14 days Exploring Enchanting South Benin's Wonders
Immerse in the Beninese culture and history in the coastal and central regions
Duration
14 days
Meeting Point
Cotonou, Benin
Group Size
10 max.
Language
French & English
Minimum Age
6
What To Bring
Swimwear, reusable water bottle, walking shoes
Welcome To South Benin!
South Benin Tour
14 Days - Starting at $1,829 / person
The South Benin is rich with historical sites from the various kingdoms that once ruled the area. In addition, it is blessed with beautiful landscapes, from the semi-arid hills of Dassa-Zoumé to the lakes and beaches of the coastal region. But everywhere, the culture of Southern ethnic groups is strong, lively, and dominated by voodoo rituals.
Read About Our Travelers’ Experience
South Benin Tour Highlights
Welcome to this fantastic voyage in South Benin! We'll pick you up from Cotonou airport and take you to the charming boutique hotel where we will stay for 2 days. Relax or start exploring Cotonou, depending on your arrival time. End the day with a delightful dinner in Cotonou and spend a comfortable night at the hotel. Get ready for more excitement ahead!
Boutique Hotel
15 min
Explore the heart of Cotonou! Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Dantokpa market and learn about the fascinating history of Benin through its impressive monuments. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a unique cultural center overlooking the picturesque beach. Take a leisurely walk along the sandy shore and admire the beautiful African contemporary art at a nearby gallery. Lastly, relax and rejuvenate at the hotel before dinner.
Boutique Hotel
1h15
Get ready for one of the highlights of the South Benin tour: a day of pure magic and adventure! Today, we'll whisk you away to the enchanting stilt village of Ganvié, where you'll feel like you've stepped into a different world. Glide through the picturesque waters of Lake Nokoue on a traditional pirogue to reach our charming lodge. Once there, the excitement continues with an array of activities like canoeing, kayaking, fun-filled games, or simply basking in free time. As the sun sets, indulge in a delectable dinner before falling asleep under the stars.
Lunch & Dinner
Ecolodge
1h
Hop aboard a pirogue as we cruise from our cozy lodge towards Porto-Novo. Once we arrive, the excitement continues with a captivating city tour, where we'll delve into Benin's rich history and culture, exploring a royal palace, different architectural styles, and enigmatic voodoo squares. Visiting the Songhai Centre, an autonomous organic farm and agricultural training center, will leave us in awe of the incredible powers of nature. Finally, we'll enjoy a tasty dinner and spend the night at a locally decorated boutique hotel, immersed in the vibrant spirit of Benin.
Boutique Hotel
1h45
Embark on a pirogue ride in the winding waters of the majestic Black River, discovering hidden villages along the way. Your taste buds are in for a treat as you indulge in a mouthwatering lunch at a renowned pig grill. Next, dive into the vibrant world of Adjarra's handicrafts, a true artisan's paradise. But that's not all! Brace yourself to witness the mesmerizing sight of the legendary magical door and the captivating Gelede masks in the historic town of Kétou.
Lunch
Hotel
3h
We'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant Yoruba culture by admiring the mesmerizing traditional Gelede dance. Feel the rhythm and join the fun! Then, we'll embark on a gentle hike up a hill in Dassa to witness a breathtaking sunset that will leave you speechless. To add to the excitement, we'll indulge in an organic dinner and spend the night at a charming eco-farm, surrounded by nature's serenity.
Lunch
Eco-farm
4h00
Embark on a journey of awe and wonder. First, we'll hike up a picturesque hill, where breathtaking rock sculptures will amaze our senses and make us feel like we're in an outdoor art paradise. Then, we'll go back in time, exploring an ancient underground village in Bohicon that will leave us spellbound. And finally, prepare to learn about the grandeur of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which dominated South Benin and beyond, while discovering its royal palaces.
Guest House
2h15
We kick-start the day by immersing ourselves in Abomey city's captivating history, where voodoo temples whisper ancient tales. Savor a delectable lunch amidst the tranquil gardens of an enchanting art gallery, sparking your taste buds and creative spirit. Then, it's time to unwind and dive into bliss at a lakeside resort by Lake Ahémé, where swimming and kayaking adventures await. Finally, uncover the marvels of traditional medicine and the miraculous healing properties of native plants.
