Description
This tour of South Benin is perfect for expats and locals. It is also suitable for international travelers, for example, in combination with a Ghana Tour.
You will get to know everything about the southern part of this wonderful country. In 6 days, you will be immersed in the world of voodoo, extraordinary landscapes, the Venice of Africa, the history of slaves, and much more.
South-Benin Tour
Day 1 - Voodoo Porto-Novo, the Black River and Ganvié
We will pick you up in Cotonou, before we make the short trip to Porto-Novo.
There, a busy day awaits us. We visit the center of Ouadada where we learn everything about voodoo and visit the voodoo temples.
We take the canoe in Adjarra on the mysterious Black River with a tropical and marshy atmosphere.
We return to Porto-Novo for a visit to the market and the old colonial town with its ancient mosque.
After that we go to Ganvié, a magical lake town called the Venice of Africa, where we spend the night.
Day 3 - the hills ofDassa and Ouidah
After sleeping in Dassa we will hike the famous Dassa hills before visiting the cave of the Virgin Mary.
We then return southward, more precisely to Ouidah, our sleeping place.
Day 5 - Possotomé and lake Ahémé
An excursion by canoe (pirogue) takes us to Lake Ahémé with its fishermen.
On the way to Grand-Popo, we make the detour towards Zé to see the pottery manufacturers. We also visit the potteries market.
The night is spent in Grand-Popo.
Day 2 - Ganvié, Abomey's royal palace and underground village
The next day we visit Ganvié, and after that we set route to Dassa.
Along the way we stop at Bohicon where we visit an underground village of warriors. In the nearby city of Abomey, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, we will be able to visit a real Queen's palace with the chance to see demonstrations with the queen.
After the visit we take the road to Dassa where we spend the night.
Day 4 - the slave route
The morning is the perfect time to go for a two hour walk on the Slave Route with its different stages.
A local guide explains all the perils slaves had to endure.
We arrive at the beach, at the Porte de Non-Retour (Gate of No Return), with impressions that will last a lifetime.
After tasting fresh coconuts, we visit the sacred forest and the Kpassé market.
We also visit the Python Temple and the Old City with the Zinsou Foundation.
We sleep at Possotomé.
Day 6 - Grand-Popo, theBouche du Roi and the return
Today, we take another canoe trip, this time on the lagoon in the direction of the Bouche du Roi (Mouth of the King).
Along the way, we visit a mangrove and a small "salt village" where the locals produce salt from the salt water of the lagoon.
At the beach we visit the marine turtle protection association before returning to Cotonou at night, to end our trip.
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 | € 450 / 300 000 FCFA | € 525 / 350 000 FCFA |
Single room | € 525 / 350 000 FCFA | € 650 / 435 000 FCFA |
The price for this trip includes
- Picking you up at Cotonou airport (Lomé, Niamey or Ouagadougou are aslo 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 extended by
- a safari in Pendjari Park
- a visit to the Songhaï Center
- ...
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