Tourisme au Bénin : le guide pour un voyage de rêve

5 reasons to visit Benin: tourist destination of choice

Whether you are alone, with friends or family, a visit to Benin will certainly leave in your memories a panorama of evidence of the cultural and natural beauty of Africa.

Doing tourism in Benin: one of the most welcoming countries in Africa 'Africa

The Republic of Benin, ex-Dahomey is a small country in West Africa. Remained for nearly three centuries one of the hubs of the slave trade in Africa, this country holds an infinity of treasures and stories that deserve to be visited. Benin is undoubtedly one of the most welcoming destinations in Africa. With a population whose inhabitants are inclined to share their history, their lifestyles and their beliefs. Basically, Benin has a lot to offer the world when it comes to African history and culture..

Visit Benin: temple of the Vodoun religion

It is obvious that we cannot talk about Vodoun without talking about Benin and vice versa. The Vodoun is this religion which is known today by the whole world and which also attracts many tourists who are driven by the desire to learn more about this practice. This traditional religion results from the meeting of several traditional cults such as " the traditional cults of the Yoruba gods " and the deities " Fon " and " Ewe  >". To visit Benin is to discover its culture, to immerse yourself in the history of Vodoun and its art of living. The cities of Kétou, Abomey, Ouidah and Porto-Novo have extraordinary things in store for you, such as Guèlèdè, the Zangbéto, the Fâ, etc.

Benin tells the story of the slave trade

Do you know the history of the slave trade? Black slaves captured and piled into slave ships? Benin is a memorable place for this transatlantic trade. The city of Ouidah, a coastal city in the heart of the country, is known to have been a place of capture of slaves and their march to slave ships. Until this day, several places and historical sites are erected to relate its unfortunate events.

If you visit Benin, you will certainly have the opportunity to go to Ouidah to discover this story both sad and moving which marks the past of Africa.

Tourism in Benin for its incredible landscapes

It is true that when we talk about tourism in Benin, we talk more about culture and history. But, in reality, the tourist assets of Benin are not limited to that. You are passionate about mountain or seaside tourism, you will not regret visiting Benin. The different landscapes of the country have many surprises in store for you, among others:

• The atypical hills that cover the Collines department;
• The beautiful arid mountains of the Atakora department;
• The Pendjari Park which offers a magical Safari
• The houses on stilts of Ganvié and the lagoons ;
• The sacred forests and wooded savannas ;
• The black river of Adjarra
• Thecoconut shaded beaches of the Atlantic, etc.

Visit Benin for its very rich culinary culture

Beninese gastronomy is very varied and offers you an original taste experience. Beninese dishes are numerous and actually depend on each region or ethnic group. This diversity of culinary specialty is what most often attracts tourists, especially amateurs or epicureans who wish to discover new exotic flavors. If you choose to visit Benin, then I suggest you taste one of the middle dishes. Ask for: corn paste with seed sauce or a dish of pounded yam with peanut sauce and Wagashi cheese. These dishes are among the great classics of the Beninese cuisine repertoire.

What could be more inspiring than visiting and savoring the regional culinary specialties of Benin? You will also have the opportunity to learn how to prepare local drinks such as Sodabi and Tchoukoutou!

9 unmissable places for sightseeing in Benin

The historical museum of Abomey 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Abomey Historical Museum is one of Africa's most iconic tourist attractions. Nestled in the South-Center region, it covers an area of ​​47 hectares and is accessible within a 3-hour drive from Cotonou. It houses the ten royal palaces which trace the history of the kingdom of Dahomey. 

The Abomey Historical Museum is home to countless glorious remains that you absolutely must visit. Within it, you will have a unique chance to explore the course of the valiant kings andt Dahomey amazons. More than 1400 royal and spiritual objects dating from the colonial era are exhibited there. But that's not all! 

You will also find a collection of traditional weapons, clothes and shoes once used by kings. To enhance your visit, a tourist guide will be entirely at your disposal. 

To round off your visit to the premises of the Abomey museum, take a tour of the craft stands. There are typical handicrafts from Benin. They will be your trophies, souvenirs to take home to indelibly mark your passage through this majestic territory of the colonial era.  

