5-Day Benin Discovery Tour with Ganvié, Ouidah and Abomey

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Pay respects at the famous Python Temple in Ouidah
• 02 Explore the culture and daily life of Ganvié, the lake village known as the "Venice of Africa"
• 03 Visit the Abomey kingdom, land of the Amazon warriors
• 04 Follow Ouidah's slave route to the Door of No Return

Embark on a 5-day trip through Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, and discover its great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Explore Ganvié, the largest lake village in Africa, visit the famous Python Temple in Ouidah, and admire the architecture of the ancient royal palaces of Abomey. This journey also takes you through Cotonou and Porto-Novo for a rich introduction to the country's culture, history, and daily life.

Explore Ganvié, the largest lake village in Africa, visit the famous Python Temple in Ouidah, and admire the architecture of the ancient royal palaces of Abomey.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Ouidah, Cotonou, Porto Novo, Ganvié, Abomey

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Cotonou and City Tour

• Upon arrival at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, transfer for the start of your tour.
• Go on a city tour of Cotonou.
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Visit the Amazon Statue.
• Overnight in Ouidah.

2

Day 02

Ouidah Heritage and Beach Experience

• Visit the Python Temple.
• Explore the slave route, the slave market, and the Point of No Return.
• Visit the Zinsou Foundation.
• Explore the Portuguese fort.
• Explore the Sacred Forest.
• In the evening, relax at the beach or in a local bar and enjoy local music.
• Overnight in Ouidah.

3

Day 03

Ganvié Lake Village and Abomey Royal Palaces

• After breakfast, leave for Ganvié.
• Transfer by car and canoe to Ganvié, the "Venice of Africa".
• Experience the lives of the people who live on the water and discover the local birdlife.
• Drive to Abomey.
• Explore the royal palaces of Abomey.
• Return to Cotonou.
• Overnight in Cotonou.

4

Day 04

Porto-Novo and Adjarra Discovery

• Drive to Porto-Novo, the administrative capital of Benin.
• Visit the Zangbeto house.
• Explore King Toffa's Palace.
• Explore the local markets and towns of Porto-Novo.
• Drive to Adjarra and explore the Black River.
• Experience basket weaving and local gin production.
• Return to Cotonou.

5

Day 05

Craft Market Visit and Departure

• Enjoy some last-minute shopping at the craft market in Cotonou.
• Departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Transportation
• Entrance fees
• English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking professional tour guide
• Hotel with breakfast (twin bed)

What's Not Included

• Hotel reservation
• Flight
• Meals

What to bring

• Insect repellant
• Vaccination card
• Sunglasses

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

COO Airport, Rue 2100, Cotonou, Benin

Tour start

Rue 2100, Cotonou, Benin

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.