DISCOVER BENIN - THE LAND OF VOODOO, MYSTICISM, AND BRONZE

The 13th-century history indicated that Benin was run by local chieftains. By the 15th century Oba, a single ruler took control. The Benin territory expanded to the Niger Delta right to the city now called Lagos. The Obas brought prosperity to the African kingdom.

In 1872 French colonisation happened and in 1904, the territory was recognised as Dahomey. In 1958 it became the Republique du Dahomey with self-governance within the French community. Benin got independence from France on August 1, 1960.

Many coups followed, and Major Mathieu Kerekou retained power. He remained in power until the 1990s and the Kerekou government brought in the new democratic constitution. This made Benin the first African nation to become a pluralistic politico system with the president as the head. Yayi Boni won the elections in 2006 and 2011 without a runoff vote.

Benin geography indicates that the country is located in West Africa. It is bordered by Niger in the north, Togo in the west, and Nigeria in the east. Burkina Faso is to the north-west of Benin. Benin’s coastal strip extends to 121 km with fabulous coconut palms and sandy beaches. Porto Novo is the official capital while Cotonou is Benin's largest city.

Beyond Porto Novo and Grand Popo, a plateau gradually rises to the majestic Atakora Mountains. Niger has two tributaries that run from the highlands to the lagoon. The Mono River flows to the sea and forms a frontier between Togo and Grand Popo. There are five geographic zones. In the south is the coastal strip broken by creeks and lagoons. The north is a plateau with fertile clay soil and areas that grow oil palms.

The country is divided into twelve departments and seventy-seven communes.

Benin culture is diverse with 10 million inhabitants speaking over 50 languages. However, Benin is not only about voodoo dolls. Benin art was produced for the court of Oba of Benin. Craftsmen produced cast bronze and carved ivory objects as works of art. The royal arts of the Benin kingdom portray the divine nature of the king. Brass, ivory and coral are used that reflect the great wealth of the kingdom. Benin art has been in existence since the 13th century. Benin music has also played a great role in the African music scene. Native folk combine with funk, soul, Congolese rumba and other music forms.

Benin cuisine is varied from street vendors selling beans to grilled chicken or turkey. Take care to eat hygienic food while it is still hot. Try the fried plantains called aloko with fish in Cotonou. The beer is cheap and there are local pubs called buvettes on every corner. Nightclubs also serve beer although more expensive. Palm wine is a local favourite. Benin cuisine is mainly served with sauces and is flavourful. Enjoy exotic ingredients in the Benin food with a whole lot of vegetable fat.

Acaraje (deep-fried black-eyed peas), Yam, Maize, Kuli Kuli (smashed peanuts into balls or biscuit), Dahomey Fish Stew (fillets rolled in flour and fried), Yovo Doko (sweet fritters of flour, yeast and sugar), Massa (pancake), Jollof Rice, Garri (cassava flakes)

Sodabi (fermented Palm tree sap), La Beninoise (national beer), Tchapalo (fermented corn), Bissap Juice (a drink made from hibiscus flower and herbs).

Greetings are generally a handshake and locals use only the right hand. Women handshake or kiss as a welcoming gesture. Beninese are friendly people who respect their traditions, especially voodoo. However, they get angry if photographed without permission. Locals take time to greet as part of good manners. Upon arriving or leaving, it is customary to shake hands. Men frequently may walk holding hands but PDA is discouraged. Food and drink are offered as a sign of hospitality. Eat with the right hand and do not refuse the offering as it is rude.

• Meet the modern-day Beninese monarch, an important figurehead greatly venerated.
• Visit the Pendjari National Park, a popular Benin place to visit for an epic game drive.
• Indulge in traditions among Somba people and live in clay buildings with thatched tatas.
• Taste the flavours of Benin food with rich sauces such as seafood or millets with thick tomato sauce.
• Witness the mysterious Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, an annual event.
• Visit the ‘Venice of Africa’ to see floating markets and fishermen in the lake village of Ganvie.
• Visit Ouidah, the birthplace of voodoo famous for Benin tourist attractions such as the Fetish Market and the Temple of Sacred Pythons among others.
• Take photographs at Lake Ganvie or strike up a conversion with the local trader with your lens cap on.
• Take a guide's help to witness authentic rituals and experience the voodoo practitioner.
• Keep aware of Egunguns, masked men who are powerful voodoo figures.

