Benin Republic, officially known as the Republic of Benin, is a West African country bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Capital: Porto-Novo is the official capital of Benin, but the largest city and economic center is Cotonou. The official language of Benin is French, which is widely spoken, especially in urban areas. Several indigenous languages, including Fon, Yoruba, and Mina, are also commonly spoken by different ethnic groups. The currency used in Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Togo is a small West African country known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Togo was once part of the vast West African empires and kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Togo and the Kingdom of Dahomey. It was colonized by Germany in the late 19th century and later came under French rule. Togo gained independence in 1960. Lomé is the capital and largest city of Togo. It is a major port city located on the Gulf of Guinea. French is the official language of Togo, widely spoken in government, education, and business. There are also several indigenous languages spoken by different ethnic groups, including Ewe, Kabiyé, and Mina. The currency used in Togo is the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Cotonou is the largest city and the economic and political center of Benin in West Africa. The name ‘Cotonou’ literally means ‘by the river of death’, which is a fitting name for a country that boasts the origins of ‘vodun’, or voodoo.
You will visit Cotonou's local markets and enjoy some traditional Beninese cuisine. Visit the Amazon Statue, an iconic symbol of strength and feminism and spend your evening time at Fidjrosse Beach, known for its sandy shores and serene atmosphere. It has been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take in the beautiful views. You will spend time swimming, or taking walks along the coastline.
Ouidah is considered the spiritual capital of the Vodun religion, which is an essential part of the cultural heritage of Benin. Vodun practices and rituals are prevalent in the town, and you will learn about the beliefs and traditions of this unique spiritual system.
Start your day with a visit to the Door of No Return, a symbolic monument at the former slave port, representing the departure point of slaves to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. Visit to the Sacred Forest of Kpassè, a tranquil and spiritual place where various ceremonies and rituals are held as part of the Vodun tradition. Explore the Temple of Pythons, one of the notable landmarks in Ouidah is the Temple of Pythons, where pythons are revered and considered sacred in the Vodun tradition. You will see these snakes freely roaming within the temple.
The trip will take you to Ganvie, often referred to as the "Venice of Africa. Ganvie is a unique village built on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoue. Explore the village's waterways, learn about the daily life of its inhabitants, and see how they adapt to living on the water. Engage with the locals, visit their homes, and experience the fascinating culture and traditions of the Tofinu people. Return back to your accommodation.
Ouidah was one of the main ports from where enslaved Africans were shipped to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. The infamous "Door of No Return" is a symbolic monument in Ouidah, representing the point from which enslaved individuals departed for the New World, never to return to their homeland.
This forest is considered sacred by the people of Benin and is home to many ancient trees, wildlife species, and cultural artifacts. The forest also serves as a place of worship and healing for the local community.
Home to several sacred shrines, the Kpassè forest serves as a pilgrimage center where devotees converge for various traditional and religious ceremonies.
Ganvie is a lake village in Benin, Africa, lying in Lake Nokoué, near Cotonou. With a population of around 20,000 people, it is probably the largest lake village in Africa and is very popular with tourists. Explore this unique village and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Tofinu people.
Cotonou to Abomey, the former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey. Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential historical attraction in Benin. Explore the various palaces and learn about the Dahomey Kingdom's rich history, including its significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. Discover the unique architecture and artifacts within the palaces that represent the kingdom's cultural and spiritual heritage. Visit the Historical Museum of Abomey, which houses a collection of royal thrones, ceremonial objects, and relics from the Kingdom of Dahomey. Explore the Dahomey Amazons Museum to learn about the all-female military regiment that played a crucial role in the kingdom's history. Cross into Togo
Arrive in Lomé the capital city of Togo and check in at your accommodation. In the evening, visit the Monument de L'Independance and relax at the beachfront to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the water.
The Royal Palaces of Abomey are a group of earthen structures built by the Fon people between the mid-17th and late 19th Centuries. One of the most famous and historically significant traditional sites in West Africa, the palaces form a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The town was surrounded by a mud wall with a circumference estimated at 10 kilometres (6 mi), pierced by six gates, and protected by a ditch five feet deep, filled with a dense growth of prickly acacia, the usual defence of West African strongholds.
The site of the Royal Palaces of Abomey is located in southern Benin, near the town of Abomey. Here, over the years between about 1695 and 1900 a succession of twelve kings ruled over the powerful empire of the Fon people. The empire derived its wealth by trading prisoners of war as slaves with European merchants, and each of the kings built a Palace within the same mud-built enclosure at Abomey.
Lomé city's most prominent landmark is the Monument of Independence, which commemorates Togo's independence from French colonial rule in 1960. It's an essential visit to learn about Togo's history and its struggle for independence.
Head to Kpalimé, the area is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A visit to the Kpime Waterfalls is a must. These cascades offer a refreshing experience and provide a perfect setting for picnics and relaxation. Kpalimé is home to several craft villages where you can witness local artisans at work. These skilled craftsmen produce various traditional crafts, including pottery, woodcarvings, and batik fabrics. You will not miss the chance to taste Togolese cuisine in Kpalimé. You will try local dishes like "pâte" (a cornmeal-based dough served with sauces), "fufu" (made from yams, plantains, or cassava), and "attiéké" (a couscous-like dish made from cassava).
Togoville is a historic town located in Togo, on the northern shores of Lake Togo. It is one of the significant cultural and historical sites in the country and holds great importance due to its connections to the early history of Togo and its ties to the colonial era.
you will take a day trip to Togoville, a historic town with ties to the German colonial period. Visit the Togoville Museum and learn about its past. Take a boat tour on Lake Togo, a picturesque lake surrounded by lush vegetation and traditional fishing villages.
Lake Togo is a lagoon in the south of Togo, West Africa. It lies east of the capital, Lomé, and is separated from the Atlantic by a narrow coastal strip.
Take a boat trip on Lake Togo to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Togoville is a small, friendly town where you can interact with the locals and experience the warmth of Togolese hospitality. Engage in conversations, try local cuisine, and learn about their customs and traditions.
Lomé city's most prominent landmark is the Monument of Independence, which commemorates Togo's independence from French colonial rule in 1960. It's an essential visit to learn about Togo's history and its struggle for independence.