The Magical Lake Nokoué and Porto Novo in 2 Days

Discover charming stilt villages on the tranquil waters of Lake Nokoué and the historical city of Porto Novo

Duration

2 days

Meeting Point

Cotonou, Benin

Group Size

10 max.

Language

French & English

Minimum Age

6

What To Bring

Swimwear, reusable water bottle

Serene Lake, Rich Culture And History

Lake Nokoué Tour Highlights

Day 1: We'll whisk you away to the famous Ganvié stilt village, the "Venice of Africa," a marvel of human ingenuity surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Nokoué. Glide through the village's intricate network of canals, immersing yourself in the unique culture of the Tofinu people who settled there centuries ago.

After this eye-opening experience, a picturesque pirogue ride will carry you across the tranquil expanse of Lake Nokoué, leading to our charming lodge nestled amid the waters. Here, a delectable lunch awaits, featuring tantalizing local flavors.

In the afternoon, take your pick from an array of activities – whether it's a canoe paddle, a kayak expedition, or games on the lodge grounds, there's something for everyone. As the day draws to a close, savor dinner with a backdrop of breathtaking sunset views before retiring to your sustainable room for a restful slumber.


Day 2: We kick off the day with a boat ride on Lake Nokoué, ending the trip by crossing Aguégués stilt villages. Following this, we journey to an autonomous farm and training center, where sustainable farming practices and traditional techniques harmoniously coexist. We pause for lunch at a vibrant cultural center.

In the afternoon, our city tour unveils the mystique of voodoo with visits to revered places of worship, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual heart of Benin. As we wind through the streets, the architectural styles of Porto Novo tell stories of the city's rich history. The day culminates with a visit to the royal palace, a testament to the Hogbonou kingdom's heritage.

With hearts and minds enriched by these experiences, we return to Cotonou, bringing an unforgettable end to this extraordinary tour.

Starting at $280 / person

Day 1

  • Discover Ganvié, a stilt village known as the "Venice of Africa"
  • Cross Lake Nokoué on a pirogue to reach our sustainable lodge on the water
  • Enjoy canoe, kayak, games, or rest at the lodge
  • Dinner and night at the lodge

Day 2

  • Boat ride to the Aguégués stilt villages
  • Visit a sustainable autonomous farm
  • City tour including voodoo places of worship, architectural styles, and the royal palace
  • Return to Cotonou

Total travel time: 4h

Lunch & dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2 included

All Included

Included

One night in a lodge in double occupancy

Transportation for the whole trip

Lunch & dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2

Mineral water

Tour guide for the whole trip

Entrance fees and local guides

Excluded

Lunch on day 2

Personal expenses

Extra drinks

Tips

Read About Our Travelers’ Experience

Gallery

Our Promise To Travel Responsibly

Local Food

We dine in restaurants that use local products and offer a wide choice of dishes so you can discover the local cuisine.

Vegetarian options are available.

Cultural Heritage

Stilt villages are an important cultural element of Lake Nokoué.

We showcase the rich history and strong culture of Porto Novo.


We highlight voodoo, the slave trade, ancient kingdoms, and traditions.

Sustainability

Accommodation for this tour is in a small eco-friendly lodge built with local materials.

We use 5-liter water bottles to limit our use of plastic.

Fair Trade Travel

We care about our partners and value their contributions. Therefore, we pay them a fair wage.

We partnered with a cultural center, guides, and lodge owners for this tour.

Cancellation policy

Impact local

Practical info: visa. etc.

Our promise

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Don't Miss Out!

Book this unique experience now

If you are curious about the Beninese history, from the slave trade to the ancient kingdoms that dominated the area, the voodoo culture, and the city's architecture, and if you'd like to know what it's like to live in African stilt villages, the Lake Nokoué tour is for you. Join us and enjoy these two days of learning and fun.

Message or call us to plan your fantastic voyage!

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