Benin weather between December and March will allow you to enjoy the best conditions in the north and south. The rainy season in the north is between May and September and temperatures can climb to around 40 °C. In the south, the climate is tropical with long dry seasons between November to March and a short rainy season between September and October. The dry months of December to March also coincide with the Voodoo Festival, a unique Benin tourism highlight. The weather is cooler and pleasant. Although you must watch out for dusty winds called harmattan.

• Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a popular Benin tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Witness the serpent deity Dange at the Temple of the Sacred Python.
• Watch amazing wildlife at the Pendjari National Park, a Benin attraction.
• Visit the beautiful Ganvie Lake Village to spend the day with people who live in houses on stilts.

• Go on a shopping spree to the Grand Marche du Dantopka for jewellery and crafts.
• Travel to the beautiful Tonogou Waterfalls, a wonderful Benin place to visit.
• Discover Somba culture at the Natitingou Regional Museum, an elegant colonial structure.
• Take a refreshing dip at Kota Falls and enjoy the idyllic setting all afternoon.

• Head out to a beach at Grand Popo for exotic ocean views.
• Sail at the Yacht Club in Cotonou or take a motorboat ride on Lac Nokoue.
• Admire the Great Mosque of Porto-Novo, a spiritual Benin attraction built in the early 1900s.
• Wander the Dantokpa Market, a large open-air market covering 20 hectares.

• Visit the beautiful Lake Aheme, Benin's second-largest lake, a cool Benin place to visit.
• Witness the former royal residence known as King Toffa's Palace in Porto Novo.
• Take the kids stand-up paddle boating at the Bab's Dock in Cotonou.
• Take a guided tour at the Centre Songhai to learn about sustainable farming, an interesting Benin attraction.

• Crafts
• Ritual Masks
• Tapestries
• Pottery
• Elongated Statues
• Ivory and Wood Carvings
• Brass Work
• Woven Baskets
• Textiles

Experience the incredible Benin attraction, the Temple of the Sacred Python. The Ouidah temple is a concrete building inside which is a pit filled with snakes. The snakes are considered sacred and are a religious symbol. A dozen snakes are from the species known as the Royal Python that make the temple their home. The snakes are harmless and for an extra fee, you could take photographs with the slithering stars. Go on to pray to the Dagbe, the 'snake god' for protection.

Best Time to Visit: December to March
Entry Price: $1.50

Spend time on the golden sandy beach in Cotonou. Spend a relaxed day in the sun and indulge in outdoor adventures. A great Benin place to visit with beach activities and live entertainment. Rent a beach hut and enjoy the shade of palm trees and enjoy the family-friendly recreation area on the beach. With a lot of water sports to indulge in, this is a fun Benin attraction. Located in the heart of the city, enjoy other top attractions in Cotonou and hang out with the locals.

Best Time to Visit: December to March
Entry Price: Free ($18 avg/night for a furnished single room to rent by the beach)

One of the top Benin attractions, the Royal Palaces of Abomey was built between the 17th and 19th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an earthen structure in which the King of Dahomey resided. It reflects the last chapter of West Africa's chaotic past. Twelve palaces were built, each after the old palace of the predecessor. This huge historical site covers about 40 hectares and comprises earthen constructions.

