Overview
- Best time to visit: November to March (dry season)
- Main Cities Covered: Cotonou, Ouidah, Abomey, Ganvié, and Pendjari National Park
- Ideal for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, nature & wildlife explorers
Day 1: Arrival in Cotonou – Welcome to Benin!
- Arrival at Cadjehoun International Airport (COO)
- Hotel check-in
- Afternoon: Relax at Fidjrossè Beach
- Evening:
- Dinner at Maquis du Port
- Optional: Visit Cotonou Artisanal Center for souvenirs
Overnight in Cotonou
Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Ouidah – Cradle of Voodoo
- Morning: Drive to Ouidah (1.5 hours)
- Visit Python Temple
- Tour the Ouidah Museum of History (in an old Portuguese fort)
- Walk the Slave Route to the Door of No Return
- Lunch: Hotel Casa del Papa (on the beach)
- Afternoon:
- Visit Sacred Forest of Kpassè
- Explore voodoo markets and shrines
- Evening: Return to Cotonou or stay overnight at Casa del Papa
Overnight in Ouidah or Cotonou
Day 3: Ganvié – The Venice of Africa
- Morning:
- Drive to Lake Nokoué
- Boat tour of Ganvié, a stilt village inhabited by the Tofinu people
- Visit floating markets, schools, and experience local life
- Lunch: Local restaurant on stilts in Ganvié
- Afternoon:
- Return to Cotonou
- Visit Dantokpa Market (West Africa’s largest open-air market)
- Evening:
- Dinner at Le Privilège Restaurant
- Enjoy live music or relax at the hotel
Overnight in Cotonou
Day 4: Abomey – Kingdom of the Dahomey
- Morning: Early departure to Abomey (approx. 3 hours)
- Visit Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO site)
- Explore the Historical Museum of Abomey
- Learn about Dahomey warriors and kings
- Lunch: Local eatery in Abomey
- Afternoon:
- Visit artisan workshops (traditional weaving, bronze casting)
- Evening: Return to Cotonou
Overnight in Cotonou
Day 5: Nature & Wildlife – Optional Safari in Pendjari National Park (Recommended if you extend to 7 days)
If limited to 5 days, use this day to relax or explore more of Cotonou. If extending:
- Flight to Natitingou (domestic)
- Explore Pendjari National Park
- Home to elephants, lions, hippos, antelopes, and more
- Guided Safari with overnight at Pendjari Lodge
Overnight at Pendjari or return to Cotonou
Departure
- Airport Transfer from hotel to Cadjehoun International Airport
- Optional: Quick stop for last-minute crafts/souvenirs
