Ornithological and naturalist expedition
A naturalistic 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 circuit is designed for those who love taking time to observe. Binoculars in hand, you follow the birds of Lake Nokoué by canoe, explore the Lokoli swamp forest where red-bellied monkeys live, then head to the banks of the Zou River and the hills of Dassa. On the coast, Grand-Popo welcomes migratory birds from November to March, between bird island and the mouth of the Mono River. Between two observations, Abomey, Savalou and Ouidah add a touch of history. A naturalist expedition, at a slow pace, in the heart of Bénin's ecosystems.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Ganvié and the birds of Lake Nokoué
This morning, you join the lakeside city of Ganvié, in the middle of Lake Nokoué. The Toffin settled there from 1770 onwards to escape interethnic conflicts and the slave trade.
During a canoe ride, you discover the floating market and the stilt houses, built from bamboo and covered with thatch. Armed with binoculars, you observe the birds of the lake: Niger seedeaters, grey herons, Senegal kingfishers, slate egrets, pied kingfishers, spurwing plovers, great egrets, African cormorants, African jacanas, black kites, striated herons and squacco herons.
You spend the night in a lodge on the lake.
Lokoli Forest and its Birds
Zogbodome → Dassa-Zoume
A canoe excursion allows you to discover the forest and participate in bird observation and counting. You then take the road to Dassa-Zoumé, where you spend the night at the hotel.
Hiking on the Dassa Hills
You embark on a hike on the Dassa hills in search of small rodents. Before reaching the summit, you make a stop to listen to and observe a particular species of bats nesting in the hollows of the hills.
At the summit, you may spot small rodents on the baobabs. Lizards are also visible on the hills.
Return to the hotel for the night.
Savalou and the Crocodile Lake
Dassa-Zoume → Savalou
From Dassa-Zoumé, you reach Savalou for a day at a leisurely pace. Founded by King Soha, this historic city is located in a region mainly populated by Mahi people from Abomey.
In the village of Kpataba, you discover the seven-branched palm tree, which over time has become a venerated tree. You then make a detour to the Dankoli fetish, followed by the Crocodile Lake.
Savalou → Dassa-Zoume
Return to Dassa-Zoumé for the night at the hotel.
Observation of Birds in the Zou
Dassa-Zoume → Abomey
On the way to Bohicon, you stop near the village of Atcherigbé, where the Zou river crosses your itinerary. You head to its banks to observe several bird species, notably the black heron, the rufous-bellied swallow, the collared pratincole and the little ringed plover.
You then continue towards Abomey to visit the royal palaces, before settling into your hotel.
Grand-Popo, Nest of Migratory Birds
You join the Atlantic coast and settle for two days 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.
You can also observe several bird species there, including the Senegal coucal, the blue-bellied roller, the royal tern, doves, the white kite, the Levaillant's cuckoo and the Vieillot's barbet.
Night by the ocean, at the Grand-Popo inn.
Ouidah and the Slave Route
This morning, you join Ouidah, near the Atlantic coast, for a day of walking discovery. 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 vodoun temple, statues of divinities and the king's iroko. Finally, you travel through the five stages of the Slave Route, a place of remembrance of the slave trade in Bénin.
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 travel
- Visa fees
- Insurance
- Meals and drinks
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- The extras
Included
- Accommodation
- The services of an English-speaking coordinator guide
- Transportation throughout the entire stay (driver and fuel included)
- The activities mentioned
- Site entries
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
