Benin 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Benin:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Benin, focusing on the Cotonou region.

Day 1: Dantokpa Market & Ganvie

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to Dantokpa Market, the largest open-air market in West Africa. Located in Cotonou, explore its vibrant stalls selling everything from colorful fabrics and traditional crafts to electronics and fresh produce. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local life and marvel at the variety of goods on offer.

  • Afternoon: Travel to Ganvie, the “Venice of Africa.” This unique village is built entirely on stilts above a lagoon and offers a fascinating glimpse into Beninese culture and architecture. Take a boat tour through the floating market, visit the local artisans who craft beautiful wooden masks and sculptures, or simply stroll through the colorful streets and admire the ingenuity of the people who live there.

  • Things to Know:

    • Dantokpa Market is a vibrant place with lots of activity. Be prepared for crowds, haggling, and a lively atmosphere.
    • Ganvie is accessible by boat from the mainland. You can often find “pirogues” (small wooden canoes) readily available for hire to take tourists into the village.

  • Transportation:

    • From Cotonou Airport: Take a taxi to Cotonou, the largest city in Benin and your gateway to this cultural adventure.

Things to See & Do:

  • Dantokpa Market:

    • Explore the vibrant “Couleurs d’Afrique” (Colors of Africa) section for unique crafts and souvenirs.
    • Visit the fabric stalls and see the intricate designs and patterns woven into colorful fabrics like “kente” cloth.
    • Immerse yourself in the local culture by observing the bustling activity and interacting with the vendors.

  • Ganvie:

    • Experience the unique way of life: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, interact with the locals, and learn about their history and traditions.
    • Visit a local family: Many families offer boat tours to share their culture and lifestyle.

Evening:

  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Cotonou. Sample fresh fish dishes (Cotonou is known for its seafood) or experience the city’s vibrant street food scene.

  • Enjoy the nightlife:

    • Benin Music Festivals: Experience the rhythmic energy of Beninese music and culture at one of the many festivals showcasing traditional and modern sounds.

    • Night Markets: For a different kind of shopping experience, visit the Dantokpa Market’s bustling night markets, where you can find unique crafts and local delicacies.

Day 2: Exploring Benin’s History & Culture

  • Visit Ganvie, a fascinating village on stilts in the lagoon, offering a unique cultural experience.
  • Tour the Ganvie historical sites: Explore the vibrant stalls of the “floating market” and learn about the ingenuity of the Ganvie people who have adapted their lives to this extraordinary environment.

Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

  • Visit the Ganvie botanical gardens. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush greenery, explore the diverse flora and fauna, and marvel at the beauty of the local ecosystem.
  • Relax by the beach: Benin has a beautiful coastline. Spend some time enjoying the beaches of Ouidah, Grand-Popo, or Ganvie for a final dose of relaxation.

Things to Consider:

  • Health & Safety: Ensure you have received necessary vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito bites (malaria) and food poisoning. Pack malaria medication as a preventative measure.
  • Money: The official currency is the CFA Franc, but US dollars are widely accepted in major cities like Cotonou. Be sure to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases or transportation in rural areas.

Currency:

  • Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF).

  • Travel Advisory: Check the latest travel advisories from your country’s government before traveling.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Remember that Benin is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Things to See & Do (Beyond the 3-Day Itinerary):

  • Ganvie: Explore the unique culture of the Ganvie people, who have adapted their entire way of life to the water.
  • Ouidah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Sacred Forest and the Temple of Pythons for a glimpse into voodoo traditions, or explore the colonial-era architecture and museums.
  • Danxome : Discover the history and significance of this ancient kingdom’s culture in the context of the “floating” village of Ganvie.

Enjoy the vibrant culture of Benin:

  • Porto Novo: Explore the art scene in the capital city, including traditional Beninese crafts and artwork.
  • Ganvie Market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Ganvie Market.
  • Experience the “Grand marché”: This market is a great place to see the variety of goods sold in Benin.

Food & Drinks:

  • Try the local cuisine: Benin’s cuisine is a blend of West African flavors and influences from its colonial past.
  • Street food: Enjoy the delicious and affordable street food, such as “Akassa” (a steamed cassava cake) or “Tchoukoutou” (a fried dough snack).

Transportation:

  • Shared Taxis: Consider exploring the local culture of shared taxis (“bush taxis”) in Cotonou. These taxis are often small buses that follow set routes and offer a unique and immersive transportation experience.
  • Motorboats: Explore the beauty of the waterways and travel to the nearby “Dantokpa” (a village built on stilts over Lake Nokoué).

Important Notes:

  • Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it was made with purified water.
  • Visa Requirements: Check your country’s visa requirements for entering Benin. Some nationalities may be exempt from visas for short stays, while others require a visa beforehand.

Enjoy your trip to the “Venice of Benin”!