Lunch
Lakeside Resort
2h45
Glide along the sparkling waters of Lake Ahémé in a traditional pirogue, where you'll witness the art of traditional fishing. By the lakeshore, indulge in mouthwatering local delicacies that will tickle your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the rich culture as we join a captivating pottery workshop in a charming village, molding clay like the locals. As the sun sets, we'll savor a delectable dinner at the resort, cherishing the enchanting view of the tranquil lake.
Lakeside Resort
1h
As the sun rises, we venture into the mystical sacred forest, where playful monkeys swing from the trees. After an exhilarating morning, we head back to the coast of South Benin in Grand Popo, where the azure ocean awaits us for a delightful lunch by the shore. The fun continues as we step into a toffee-making workshop, indulging in sweet creations. As twilight descends, our eco-lodge beckons, offering a simple dinner and a night of ocean whispers.
Dinner
Beachfront Eco-lodge
1h15
South Benin is also where the Mono River meets the ocean in the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve. We'll start the day with a serene pirogue ride through the enchanting reserve, immersing ourselves in nature's wonders. Next up, indulge in a luxurious spa experience, where a full-body clay mask and massage will rejuvenate our senses. As the sun sets, we'll enjoy dinner and unwind at a cozy clay-built eco-lodge, enjoying a relaxing night amidst the country's natural beauty.
Lunch & Dinner
Eco-lodge
1h30
We’ll take a journey along the hauntingly poignant Slave Route, immersing ourselves in the profound history of slavery. We pause at the beach to let go of our emotions before continuing with more uplifting activities. Prepare to be amazed as we witness the traditional process of salt making. The museum is a highlight, showcasing contemporary African art that will enchant our senses. Later, we'll embark on a captivating city tour, discovering Afro-Brazilian and colonial architectural constructions, and mystical voodoo sites. As the sun sets, we'll savor a delightful dinner on a terrace, exchanging our thoughts on a day full of contrasts.
Eco-lodge
1h30
We embark on a journey, taking in breathtaking coastal vistas as we drive along the Fishing Route to reach Cotonou. Lunchtime surprises us with a delightful twist as we savor local delicacies on a pirogue while gliding through enchanting mangroves. We'll indulge in some retail therapy at the center for cultural promotion, snagging delightful souvenirs. End the day with a touch of luxury at our charming boutique hotel.
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
2h45
As the golden sun rises on this bittersweet day, our fantastic voyage in South Benin draws to a close. Emotions surge as we contemplate bidding farewell to newfound friends and unforgettable experiences. Depending on your departure time, continue exploring Cotonou or savor some leisurely moments at the hotel before transferring to the airport.
15 min
What's Included In The South Benin Tour
Our Promise To Travel Responsibly
Local Food
- During the South Benin Tour, we dine in restaurants that use local and organic products when available.
- Vegetarian options are available. You have the opportunity to taste a wide choice of dishes so you can discover the local cuisine.
Cultural Heritage
- Local history and culture are the main focuses of the South Benin tour.
- We learn about ancient kingdoms and the slave trade.
- We also gain insights about traditional living in villages and the voodoo cult.
Sustainability
- We opt for small eco-friendly hotels/lodges or guesthouses that are locally owned, built with local materials, and sustainably managed when available.
- We use 5-liter water bottles to limit our use of plastic.
- We collect waste generated during the trip and locally recycle or safely dispose of the same.
Fair Trade Travel
- We care about our partners and value their contributions. Therefore, we pay them a fair wage.
- For the South Benin tour, we partnered with villages' traditional authorities, villagers, local guides, lodge owners, and local artists.
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Flexible Cancellation Policy
Book the South Benin Tour confidently with options to change your plans
Up to 30 days before the tour start date
Full Refund
We will send all your money back, no questions asked.
From 29 to 7 days before the tour start date
Voucher: 100%
Cancel your trip, and we will send you a voucher for the full value of your trip that you can use on future bookings.
Less than 6 days before the tour start date
Voucher: 70%
Cancel your trip, and we will send you a voucher for 70% of the value of your trip that you can use on future bookings.
Acceptable Covid 19 reasons
- Proof of Covid 19 positive test of at least one member of your party
- Travel ban to Togo from your country of residence
- Travel ban from Togo for people of your nationality or country of residence
Don't Miss Out!
Book this once-in-a-lifetime trip now
If you have a connection with Africa and you have been willing to come to the continent but didn't know how, the South Benin tour is your opportunity. This tour is tailor-made for first time visitors or those who want to connect deeper with Africa.
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