Best Time to Visit: December to March
Entry Price: $3.64

Witness amazing wildlife in the Pendjari that spans over 275,000 hectares. This is one of the best national parks in the country, a top Benin attraction. Located 45 km north of Natitingou, spend a few days in the park amid green landscapes and wonderful waterfalls. Go on a wildlife safari and be overwhelmed by Benin's nature. Navigate the pathways and witness wildlife such as lions, elephants, African buffaloes, and various species of birds.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $18.47

This Benin tourist attraction is an interesting experience. It is where you can witness the slave auction plaza and the Tree of Forgetfulness. Slaves were branded with their owner's symbols and they were made to forget where they came from. Discover the slave route when you travel to Ouidah. Trace the journey of slaves torn away from their own homes and country to be sold by the king of Dahomey. The slave route is dotted with colourful statues that represent the history of Ouidah.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Tour cost

Few more places to visit in Benin

• Grand Marché de Dantokpa
• Centre Songhai
• Musée Historique d`Abomey
• Foundation Zinsou
• Cathédrale Notre Dame
• Zinsou Foundation Museum
• Musee d` Histoire de Ouidah

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Benin

Experience the amazing city of Benin for its urban energy and African charm. The city offers stunning beaches with golden sands. The top Benin attraction of Pendjari National Park is also a must-see in Cotonou. It is one of the leading animal reserves in Africa. Also, witness the 'Fetish Market' that sells a variety of dead animals during the voodoo celebrations.

Visit For: Dantokpa Market, Cotonou Central Market, Saint Michel Church, Place des Martyrs, Fondation Zinsou.

Witness the mix of French and Portuguese culture in a city located about 40 km from Cotonou. African history is a reason to visit a more relaxed city. Stunning beaches, fantastic museums, and a chance to discover slavery and voodoo cultures are offered. Laze on the Ouidah beaches and make the city one of the top Benin places to visit in your itinerary.

Visit For: Ouidah Museum of History, Sacred Forest, The Museum of Zinsou Foundation, Basilica

Porto Novo is the capital of Benin with a population of only 250000. It was the former French capital of Dahomey. There is still a clear Portugal influence on the city where the pace is leisurely. Witness the Royal Palace and garden, one of the top Benin places to visit. You can also visit the popular museum of the Porto Novo kings. It contains displays from king Toffa's period, an interesting spot for Benin tourism.

Visit For: Home Museum, Da Silva Museum, Great Mosque of Porto Novo, et de la Nature Botanical Garden

Abomey is noted as the capital of Ancient Dahomey for 300 years. The top Benin attraction here is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Abomey Royal Palaces. The site is of great historical value with tales of kings that once resided there. Although in ruins and most of the site has been largely destroyed, this is a fascinating Benin tourist attraction. The city is located in southern Benin and is a must-experience destination.

Visit For: History Museum of Abomey, Place Jarre Trouee, Behanzin Statue

Visit the intriguing history of the slave trade in the town of Grand Popo. Indulge in African charm and friendly people. Grand Popo is a few hours' drive from Cotonou and has many resorts and backside hotels. A great place to relax and swim, the beaches are a great Benin attraction. Walk along the Mono River and see exotic birdlife among mangroves. The town offers a gateway from the bustling city life.

Visit For: Pythons Temple, Fil'o Parc, Door of No Return, National Museum

If you have time, some of the other cities to visit in Benin are,

• Nikki
• Natitingou
• Bohicon
• Tanguieta
• Parakou
• Lake Nokoue

The unmissable experience is a celebration of the voodoo religion and the cult. Traditional chiefs, fetish priests and tourists come together to witness the festival. Some devotees dress up in walking grass skirts and the Egungun emerge from the forest leaping towards the crowd. Dance and drum beats accompany the festival.

Location : Ouidah
Date : 10 January

In August a ritual is celebrated to thank the gods for the good harvest. The new tubers eat together and celebrate to gather around nobles and kings. The event happens in the central regions of Benin with people dancing with masks and praying for a good harvest every year. Yam is one of the main ingredients of the staple diet in Benin.

Location : Central Benin
Date : August

The Zangbeto mask is covered with coloured straw and is big. It represents the force of nature before the human spirit. The mask wearers dance as they keep their faces hidden. This is an important event when the Zangbeto comes out to protect against the evil spirits. Zangbeto performs miracles and the mask symbolizes cleansing powers.

Location : Benin
Date : Dry season

The Waba Festival is an initiative to encourage collaborative work between visual artists. Galleries in Porto Novo and Cotonou showcase work from around the country. The event is meant to popularize art among all sections of society. Exhibitions are open to the public and dialogues occur about the role art plays.

