Benin 5 Day Itinerary

Benin 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cotonou and Ganvie

  • Morning: Arrive in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Dantokpa Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from traditional clothing to handicrafts. Try some local street food for lunch.
  • Evening: Take a sunset boat tour to Ganvie, a stilted village built on Lake Nokoué. Watch the fishermen at work and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its currency.
  • French is the official language, but many people also speak Fon and Yoruba.
  • The country has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

Day 2: Ouidah

  • Morning: Drive to Ouidah (about 1 hour), a historic town known for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Visit the Slave Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Fort of São João Baptista, the Museum of History, and the Tree of Forgetfulness.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ouidah Market, where you can find traditional clothing, handicrafts, and local food.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Beninese dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available in Cotonou and other major towns. Negotiate the fare before you start your journey.
  • Renting a car with a driver is also an option for longer trips.

Day 3: Porto-Novo

  • Morning: Drive to Porto-Novo (about 2 hours), the official capital of Benin. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Porto-Novo, including the Royal Palace and the Catholic Cathedral.
  • Evening: Enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, and EU member states, can obtain a visa on arrival in Benin.
  • The visa fee is around 10,000 XOF (approximately $17 USD).

Day 4: Abomey

  • Morning: Drive to Abomey (about 2.5 hours), the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Abomey Market, where you can find traditional clothing and handicrafts.
  • Evening: Enjoy some local entertainment, such as traditional drumming or dancing.

Things to Do

  • Try some traditional Beninese cuisine, such as peanut stew or grilled fish with rice.
  • Learn some basic Fon or Yoruba phrases to interact with the locals.
  • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.

Day 5: Cotonou and Departure

  • Morning: Return to Cotonou (about 2.5 hours) and visit any last-minute sights, such as the National Museum or the Grand Marché du Dantokpa.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and your onward journey.

Other Things of Interest

  • Benin is home to several national parks, including the Pendjari National Park, which is known for its wildlife, including lions, elephants, and antelopes.
  • The country has a vibrant music scene, with popular genres including Afrobeat and Zouglou.
  • Benin is also famous for its traditional mask-making art.