Escape & Traditions
From the sacred masks of the Somba people to the royal palaces of Abomey, nine days in the heart of the cradle of Voodoo.
Duration
9 days
From
€1,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
This circuit allows you to enjoy the multiple attractions of Bénin, but focuses mainly on discovering its culture and traditions.
From one locality to another, we become acquainted with the tribes and Beninese customs. A rich human experience full of emotions!
This African country is the birthplace of vodoun. Many of its communities are devout animists and practitioners of the cult of the dead. Whether in a large city like Ouidah or in a small village in Somba country, witnessing one of their rituals where dances and songs mingle remains a most captivating adventure
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
City visits and road to Pobè
Your day begins at the Dantokpa market, in Cotonou. Merchants and visitors gather among stalls of fabrics, pagnes, amulets, ritual objects and food products, both artisanal and industrial.
You then head to Porto Novo, the administrative capital of Bénin and capital of the Ouémé department. On the edge of the lagoon, you discover the "Red City" and its architecture inherited from Afro-Brazilians who returned to Bénin. The old quarters of Porto-Novo are on UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites.
The visit continues at the ethnographic museum, where Guèlèdè masks, weapons and musical instruments are displayed. You then admire the colorful facades of the Grand Mosque, whose architecture is reminiscent of churches in Salvador da Bahia, then stroll through the streets of the old quarter lined with colonial houses.
You finally reach Pobé. Holi groups, known for their traditional tattoos and scarifications linked to the python, live in the region. With a bit of luck, you will be able to attend a Guèlèdè dance. Arrival in the late evening and overnight in the heart of the jungle, near the village.
On the way to the North
After breakfast, you head towards Agonlin, around Covè, to discover the daily life of residents, marked by subsistence agriculture, hunting and ancestor worship.
You then take the track connecting Gbanamè to Parakou and stop at a Woodabe encampment. These nomads originally from Nigeria celebrate each year, after the rainy season, the Géréwol festival, during which men adorn themselves to participate in a beauty and seduction contest. The festival is not on the program for this stage, but you take time to exchange with the inhabitants of the encampment.
Night in a local house nearby.
Traditions and Mysteries of Northern Benin
You start the day in the old town of Djougou, discovering the royal palace, the market and craft workshops.
You continue to Tanéka-Koko, inhabited by animist hunters who cultivate millet, then reach the Yaka camp. There you exchange with the sorcerers and keepers of traditions about their rites, the cult of the dead and initiation ceremonies linked to male circumcision.
Meetings in Somba Country
After breakfast, you head to the Somba region. You discover the traditions mentioned by its inhabitants, particularly scarifications linked to the python, tattoos and animist practices.
The arrival of Catholic missionaries and state representatives, followed by the development of schooling, brought about changes in lifestyles from the 1960s onwards. You explore the region on foot and take time to exchange with its inhabitants.
You discover the Tata Somba, fortified buildings emblematic of the land of the Bétamarribés. Their architecture, present in Togo as well as in Bénin, bears witness to the heritage of the Bétiabé and the Bétammarribé.
In the surrounding villages, you meet the Peuls, the Tagaye and the inhabitants of Boukoumbé. The day ends with a hike in the eco-village of Koussoukoingou, discovering local life and the landscapes of the region.
From the Dassa Mountains to the Historic City
Boukoumbé → Dassa-Zoume
After a good night's rest, you head towards the center of Bénin. Upon arrival, you explore the slopes of the Dassa mountains, where small houses stand.
You discover the 41 sacred hills, meet the stonemasons, then visit the Notre-Dame d'Arigbo cave and the Princes' hill. You then head to the historic city of Dassa to briefly greet its mayor.
Bohicon, Abomey, Ouidah: Following the Traces of Eternal Dahomey
Dassa-Zoume → Abomey
The morning is free before your departure for Abomey. On the way, you make a stop at the Bohicon market, where amulets and objects related to voodoo worship are sold in particular.
In Abomey, you visit the royal palaces, former residences of the sovereigns of Dahomey. Abandoned after the defeat of King Béhanzin by French colonial forces, they have since been restored and now house historical museums. You discover in particular the thrones of the ancient kings. bla bla bla
You discover Abomey, former capital of Dahomey, and its royal palaces. The museum preserves objects, jewelry and treasures from the ancient kingdom. Abandoned after the defeat of King Béhanzin by French colonists, the palaces were later restored with UNESCO's support and now house historical museums.
You also visit Goho Square and the underground houses of Agongointo, then take a break at the fetish market. You then head to Ouidah, where you spend the night in a beachfront hotel.
Ouidah, from its Places of Worship to the Slave Route
After breakfast, you dedicate your second-to-last day in Bénin to discovering Ouidah. You start with the Python Temple, located opposite the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
You then explore the sacred forest of Kpassè Zoun, with its centuries-old trees, its voodoo temple, its statues of deities and the king's iroko. The walk continues through the colonial quarter, among houses of French, Portuguese and English influence, then by visiting the former fort turned historical museum.
You travel along the Slave Route and its five stages, witnesses to the slave trade. A stop at the Zinsou Foundation, dedicated to contemporary African art, concludes your visit before heading to Grand-Popo.
See you soon in Bénin!
Before your return flight, you join Ganvié, a village established in the middle of Lake Nokoué. The Toffin settled there from 1770 onwards to escape inter-ethnic conflicts and the slave trade. You discover its floating market and its stilt houses, built in bamboo and covered with thatch.
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
- The air transport
- Visa fees
- Insurance
- Meals and Beverages
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- The extras
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- The accommodation
- The services of an English-speaking coordinating guide
- Transport throughout the entire stay (driver and fuel included)
- The mentioned activities
- 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 — 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
