About Benin

Capital: Porto-Novo

Main languages: French (official), Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, Dendi

Highlights

In Benin:

  • Wander the streets of Benin’s charming capital Porto-Novo where Afro-Brazilian architecture is most visible, including the old Grand Mosque. Visit interesting museums and the former Royal Palace

  • Explore the exciting art scene in Benin’s largest city Cotonou, including the longest graffiti wall in Africa. Visit the 30-metre-high Amazon statue that honours the female warriors of the Dahomey Kingdom

  • Take a boat journey around the stilt village of Ganvie, built on Lac Nakoue several hundred years ago as protection from capture for the transatlantic slave trade

  • Learn about the transatlantic slave trade in the coastal town of Ouidah. Walk the 4km-long Route of Slaves, starting at the site of the old slave market in the centre of Ouidah and ending on the beach at the Point of No Return

  • Immerse yourself in Voodoo culture in Ouidah at the Temple of Pythons and the Sacred Forest of Kpasse. Or attend the vibrant Voodoo Festival held in January each year

  • Relax on the beaches of Grand Popo

  • Explore rural life in the lakeside village of Possotome

  • Visit the former royal city of Abomey and learn about the Dahomey Kingdom at the Royal Palace complex and historical museum

  • Hike in the 41 hills of Dassa-Zoume

  • Visit Somba and Taneka villages in the north of Benin near Natitingou and Djougou

  • Safari in Pendjari National Park, one of the best safari destinations in West Africa

  • Attend a festival:

    • Voodoo Festival, held on January 10 throughout the south of Benin. The biggest celebration occurs in Ouidah where thousands of followers of Vodoun give thanks to the gods and spirits who influence their lives

    • Awile, a traditional ceremony held in Possotome in February

    • Nonvitcha, celebrated on Pentecost Sunday in Grand Popo

    • Yam Festival, held in Savalou in August to offer thanks for the yam harvest

    • Diffoni, celebrated in Benin’s north-west in September to mark the initiation of Somba boys into adulthood

    • Twins Festival, celebrated in October to honour twins, considered sacred in Benin

    • Gaani, a week-long festival held in December that includes a magnificent horse show and procession