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

Day 1 - Arrival in Cotonou
Pick-up at Cotonou airport, transfer to a charming boutique hotel
Rest at the hotel or choose from various activities in Cotonou (beach, shopping, etc.), depending on the time of arrival
Dine in Cotonou and spend the night at the hotel

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

Day 2 - Cotonou
Enjoy a city tour that includes the bustling Dantokpa market and impressive monuments
Lunch at a cultural center facing the beach
Take a leisurely stroll on the picturesque beach
Visit an African contemporary art gallery

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

Day 3 - Lake Nokoué
Visit Ganvié, the charming stilt village
Take an amazing pirogue ride on Lake Nokoué to reach our lodge
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, games, or simply unwind during free time at the lodge
Dine and set in for the night at the lodge

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

Day 4 - Porto-Novo
Embark on a pirogue cruise towards Porto-Novo
Enjoy a captivating city tour of Porto-Novo, which includes a visit to a royal palace and voodoo squares
Explore an autonomous organic farm
Indulge in a delectable dinner and spend the night in a beautiful boutique hotel

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

Day 5 - Adjarra and Kétou
Experience an enchanting pirogue ride on the Black River
Lunch at a famous pig grill
Discover Adjarra's handicrafts
Witness the Magical Door and Gelede masks in Kétou

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

Day 6 - Gelede dance and Dassa-Zoumé
Admire the traditional Gelede dance
Climb a hill and marvel at sunset in Dassa
Enjoy an organic dinner and the night at an eco-farm

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

Day 7 - Dassa-Zoumé and Abomey
Explore a hill that serves as an outdoor museum for rock sculptors
Tour an ancient underground village

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