Location : Porto Novo and Cotonou
Date : 5 June to 9 June

This 10-day festival in December takes place in Abomey. It showcases the diversity of Dahomean cultures. The event offers traditional songs, dances, storytelling sessions of the ancient Dahomey kingdom, and folklore. It highlights the diverse aspects of Benin culture.

Location : Abomey
Date : December

Other festivals/events celebrated in Benin are,

• Quintessence Film Festival
• Gelede Festival

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Benin visa. The passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages as well as a Benin visa requirement.

Citizens of the following countries have a visa-free entry for a stay of up to three months to enter Benin,

benin issues eVisa on arrival for citizens from 61 countries. The pre-registration process is online and simple. Upon getting the e-receipt of the application, the print out can be presented to the immigration office on arrival in benin. The cost of eVisa is $120 (approx.) that can be paid on arrival. The validity is 30 days after arrival. The citizens of the following countries can apply for benin eVisa on arrival,

• South Africa
• Algeria
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde
• The Central African Republic
• China (except Hong Kong )
• Congo
• Côte d`Ivoire
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Liberia
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Taipei
• Chad
• Togo 

The Benin evisa is a tourist visa that is electronically applied for. The stay period for up to one month is possible on the evisa or even up to three months after arrival. It is a single and multiple entry visas.

In addition to the Benin Tourist evisa, you will have to obtain a Benin Health Form with mandatory questions to be filled out. The immigration officer will ask for the QR code that the form generates.

The Benin visa types are Tourism and Business visa. A Transit visa allows for a stay of up to 24 hours with a forwarding ticket. You could get a visa for tourism for up to 30 days, single entry costs $65, up to 90 days validity costs $125, and multiple entries up to 30 days validity cost $95 as an Embassy fee.

Benin does not operate internal flights at the time.

This is the most reliable mode of transport to get around. ATT and Confort Lines buses are well maintained and reliable. The buses operate on fixed schedules and it is recommended to book in advance. The buses are also air-conditioned with fixed departures.

Hiring a car with a driver is a good way to move around Benin. You could hire a rental car service via a travel agency and tour operators in Cotonou. You will pay extra for fuel and the per day costs of hiring is about $37 with a driver for a regular vehicle. In case you are driving, you will need an International Driving Permit.

Public transportation is poorly maintained and buses and bush taxis offer services. Apart from that Beninese, rely on moped taxis called zemidjans, and bicycles for transport. Roads are frequented by broken down pathways.

There are no internal services for trains in Benin.

Fly into Benin via international airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways, etc. Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou services a network of flights into the country. The flights stop over at Addis Ababa, Mumbai, and Istanbul if there are no non-stop flights. The main airline is Westair Benin and there are no direct flights from the UK and USA too. Fly via Paris with Air France or via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc.

As of now, the Cotonou Parakou railway line is under upgrade to connect Benin with Niamey, Niger's capital.

There are regular cargo services from Marseille to Cotonou and local shipping lines arrive in Porto Novo.

Among the various roadways, plans exist for projects in the north of Benin. There is a well-maintained road network linking Cotonou in the south to Malnville in the north. There is another roadway between central Benin to Natitingou in the north-west that is in good condition.

• Combine a trip to see both wildlife and culture. See the Big Five in Pendjari National Park and visit Ganvie, the ‘Venice of Benin’ for cultural tours.
• Remember that the official language in Benin is French.
• Be respectful of locals, especially village folks.
• Do not get very friendly with children and treat them as young adults.
• Try to book into a hotel in the middle of a lake for the best Benin experience.
• Be mindful of taking photographs without permission.
• Carry travel documents and a copy of your passport at all times.
• There are markets in every town but don't miss visiting the Craft Market in Cotonou.
• Expect things to go wrong from time to time and stay patient, as locals can help out at most times.
• Use a money belt to carry valuables especially in a market.
• Dress modestly, especially women travellers can cover shoulders and knees as the rural society is more conservative.

