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Togo & Benin I

Mar 4th, 2022 Mar 10th, 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

5.0·113 reviews
U
Ulyana
🇺🇸United States·2 expeditions
·Central America II·16 days ago

Absolutely unforgettable. Traveling through Central America was so much more than a trip. It was an experience built around connection and shared adventure. From volcano hikes to pyramid sunrises, every destination was stunning, but what truly made it special was the group I shared it with. I’ve come home with a head full of memories, several crazy stories, and a few friends for life.

S
Sokratis "Lefkosia"
🇨🇾Cyprus·4 expeditions
·Ghana, Togo & Benin IV·17 days ago

The best introduction to this part of the world. West Africa is sometimes called "Africa for beginners". I can see it. Mostly laid back, beautiful coast, incredible sightseeing and smiley locals. Add in the mix the Vodun culture, the colourful dances and thrilling rituals and you have an adventure to remember. Benin has quickly rose to being one of my favourite countries and the expedition family some of my favourite people.

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Libya I·17 days ago

History, history, history! Wow, is all I can say. Libya's recent history has created an isolation from tourism, and made this a relatively untouched Mediterranean gem. The Roman and Phoenician ruins are just mind-blowing. The trip out to the Algerian-Libyan border of The Sahara Desert is long, but well worth it to see Ghadames. Definitely say, "Yes"!

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Pamir Highway·17 days ago

What a hilarious group of explorers who made the long drives fun! The guys were great dancers,too, when faced with rejection by the local females at the bar/dance hall, they had no problem dancing with themselves! Music, song and "car dancing" kept the mood going the whole time. Views were outstanding in The Pamir region.

N
Nichelle "San Pedro Sula"
🇺🇸United States·4 expeditions
·Afghanistan X·17 days ago

I really cherish the people I met on my 1st "YES", I said to Afghanistan. It was a small group of very empathetic and adventurous people. We were all nervous at first, until we settled into the pace of our Expedition led by Elena. The people, the lead, the guide and drivers, and the shop keepers were so welcoming and professional. Kindest and most generous people I've met in recent years. I highly recommend everyone visit Afghanistan.

A
Alexander "Canggu"
🇦🇺Australia·3 expeditions
·Patagonia·17 days ago

Such a beautiful place with very beautiful people. Patagonia is a very unique and must see place. The crew is what makes it happen.

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