Vodoun Days Festival 2027

Head towards the traditional village of Ganvié, nicknamed the "Venice of Africa" for its unique location in the heart of Lake Nokoué. Its stilt houses, its floating market with colorful stalls and its unique shops make up the authentic charm of this fishing community.

You will discover peaceful life on the water and the hospitality of the Toffins, or "men of the water", settled here since the 18th century to escape slavery and attacks from the kingdom of Dahomey.

Legend has it that their king, Agbogdobé, transformed himself into a sparrowhawk to spot this islet, then into a crocodile to guide his people to these lakeside lands, named "Ganvié", meaning "we are saved".

Today, the inhabitants still perpetuate their traditions through the harvesting of water hyacinths and "Akadja" fishing, an ingenious local technique. Wander along the water between the bamboo houses topped with thatched roofs to experience the true soul of the place.

After breakfast, departure for Ouidah, a historic city founded by the Houéda people, recognizable by the python scarification, a strong symbol of voodoo culture.

Once, Ouidah was one of the main centers of the slave trade to Brazil. The famous "The Slave Route" connects the city to the sea and remains a poignant testimony to this dark period in history.

Visiting the historic center will immerse you in a unique architectural setting, blending colonial houses of English, French and Portuguese styles.

The stay will also be punctuated by rich cultural experiences: traditional ceremonies, human warmth, spirited dances, displays of strength, sacred rituals and libations, for a total immersion in the soul of Ouidah.

After fully enjoying the official celebrations of the voodoo festival, head to the Agonli plateau.

Along the way, stop at the kingdom of Allada, the birthplace of Toussaint Louverture, then pass through Bohicon before reaching Covè.

This day will be marked by the discovery of Guélédé, a traditional masked dance inscribed in intangible heritage, originating from Nigeria. During this Guelede Identity Celebration, women prepare and dress the men who, costumed and masked, perform rhythmic choreography in public.

Head to Dassa, also called the "city of 41 hills" and an essential crossroads in central Bénin. The day begins with a visit to the Arigbo Marian center, a place of prayer and contemplation.

You will then set off on a hike over the Dassa Hills, discovering the ritual path followed by the Omondjagou, the majority ethnic group of the former kingdom of Dassa-Zoumé. On these heights, you will observe fetishes and representations of voodoo worship.

The day will reach its climax with the sacred Atingalé dance, an ancestral tradition reserved for the initiated.

Early departure to Djougou, a former strategic stop on the salt and kola nut trade routes. Due to its location, this crossroads city is a privileged meeting place between the Yom, Dendi, Peulh, Pila-Pila, Gourmantché, Somba and Baatonou* peoples.

Upon your arrival, you may have the opportunity to meet the village king, heir to an ancient kingdom of northern Bénin.

In the afternoon, head to the Tanéka-Béri region, inhabited by animist hunters who live mainly from millet cultivation.

In the heart of the Yaka camp, an ethnic group preserved from Islamization, you will discover spectacular initiation rites, notably male circumcision.

Privileged exchanges with the sorcerers, keepers of tradition will immerse you in a culture deeply rooted in the worship of the dead.

Route towards Natitingou, gateway to the Somba country.

Upon arrival, visit the popular museum to discover local history and traditions, followed by an immersion in the colorful atmosphere of the city market.

At the end of the day, opportunity to cool off in the natural swimming pool formed by the Kota Falls, an idyllic setting to relax.

Unmissable discovery of the Tata Somba, these emblematic fortified buildings of the land of the Bétamarribés, combining Togolese and Beninese architecture, heritage of the Bétiabé and Bétammarribé ethnicities.

You will explore the surrounding villages and meet the local peoples: Fulanis, Tagaye and Boukoumbé, for an authentic cultural immersion.

The day ends with a hike in the eco-village of Koussoukoingou, offering a unique panorama of traditional life and the exceptional landscapes of this region.

On the way south, stop in the kingdom of Savalou, nicknamed "Savalou the Beautiful". You will visit the royal palace and discover the historic remains of this emblematic city.

Savalou celebrates every year, on August 15, the festival of the new yam harvest, an identity event bringing together all the sons and daughters of the Mahi era, a symbol of reunions and brotherhood among peoples.

Continue your journey to Dassa, where you will spend the night.

After leaving the hills department, head to the kingdom of Abomey, former capital of Dahomey.

You will discover the royal palaces of the former sovereigns, founded in the 16th century, as well as the museum housing royal objects, ornaments and treasures of the kingdom.

These palaces, abandoned after the defeat of King Behanzin by French colonists, were restored by UNESCO and are today essential historical museums.

Visit to Goho Square, then a stop with the Hountondji craftsmen, specialists in the transformation and manufacture of objects in gold and copper.

An exceptional day dedicated to a unique and exclusive discovery. You will be invited to enter one of the most secret temples of Bénin and meet the followers of vodoun Heviosso.

Guided by the temple chief, guardian of tradition, you will witness traditional dances, demonstrations and sacred rituals, for an authentic immersion in this mystical culture.

Night in Possotomé, at Theo's, a simple and welcoming inn located by the water.

Route towards Porto, capital of Bénin and administrative center of the Ouémé department.

The city seduces with its buildings of exceptional architectural style, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, as well as its places of worship dedicated to the Orisha gods of the Yoruba religion.

Discovery of the ethnographic museum, housed in a former colonial building, where masks Guelede identity celebration, musical instruments and traditional weapons are displayed.

A visit to the great mosque of Porto, with its outdated charm, whose architecture recalls that of the Christian churches of Salvador da Bahia in Brazil, before enjoying a complete immersion in local history and culture.

Final stage of your trip, heading to Cotonou, economic capital of Bénin. On the way, stop in Allada, an ancient kingdom steeped in history.

Depending on time available, enjoy a final cultural immersion: visit to the Missebo market, discovery of the Zinsou foundation, a stroll on Fidjrossè beach or exploration of the craft center.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Europe, taking with you unique memories of Bénin.