On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean
In the footsteps of the Slave Route, between coconut palms of Ouidah and sacred waters of Lake Ahemé.
Duration
7 days
From
€900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
This 7-day circuit follows the Atlantic coast of Bénin, where history can be read at every stage. From the stilt houses of Ganvié to the colonial streets of Porto-Novo, you head to Grand-Popo for a water getaway between the bird island and the mouth of the Mono River, then Lake Ahémé and its temple long kept secret in Possotomé. The journey ends in Ouidah, between sacred forest, Python Temple and Slave Route, an unmissable place of memory. A Bénin of lagoons and coconut trees, to be experienced gently.
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, floating market, 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 hawk to spot 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.
Porto-Novo
You head to the road to Porto Novo, administrative capital of Bénin and capital of the Ouémé department. The city stands out for the diversity of its communities, its colonial-era buildings and its places of worship. Its old neighborhoods and royal palace are on the UNESCO indicative list.
You visit the Honmé palace, then the ethnographic museum, where Guélédé masks, weapons and musical instruments are displayed. You also discover the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo, recognizable by its colorful facades.
In the afternoon, you head to Adjarra to explore its traditional tam-tam market and observe the stages of their manufacture through to their sale.
At the edge of the ocean
You settle in Grand-Popo, renowned for its beaches. On the program: a water excursion, a visit to the voodoo village, the discovery of the bird island and the meeting point between the sea and the Mono River.
Possotome and Lake Ahemé
You continue your journey to Possotomé, a peaceful village where animism holds an important place. You visit a temple that was previously kept secret, then set off for a pirogue ride on Lake Ahémé.
Ouidah and the Slave Route
This morning, you join Ouidah, near the Atlantic coast. You stroll through the historic city and 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. Finally, you walk 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 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 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 — 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
