Benin Tours and Travel

YPT Tours to Benin

Whether you’re seeking adventure or cultural immersion, a Benin tour is what you need. Benin, though small, boasts a fascinating blend of traditional beliefs, colonial history, and vibrant culture. On our Benin tour, you’ll explore Benin’s lush landscapes, traditional villages, and UNESCO heritage sites. You’ll discover the birthplace of Voodoo in Ouidah, where the practices and beliefs still thrive, and visit historical landmarks such as the “Door of No Return.” You’ll also immerse yourself in the history of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, with its fascinating legacy and unique cultural traditions. This tour also contrasts Benin’s Marxist past – mostly seen in the cities of Cotonou and Porto-Novo – with its rich, indigenous spiritual heritage.

Group Tours to Benin

Currently, you can travel with YPT to Benin on our Voodoo Trails Tour!

Our Voodoo Trails Tour: Benin and Togo will operate for the first time in January 2025. This tour is designed to let you explore these two complementary countries together. Both are small, Francophone states where many people still practice indigenous beliefs. Despite similarities, their contrasting political histories – with Benin experiencing years under a Marxist government while Togo remained staunchly anti-Communist – make them fascinating to visit alongside each other.

Voodoo Trails Tour: Benin and Togo – January 26^th – February 6^th, 2025 – €1695 / €2295 / €3795

Benin and Togo Tour: Voodoo Trails

Independent Tours to Benin

If you can’t make the scheduled tour, YPT offers private, customized tours. Explore Benin’s traditions, the bustling city of Cotonou, and ancient palaces in Abomey, or focus on the history of the transatlantic slave trade in Ouidah. Whether it’s for a week or a few days, we can tailor your itinerary to match your interests and timing.

Example of a Benin Tour (7 days)

Day 1 – Arrival in Cotonou

Welcome to Benin! After arriving at Cotonou International Airport, which is well connected to the rest of Africa and Paris, we’ll transfer you to your beachfront hotel.
Alternatively, you may want to continue overland from Togo crossing into Benin by land.
Orientation tour of Cotonou city center.
Visit the Dantokpa Market, the largest in West Africa, and tour the National Museum for insight into Benin’s past.
Dinner at a local restaurant, with Benin’s unique mix of French and African influences.
Overnight in Cotonou.

Day 2 – Cotonou – Ouidah

Breakfast before heading to Ouidah, known for its historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade.
Visit the “Door of No Return,” a memorial marking the departure point of enslaved Africans.
Tour the Sacred Forest and Voodoo temples.
Lunch at a traditional restaurant, featuring local Beninese cuisine.
Explore the Ouidah Museum of History.
Overnight in Ouidah.

Day 3 – Ouidah – Porto-Novo

Drive to Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
Visit the Ethnographic Museum and learn about the rich culture of Benin’s people.
Enjoy lunch at one of the city’s trendy Lebanese cafes.
Tour the Brazilian Quarter, home to descendants of freed slaves who returned from Brazil.
Dinner and overnight in Porto-Novo.

Day 4 – Porto-Novo – Abomey

Today, you’ll travel to Abomey, the historical capital of the Dahomey Kingdom.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Royal Palaces, where you can learn about the Dahomey kings and their powerful role in West African history.
Have a packed lunch on the Palace grounds or a local restaurant.
Explore the Palace Museum and its displays of royal artifacts.
Stay overnight in a traditional guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

Day 5 – Abomey – Dassa-Zoumé

Journey north to Dassa-Zoumé, known for its rocky hills and sacred places.
Visit the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Arigbo and explore the town’s peaceful surroundings.
Have a hike in the local mountains, which are some of the greenest you will see! Stop in a shaded spot en route to enjoy a packed lunch.
After your hike, travel back to Abomey, where you’ll stay at the traditional guesthouse.
Enjoy another home-cooked dinner, and overnight in Abomey.

Day 6 – Dassa-Zoumé – Natitingou:

Continue to Natitingou, in the north of Benin, where you’ll experience Benin’s beautiful savannah landscape. This drive will take up the whole morning.
Visit the Tata Somba houses, traditional fortress-like homes of the Somba people. We’ve also organized lunch in one of these houses.
Enjoy a cultural evening and dinner with local dancers and musicians, and even join in if you feel like it!
Overnight in a scenic lodge in the hills, where you’ll toast your Benin adventure.

Day 7 – Natitingou – Cotonou:

Drive back to Cotonou, with stops for scenic views and local crafts along the way.
Have lunch en route and arrive back in Cotonou by late afternoon.
This is when your journey comes to an end.
Spend your last evening enjoying the coastal vibe of Cotonou before your departure. We can arrange onward transport or for your tour to continue to one of Benin’s neighbouring countries.

Bespoke Benin Tours

The division between Togo and Benin having been arbitrarily made by colonial powers, a lot of tribes, culture and history goes from one side to the other and as such, a bit of these main things to do can be done on both sides. At YPT, we make sure to avoid the tourist traps and focus on exciting local experiences.

