All about Ganvié: the lake city of Benin

But the origins of this lakeside town go back to the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century. At the time, tribal wars and slave raids were in full swing. To flee the hostilities and the heinous acts committed against the entire population living in the territory of what is now Togo, villagers took the decision to come and take refuge in the swamps of Lake Nokoué.

 Legend has it that the first inhabitants of Ganvié thus left Togo and arrived on the shores of Lake Nokoué in 1717. at their head used his magical powers. He turned into a sparrowhawk to fly over the lake and spot the island of Ganvié. Then he returned to change into a crocodile to carry his people on his back to the new land. This is why, says the legend, that the crocodile takes on the sacredness that we know of in Ganvié. 

More recently, the migration of the Sokomènou and the Dakomènou who have taken up residence on Lake Nokoué and its surroundings has contributed to the progressive settlement of the region. 

The life of the men of the water in Ganvié on Lake Nokoué

Lifestyle

Living on Lake Nokoué must certainly have its exciting sides. In any case, here the dwellings are on stilts, entirely built of natural materials. We most often observe constructions on stilts in wood, bamboo with straw and various plants. Despite their frail appearance, these constructions are able to withstand bad weather and various climatic hazards for several decades. 

Access to drinking water, which is a little more difficult on the lake, is nevertheless possible via two standpipes installed by state structures. The population manages to get there by canoe to fill their water cans. 

However, the major problem is the power supply. The inhabitants who have the means do not hesitate to equip themselves with generators. Some wealthier people opt for photovoltaic energy, which is less polluting..

Religions in the commune of Sô-Ava and in Ganvié

Secularism is very present within the population of the toffinus. If many practice endogenous religions, there are also here and there a few churches on stilts within the city and the surrounding lakeside villages..

Feeding the water men of Ganvié

Since Lake Nokoué is currently preserved from all industrial pollution, it is used for fish farming. The local population maintains their acadjas, which allows them to have enough fish to support their families for several months. 

Women also engage in trade.  It must be said that as everything revolves around water in Ganvié, the main source of trade comes from fishing products. The city has a market that is held on the water. When it is not possible to appropriate certain basic necessities, markets on dry land compensate for this need, like the market at the pier.

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Apart from the religious holidays celebrated by all the people of Benin in the application of their secularism (voodoo festival on January 10, Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Maouloud, Tabaski, etc.) the toffinous also have their holidays identity. The toffin-xwé, since it is about him, is a festival which brings together each year the nationals of the lakeside villages and the descendants of the inhabitants of the water or men of the water. 

Economic activities

The main economic activities on Lake Nokoué revolve around water. First, fishing is the main activity of the population. It is exercised by more than 70% of the tofinnus in Ganvié. Fishing is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Fishing products in Ganvié can be found in the surrounding markets, in particular the largest in the Dantokpa sub-region.

In addition to fishing, lagoon sand dredging, seasonal agriculture and tourist guiding are other major activities practiced in the lakeside city of Ganvié. The floating market of the latter, which comes alive especially at night, is to be highlighted.  

Why visit this lake city in Benin?

The town of Ganvié on Lake Nokoué is today the most important lakeside town in Africa. It has been on the indicative list of UNESCO since 1996. It is a major and unique tourist attraction in Africa, even in the world, because the entire life of the population takes place on the water and everything revolves around water. 

Unlike its Italian counterpart to which it is often compared, the lakeside city of Ganvié moves away from the splendor to immerse you in the heart and soul of Benin, leaving you with an authentic memory. 

More than just a fishing town, Ganvié is a city rich in history and steeped in the culture that makes Benin one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in West Africa. Ganvié is this world in which streets and cars give way to canals and boats. The lake city of Ganvié is a setting whose rhythm of life flows along the water. Must see at least once in your life.

How to get to Ganvié?

The lake city of Ganvié is located on Lake Nokoué in the town of Sô-Ava, about twenty kilometers from Cotonou airport. To visit Ganvié and the other lakeside villages, you have to go to the tourist site of Abomey-Calavi previously called the Abomey-Calavi pier. From there, canoes or motorized boats will take you to Ganvié located 8 km from the quay of the tourist site. The tourist site of Abomey-Calavi is accessible by land about ten kilometers from Cotonou airport. 

The quickest and most convenient method is to take a taxi to the pier. But you can also take a detour to visit some Benin museums in Cotonou to immerse yourself in the life, history and culture of the Beninese people.. 

How to find a tourist guide to visit Ganvié?

You would need a good tourist guide to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the men of the water, the tofinnous. Indeed, without knowing the past of this people, it will be difficult for you to put into perspective what is happening in Ganvié. Why would men agree to leave dry land, the natural environment of the human species, to come and live on the water? 

If in the past finding a good guide to visit Ganvié was the cross and the banner, today things have changed. The Beninese government has already standardized transport prices from the tourist site of Abomey-Calavi, but the tourist guide sector is still undergoing reform in Benin. In the meantime, if you go to the tourist site of Abomey-Calavi, you will find local guides who will be happy to enhance your crossing with beautiful and rich anecdotes.

Tourist activities in Ganvié

The lakeside city of Ganvié is already a major attraction in itself. It is best to discover it through its people, its landscapes and its history during your stay. 

However, you can, in addition to going around the city, decide to organize a fishing trip with the men of the water, an indigenous population.

If you have the adventurous spirit, you can also visit certain attractions such as the sacred river, the monkey forest or the bird channel. These attractions are all located on Lake Nokoué near the city of Ganvié.

Eat and stay in the lakeside town of Ganvié

There are typically two options for accommodation in the lakeside town of Ganvié. You can stay with locals or opt to go to a hotel. If staying in Sô-Ava will make it easier for you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and the life of the inhabitants of the water, you can also stay in the surrounding towns such as Cotonou or Abomey-Calavi. The Assouka Eco-village hotel in Abomey-Calavi and located on the shores of Lake Nokoué is an example of a welcoming cottage close to the town of Sô-Ava. 

But staying on site has the advantage of allowing you to observe the magnificent sunrise over Lake Nokoué but above all to contemplate the floating market at night illuminated by the many lanterns. if you want to stay on site, you can go to lodgings on stilts like the Expotel at Raphaêl, or the Germain hotel. 

As regards catering, the culinary specialty Dakouin can be served at Face à la Mer, which also and mainly offers European specialties. Do not hesitate to orient yourself towards restaurants in Abomey-Calavi or Cotonou to properly appreciate the local gastronomy in all its diversity.