Day 1 - Cotonou and Ganvié
We will pick you up at Cotonou or Lomé airport.
As a first introduction to the African way of living, we begin our journey with a visit to the Dantokpa market, the largest market in West-Africa.
After our visit we will travel to Ganvié, a magical laketown, also known as the Venice of Africa.
We will spend our first night there, feeling a thousand miles away from civilisation.
Description
This 2 week trip will take you to the most beautiful and interesting places in Benin, with an emphasis on our 2 safaris, including a dream excursion into Niger to visit the last wild West-African giraffes. All West-Africa has to offer at an unbeatable price, will be provided by our expert advice in complete safety and comfort.
You will get to know West-Africa the way you are supposed to; authentic, off the beaten track, with our expert guide who know the ins and outs of all the must-see places
Benin Tour - Safari
Day 4 - Kandi and Chutes de Koudou
We visit the sedentary Peulh villages with their large herds of cows and the Kandi market.
If we are lucky, we will be able to participate in "Gani's feast" with horse races and the grand royal vuvuzelas.
In the afternoon we leave for W Park for our first safari. We will spend the night at Koudou Falls (Chute de Koudou) well inside the national park.
Days 2,3 - the hills of Dassa
After this first night on the African continent, we hit the road towards the hills of Dassa, where we will visit the village and Saint Mary's shrine.
Early the next day we will take a hike across the hills of Dassa, before leaving for Kandi, where we will spend the night.
Days 5,6,7 - safari in parc W
We traverse parc W where we go hunting (photographically!) as many wild animals as possible.
We spend the night at Point Triple, on the border between Benin, Niger and Burkina Fasso.
The next day we travel to Niger (no need for visa). A canoe takes us to the magical Ile du Lamantin where we will spend the night. The next morning, we will visit the giraffes near Niamey before returning to Benin.
Depending on the travel time, we spend the night at Point Triple or Chute de Koudou.
Day 8 - Atacora and its chute de Kota
Today we continue our journey towards Natitingou in the Atacora Mountains.
After the long drive, we will visit the city and take a mountaineous hike to the Chute de Kota.
Days 10,11 - safari in Pendjari Park
We get up early for our second safari in the impressive Pendjari Park.
We will have a picnic in Mare Bali while spotting the rhinos before checking in at the hotel Pendjari, where we will have the chance to rest and swim in the pool with an outlook on the Savannah.
In the evening, we set out into the park again when the chances of seeing lions and leopards are greatest.
When we return to the hotel a splendid meal will be awaiting us.
Day 14 - the Slave Route - la Route des esclaves
The early morning is the ideal time for the 2 hour walk on the Slave Route. A local guide will explain all of the different stages of the slaves' journey.
The journey ends at the "Gate of No Return" (Porte de Non-Retour), with impressions that will last a lifetime.
After enjoying fresh coconuts, we will visit the Sacred Forest and the Kpassé market, before we drive to Grand-Popo.
Day 9 - Tata Somba
Today we will visit the Yaaba and Taneka villages.
We will then travel into Tate Somba country, where we will discover the village on foot.
Tonight we will spend the night on the rooftop of a genuine Tata Somba, a truly remarkable experience.
Days 12,13 - the Royal Palace of Abomey and underground village
In the morning, we leave for Abomey, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey.
In the nearby town of Bohicon, we will visit an underground warrior village, before returning to Abomey, where we will be able to visit a real Queen's palace with a big chance to participate in festivities with the Queen.
The next day we will visit the royal palace of Abomey before heading out to Ouidah where, upon arrival, a visit of the python temple and the old city with the Zinsou foundation awaits us.
Day 15 - Bouche du Roi and the return
We have arrived at the last day of this unique experience and our program depends on the departure of your flight.
In the early morning we will visit the beach where we take advantage of the retrieval of fishing nets. After that, we will take the canoe on the lagoon towards the Bouche du Roi (Mouth of the King).
All we have left now is the return trip to Cotonou for your return flight, hopefully, your heart filled with passion for Africa.
Prices
This trip is available from 4 people and up. (Contact us for an individual offer for less than 4 people). Prices are per person
Ventilated room | AC room | |
Double room | € 1145 / 750 000 FCFA | € 1450 / 950 000 FCFA |
Single room | € 1390 / 910 000 FCFA | € 1725 / 1 130 000 FCFA |
The price for this trip includes
- Picking you up at Cotonou airport (Lomé, Niamey or Ouagadougou are also possible)
- All transport and fuel
- Full board without drinks (water is included)
- All guides without tips
- All entries to excursions (Ganvié, parc W, parc Pendjari, chutes de Tanoungou, Tata Somba, Python temple, canoes, ...)
Not included
- flights
- drinks (ex water)
- visas
- vaccinations
- personal expenses
- tips for guides and chauffeurs
Possible extensions
- This trip can be extened with
- a night at Porto-Novo with a visit to Centre Ouadada (Voodoo) and Centre Songhaï.
- additional night(s) in the safari parks.
- ...
- a night at Porto-Novo with a visit to Centre Ouadada (Voodoo) and Centre Songhaï.
Practical Information
Visa
For this trip you will need a "single entry" visa for Benin if your flight is to Cotonou.
You can order your visa online at https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/
Medical Information
Benin resides in the Malaria risk zone. Therefore, anti-Malaria drugs are advised.
You will also need a vaccination against Yellow Fever.
In any case it is recommended to contact an International Vaccin Center
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https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical/preparer-son-voyage/benin
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https://www.itg.be/E/travelhealth/info-by-country?country=Benin
Tips
Bring ample quantities of sun screen, because it will be hard (next to impossible) to find in Benin. Especially if you have a sensitive skin, the African sun can be quite brutal.
ATACORA TOURS
Making Africa Your Passion
The combination of our truly authentic trips way off the beaten tracks and our local knowledge and expert guide Mathieu, will ensure that you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in West-Africa. Chances are you'll fall in love with Benin the same way we did.
Latest News
We will be ordering our new 15-seater Toyota Hiace minibus in a couple of days
August 29 2019
Foundation of our new enterprise, Atacora Tours
August 7 2019
Contact us
Atacora Tours
BP 496
Natitingou, BENIN
Email: mathieu@atacoratours.com
Mobile: +229 97 92 41 56
+229 94 08 39 98