as pay a courtesy visit to the traditional chiefs. In the Bassila region, you meet the Anii populations and visit the market.
You then arrive at Savalou, a historic city founded by King Soha, in a region mainly populated by Mahis from Abomey. You discover the royal palace, the pantheon, the crocodile lake and the seven-branched palm trees.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey
After breakfast, you leave Savalou for Abomey, the former capital of Dahomey founded in the 16th century. You discover the royal palaces and the museum which houses objects, ornaments and treasures from the ancient kingdom.
Abandoned after the defeat of King Béhanzin by French colonists, the palaces were later restored and became historical museums listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
By the ocean
You join the Atlantic coast and settle in Grand-Popo. A water excursion takes you to discover the voodoo village, the bird island and the meeting point between the ocean and the Mono River.
According to your wishes, you can attend a traditional Zangbeto dance, that of the "guardians of the night".
Ouidah and the Slave Route
This morning, you join Ouidah to discover its historic center. You start with the Python Temple, located opposite the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
You then explore the sacred forest of Kpassè Zoun, where you will find centuries-old trees, a voodoo temple, statues of divinities and the King's iroko. Next, you travel through the five stages of the Slave Route, a site of memory dedicated to the slave trade in Bénin.
The visit ends at the Zinsou Foundation, dedicated to contemporary African art.
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 drinks
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- The extras
Included
- Accommodation
- The services of an English-speaking coordinator guide
- Transportation throughout your entire stay (driver and fuel included)
- The mentioned activities
- 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 — Historic South
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
