Benin, Togo · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Togo and Benin Cultural Tour with UNESCO Sites and Ganvié

8 Days Round trip from Cotonou Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Ouidah's Route of Slaves and the Door of No Return
02 Tour the Agbodrafo Wood Slave House, once a hub for the slave trade in Togo
03 Explore the Abomey Royal Palaces, the former seat of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom
04 Visit Koutammakou in Togo, home to the iconic Batammariba 'Takienta' houses
05 Experience life in the Ganvié Stilt Village, known as the 'Venice of Africa'
06 Engage with the Taneka and Batammariba people, learning about their traditional ways of life
07 Relax at the scenic Kota Falls and discover the lush Kpimé Falls near Kpalimé
08 Wander through Cotonou's bustling markets and Lomé's famous Akodesssewa Fetish Market

This 8-day journey offers an immersive exploration of West Africa's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, starting in Cotonou, Benin, and ending in Lomé, Togo. Delve into significant sites tied to the transatlantic slave trade, including Ouidah's Route of Slaves, the Door of No Return, and the historic Abomey Royal Palaces. Experience the unique stilt village of Ganvié, engage with the Taneka and Batammariba people, and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush waterfalls, vibrant markets, and artisan hubs across two countries.

Ganvié Stilt Village: Take a boat tour of Africa's largest lake village, known as the 'Venice of Africa.'

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Natitingou, Ouidah, Kara, Cotonou, Lome, Kpalime, Ganvié, Abomey

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Cotonou and City Discovery

Arrive in Cotonou and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Discover Cotonou's vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and bustling harbour.

Overnight Stay: Cotonou.

Day 02

Ouidah's Slave Route and Sacred Sites

Ouidah Museum of History: Learn about the transatlantic slave trade and local history.
Route of Slaves & Door of No Return: Walk the historic path where enslaved Africans were marched to the coast.
Sacred Forest of Kpassè: Visit a spiritual site filled with ancient trees and statues of deities.

Overnight Stay: Ouidah.

Day 03

Ganvié Boat Tour and Abomey Heritage

Ganvié Stilt Village: Take a boat tour of Africa's largest lake village, known as the 'Venice of Africa.'
Abomey Royal Palaces (UNESCO Site): Explore the former seat of the powerful Dahomey kingdom.
Historical Museum of Abomey: Learn about the history of the Dahomey kings and their impressive legacy.

Overnight Stay: Abomey.

Day 04

Dankoli, Taneka Village, and Kota Falls

Place Dankoli Sacred Site: Explore a key spiritual site in Benin known for its role in voodoo rituals.
Taneka Hilltop Village: Discover traditional stone dwellings and interact with the Taneka people.
Kota Falls: A natural site perfect for relaxation amidst scenic surroundings.

Overnight Stay: Natitingou.

Day 05

Into Togo and Koutammakou Discovery

Border Crossing into Togo: Head into northern Togo and continue your cultural journey.
Koutammakou Region (UNESCO Site): Visit the Batammariba villages, home to the iconic clay tower houses known as 'Takienta.'

Overnight Stay: Kara.

Day 06

Kpimé Falls, Kloto Crafts, and Lomé

Kpimé Falls: Discover this hidden waterfall surrounded by lush forest near Kpalimé.
Kloto Craft Center: Watch local artisans create batik fabrics, wood carvings, and paintings.
Travel to Lomé: Drive to the capital city for the final leg of your journey.

Overnight Stay: Lomé.

Day 07

Lomé, Togoville, and Slave Trade History

National Museum of Lomé: Explore Togolese history and culture through diverse artifacts.
Akodesssewa Fetish Market: Visit the largest voodoo market in West Africa, known for its spiritual significance.
Grand Marché: A bustling market where you can shop for local goods and souvenirs.
Agbodrafo Wood Slave House: A historic site that was once a hub for the slave trade.
Togoville: Visit this historic town, known as the cradle of Togo, for its voodoo heritage and colonial-era German Cathedral.

Overnight Stay: Lomé.

Day 08