Slave Trade History Benin Tour

Benin and Togo were at the centre of the African slave trade and many African-Americans and African-Europeans can trace their lineage to these countries. To learn more about the tragic history of the slave trade, visiting these two countries is a must. The main hub for the slave trade was Ouidah, which can easily be visited as part of a longer tour or as a day trip from Cotonou.

Please let us know if there is anywhere connected to your own heritage in Benin that you would like to visit, and we will do everything we can to make this happen!

Voodoo Tours – Voodoo truly permeates the whole of Togo and Benin, with its belief system still truly alive. In those two countries, we can take you to visit Witch Doctors, visit temples but also go on treks through the jungle to visit mysterious altars. Visits to fetish markets are also a must-do while here!

Trekking in Benin

Togo and Benin have a very lush vegetation. Our expert local guides can take you for treks which can be multi-days or as short as a few hours and show you some very interesting fauna and flora as well as explain to you the multiple uses the locals find for them.

Cultural Benin Tour

The border between Togo and Benin is well known for its UNESCO-heritage traditional homes, the Tata-Sombas. Those masterpieces of architecture and functionality should be visited while here as these small mud-castles are truly unique! Apart from that, homestays as well as culinary tours can be arranged to delve into the culture of these countries.

Safari in Benin

The safari scene of Benin is truly underrated. At the Pendjari National Park, you’ll get to experience true wildlife. If seeing the big five is your thing but you’d rather skip the crowds and do it in a much more natural environment, then Benin should be your next stop!

Water Sports in Benin Tour

The southern parts of Togo and Benin are formed by beautiful beaches. This makes the region a great place for multiple watersports or a well-deserved rest by the beach, often without a tourist in sight!

Filming in Benin

Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Benin from big budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalist wishing to do projects within Benin.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need a Visa?

Yes, unless you are a citizen of China, Singapore, or any African state, a visa is required to enter Benin. Thankfully, Benin offers an easy eVisa system, available to all nationalities, which you can find the link to here. Apply at least 7 days before travel using the official Benin eVisa portal.

You’ll need to provide basic details, including a passport-style photo and flight information. A single-entry 30-day visa costs €50.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit Benin is during the dry seasons, which run from November to February and June to September. Temperatures are warm throughout the year, with highs around 30°C.

If you’re interested in cultural events, visit in January to experience the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah. Another significant event is Independence Day on August 1st, commemorating Benin's independence from France. There are also several local festivals and traditional celebrations throughout the year.

Is it safe?

Yes! Benin is generally safe for tourists. The country has a relatively stable political environment, and the primary risks include petty theft and poor road conditions, particularly outside major cities. Traffic accidents can occur due to bad driving, so it’s important to be cautious on the roads. We prioritize safe vehicles and reliable drivers, ensuring you a secure journey. It’s also recommended to avoid certain neighbourhoods at night in cities like Cotonou.

Homosexuality is legal in Benin but widely disapproved of in a society that remains socially conservative. Public displays of affection, regardless of who is involved, are inappropriate.

What currency is used?

Benin uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is pegged to the Euro at €1 = 655.957 XOF. You can check its exchange rate against the US Dollar here. Euros and US Dollars can be easily exchanged, but other currencies will be difficult to get rid of.

What languages are spoken?

Benin is a multiethnic nation. As a result, over 60 different languages are spoken. The national language is French, which will be by far the most useful language for you to use. It is spoken by all educated people and acts as the national lingua-franca. Due to the French colonial legacy, it is the language of business, education, and interethnic communication, with some in the cities speaking it as their mother tongue.

In addition to French, many ethnic languages are also spoken, including Fon and Yoruba in the south, and Bariba and Dendi in the north. Most people in tourist areas will speak French, but very few speak English. However, all our guides speak fluent English, so you will be well looked after!

Can I use a credit/debit card?

Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo. However, in rural areas and markets, cash is preferred, so it’s wise to carry a mix of CFA Francs and Euros. Do not assume that your card will be accepted!

What health precautions should I take?

Travelling to Benin is not high-risk but does require taking some health precautions. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine travel vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies. Yellow fever vaccines are required to enter the country! As Benin is a malaria-endemic country, take antimalarial medication as prescribed, use insect repellent, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice in drinks, and eat thoroughly cooked food that is served hot. Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

We strongly advise having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation in case of severe illness or injury. Cotonou does have hospitals and clinics but medical services in the rest of the country are limited – any serious conditions will likely require evacuation to Ghana, Nigeria, or further afield. We are not doctors, so we recommend talking to your medical professional and checking out our blog post, Seven Essential Health Tips for Globe-Trotters.

Is it easy to get a SIM card?

Benin has a reliable mobile network, and you can easily purchase a local SIM card for calls and data. Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and cafes in major cities, although speeds may vary. For international calls, using internet services like WhatsApp or Zoom is more affordable. The postal service is reliable but slow, with postcards taking about a month to reach Europe.