To visit the Abomey Historical Museum is to discover the rich cultural and royal history of Benin. A history that covers the pre-colonial era to the present day, including the slave trade.

À lire aussi : Museums of Benin – the complete guide

The door of no return 

Located in the marvelous city of Ouidah, the gateway to non- retour is one of the world-class tourist spots in Benin. Built on the initiative of UNESCO, it is the main standard-bearer of the colonial history of Dahomey. 

Built in the shape of an arch, the Gate of No Return symbolizes the deportation of slaves. It was therefore purposely erected on the beach of Ouidah facing the sea. 

It is covered with several frescoes and signs that bear witness to the atrocities that slaves once suffered. The door of no return also marks the final stage of the slave route. A journey that started with the selection of slaves and the detour to the tree of oblivion. 

To discover the Door of No Return is to walk in the footsteps of slaves and live a unique experience, an incredible journey full of emotions. Near this attraction are other tourist places of Benin that you can explore in the city of memories. The must-haves among them are::

• The Oblivion Tree
• The python temple ;
• The Ouidah History Museum;
• The sacred forest of Kpassè…

Grand-Popo, inevitable for seaside tourism in Benin

Located in the Bight of Benin, Grand Popo is a coastal region that stands out for its sumptuousness. Its proximity to the Mono River and the sea make it an essential destination for enjoying the waters and carrying out nautical activities. On site, you can:

• Take canoe hikes in the mangroves ; 
• Fishing ; 
• Admire fantastic landscapes;
• Exploring beaches with unique sea sands… 

This heavenly destination in Benin will also surprise you with its cultural richness. The history of the Xwla peoples who have resided there for ages will not fail to amaze you. Grand Popo is also a concert of leisure spaces that satisfies all desires and all whims.

The cave of Our Lady of Arigbo 

The Notre-Dame d'Arigbo cave is also one of the most exceptional places of tourism in Benin. It is a sacred site located in the heart of the hills 209 kilometers from Cotonou. Sacred because the Virgin Mary would have made an appearance there. It is therefore a place of pilgrimage for Catholic believers and receives thousands of pilgrims from various backgrounds every year. 

The attractiveness of the Our Lady of Arigbo cave is not limited to the sacredness of the space. The site is also a mecca for excursions and discoveries. 

Visiting this place of tourism in Benin is a great opportunity to discover the 41 hills of Dassa-Zoumè. The place lends itself to several very interesting activities including cycling and mountaineering. Whether you are a regular or a novice in climbing, come and live a new experience. 

Magnificent landscapes are to be discovered. Perched at the top of the hills, you can contemplate one of the most beautiful panoramas of Benin. It is an experience that will remain forever etched in your memory..

The lake city of Ganvié 

Located on Lake Nokoué, the lake city of Ganvié is a destination that needs no introduction. Called " the Venice of Africa ", it represents the largest lakeside city in West Africa. Quite unique, it is distinguished by its unusual constructions and its bubbling cultural life throughout the year. In this mini-city built on water, you can:

• Making unforgettable trips in canoes;
• Experience life on the water
• Discover sacred forests ;
• Explore the famous Monkey Forest ; 
• Contemplate magnificent sunrises and sunsets…

At the Cité lacustre de Ganvié, many very interesting activities are available. For example, you can learn to fish. It is also a place rich in fauna and flora. Day and night, it is possible to contemplate magnificent shows orchestrated by birds of all kinds. Most importantly, don't forget your camera. The shots you will capture will be exceptional.

Lac Ahémé 

If you are fond of nautical attractions, Lake Ahémé is undoubtedly a place of tourism in Benin that will enchant you. Spread over several municipalities, it is the second largest lake in Benin. 

On the wonderful fresh waters of Lake Ahémé, you can indulge in a variety of activities, including fishing. On site, do not miss to quench your thirst with coconut water with a delicious and unique taste. 

During your boat trip, you will learn a lot about the culture and traditions of the villages of Okomè and Sèhomi in particular. A short trip to Possotomé, a village located on the edge of the lake is a very good idea. You will discover in particular the thermal hot spring bearing the same name which has made its reputation. 

