5-Day Benin Cultural Tour with Ouidah Ceremonies and Ganvié

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Admire the iconic Bio Guerra Statue
• 02 Explore the Sacred Pythons Temple
• 03 Discover art and culture at the Zinsou Foundation Museum
• 04 Wander through the mystical Sacred Forest
• 05 Enjoy a serene lagoon ride

Discover the vibrant cultural tapestry of Benin on this guided tour. Immerse yourself in the historic sites of Cotonou, explore the spiritual heritage of Ouidah with a Zangbeto ceremony, and delve into Porto-Novo, a capital rich in art and history. Visit the unique Ganvié stilt village for an authentic encounter with the Tofinu people, and witness the mesmerizing Fire Dance. This five-day cultural journey unveils the diverse traditions and heritage that make Benin a captivating destination.

Reflect at the Portal of No Return, a poignant reminder of history.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Ouidah, Cotonou, Porto Novo, Ganvié

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Cotonou

• Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation in Cotonou.

2

Day 02

Cotonou to Ouidah Cultural Discovery

• We will start with a visit to Amazon Square.
• Admire the Longest Graffiti of Africa, a captivating sight.
• Marvel at the Bio Guerra Statue, a testament to artistry.
• Then, we'll transfer to Ouidah for our next destination.
• Explore the Sacred Pythons Temple, a place of mystique and reverence.
• Wander through the Sacred Forest, surrounded by nature's tranquility.
• Reflect at the Portal of No Return, a poignant reminder of history.
• Finally, settle in for the night at our accommodation in Ouidah.

3

Day 03

Ouidah Traditions and Performances

• Discover the cultural treasures at the Zinsou Foundation Museum.
• Enjoy a serene lagoon ride, soaking in the picturesque views.
• Immerse yourself in the traditional process of salt production at the Salt Processing Village.
• Witness the captivating Zangbeto Ceremony, a vibrant display of local customs.
• Experience the exhilarating Fire Dance, a spectacle of rhythm and movement.
• Rest and rejuvenate at our accommodation in Ouidah.

4

Day 04

Porto-Novo Heritage and Mask Dance

• Begin with a visit to Goho Square, a bustling hub of activity.
• Explore the intriguing Underground Site of Agongointo, delving into its historical significance.
• Experience the unique atmosphere of the Fetish Market, a place of cultural intrigue.
• Attend a mesmerizing Guelede Mask Dance performance, filled with tradition and symbolism.
• Retire for the night at our accommodation in Porto-Novo.

5

Day 05

Adjarra, Ganvié, and Departure

• Embark on an Adjarra Community Tour, immersing yourself in local life and culture.
• Marvel at the grandeur of the Great Mosque, a symbol of religious devotion and architectural beauty.
• Explore the enchanting Ganvié Stilt Village, a unique settlement on the water.
• Browse the vibrant stalls of the Cotonou Craft Market, filled with handmade treasures.
• Conclude your journey with a transfer to the airport for departure, bidding farewell to this remarkable adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Water
• Snack
• Accommodation
• Transportation with air conditioning
• Fuel
• Excursion fees
• Guide
• Driver

What's Not Included

• Flight
• Visa
• Travel insurance
• Beverages (soft drinks, beer, whisky, wine)

What to bring

• Long clothes
• Insect or mosquito repellent
• Sun protection cream/spray
• Comfortable trainers/sneakers

Know before you go

• Visas: Most travellers planning to visit Benin, Togo, and Ghana will need to obtain a visa before travel. Depending on the specific requirements of the embassy where you apply, you may also need an invitation letter. We are here to assist you by providing the necessary invitation letter if required. However, visa regulations are subject to change, so it is advisable to contact your nearest embassy for the most current and accurate information.
• Health and vaccinations: We are not medically qualified and cannot provide advice on recommended vaccinations. It is important to consult your doctor or nearest health professional for personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and travel plans. They will be able to assess your individual needs and provide guidance on necessary vaccinations to protect against potential health risks at your destination. Additionally, for further information and guidance on vaccinations, you can visit the website. Remember, it is always better to be proactive and prioritize your health and well-being while travelling. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Benin, Togo, and Ghana, and you must bring this with you.
• Insurance: It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but at a minimum, you need medical and health cover for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will protect you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip. Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.
• Money: The local currency in Ghana is the cedi, while in Togo and Benin it is the West African CFA, a currency shared with many other countries in the region. It is not, however, the same as the Central African CFA, and the two are not interchangeable. It is best to bring Euros for exchange purposes, as the CFA is not obtainable outside of the region. It is not difficult to change money here, either at banks or hotels, and your guide can assist with this. There are also an increasing number of ATMs in larger towns. However, these are not always reliable, so it is best to think of them as a backup rather than a main means of obtaining money. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and better restaurants, usually in larger cities only, but are not commonly accepted elsewhere. You should also be aware that credit card fraud is not uncommon in the region, so if you choose to use one, do bear this in mind.
• Local conditions: When travelling to some of the destinations we offer, you need to bear in mind that things will not always work here as we are used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.
• Travel advice: We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing, the FCO does not advise against travel to any parts of Benin, Togo, or Ghana that we visit. This relates to advice from the British government - other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments. Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date, we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Updated July 2023.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cotonou, Benin

Tour start

Cotonou, Benin

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.