2 min summary Best time to visit Map & highlights Things to do Culture Voodoo Festival Voodoo markets Tips Responsible tourism

Things to do in Benin

When choosing things to do in Benin, don’t overlook Pendjari National Park – one of the only safari destinations in West Africa. Discovering voodoo, the national religion, is a must – with fetishes, festivals and ceremonies. And while you’re here – take time to cross over into Togo and Ghana to discover the region in depth.

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THINGS TO DO IN BENIN

Forget about Voodoo dolls. Benin is the birthplace of this most mysterious religions, and it is still found here in it's purest form.

The power of voodoo

Ouidah’s annual festival draws followers who transform into their chosen God, adopting their characteristics. The Zangbeto look like giant, walking grass skirts, while the Egungun – the most powerful – are covered entirely in colourful patchwork. There are ritual sacrifices, plus dancing, drinking and the constant beat of drums. Outside of the festival, learn more about voodoo at the Python Temple or the creepy Dankoli festish – Benin’s most powerful shrine.

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Go on safari

Impressive cross-border conservation efforts have resulted in the creation of the W-Arli-Pendjari (WAP) complex, a vast protected area that stretches across Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. As a result of these interlinked migration routes and ecosystems, rare wildlife has been able to thrive, and Benin’s section, Pendjari National Park, one of the only places in West Africa where you can enjoy a real safari. It shelters elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and hippos in its savannah and forest, all fed by the Pendjari River.

There are several thousand elephants in the complex – the largest population in West Africa, and in Pendjari you can track them in a vehicle or on foot with a wildlife guide. West Africa’s largest population of lions is also found here, with around 100 individuals living in WAP; unusually, the males lack the bushy manes so characteristic of their southern and eastern counterparts. Birders should keep an eye out for over 300 species that have been recorded here, including saddle-billed storks, swallow-tailed kites, booted eagles and Pel’s fishing owls.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Benin or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

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rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Discover a dark history

Abomey is the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom, whose kings became rich by selling their enemies to European slave traders. Some estimate that the kings earned around £250,000 per year; one king described the slave trade as “the ruling principle of my people”. The legacy of horrific slave raids can still be seen across Benin. In the north, the impressive, fortress-like architecture of the Somba people was designed to keep out slave raiders. The first floors have a hole through which intruders could be shot at with arrows. Along the coast you’ll find slave forts and a monument called La Porte Du Non Retour – the Door of No Return – the point at which captured men, women and children were loaded onto slave ships bound for the Americas. A recently created, 3km Rue des Eclaves – Walk of the Slaves, symbolises the final stretch of the route that the slaves would walk before reaching the door. It begins at the site of the old slave market, and is lined with statues and shrines commemorating those who were captured and sold into slavery.

The palace at Abomey, the former home of the kings, is also one of the most popular attractions in Benin. Inside the modest palace you’ll see items that belonged to the kings, and local guides bring this dark history to life.

Cross borders

This is a great way to discover the similarities and differences between these countries, where much culture is determined by tribe and language, not official borders. Itineraries usually loop round from Accra, Ghana, making flights more convenient – and you’ll experience Anglo- and Francophone West Africa. Canoe across Lac Togo to a hidden village, visit Elmina Castle – the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa – and discover the vibrant spirit of the Ashanti people in Kumasi.

Many itineraries take advantage of the diminutive size of many West AFrican nations, and trips usually combine Benin with neighbours Togo and Ghana.

More about Benin

Best time to visit Benin

The best time to visit Benin is in the dry months of December to March - which also coincide with the annual Voodoo festival in January - an unmissable experience.

Benin travel guide

When you travel to a country whose state religion is voodoo, you know this is going to be no ordinary holiday.

Benin map & highlights

Click on our interactive Benin map and highlights to learn more about this little-explored nation.

Culture in Benin

Discovering the culture in Benin is the highlight of any holiday to this West African nation.

Benin Voodoo festival

Rhythmic drumming, extraordinary costumes and performers channeling spirits – the Voodoo festival, Benin, is an otherworldly cultural treat.

Voodoo markets

Many holidays to Togo and Benin explore the vibrant Vodou culture of these nations. While this official religion may not be as “dark” as many Western myths suggest, there is one aspect of it which is very dark indeed.