Benin, a narrow, north-south strip of land in West Africa, lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
Benin, a narrow, north-south strip of land in West Africa, lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Colonized by the French from 1872 until the 1st of August 1960 when the country achieved independence, Republic of Benin lies between latitudes 6° and 13°N, and longitudes 0° and 4°E. It is bounded by Togo to the West, Burkina Faso and Niger to the North, Nigeria to the East, and the Bight of Benin to the South. The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is in Cotonou, the country’s largest city.
French is the official language spoken in the former colony and the official currency used is the CFA franc.
Most of Benin’s population lives in the south. About 42 African ethnic groups live in this country. Ethnic groups include the Yoruba in the southeast (migrated from Nigeria in the 12th century); the Dendi in the north-central area who came from Mali in the 16th century; the Bariba and the Fula in the northeast; the Batammaribe and the Somba in the Atacora Range; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the south-central and the Mina, Xueda, and Aja who came from Togo on the coast.
Ghezo’s Throne is one of the fearsome Dahomey kingdom relics which is part of a group of earthen structures referred to as the Royal Palaces of Dahomey Kingdom built by the Fon people in Abomey. The throne which is mounted on human skulls is what is left of palaces and temples in a kingdom that thrived between the mid-17th and late 19th centuries. The palaces form one of the UNESCO heritage sites. The Historical Museum created by the French colonial administration in 1943 also forms part of this site.
Slaves bound for Brazil and the Caribbean took their last walk on African soil on this route that leads to Benin’s point of no return in Ouidah. The 2. 5 mile (4km) stretch of heritage road holds several landmarks which tell the slave trade story. The Slave Auction where owners bargained for help, the Tree of Forgetting where slaves were forced to perform a ritual which allegedly made them forget their homeland, and the Zomai Cabin, a tiny dark enclosure which was thought to prepare the slaves for the torrid conditions aboard the ships.
Described by some as a staple of the city of Cotonou, this market is known to have anything under the Sun. Bordered by the lagoon and boulevard Saint Michel, things to buy at stalls and shops along its labyrinthine lanes and sub-markets range from a pair of plastic sandals to more traditional wares like batiks and Fon Jewellery. A fetish market lies near the pirogues arriving from the lagoon.
This fishing community in Cotonou is like a West African version of Venice. A tourist can spend the day wandering around in a pirogue (a boat), enjoying the sites of the locals fishing, visit a restaurant and take in views of different buildings on stilts all on Lake Nokoue which hosts the lagoon community of Ganvie..
Pendjari National Park is one of West Africa's most spectacular and biodiverse wildlife reserves. Located in the northern region of Benin, this stunning natural wonder offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the raw and unspoiled wilderness of Africa.
The landscape of Pendjari National Park is varied and awe-inspiring, with savannah plains, rugged mountains, and dense forests creating an ecological oasis that attracts a diverse range of animal and plant species. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, baboons, antelopes, buffalo, and numerous species of rare birds and reptiles.
For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the park's many trails, either on foot or by 4x4 safari vehicles. Visitors can take guided tours, go bird-watching, or even embark on a night time safari to see the nocturnal animals that come alive after sunset.
The local community has been closely involved in the management of Pendjari National Park for many years, and their traditional knowledge and expertise have helped to preserve this precious natural resource. Visitors to the park can learn about the cultural heritage of the local people by visiting nearby villages and attending traditional festivals and ceremonies.
If you're looking for an unforgettable African safari experience that's off the beaten path, Pendjari National Park is the perfect destination. With its rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it's a must-visit location for any adventurous traveller.
This is a major national park in West Africa around a meander in the River Niger shaped like a “W”. The Park includes areas of three countries Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso and is governed by the three countries. Formed by the delta of the Mekrou River and the Niger, and broken by rocky hills, the regional park covers some 10, 000 km2. The Park is known for its large mammals, including aardvark, baboons, buffalo, caracal, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, serval, and warthogs. The Park provides a home for some of West Africa’s last wild African Elephants. The National Park is one of the last strongholds for the Northwest African cheetah. There is a small but apparently increasing population of at least 15-25 animals of this rare cats in the park. The W area is also known for its bird populations, especially transitory migrating species, with over 350 species identified in the park.
Open to visitors daily, the Temple of the Sacred Python is one of the most interesting temples in Ouidah. The serpent deity Dangbe is revered in many cultures in Benin and thus the serpent is believed to be sacred and in need of reverence and protection. The priests of Dangbe manage and maintain the temple, charging a small fee for visitors interested in seeing the dozens of pythons housed inside. For another fee, visitors can have their picture taken with a serpent draped around their neck.
A significant national park in West Africa, known as the W National Park or W Regional Park, is built around a River Niger meander that is formed like the letter W. The park is administered by the governments of the three nations, Niger, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Up until 2008, the EU-funded project ECOPAS (Protected Ecosystems in Sudano-Sahelian Africa) supported the establishment of regional management. W Transborder Park is the collective name for the three national parks.
Bouche du Roy, situated in the heart of Benin, is an awe-inspiring destination that promises an enchanting experience to all its visitors. This charming place is famous for its breathtaking views, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness. At Bouche du Roy, you can explore the vast expanse of nature that surrounds you - crystal-clear lake waters and lush green forests that dot the landscape. You can hike along the trails that lead to hidden waterfalls or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this peaceful oasis. To immerse yourself in the local culture, you can visit nearby villages and meet friendly locals who are eager to share their traditions and customs with visitors. You can also savor the tantalizing local delicacies and enjoy performances by traditional dancers and musicians. For adventure seekers, Bouche du Roy offers plenty of options, such as boat rides on the lake, fishing, and wildlife safaris to witness some of the continent's most magnificent animals. Whether you seek a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Bouche du Roy is the perfect destination. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm and welcoming locals, it's the ideal place to experience the magic of Benin.
Cultural events in the Tata Route region, which has a remarkable past and future, highlight the ways of being and distinctive camaraderie of the Bétammaribè. The Bétammaribé, a long-established group of builders who originated from West Africa and currently reside in a broad area that spans the border between Benin and Togo, traditionally live in a Tata. A Tata is a fortified home with two stories and turrets joined by a tall wall that gives it the appearance of a fortress. While integrating secular and holy elements according to ancestors' precepts, its intricate architecture nevertheless leaves flexibility for modification (size, decoration, number of rooms). Both the living and the ancestors, whose worship marks life and seasons, call it home. Indigenous people of the Atacoran region have also lived in tatas for millennia.
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The activity benefited from support from the Umbrella Facility for Trade trust fund financed by the governments of the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.