Benin 3 Day Itinerary

Benin 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Historical City of Ouidah

Activities:

  1. Museums and Cultural Sites: Visit the Palace of the Vodun (Voodoo) Queen, the Museum of African Arts and History, and the Slave Route Museum. These sites offer a deep insight into Benin’s history, culture, and the transatlantic slave trade.

  2. Beach Time: Relax at the beautiful Pointe-Noire Beach and witness the nightly voodoo ceremonies if you visit after sunset.

  3. Temple of Pythons: Visit the Temple of Pythons, dedicated to the voodoo god Dan. It’s a unique experience where you can interact with pythons under the guidance of local priests.

Things to Know:

  • Ouidah is known as the “Voodoo Capital” and is an important spiritual center for practitioners of Vodun. Respect local customs and traditions.
  • The official language is French, but Fon, Yoruba, and Bariba are also widely spoken. English is not commonly spoken.

Visa Requirements:

  • Visas are required for most nationalities. You can apply online or at the border upon arrival. Check the latest requirements on Benin’s official immigration website or with your local embassy.

Transportation:

  • Ouidah is well connected by road to Cotonou, the largest city in Benin. You can take a shared taxi (microbus) or private car.

Day 2: Discover the Artisanal Capital of Porto-Novo

Activities:

  1. Artisan Market: Visit the bustling artisan market in Porto-Novo for traditional crafts, textiles, and artwork.

  2. Presidential Palace: Although it’s not open to the public, you can admire the exterior of this modern building from a distance.

  3. Ethnographic Museum: Learn about Benin’s diverse ethnic groups at this museum, showcasing traditional artifacts and cultural displays.

Things to Know:

  • Porto-Novo is the political capital of Benin but not the administrative center (that’s Cotonou). It’s a small city, easy to explore on foot or by bike.

Transportation:

  • You can travel from Ouidah to Porto-Novo by shared taxi or private car. The journey takes around 2 hours.

Day 3: Experience the Natural Beauty of Allada and Ganvie

Activities:

  1. Allada: Visit the Royal Palace and the Slave Memorial at Allada, where the transatlantic slave trade is said to have begun.

  2. Ganvie: Known as the “Venice of Africa”, Ganvie is a unique floating village built on stilts. Take a boat tour to explore this fascinating community and learn about the Baoule people.

Things to Know:

  • To visit Ganvie, you’ll need to hire a local boat. Negotiate the price before setting off.
  • Both Allada and Ganvie are best reached as a day trip from Cotonou.

Transportation:

  • You can travel from Porto-Novo to Cotonou by shared taxi or private car, then hire a taxi or motorbike in Cotonou for your day trip to Allada and Ganvie.