The Crafts Promotion Center

Located in the heart of the economic capital of Benin (Cotonou), the craft center is a flagship destination that promotes the art and know-how of African craftsmen. 

There are works of art from countries such as Mali, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Niger… Among the panoply of objects and souvenirs sold on site, we have :    

• Paintings and engravings
• Traditional masks and wooden sculptures;
• Pottery and cowries
• Handcrafted jewelry and bracelets
• Musical instruments…

Many entertainment spaces are located near the Center for Promotion and Crafts of Benin, including restaurants, beaches, shopping centers… 

Top 5 sites for sightseeing in northern Benin

Natitingou Regional Museum

It is the first floor of a colonial building that houses this museum. Located in Natitingou, the regional museum extends over an area of ​​approximately 2.5 hectares. The history, art and archeology in Natitingou are validly represented by the 360 ​​collector's items of this tourist site in northern Benin.

The main objective of this museum is to tell or convey to visitors the history and customs of the peoples of the region. Architecture, religion, the place of men and women, their role in society, the link they have with nature, to name but a few.

An annex building has also been dedicated to the regional museum on the Stele of Kaba. This makes this museum a tourist reference. You can go there every working day from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (note that there is a break between noon and two). Weekends, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

To better organize your stay in Natitingou, see this article.

Pendjari Park

Pendjari Park is undoubtedly one of the greatest tourist attractions in Benin. It is also one of the most beautiful and largest reserves in the West African sub-region. It is estimated that more than 45,000 mammals are found there. 

Pendjari Park is the only place in West Africa where you can see big cats and giant animals in their natural environments. There are also hundreds of species of birds, some of which are very rare, such as Crowned Crane and River Pluvian. 

On this tourist site in Benin, you have the opportunity to go on safari far from the crowds and off the beaten track, because mass tourism is prohibited. If you travel to Benin, you must not miss this experience.

Recommended visiting times are 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The best time to visit for excellent savannah visibility is the dry season from October to April. The visit prices are variable and can be consulted on the official website of the park.

Read alsoi : 7 reasons to visit Pendjar National Parki.

The Tatas Sombas

The Tatas Sombas are multi-storey clay constructions made with the aim of protecting against enemies and animals. These fortified castles represented for the Otammari peoples: granary, habitat, fortress and rampart.

The tradition of the Tatas Sombas dates back several centuries and constitutes a real cultural and historical richness. This tourist site in northern Benin has a unique and original architecture that has become a national symbol. You will discover construction and maintenance methods that involve all members of the family: children and adults alike.

Being living places, the Tatas Sombas are not open to the public. To have access to the interior, it is necessary to be accompanied by a guide with the consent of the inhabitant.

Les chutes de Kota 

The Kota Falls are among the most refreshing and soothing areas in Benin. Located in the district of Kotopounga, they are surrounded by lush vegetation. Kota Falls is a series of rapids flowing over a rocky outcrop with a height of 100 m.

La région abrite également une faune variée, notamment des singes et des oiseaux. 

Tanougou Falls

Find 11 km from the Pendjari National Park, the Tanougou Falls, jewels of nature to absolutely visit and explore if you are sightseeing in northern Benin. 

About 20 m high, they represent one of the largest waterfalls in Benin. Its basin comparable to a swimming pool has a depth of 30 m. It is the ideal destination to treat yourself to a good natural bath in relative privacy, as it is surrounded by lush vegetation and a complex of rocks.. 

The Tanougou Falls are also a very pleasant tourist spot in Benin that is suitable for hiking and camping. It is a tourism destination in Benin accessible all year round. Periodically, the local population organizes acrobatic jumping competitions. You must bring a guide to climb the rocks leading to the top of the waterfalls.

If you want to know more about the waterfalls of Benin, this article is for you.

What are your places for sightseeing in Benin?

Don’t hesitate to contribute by sharing your favorites. If you have already done tourism in Benin, what are these places that marked you and make you want to come back. If you are planning a trip to Benin, what are these tourist places that you absolutely want to see.

Leave a comment to share your list.

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