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Home4-Day Enriching Cultural Tour From Cotonou To Ouidah
Description
Embark on a captivating journey through Benin, beginning in Cotonou and venturing to Ouidah, where the spiritual traditions of the Ouidah people await. Explore the sacred forest, delve into the origins of voodoo ceremonies, and encounter revered pythons in the temple. Next, witness vibrant local festivals and immerse yourself in traditional dances. Continue to Grand Popo for more festivities and a private voodoo ceremony, before venturing into the tranquil villages of Gbècon and Hêvê. Then, experience the unique lifestyle of Ganvie, the stilt village dubbed the Venice of Africa, before bidding farewell to Benin, enriched by its rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Explore Ouidah's sacred forest, encountering revered pythons and learning about voodoo
- Immerse in vibrant festivals, witnessing traditional dances and music
- Experience a private voodoo ceremony in Grand Popo
- Venture into tranquil villages like Gbècon and Hêvê
- Discover Ganvie, the stilt village dubbed the Venice of Africa
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1: Cotonou to Ouidah expand_more
- After breakfast, drive to Ouidah and drop off at the sacred forest to learn about the history and spiritual life of the Ouidah people.
- Gain knowledge of why voodoo ceremonies and festivals started.
- Later, visit the python temple where they worship the pythons. You can see many live pythons in this temple, which are considered a principal totem of the HOUEDA people, the biggest community in Ouidah.
- You can take photos with the pythons as they are not known to bite.
- In the afternoon, witness the festival around the city. You will see locals dancing voodoo to music and making sacrifices in the convents in the forest or at the beach where festivals take place.
Dinner and overnight stay at Diaspora Hotel.
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Day 2: Ouidah to Grand Popo expand_more
- After breakfast, proceed to the sacred forest where the ceremony begins. Voodoo priests from all around Ouidah lead the celebrations with Daagbo Big pHounon, walking around the sacred forest and sacrificing animals for the different voodoos.
- At 11 o'clock, drive to Grand Popo where a big party is held.
- Be entertained by locals and enjoy various traditional dances.
Overnight stay at Grand Popo Hotel.
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Day 3: Gbècon to Ouidah expand_more
- After breakfast, embark on a rowing boat for a cultural excursion to the villages Gbècon and Hêvê. Navigate through the mangroves of the river, depending on the tide, and explore the villages.
- Proceed to ‘’La Bouche du Roi’’, an unspoiled beach where the river meets the sea.
- On the return journey to Grand Popo, visit the salt island.
- In the afternoon, participate in a private voodoo ceremony in Grand Popo.
- Later, visit the voodoo temple, where you will meet the priest of the voodoo HEBIOSSO, also known as the voodoo of justice and symbolized by thunder.
Dinner and overnight stay at Diaspora Hotel.
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Day 4: Calavi to Ganvie to Ouidah expand_more
- In the morning, participate in divination, the African oracle (FA), which predicts the future and reveals hidden or mysterious things.
- Drive to Calavi to visit Ganvie, the stilt village famously known as the Venice of Africa. Experience firsthand how locals live on top of the water.
- Later, proceed to Ouidah, where you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- Accommodation for three days
- Meals as mentioned in the Program
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned van
- Service of an English-speaking tour/guide-driver
- Entrance fees and Taxes
What's Excluded
- Optional activities not on the program
- Drinks bears, cigarette
- Personal clothing
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
| Adult | |
| 1 To 20 | USD 1998 Per Person |
| Child | |
| 1 To 20 | USD 1698 Per Person |
This is a group tour | |