Benin as a Family Destination
From Lake Nokoué to the Somba compounds, a family circuit between lake cities, royal palaces and age-old traditions.
Duration
8 days
From
€1,050/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Family, Couple, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Haven of peace, welcoming population, love for children… Bénin is an ideal destination for families. A tour essentially focused on entertainment, cultural dances, traditional and experience sharing. This trip allows a family to experience intense moments of happiness, and to meet local peoples.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Ganvié, the Lakeside City
After a briefing from our guide describing our stay program, we hit the road to Abomey-Calavi, just 25 km away. We set out to discover a very famous plastic artist known for his artworks: Dominique Zinkpe, whose works we visit.
We then head towards the lakeside city of Ganvié. This village is located in the middle of Lake Nokoué and has been inhabited since 1770 by the Toffin, a tribe that fled inter-ethnic conflicts and the horrors of slavery.
The spectacle unfolding before our eyes is exceptional: its floating market with its thousand colors and fragrances, and its bamboo and straw houses on stilts. The tour is done by canoe.
We visit the Zinsou foundation, a museum for exhibition and promotion of contemporary African art. Marie-Cecile Zinsou, Franco-Beninese, welcomes us and tells us about her commitment to promoting Beninese culture.
Djougou and the village of Taneka-Koko
Early morning departure to Djougou, an ancient stopover town on the salt and kola nut trade route. Due to its geographical position, it is a meeting point for the Yom, Dendi, Peuhl, Pila-Pila, Gourmantché, Somba and Baatonou peoples.
We visit the Tanéka-Koko region, inhabited by animist hunters who live from millet cultivation.
In the Yaka camp lives an animist ethnic group isolated from the wave of Islamization in the region. They undergo spectacular male circumcision initiation rites.
We speak with sorcerers who are guardians of tradition to experience and get closer to their culture based on the cult of the dead.
Night in a guesthouse in Djougou.
The Atacora chain and the Somba tata
On the road leading to Boukoumbé are villages whose population is essentially agricultural.
Boukoumbe is one of the nine communes of the Atacora department, not far from the border with Togo.
We are in Somba country, a region where people lived naked and isolated from the rest of the world until the 1960s. It was not until 1975 that the government "civilized" this pagan people, notably through schooling.
A few kilometers from Boukoumbe, we arrive at the small village of Koussoucoingou, known for its Somba tatas, traditional constructions that command admiration, but also for its large hollow baobabs.
Return to Natitingou and night at the hotel.
Straight south towards Dassa-Zoumé
Natitingou → Dassa-Zoume
A long journey south takes us to the historic city of Dassa-Zoumé. Impressive rocky hills surround the city forming a natural amphitheater of great beauty.
The Omonjagoun people reign supreme here. History tells that the first king of the kingdom did not die, he transformed into a serpent. This is the meaning of the sacred rituals of the Omomjagoun after their death.
Hiking on Dassa to see the path of rituals followed by the Omondjagou, the majority ethnic group forming the ancient kingdom of Dassa-Zoumé. On the hills, we have the opportunity to see the fetishes and representations of voodoo worship.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey
We embark on a discovery of the kingdom of Abomey. Former capital of Dahomey, the city of Abomey is home to the royal palaces of the ancient kings.
Founded in the 16th century, Abomey houses the museum which preserves the ancient royal objects, the ornaments and treasures of the former kingdom. The sites were abandoned following the defeat of King Behanzin to the French colonists. Later, these castles were renovated by UNESCO and became historical museums.
We also visit Goho Square, the underground houses of The underground village of Agongointo and we pause at the fascinating fetish market.
Transfer to Ouidah and overnight at the hotel by the beach.
The Slave Route
Ouidah → Grand-Popo
Colonial buildings, the Portuguese fort, visiting Ouidah allows us to understand the realities of a tragedy: the shameful slave trade. The auction square, the mass grave, the Zoungbodji village, the GATE OF NO RETURN still bear the marks of this tragedy.
We now head to the town of Grand, a small seaside resort situated between the sea and the Mono River, nestled in magnificent nature that we will discover on foot and by canoe. Grand-Popo is the finest beach in the country.
Water excursion, visit of the vodoun village, bird island, meeting point between the sea and the Mono River, we tour the notable sites of the area.
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)
- Les activités mentionnées
- 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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Bénin dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer au Bénin, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent obligatoirement obtenir un visa pour entrer au Bénin, y compris dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique.
Le Bénin a mis en place un système de visa électronique (e-visa), qui constitue la modalité d'entrée recommandée. Ce visa doit être demandé en ligne avant le départ, via le portail officiel des autorités béninoises. Il est délivré pour un séjour touristique pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours.
Il est également possible d'obtenir un visa à l'arrivée dans certains aéroports internationaux, notamment à Cotonou (Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin), mais l'e-visa reste fortement conseillé afin d'éviter tout délai ou complication à l'entrée.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.
Santé et vaccinations
La vaccination contre la fièvre jaune est obligatoire pour entrer au Bénin. Le certificat international de vaccination (carnet jaune) doit être présenté à l'entrée sur le territoire. Sans ce document, l'accès au pays peut être refusé ou une vaccination sur place imposée.
Il est par ailleurs fortement recommandé de :
prendre un traitement antipaludéen adapté, le paludisme étant présent sur l'ensemble du territoire,
se tenir à jour des vaccinations habituelles (hépatites A et B, typhoïde, méningite, tétanos, poliomyélite),
consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales au moins quatre à six semaines avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour, ainsi que d'un visa individuel.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Bénin de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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
