Discover
BENIN-TOGO
An extensive journey through two of the most authentic, yet safest and most developed countries in West Africa. We will visit ethnic groups and tribes to learn about their traditions—such as scarification and facial tattoos—and their way of life. We will gain a true understanding of voodoo by witnessing genuine animist celebrations, immerse ourselves in the vibrant markets, music, and culture that define the Gulf of Guinea, and relive the region’s history by exploring the palaces of ancient African kingdoms and admiring colonial and Afro-Brazilian architecture. All of this, without forgetting the stunning natural landscapes, from the Atakora Mountains in Benin to the lush region of Kpalimé in Togo.
Day 1: International Flight to Cotonou
International flight and arrival in Cotonou. Pick-up and transfer to Hotel du Lac.
Day 2: Cotonou – Ganvie – Cotonou
We begin immersing ourselves in the essence of West Africa by visiting a market, Dantokpa, an ideal place to experience the hustle and bustle, its movement and colors, including the impressive fetish market. Afterwards, we take a 30-minute canoe ride to Ganvie, one of the country’s main attractions. This village was founded by the Tofinu people fleeing slave traders. They built their homes on Lake Nokoué, and to this day, they still live in stilt houses. Return to Hotel du Lac for the night.
Day 3: Porto Novo and the Holi
A culturally rich day exploring various ethnic groups. First, we head to Benin’s administrative capital, Porto Novo, a city with magnificent architectural heritage: churches, mosques, voodoo temples, French colonial buildings, and Afro-Brazilian architecture. This unique style in Africa was developed by descendants of slaves who returned from Brazil and built American-style mansions adapted to local materials. We will explore this fascinating city on foot, where the Yoruba culture merges with Portuguese heritage.
Later, we travel north to visit the Holi people, an animist community known for their intricate body tattoos, particularly among older women. Their stunning bamboo architecture and facial scarifications, which symbolize tribal belonging and serve an aesthetic purpose, are remarkable. Overnight stay at Hotel TG in Cové or Morada Lodge.
Day 4: The Fulani
We continue westward. First, we will try to meet the King of Cové, a key figure in the region. Then, we visit another fascinating ethnic group, the Fulani, one of Africa’s last nomadic peoples. Their way of life and architectural style (adapting to nomadism, their homes are not made of clay) are impressive, as well as their facial decorations. The Fulani are a rather closed-off, Islamized community, known for their striking beauty. Tall and elegant, they take great pride in their appearance. We then head to Abomey for the night, staying at Auberge d’Abomey or similar.
Day 5: Abomey and Dassa
Visit to the original capital of Benin, the former Dahomey, which gave the country its name during the French colonial period. We will explore the Royal Palace and UNESCO-listed heritage museums, where we will see royal artifacts such as parasols, a throne resting on human skulls, and bas-relief decorations. The Kingdom of Dahomey resisted the French until its last king died in exile in Algeria in the late 19th century.
We continue our journey north to Dassa, where we will stay overnight at Hotel Jeco or Hotel El Dorado.
Day 6: The Taneka
We travel further north to meet one of Benin’s most fascinating ethnic groups, the Taneka, known for their distinctive customs and traditional attire. Overnight stay at Motel Djougou.
Day 7: The Somba
We visit another must-see ethnic group, the Somba, who are known for their unique “tata” houses, small fortress-like structures. Overnight stay at Tata Koubetti in Boukombé.
Day 8: Kara
Crossing the border into Togo, we enter the Kutammaku region, the homeland of the Batammariba people. Their iconic adobe tower houses, known as “takienta,” are one of the country’s national symbols. In this region, local rituals and beliefs are deeply connected to nature. Many structures have two stories, and granary buildings feature cylindrical bases topped with a hemispherical structure. These architectural wonders are UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Overnight stay at Hotel Doucele in Kara.
Days 9 & 10: Sokodé and Kpalimé
We begin a long journey southward, stopping in Sokodé to enjoy its natural landscapes, a deeply authentic region of Togo.
Continuing south, we stop at Atakpamé, where we will interact with local ethnic groups such as the Kotokoli and Loss. We will also take excursions into nature. Overnight stay at Chez Fanni in Kpalimé.
Day 11: Lomé
We continue south to the capital of Togo, Lomé. Visits include the Grand Marché, with its cathedral at the center, the fetish market, the Independence Monument, and other points of interest. Overnight stay at Robinson Plage.
Day 12: Lake Ahémé
Crossing back into Benin, we reach one of the trip’s highlights: voodoo. This is one of the country’s main cultural attractions. Contrary to common misconceptions, voodoo is not about dolls with pins or zombies. It is a widespread religion in Benin that acknowledges a singular supernatural force, with which one interacts through intermediaries—divinities, each with their unique personality. Worship involves rituals, dances, and symbols. In voodoo, everything in nature has a spirit.
This trip offers an in-depth understanding of animism, and we will try to witness one of its spectacular rituals, dances, and celebrations. We will visit the Temple of Skulls, dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba god of justice and meteorology.
We will spend the night at Hotel Chez Theo, a charming place with a swimming pool and activities on the lake, such as kayaking.
Day 13: Grand Popo
A relaxing day at the beach, combined with nature exploration: we will take a canoe excursion through the Mono River delta to observe birds and mangroves. Overnight stay at Auberge de Grand Popo.
Day 14: Ouidah
This near-final stage of the journey delves into the country’s slave trade history. After exploring the colonial district with its Afro-Brazilian buildings, we will walk the four-kilometer “Route of the Slaves,” from the auction square to the “Point of No Return,” where a monumental gate commemorates the departure of over two million slaves to the Caribbean, Brazil, and the southern United States. Along the route, we will visit key sites, including the “Black Box” (where slaves were confined in darkness) and mass graves. Our extraordinary journey ends at a site where, for many, another type of journey began—an emotionally charged and symbolic location.
We return to Cotonou for the night at Hotel du Lac.
Day 15: Cotonou
The final day serves as a buffer in case we needed extra time at any previous stops. If we remain in Cotonou, we can visit an African art exhibition, take a stroll, or do some last-minute shopping.
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport.
End of our services.
PRICES & CONDITIONS
Price: €2,690 per person (based on two travelers)
Payment Conditions:
50% deposit upon booking, and remaining 50% no later than one month before departure.
Cancellation Policy:
50% refund of the deposit if canceled more than one month before departure.
No refund if canceled less than one month before departure.
If the client is unable to arrive on the agreed date due to flight delays and/or cancellations by the airline or any other circumstances beyond Loana Travel’s control, the agency will not provide a refund for the unused portion of the trip.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast
- Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, including fuel and airport pick-up/drop-off
- All excursions and visits, including arrangements with local villages
- Expert Spanish-speaking guide throughout the trip
The price does not include :
- Flights and airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Any other aspect not included in the “Price Includes” section