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

Day 8 - Abomey and Lake Ahémé
Tour Abomey city and learn about its rich history and visit voodoo temples
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the serene gardens of an art gallery
Unwind and have fun swimming in the pool or kayaking at a resort by Lake Ahémé
Discover the wonders of traditional medicine and the healing properties of plants

We kick-start the day by immersing ourselves in Abomey city's captivating history, where voodoo temples whisper ancient tales. Savor a delectable lunch amidst the tranquil gardens of an enchanting art gallery, sparking your taste buds and creative spirit. Then, it's time to unwind and dive into bliss at a lakeside resort by Lake Ahémé, where swimming and kayaking adventures await. Finally, uncover the marvels of traditional medicine and the miraculous healing properties of native plants.

Lunch

Lakeside Resort

2h45

Day 9 - Lake Ahémé
Experience a pirogue ride on Lake Ahémé and discover traditional fishing techniques
Lunch delicious local food by the lakeshore
Participate in a pottery workshop in a village specializing in clay shaping
Dine at the resort overlooking the serene lake

Glide along the sparkling waters of Lake Ahémé in a traditional pirogue, where you'll witness the art of traditional fishing. By the lakeshore, indulge in mouthwatering local delicacies that will tickle your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the rich culture as we join a captivating pottery workshop in a charming village, molding clay like the locals. As the sun sets, we'll savor a delectable dinner at the resort, cherishing the enchanting view of the tranquil lake.

Lakeside Resort

1h

Day 10 - Grand Popo
Explore a sacred forest for sightings of monkeys
Enjoy lunch by the ocean in Grand Popo
Participate in a toffee-making workshop
Dine and spend the night at an eco-lodge by the ocean

As the sun rises, we venture into the mystical sacred forest, where playful monkeys swing from the trees. After an exhilarating morning, we head back to the coast of South Benin in Grand Popo, where the azure ocean awaits us for a delightful lunch by the shore. The fun continues as we step into a toffee-making workshop, indulging in sweet creations. As twilight descends, our eco-lodge beckons, offering a simple dinner and a night of ocean whispers.

Dinner

Beachfront Eco-lodge

1h15

Day 11 - The Mono River mouth; spa retreat
Enjoy a serene pirogue ride through the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve
Indulge in a spa experience with a full-body clay mask and massage
Dine and spend a relaxing night at a traditionally built eco-lodge

South Benin is also where the Mono River meets the ocean in the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve. We'll start the day with a serene pirogue ride through the enchanting reserve, immersing ourselves in nature's wonders. Next up, indulge in a luxurious spa experience, where a full-body clay mask and massage will rejuvenate our senses. As the sun sets, we'll enjoy dinner and unwind at a cozy clay-built eco-lodge, enjoying a relaxing night amidst the country's natural beauty.

Lunch & Dinner

Eco-lodge

1h30

Day 12 - Ouidah
Explore the Slave Route and learn about the history of slavery
Discover the traditional process of salt making
Immerse yourself in contemporary African art at the museum
Take a city tour that showcases the Afro-Brazilian and colonial architectural styles and voodoo sites
Savor a lovely dinner on the terrace of a restaurant

We’ll take a journey along the hauntingly poignant Slave Route, immersing ourselves in the profound history of slavery. We pause at the beach to let go of our emotions before continuing with more uplifting activities. Prepare to be amazed as we witness the traditional process of salt making. The museum is a highlight, showcasing contemporary African art that will enchant our senses. Later, we'll embark on a captivating city tour, discovering Afro-Brazilian and colonial architectural constructions, and mystical voodoo sites. As the sun sets, we'll savor a delightful dinner on a terrace, exchanging our thoughts on a day full of contrasts.

Eco-lodge

1h30

Day 13 - Back to Cotonou
Take a scenic drive along the coast on the Fishing Route to reach Cotonou
Enjoy lunch on a pirogue while cruising through mangroves
Shop at the center for cultural promotion for souvenirs
Dine and spend the night at our beautiful boutique hotel

We embark on a journey, taking in breathtaking coastal vistas as we drive along the Fishing Route to reach Cotonou. Lunchtime surprises us with a delightful twist as we savor local delicacies on a pirogue while gliding through enchanting mangroves. We'll indulge in some retail therapy at the center for cultural promotion, snagging delightful souvenirs. End the day with a touch of luxury at our charming boutique hotel.

Lunch

Boutique Hotel

2h45

Day 14 – Departure from Cotonou
Rest at the hotel or choose from various activities in Cotonou (beach, shopping, etc.), depending on the time of departure
Bid farewell as the tour comes to an end
Transfer to airport

As the golden sun rises on this bittersweet day, our fantastic voyage in South Benin draws to a close. Emotions surge as we contemplate bidding farewell to newfound friends and unforgettable experiences. Depending on your departure time, continue exploring Cotonou or savor some leisurely moments at the hotel before transferring to the airport.

15 min

What's Included In The South Benin Tour

Included
Lodging in double occupancy ($300 supplement for single occupancy)
Airport transfers and transportation for the whole trip
Entrance fees and local guides
Tour guide for the whole trip
All breakfasts. Lunches and dinners as specified in tour highlights above
Mineral water at will
Excluded

Airfare to Cotonou

Trip insurance

Meals not specified

Personal expenses and extra drinks

Tips

Our Promise To Travel Responsibly

Local Food

During the South Benin Tour, we dine in restaurants that use local and organic products when available.

Vegetarian options are available. You have the opportunity to taste a wide choice of dishes so you can discover the local cuisine.

Cultural Heritage

Local history and culture are the main focuses of the South Benin tour.

We learn about ancient kingdoms and the slave trade.

We also gain insights about traditional living in villages and the voodoo cult.

Sustainability

We opt for small eco-friendly hotels/lodges or guesthouses that are locally owned, built with local materials, and sustainably managed when available.

We use 5-liter water bottles to limit our use of plastic.

We collect waste generated during the trip and locally recycle or safely dispose of the same.

Fair Trade Travel

We care about our partners and value their contributions. Therefore, we pay them a fair wage.


For the South Benin tour, we partnered with villages' traditional authorities, villagers, local guides, lodge owners, and local artists.

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Flexible Cancellation Policy

Book the South Benin Tour confidently with options to change your plans

Up to 30 days before the tour start date

Full Refund

We will send all your money back, no questions asked.

From 29 to 7 days before the tour start date

Voucher: 100%

Cancel your trip, and we will send you a voucher for the full value of your trip that you can use on future bookings.

Less than 6 days before the tour start date

Voucher: 70%

Cancel your trip, and we will send you a voucher for 70% of the value of your trip that you can use on future bookings.

Acceptable Covid 19 reasons

  • Proof of Covid 19 positive test of at least one member of your party
  • Travel ban to Togo from your country of residence
  • Travel ban from Togo for people of your nationality or country of residence

Don't Miss Out!

Book this once-in-a-lifetime trip now

If you have a connection with Africa and you have been willing to come to the continent but didn't know how, the South Benin tour is your opportunity. This tour is tailor-made for first time visitors or those who want to connect deeper with Africa.