On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean
On the trail of the Slave Route, between the coconut trees of Ouidah and the 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
When summer arrives and you dream of a paradise far from home, a place where there is both sunshine and beaches, think of Bénin!
With its magnificent Atlantic coast dotted with historic and cultural landmarks, this country offers lovers of unusual travel the joy of living naturally by the sea while discovering a part of the country's rich past and cultural heritage.
Alone, with family or friends, come and relax under the coconut trees of the most beautiful beaches in Bénin and discover a fascinating and little-known country!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Ganvié, the Lakeside City
We begin our first day of exploration with a visit to the open-air international market in Cotonou: the Dantokpa market.
This vast space has a way of turning our heads with its diverse and multiple goods: amulets, fabrics, pagnes, cult objects, etc. Likewise, food products, handicrafts and industrial goods are found side by side.
Many traders from all corners of Africa come to set up their stalls, hoping to conclude a lucrative deal. Every day, this great bazaar brings together thousands of customers and sellers.
We also visit the Zinsou Foundation, a museum dedicated to the exhibition and promotion of contemporary African arts.
We then head 25 km away towards the lake 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 evils of slavery.
The spectacle unfolding before our eyes is exceptional: its floating market with a thousand colors and a thousand scents, and its bamboo and straw houses on stilts.
The tour is done by pirogue.
Porto-Novo
Then we take the road to Porto, the administrative capital of Bénin. It is also the capital of The Oueme department.
This beautiful and charming port city stands out for its multiethnicity and especially for the colonial architecture of its buildings, listed as UNESCO World Heritage (such as its Great Mosque).
An African city known as the heart of the worship cults of the god Orisha, three distinct religions predominate there: Christianity, the Yoruba religion and Voodoo, and Islam.
We immerse ourselves in history and culture with a visit to the ethnographic museum. You can admire various indigenous artifacts such as masks of Identity celebration Guelede, weapons and musical instruments.
Contemplation of The great mosque of Porto. This building is a true feast for the eyes. Its multicolored facades and architectural style are reminiscent of those of churches in Salvador da Bahia in Brazil.
We finish with a tour of the old quarter of the city. The colonial houses that line its streets transport us to a completely different world.
At the edge of the ocean
Porto Novo → Grand-Popo
It is in Grand, the city that is home to the most beautiful beaches in Bénin, that we settle in for the day.
Water excursion, visit to the voodoo village, bird island, meeting point between the sea and the Fleuve Mono, we tour the notable sites of the area.
Possotome and Lake Ahemé
Grand-Popo → Possotome
Today we continue our journey and settle our luggage in the most peaceful village in the country, Possotomé, which also proves to be a true temple of animism.
We visit a temple that has been kept secret until now. The highlight of our adventures today is the pirogue ride on Lake Ahemé.
Ouidah and the Slave Route
We make this morning the short transfer to the city of Ouidah, close to the Atlantic coast.
We devote the day to long hours of wandering in this historic city and start with the Temple of Pythons. This is located opposite the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the cathedral of the city, with which it forms a striking contrast.
Then we stretch our legs by exploring The sacred forest Kpassè Zoun. It is a wooded area where hundred-year-old trees stand. We enjoy discovering its voodoo temple with its statues of voodoo deities, as well as contemplating the iroko tree of the king.
The Slave Route remains an essential circuit in Ouidah. We walk several kilometers of beach to retrace one by one the 5 stages of this trail, symbol 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 travel
- Visa fees
- Insurance
- Meals and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- The extras
Included
- Accommodation
- The services of an English-speaking coordinator guide
- Transport 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
