Togo & Benin I - 1
Togo & Benin I - 2
Togo & Benin I - 3
Togo & Benin I - 4
Togo & Benin I - 5
Togo & Benin I - 6
Togo & Benin I - 7
1 / 7

Togo & Benin I

Saturday 5 Mar 2022 Friday 11 Mar 2022

7 days · 6 nights

Wander Expeditions

Wander Expeditions

Verified Organization

5+ years group traveling

Togo and Benin are the perfect first experience in West Africa, while still keeping all the thrill and adventure you seek for in any off-the-beaten path experience. We will venture off the more downtrodden coast most visitors stick to, and head up North to explore the land of the Fulani, Somba and Tanekas, fascinating tribes in Northern Benin. Togo and Benin are also the home of Voodoo, which we will try to understand as a belief system based on nature and spirituality, breaking the stereotypes of western pop-culture. Finally, we will marvel in stunning sceneries and the unique stilt lake villages that are found in both neighboring countries. It's the Expedition of a lifetime, and you can't miss it!

Itinerary

Day 1: Porto Novo and Dassa.

  • The Expedition starts in Cotonou, Benin on June 3rd. To maximize our time, everyone should arrive a day early, on the 2nd. We'll start in the early morning and visit the capital, Porto Novo.
  • In the afternoon, we'll attend a voodoo ritual dance with masked dancers, drummers and singers in a village near Dassa.
  • Overnight in Dassa.

Day 2: Fulani & The North

  • In the early morning, we'll visit the Fulani tribe, a nomadic and islamic ethnic group in Benin and West Africa.
  • Then, we continue North to Boukombé, to see regions of Benin that tourists that only reach the coasts rarely see.
  • Overnight in Boukombé.

Day 3: Somba Country

  • It's time to head to Pays Somba, or Somba Country. This ethnic group is mostly known for their fortress-like houses called "tata".
  • We will meet the Somba King, their Shaman, and many villages in this region.
  • Overnight in Boukombé.

Day 4: Taneka Country & Togo

  • We'll drive on to Djougou and into Taneka country, to meet this fascinating tribe that are known for not wearing many clothes and smoking on their long wooden pipes.
  •  In the afternoon, we will cross into Togo, to visit Koutammakou cultural landscape and tribe, the only UNESCO WHS in the country.
  • Overnight in Dassa.

Day 5: Abomey and Grand Popo

  • In the morning, we'll visit the biggest fetiche voodoo market, near Abomey.
  • In the afternoon, we'll slow down by the beautiful coast of Grand Popo.
  • Overnight in Lac Aheme.

Day 6: Ouida and Lake Aheme.

  • Ouida was a strategic center in the slaving routes of West Africa. Over 2 million people were enslaved and taken against their will to the Caribbean, Brazil or the US. We will visit the 4km that stretch from the "point of no return" to the beaches in the Atlantic and trying to better understand the tragic History of this place.
  • Later, we'll continue to Lake Aheme, another influential Voodoo center. Benin is one of the few countries in the World that has its own official religion. But, in fact, Voodoo is full of prejudices and transcends the idea of dolls pinned with long needles. It's actually very connected to nature and the idea of spirits. We'll visit a Yoruba temple dedicated to the God of Justice.
  • Overnight in Lake Aheme.

Day 7: Ganvié and Cotonou.

  • In the morning, we'll venture to Ganvié, the town on lake Nokoue, built on stilt houses, canals instead of streets and boats instead of cars.
  • The afternoon, we'll relax by the pool of our Hotel, and go out to explore the market in Cotonou.
  • Overnight in Cotonou.

Day 8: Free time, fly out. 

  • After breakfast, the worst moment of every Expedition: we say goodbye. The Expedition is finished and we fly out.

What this expedition offers

Accomodation. Shared twin room in 3-4 star hotels (when available) on a bed and breakfast basis.
Guides. Expert local guide and fixer.
Transport. Private vehicles, fuel and drivers
Visa Support. We'll help you prepare the visas for Togo and Benin.
Contribution to local communities. Every tribe visit tries to create an impact in the community with our contributions
Activities and Tickets. Every visit, entrance ticket or activity is included.

Things to know

5.0·136 reviews
L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
·Papua New Guinea I·29 days ago

The best way to see not only the Mt Hagen festival but also the highlights of the PNG highlands. Safe, exciting, and lots of fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
·Indian Himalayas & Bhutan·29 days ago

A spiritual and cultural-focussed expedition, not the typical style of other Wander trips, but I absolutely loved it. Bhutan is beautiful and this expedition was the best way to see it, the tricky visa and tour guide requirements were all handled and the itinerary gave the very best of the country in a few days. Northern India was equally serene and even as someone who hates hiking, having a great group to champion you along the way made it fun.

L
🇬🇧United Kingdom·14 expeditions
·West Africa III·29 days ago

The best overland adventure you could ever ask for. Two weeks, 22 people, 6 cars, endless laughs. Sure, the days are long, and you definitely need to bring snacks, but it’s so much fun and the best way to see the parts of Africa that most people don’t go to! And it has everything - beach, nature, pool days, local communities, cities and middle-of-nowhere adventures. I’d even go as far as to say I’d do it again….. never say never!

J
🇪🇸Spain·4 expeditions
·Malta: Every Country Twice·about 1 month ago

LOVED IT!

M
🇧🇭Bahrain·1 expedition
·Libya III: East Libya·about 2 months ago

My trip to Libya with you Wander Expeditions was unreal! Everything was super well organized, the group vibe was like family, and the guide kept things fun with stories and games along the way. Libya itself blew me away amazing people, amazing places, and good energy everywhere we went.

L
🇩🇪Germany·2 expeditions
·Malta: Every Country Twice·3 months ago

A pure pleasure celebrating with Alvaro and the gang - vibes unbeatable & can’t wait for the next reunion!

Wander Expeditions
Verified

Wander Expeditions

Details

Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

To help protect your payment, always communicate and make payments through our official channels.