2 reviews for Togo & Benin
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Expedition
Togo & Benin
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Togo & Benin
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!
- Trip dates: June 3rd - 10th
- 8 days
- 7 nights
COVID-19 Update
Cotonou is open for tourism – a negative PCR test <3 days is required to board the plane.
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.
Included
Not included
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 driversVisa 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 contributionsActivities and Tickets
Every visit, entrance ticket or activity is included.
FAQ
HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR TOGO AND BENIN?
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?
ARE TOGO AND BENIN SAFE?
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
how to join?
If you want to be one of the fortunate people selected for our Togo & Benin Expedition:
- Make sure the dates work with you before you start the selection process.
- SAY YES and complete our online application form below.
- Once you’ve applied and signed up to Wander Expedition, we’ll update you as you move on in the selection process. Check your Spam folder regularly in case the automated emails go there!
TRIP DATES
June 3rd - 10th
Joe Joiner –
A fantastic first experience in West Africa, visiting tribes and villages all over Benin. No tourists, just raw off-the-beaten-path adventure. The highlight was definitely experiencing multiple Voodoo ceremonies and a fetish market – although maybe not for the faint hearted! Seeing the scars of the slave history in Ouidah and Ganvie was also very eye-opening. In pandemic times, the itinerary can change due to new restrictions – be flexible and you’ll have an amazing time.
And as always with these trips (this was my second), the real highlight is getting to experience all this with an incredible group of people. Apply and you’re sure to meet a great group of like-minded travellers. It will be hard to go back to solo travelling after this!
Joshua Ayers –
I had an amazing time in Benin with Wander Expeditions! The group was so friendly and welcoming, the itinerary was interesting, and there was never a dull moment anytime during the trip. My favorite part of this specific expedition was getting to experience a real voodoo ritual/dance firsthand!
I have now done a couple expeditions and I know that I can count on having a unique and super fun experience every time. Above all, the best part about this service is that you know everything is taken care of for you so I feel it is definitely money well spent. You don’t have to worry about meals, finding hotels, transportation services, or any of the other hassles traveling may come with. Would definitely recommend to others who are interested in a group travel experience.