Benin: sightseeing in Natitingou

Natitingou, a tourist destination of choice to absolutely discover

Located in the heart of Atacora, Natitingou is a beautiful city in northwestern Benin. It takes its name from the word "Nantotingou" which means "the village of Nanto (the crusher)" in the local Waama language. This name will later become Natitingou because of the designation of white missionaries. To visit Natitingou is to have the chance to rub shoulders with several culturally rich ethnic groups (Somba, Ditamari, Waama and Dendi) who have learned to live in symbiosis for ages.

Why is Natitingou a must in terms of tourism in Benin? The city enjoys a relief with very varied forms. Thus, from one end of the city to the other, ranging from mountain areas to plateaus, you can blithely appreciate the mountainous and diversified landscapes that decorate the territory.

Natitingou has no shortage of attractions, due to its proximity to the most emblematic sites of Benin. Indeed, in addition to its magnificent landscape cradled in a still natural setting, it hosts or borders a variety of attraction sites. Something to amaze you and vary your pleasures.

What are the exceptional sites to absolutely visit when you are sightseeing in Natitingou ?

What are the emblematic places to visit in tourism in Natitingou?

Make an indelible mark on your visit to Natitingou by visiting the following tourist sites:

• The Kota Falls ;
• The Regional Museum of Natitingou ;
• The famous “ ’Tatas sombas ’’…

Kota Falls

Nestled protected areas located about twenty kilometers from Natitingou, the Kota Falls are actually a string of waterfalls. On foot, on the landscaped path, you will have the opportunity to fully explore the beauty and warmth of this natural space. During your little excursion, you can indulge in many entertaining and fun activities such as:

• Swim at the edge of Kota Falls waterfalls;
• Discover the Kota Falls gallery forest;
• Walk along the edges of Kota Falls to appreciate its natural wealth, in particular the great diversity of tropical trees found there...

A camp of several bungalows has been built near the site. Think about spending a night there in order to appreciate the nocturnal atmosphere of the place and keep very good stays from your visit..

Natitingou Regional Museum

The Regional Museum of Natitingou is located in the heart of the city of Natitingou. Open since 1991, it is housed in an old colonial residence. On site, a guide will show you around.

At the Regional Museum of Natitingou, you will take a short detour to the past, to the sources. The majestic and atypical history of this region of Benin closely linked to that of the countries bordering the north of Benin will have no more secrets for you.

The various facts that have marked the region the most, the religious practices, the culture, the civilization, the architecture, the roles and place of men and women are all things that you will learn.

Inside the museum, you will find musical instruments, jewelry, traditional weapons, photos dating back to 1930, calabash tail penis cases and many other ancient marvels…

Do you like stories that are out of the ordinary or folklore? If so, at the Regional Museum of Natitingou, you will be amply served.

The Tatas Sombas

The word Tata originally refers to a fortification since the time of French colonization. And by extension, it illustrates any dwelling. What are the Tatas Sombas in concrete terms?

The Tatas Somba are unique habitats in their genus found in northwestern Benin. Their construction was designed to protect residents against enemies and wild beasts.

The Tatas Sombas are dwellings built on two levels: a ground floor and an upper level. It is on this last level that the rooms and the attic dedicated to storing agricultural production are installed. From upstairs, you can see the enemy from afar and prepare to face it.

Better, hiding places are arranged there by means of the orifices in the wall. A hall is provided for the safety of pets. The chambers and attics are made up of conical turrets topped with straws and connected by a wall. All the terraces of the Tatas Sombas are paved. They also have ventilation holes and evacuation.

A true architectural feat of the time, the Tatas Sombas continue to amaze to this day. Certainly you will also be amazed at the ingenuity of this construction. So, do not miss to visit this must-see.

Several other major tourist sites are present in Natitingou. Here are some of them you can also visit:

• The picturesque ponds ;
• The round huts ;
• The Parc de la Pendjari (which is located not far from the city)…
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Where to eat during your tourist trip to Natitingou ?

To make your tourist stay even more pleasant, you must obviously taste the culinary specialties of Natitingou. Here is a selection of the best restaurant addresses that will meet your expectations.

La Breche de Nati

La Brèche de Nati is the ideal setting to savor local specialities. The architecture of this restaurant is a faithful replica of a Tata Somba.

The Brèche de Nati opens onto the surrounding hills. Thus, while you savor the succulent dishes on offer, you will appreciate the impressive rocky and natural landscape that takes shape in front of you.

But who's on the menu?

The dishes here are tasty and concocted with natural products. Stuffed skewers, duck with tchouk, Fulani salad, rabbit with sodabi are their specialties. Several refreshments are offered, including local drinks  :

• Millet beer;
• Cassava-based sodabi
• Tchoukoutou…

Do you want to discover new taste flavors? Be sure to visit this address. La Brèche de Nati is located at the southern entrance to Natitingou, not far from the Kantaborifa hotel and the Basilic Natitingou maquis.

Chez Guillaume< /span>

If you are unbeatable on European and African specialties, Chez Guillaume is the most recommended restaurant for you. Here, you can order and enjoy a good pizza cooked over a wood fire. Many other dishes are also offered.

Did you know that a micro-brewery producing gluten-free beer is set up on the premises? Yes, not only can you refresh yourself here with drinks made on site, you can also visit this brewery for fun.

You will find the Chez Guillaune restaurant in the Kantaborifa district of Natitingou in a truly friendly setting.

Le Mini Maquis

Here is a lair dedicated to the pleasures of the taste buds which gratifies you with an exquisite atmosphere to enjoy tasty and varied salads, dough, akassa, rice, fries or couscous.

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Built with straw huts decorated with African fabrics and lit with candles, the Mini Maquis is a restaurant in its own right. Here, the atmosphere is simply cocooning and fragrant.

The flavor of the preparations is quite different. The memories will remain truly indelible if you take a walk there in the evening.

Where to stay during your tourism in Natitingou ?



After a beautiful day full of discoveries, here are some hotel complexes where you can stay in Natitingou.

Tata Somba Hotel

The Tata Somba hotel is one of the most famous hotel addresses in Natitingou. It is made up of houses whose architecture imitates that of the Tatas Sombas. But here, the rooms are air-conditioned. Several other convivialities are there, in particular its swimming pool.

If you are looking for a warm setting when you visit Natitingou, this is the address for you. A quality catering service is also offered to meet your needs for hearty lunches.

Offering a captivating setting, you will also appreciate the warmest welcome that awaits you.

L'Hotel Bourgogne

The Hôtel Bourgogne is one of the few buildings to offer you several services. Here, in addition to the various accommodations available, you also have access to a bar, a restaurant and a spacious lounge.

If you are looking for a hotel where everything will be within your reach quickly, this is the perfect choice. On site, you can take advantage of the wifi to connect and Canal+ television programs.

Hotel Kaba

Composed of 61 rooms, this hotel is a beautiful palace worthy of the name it bears. Are you looking for the most comfortable accommodation in Natitingou? The Kaba hotel will really meet your expectations.

Its friendly setting, warm welcome, swimming pool and small animal park with peacocks and monkeys are some of its greatest assets. If you want to stay in a space dedicated to relaxation with a little pinch of nature, choose this address.

Natitingou is one of the emblematic sites of Benin. It stands out for its natural beauty, its hills, its culture, its local specialties. To have a good time, do not hesitate to visit Natitingou. As you can see, Natitingou has more than one trick up its sleeve. Not only endowed with an immense cultural richness, it benefits from an ideal geographical location in the north of Benin. Visiting Natitingou will therefore allow you to discover the different facets of tourism in Natitingou, but also to learn more about the history of this region.