On the trails of Bénin and Togo

Head to Ganvié, a traditional village built on the Nokoué Lake and nicknamed the "Venice of Africa". You'll 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 hawk to locate this place, then into a crocodile to guide his people there. The name "Ganvié" means "we are saved".

As you glide along the water, observe the bamboo houses with thatched roofs and discover local traditions, including the harvesting of water hyacinths and akadja fishing.

You take the road to Porto Novo, administrative capital of Bénin and capital of the Ouémé department. The city is distinguished by the diversity of its communities, its colonial-era buildings and its places of worship. Its old districts and royal palace are featured 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 Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo, recognizable by its colorful façades.

After breakfast, you complete your discovery of Porto Novo. You observe its monuments and remains linked to exchanges between Africa, America and Europe, as well as its museums, including Honmé, Da Silva and the Alexandre Sènou Adandé ethnographic museum.

You then head towards Pobé, then pass through Onigbolo, where there is a cement factory, and through the Agolin region. Along the way, you discover rural markets and a holi village, where you notice traditional tattoos.

Arrival in Covè and check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, you meet the Agonlin people and discover their way of life, marked by ancestral traditions, subsistence farming, hunting and ancestor worship.

You then take the track towards Gbaname and stop at a Wodaabe camp. Originally from Nigeria, the Wodaabe are notably known for the Gerewol, a festival associated with seduction contests. You take time to exchange with them before passing through Gossoué, a Fulani Peul village.

You reach Dassa-Zoumé, the "city of 41 hills", surrounded by rocky reliefs. After visiting the Arigbo Marian centre, a place of prayer and contemplation, you set off on a hike in the hills of Dassa. You discover the ritual path of the Omondjagou, as well as fetishes and representations of voodoo worship.

You join Djougou from Parakou. In this trading city, a meeting place for local communities, you discover the lively market, then visit the royal palace and the artisanal workshops.

You continue towards the sacred forests and the Tanéka villages, whose houses are distinguished by their architecture.

You take the road to Natitingou, gateway to the Somba country. Upon arrival, you visit the popular museum to discover local history and traditions, then explore the city market.

At the end of the day, you can refresh yourself in the natural swimming pool formed by the Kota Falls.

After breakfast, you head south towards Abomey, the former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Founded in the 16th century, the city is home to the royal palaces of its former sovereigns. You also discover the historical museum, which houses royal objects, ornaments and treasures of the kingdom. Abandoned after the defeat of King Béhanzin by French troops, the palaces have since been restored.

After the visit, you return to your guesthouse to rest.

You head west, cross the Togolese border and reach Atakpamé. Situated on a hill, the city forms with Badou and Kpalimé the triangle of Togolese coffee and cocoa.

A former mountain refuge, then an agricultural and administrative center under German rule, Atakpamé is known for the Tchébé dance on stilts, which you may have the opportunity to witness.

Near the city, you observe the hippopotamuses of the Nangbéto dam. Back in Atakpamé, discover the market around the central square, whose atmosphere continues with music as night falls.

You continue towards southern Togo until Kpalimé, near the Ghanaian border. The region combines coffee and cocoa plantations, wooded hills, waterfalls, valleys and forests. The city is also known for its craftspeople, who practice notably wood carving, batik, pottery, weaving and gourd making.

Upon your arrival, a short forest walk leads you to the Womé waterfalls, where you can swim in a cool pool. Back in town, you discover the Kpalimé market.

At the end of the day, you set off on a ride on the slopes of Mont Agou, Togo's highest peak. The path crosses avocado and banana orchards as well as small villages, before offering you a panoramic view of the region.

You cross the forest region to reach Lomé, capital of Togo located on the Atlantic Ocean.

Your discovery of the city begins at the Assiganmé market, where you discover the history of the Nana Benz, traders of Dutch fabrics once known for their success. You continue to the fetish market, among objects linked to local beliefs and traditional pharmacopoeia.

Your journey finally takes you to Liberty Square and Independence Square.

You join Togoville, on the shores of Lake Togo, for a canoe ride. In the village, fetishes and wooden sculptures placed in front of houses testify to still living traditions.

In the afternoon, you discover in Agbodrafo the history of slavery in the region, notably through a visit to the slave house and the well of the chained.

Night in Aného, near the Bénin border.

You cross the border at Sanvée-Condji and reach Grand-Popo, a beach resort located at the mouth of the Mono River. Appreciated by locals for relaxation, it offers fine sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, a lagoon, mangroves and spots ideal for bird watching.

Enjoy the setting during a walking tour or a pirogue excursion, then discover the Mouth of the King, at the mouth of the river.

You leave Grand-Popo for Possotomé, on the shores of Lake Ahémé. The locality is known for fishing, its thermal springs and its small beaches lined with coconut trees. You can enjoy a canoe trip or a swim in the lake.

Possotomé is also marked by voodoo traditions. You discover its temples, its ceremonies and its sacred forests.

Stay at the Chez Théo hotel complex, equipped with mini-cabins, rooms and a swimming pool.

You join Ouidah, a city founded by the Houéda people, whose voodoo traditions include the python scarification. Its history is also marked by the slave trade towards South America, notably Brazil.

You travel through the six stages of the Route des Esclaves, from Chacha square to the Gate of No Return. You then discover the historic centre and its colonial houses with English, Portuguese and French influences.

The visit ends at the former Portuguese fort, now a history museum.

Enjoy a free day in Cotonou to discover the open-air market of Dantokpa. Weather permitting, you can also visit the Missebo market, the Zinsou Foundation and the craft center, or take a stroll on Fidjrossè beach.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.