Benin, Togo · Culture

8-Day Cultural Tour of Togo and Benin with Ouidah and Ganvié

8 Days Round trip from Lomé Easy pace
Cultural Expedition To Togo And Benin
Cultural Expedition To Togo And Benin
Cultural Expedition To Togo And Benin
Cultural Expedition To Togo And Benin
Cultural Expedition To Togo And Benin
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Lomé's vibrant Grand Marché and the Marche des Feticheurs
  • 02 Visit Togoville's museum, cathedral, and local markets on Lake Togo
  • 03 Tour Ouidah's sacred Python temple, sacred forest, and historic museum
  • 04 See the Port of No Return and learn about Benin's role in the Atlantic Slave Trade
  • 05 Experience Ganvié's floating market and canoe life in the "Venice of West Africa"

Journey through Togo and Benin on an 8-day cultural expedition that combines lively cities, historic towns, spiritual heritage, and life on the water. Explore Lomé's bustling markets and landmarks, discover Togoville on the shores of Lake Togo, and continue to Cotonou and Ouidah, where sacred sites and the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade offer powerful insight into the region's past. The experience concludes with a visit to Ganvié, the enchanting "Venice of Africa," where a stilt village and floating market reveal a remarkable way of life.

Witness first-hand the people of Ganvié carrying out their daily routine as vendors in dugout canoes piled high with wares, transacting commerce with one another and with tourists.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Ouidah, Cotonou, Lome, Ganvié
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Lomé and Welcome Orientation

  • Arrive in Lomé, Togo, where you will be picked up and transferred from the airport to your hotel.
  • Upon arrival, you will have an orientation session, then check into your hotel and relax.
2
Day 02

Discover Lomé's Markets and Landmarks

  • After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Lomé. Visit the Grand Marché (Grand Market), Marche des Feticheurs (Fetish Market), Musée National (National Museum), and the Place de l' Independence (Place of Independence), where the Independence Monument is situated.
3
Day 03

Togoville and Lake Togo Experience

  • After breakfast, depart for a tour of Togoville, a historic town on the shores of Lake Togo in Togo, West Africa. Known as the birthplace of Togo, it offers a rich cultural and historical experience. Highlights of a tour in Togoville include visiting the Togoville Museum to learn about the region's history, exploring the grand Togoville Cathedral with its unique architecture, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local markets.
  • A boat ride on Lake Togo provides a tranquil and scenic experience while allowing you to engage with the friendly local community. Visitors can appreciate their hospitality, traditions, and lively dances.
4
Day 04

Travel from Lomé to Cotonou

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for Cotonou.
  • Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
5
Day 05

Ouidah's Sacred Heritage and Slave Route History

  • After breakfast, check out and depart for a visit to Ouidah, the cradle of African Traditional Religion, en route to Cotonou. Tour the temple dedicated to the sacred Python, which is believed to give vitality and protection. You will also visit the sacred forest, which houses many shrines dedicated to various deities.
  • Visit the historical Museum of Ouidah in an old Portuguese fort built in 1721. This museum portrays Benin's role in the Atlantic Slave Trade.
  • After lunch on your own, visit the Port of No Return, a monument built by the Benin Government to commemorate the Africans who were taken from the Dahomey Empire during the Slave Trade. Check in at the hotel and relax.
6
Day 06

Ganvié Floating Village and Cotonou City Drive

  • After breakfast, depart your hotel and embark on a sensational visit to Ganvié, the village on water, commonly called the Venice of West Africa. Witness first-hand the people of Ganvié carrying out their daily routine as vendors in dugout canoes piled high with wares, transacting commerce with one another and with tourists. Enjoy shopping at the floating market and take a relaxing canoe ride on the waterways of this exotic 300-year-old village.
  • After lunch, take a drive through the vibrant center of Benin's administrative and commercial capital to see its numerous statues and monuments.
7
Day 07

Full-Day Shopping Experience

  • After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a shopping experience.
8
Day 08

Farewell Departure from Benin

  • After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for check-in and your final departure back home.
Lomé markets, Togoville on Lake Togo, Ganvié floating market

Where this trip takes you

Lomé markets, Togoville on Lake Togo, Ganvié floating market

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lomé 4 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Meals stipulated on the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • All airport departure taxes (international departure taxes to be paid in USD)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Meals not specified in this itinerary
  • En route meals, hotels, transportation, and other arrangements
  • All drinks except bottled water or soda with meals
  • Personal items, including laundry, email, fax, telephone, souvenirs, etc.
  • Gratuities for tour and site guides and drivers
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage insurance (this optional coverage is highly recommended and can be purchased through your local insurance company)
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Land Tours Ghana, such as delayed or cancelled flights

What to bring

  • Light, airy clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  • Valid passport required (at least 6 months).
  • Valid visa required.
  • A yellow vaccination card is required.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Lomé, Togo
Tour start
Lomé, Togo
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Lomé.

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Starting from

USD 3,209 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $3,209.00 — $3,739.00
Double Sharing $3,209.00

When

Travellers

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