Benin

Immerse yourself into Benin’s history and in doing so; you will stumble upon nearly three centuries of slave traders, the birthplace of voodoo kingdoms, dazzling palaces, floating villages on stilts and Temple of the Python. Paddle across a lagoon, engage in the colour and movement of community festivals, discover the healing magic of voodoo, or follow in the footsteps of thousands of slaves. Today’s Benin is enchanting, intriguing and surprising.

Steeped in rich and complex history, this small but surprising country will astonish you from its palm-fringed beaches on the Atlantic coast to the rugged scenery of the Parc National de la Pendjari, and its friendly vibrant people.

Learn about the spirits and fetishes of the Afro-Brazilian heritage, the birthplace of voodoo the official religion of the country. Visit the vibrant towns of  Ouidah, Abomey and Porto Novo all with a rich history, and vibrant culture. Stroll along The Route des Esclaves, and imagine the hustle and bustle by which slaves were taken down to the beach. Along the four-kilometre route, stop and ponder the numerous statues and monuments, along the sandy road that nowadays is considered the main street including a memorial arch known as the Door of No Return.  

Benin has become the best-kept tourist secret in Western African, from its protected wildlife to the seclusion of the Grand Popo ocean beach, where the locals from the nearby fishing village pull in nets almost every day, and you can wade just deep enough to enjoy the waves. You will experience a visitor-friendly country regarding infrastructure, public transport and the development of responsible tourism. On Sunday afternoons a typical Beninese family gather at the beach to exchange the latest rumours, show off their latest hair fashions and drink beer.