• Be aware of travel and health advisories before travelling.
• Do not drink tap water and always make sure the seal is not broken from bottled water bottles.
• Wash fruits, salads, etc., before consumption.
• Be sure that the meal is well prepared.
• Do not suck on ice.
• Benin is hot as it is close to the equator. Carry a high factor SPF protection and apply even on overcast days.
• Be sure your valuables are safe as precautions need to be taken against pickpocketing and petty crimes.
• Don't walk on the beaches alone and cities at night.
• Driving standards are poor.
• Be watchful of strong sea currents and swim parallel to the shore.

• Be prepared with the CDC recommended packing health kit.
• Eat and drink safely and follow hygiene protocols.
• Carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency repatriation.
• Medical facilities are average, especially in rural areas.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any OTC drugs you may need in an emergency.
• Carry lip balm and moisturiser to protect against harsh Harmattan wind skin ailments.
• Use eye drops if you are a lens wearer to avoid dry eyes.
• Always sip on water to avoid a tickly throat.
• CDC recommends the following vaccinations before travel; MMR, Chickenpox, Diphtheria, Flu, Polio, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Cholera, Meningitis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Hepatitis B.

• Sunglasses, Sunscreen 
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Travel Documents
• Walking shoes, Boots
• Hawaiian Colourful Shirts
• Comfortable Clothing
• Hand Sanitizers and Wipes
• Reusable Water Bottle
• First Aid Kit
• Health Insurance Documents
• Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination and other Certificates
• Contact Card

• The dress code is conservative.
• In business and casual situations, greet by handshaking only with your right hand, never the left hand.
• Getting drunk is considered rude.
• While eating, use only your right hand as your left hand is considered inappropriate.
• Women may offer a kiss on the cheek along with a shake of hands which is a common way to greet other women.
• A Beninese host pours drinks for guests and takes a sip before handing the glass to the guests.
• Respect Benin culture and festivals as it is regarded as a unique aspect of the country.

Visit Burkina Faso to cool down by the Karfiguela Falls. Explore the buzzing streets of Bobo Dioulasso, or go hiking in the southwest of the country. This among other attractions makes the country an interesting travel destination. Don't miss the popular International Arts and Crafts Fair and visit the Ouagadougou Ethnography Museum.

Niger is a country that derives its name from the Niger River that flows through the south-west. The country is famous for its agriculture and livestock. Visit popular attractions such as Ferme YOUYOU Park, Termit Massif, Lete Island, W National Park of Niger, and more.

The Ibeno Beach, Ngwo Pine Forest, Obudu Mountain Resort among other attractions are worthwhile to tour. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer famous for petroleum. The country inspires travellers with its beaches, local landscapes, mountain ranges, and tropical forests. Unmissable is the wildlife reserves and beautiful cities.

Discover the top attractions in Togo such as Parc National de Fazao, Parc Sarakawa, Tamberma Villages, Lome Beach, and more. The great beaches have white sands and plenty of privacy. The busy markets, hilltop villages and scenic spots make this West African country a delight to visit.

• Benin is the birthplace of the voodoo religion.
• It is a French-speaking nation in West Africa.
• Benin got its independence from France on 1st August 1960.
• Benin was formerly called Dahomey, a powerful kingdom.
• The capital city is Porto-Novo but the largest city is Cotonou.
• Snakes in Benin are revered, especially the Royal python.
• The Temple of Pythons has up to 50 Royal Pythons that call it their home
• It has a group of villages floating in a lake called ‘The Venice of Africa’.
• The Royal Palaces of Abomey is a group of 12 palaces spread over 40 hectares.

CALLING CODE : 299

Fire brigade : 118

Ambulance : 112

Police : 117

Benin currency is the West African Benin CFA franc and the currency code is XOF. The Benin currency symbol is CFA. The currency of Benin is broken into 100 centimes. The Benin money exchange rate for some of the popular currencies are;

1 XOF = 0.70 Naira (Benin currency to Naira)

1 XOF = 0.13 INR (Benin currency to INR)

1 XOF= 0 .0018 USD (Benin currency to USD)

1 XOF= 0.29 PKR (Benin currency to PKR)

Cotonou banknote denomination: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 francs CFA

Cotonou coin denomination: 1,5,10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 francs CFA

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