Savalou is a city in Benin located in the south-central part of the country, in the Collines department. The city is well known for its various tourist sites such as: the Anakélé-anadjagou hills, the seven-branched oil palm, Dankoli and the crocodile lake. It is also renowned for its agricultural and artisanal product factories. Visiting the city of Savalou offers a genuine opportunity to discover the cultures and traditions of its residents, and to experience something entirely new within West African society.

Geography

Located in the heart of Benin, 240 kilometers from Cotonou, the country's economic capital, Savalou is geographically positioned at a crossroads with numerous neighboring towns. It borders Dassa-Zoumè and Glazoué to the east; Djidja to the south; Bantè to the north; and the Republic of Togo to the west. The urban area stretches roughly 58 km from east to west, spanning an area of 2,674 km².

Economy

Agriculture Savalou's economic foundation rests primarily on agriculture. Farming methods commonly used include mound cultivation, ridge farming, flat cultivation, crop rotation and fallowing practices. The city is home to several agricultural production, processing and trading structures. The main crops are: yam, cassava, maize, rice, cowpea, cashew and market garden vegetables.

Agricultural product transformation is the sector currently experiencing remarkable growth in the municipality. This activity creates added value for the local economy and prevents the undervaluation of agricultural products. Savalou is one of the cities that draws its wealth from agricultural transformation. It produces gari and tapioca solely from grated and fermented cassava in polyethylene sacks. It also produces soy cheese made from long-fermented soy milk. Beyond tapioca and soy cheese, Savalou also invests in processing peanuts into fritters.

Artisanal Products Beyond agricultural processing, Savalou is equally renowned for artisanal product transformation. The city is home to numerous factories, each dedicated to its own sector. There is a facility dedicated exclusively to cotton ginning. Then there is a workshop for manufacturing hoes and axes. And a distillery that transforms cassava cossettes into food-grade alcohol.

Livestock Farming

Livestock farming is extensively practiced by the Fulani, particularly in the western part of the city. There are more than 30,000 head of cattle and sheep in the region. Domestic livestock farming includes goats, pigs, sheep and poultry, which increasingly complement agricultural activities. Savalou has considerable potential in livestock farming, resources that intrinsically contribute to the city's development and that of surrounding areas.

Fishing is practiced in limited fashion in this charming town. However, it remains a secondary activity in the region. Due to this limited exploitation, the city has not developed its agro-industrial sector significantly.

Tourism

When traveling through Savalou, you can discover a remarkable pond that is home to crocodiles—the Ouèssè site. According to local legend, it is strictly forbidden to kill these crocodiles, lest a curse befall those who do. The site is located at the entrance to the forest known as Dèhouinzoun. The marsh water is used by local residents, and consuming it is believed to cure certain illnesses. To witness the presence of the crocodiles, you must first seek out the organizer of sacrificial ceremonies. Beyond the Ouèssè site lies the seven-branched oil palm located in the village of Kpataba. This tree is a place where devotees perform sacrifices as a symbol of veneration. Ceremonies take place each year should you wish to witness the rituals.

Then there is what is known as Dankoli. This is a fetish shrine where devotees come to make wishes. When a promise is fulfilled, the person returns to make sacrifices according to their degree of gratitude.

Every year, Savalou hosts celebrations marking the arrival of the new yam harvest. This identity celebration brings together Beninese from around the world every August 15th.

To conclude your stay, venture out to discover the Anakélé-anadjagou hills. These twin hills are, according to legend, a couple—one male, one female. Ceremonies are performed there each year, marked by a spectacular grassfire that illuminates the entire district.

Climate

Savalou experiences a subequatorial climate, like all cities in southern Benin. The average annual temperature is 27.1°C, with lows of 18.7°C. During the rainy season, average precipitation is 907.6 mm. The ideal time to visit is during the last three months of the year.

To reach Savalou, depart from the metropolis of Cotonou. In Cotonou's city center, numerous long-distance transport companies operate from Red Star Square. Once you arrive in Dassa, you'll need another 32 kilometers to reach beautiful Savalou.