The great north/south journey of Bénin

You join Ouidah, an ancient town called Gléhué, founded around the 16th century and renamed Ajuda in 1721. You discover its history, marked by the construction of a fort used for the slave trade to the Americas, particularly Brazil, as well as its voodoo culture and the tradition of python scarification.

You follow the Slave Route down to the sea, passing by Chacha Square, the Tree of Forgetfulness, the last village, the cemetery and Zomaï houses, the Tree of Return and the Gate of No Return. The visit continues in the historic center, among colonial houses with Portuguese, English and French influences, then at the former fort, now a history museum. You discover photographs related to the slave trade as well as images of voodoo and animist rituals.

You then explore the sacred forest of Kpassè Zoun, its centuries-old trees, the king's iroko, its voodoo temple and its statues of divinities. Finally, you head towards Abomey, the former capital of Dahomey, to discover the royal palaces of Kings Guèzo and Glélé, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1985.

You discover Grand-Popo, a fishing village located not far from Ouidah, between the Mono River and the Atlantic Ocean.

This day is devoted to a walking and/or canoe excursion along the river. You sail towards the Salt Island and the Bird Island. Along the way, you catch glimpses of the beaches, blue waters, rows of coconut trees and the Mouth of the King, where the waters seem peaceful.

You take the road to Abomey, the former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey, passing through Lokossa and the village of Sé, renowned for its pottery.

In Abomey, you discover the royal palaces, built in earth and iroko and palmyra wood. You then visit the historical museum, which has displayed since 1943 a collection of royal objects: photographs, jewelry, weapons, textiles and thrones.

You leave Abomey heading towards Parakou, passing through Savé. This town is surrounded by hills with rounded peaks, nicknamed "the breasts", which you can see from afar.

Upon your arrival in Parakou, you settle in and discover a town where Fon, Somba, Dendi and Bariba communities notably live. If you wish, you can learn more at the ethnographic and open-air museum.

You dedicate the day to Djougou, a trading town and meeting place for local communities. You discover its lively market, then visit the royal palace and craft workshops.

You continue towards the sacred forests and Tanéka villages, whose houses are distinguished by their architecture.

Halfway through your trip, you head towards Natitingou and enjoy views of the Atakora mountain range.

Upon arrival, you visit the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, housed in a colonial building. Its collections bring together artworks, photographs, furniture and ancient ornaments.

From Natitingou, you set off to discover the Somba country and its traditional villages. You observe the tatas, fortified dwellings with upper floors built with local materials, inherited from the architecture of the Bétammaribé and Bétiébé.

This getaway is also an opportunity to meet the Peuls, the inhabitants of Boukoumbé and the Tagaye.

You continue your journey south towards Dassa. At Savalou, you discover a forested region of teak plantations and cashew trees, inhabited by the Mahi, who resisted the Kingdom of Dahomey from the 17th to the 19th century.

You then stop at the Dankoli fetish temple, before reaching the agricultural village of Ouessé.

From Dassa-Zoumé, you reach Bohicon, a commercial city where you can discover the markets, handicraft products, vodoun temples and sacred forests.

You continue towards Ganvié, a fishing village established in the middle of the Nokoué Lake. The Toffin have lived there since the 18th century, after taking refuge there to escape slavery.

By pirogue, you discover the bamboo and straw houses on stilts, then the floating markets where fruits, vegetables and fish are sold.

You take the road to Porto Novo, administrative capital of Bénin and capital of the Ouémé department. This port city is distinguished by the diversity of its communities and its architecture, notably that of the Grand Mosque.

You discover a city marked by cults linked to the orishas, as well as by the presence of Christianity, Yoruba and Vodoun traditions, and Islam.

You visit the Songhaï Centre, located in the Ouando district, a farm dedicated to developing sustainable agriculture in the region.

You then stroll near the lagoon bordering the "red city", whose architecture reflects the influence of Afro-Brazilians who returned to Bénin. At the ethnographic museum, you discover Guèlèdè masks, weapons and musical instruments.

You finally admire the Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo, recognizable by its multicolored facades and architecture reminiscent of churches in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. You head back to Cotonou, where you spend the night at the hotel.