BENIN

Benin, a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, is the cradle of the Vodoun religion and was once the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey. Its history of kingdoms, colonialism, and the transatlantic slave trade has forged a unique and resilient culture.

Region: West Africa

Capital: Porto-Novo (the political capital), but Cotonou is the seat of government and largest city.

Official Language: French. Several local languages, including Fon, Yoruba, and Bariba, are also spoken.

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to violent crime and the threat of terrorism. Avoid all but essential travel to border areas with neighboring countries.

A map of Africa with the country of Benin highlighted in green.

Why Visit Benin?

Vibrant Voodoo Culture: Experience the birthplace of the Voodoun religion, a living faith that permeates daily life.

Rich Royal History: Explore the Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the powerful Dahomey Kingdom.

Floating Village of Ganvié: Take a boat tour of this unique stilt-house village, known as the “Venice of Africa.”

A group of women in colorful traditional clothing dancing in a circle.

Historical Ouidah: Walk the “Route of the Slaves” to the Door of No Return, a poignant memorial to the transatlantic slave trade.

Wildlife Safaris: Head north to Pendjari National Park, one of the best places in West Africa to see elephants, lions, and other wildlife.

Stunning Beaches: Relax on the serene Atlantic coast with beautiful, quiet beaches, particularly around Grand-Popo.

A dirt road winding through a rural, green landscape with a motorcycle and a person visible in the distance.

Essential Trip Information

Travelers from most nationalities require a visa to enter Benin. An e-visa can be obtained online for tourism, business, or transit.

Citizens of all African countries are generally granted visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory and must be presented upon entry.

For the official e-visa application, visit the Benin Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a similar official government portal.

The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The symbol is CFA.

Bills: CFA1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000. Coins: CFA1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, and 500.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount of cash. US$ and Euros are the easiest to exchange.

  • During Your Trip: ATMs are available in major cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo but can be unreliable. Carry a good amount of cash as credit cards are not widely accepted outside of major hotels and restaurants.

  • What to Avoid: Changing money on the street as it can be risky. Always use a reputable bank or exchange bureau.

French is the official language. Learning a few basic phrases will be very helpful.

Helpful phrases: “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), “Où est…?” (Where is…?).

Exercise a high degree of caution. Violent crime, including armed assaults and robberies, is increasing.

Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, particularly on beaches and in isolated areas.

Watch for petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded markets and public transport. 

Emergency numbers: Police: 117 or 177, Fire: 118, Ambulance: 8200.

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry. Malaria is a risk throughout the country; take anti-malaria medication.

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

Do not drink tap water. Stick to bottled water.

Zemidjans (moto-taxis): The most common and affordable way to get around cities. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

Bush taxis/minibuses: Connect major towns and are the primary mode of inter-city travel.

Car Rental: Possible but not widely available. Hiring a car with a driver is a safer and more practical option.

Roads: Conditions can be poor, especially during the rainy season (April-October).

Benin is a relatively affordable destination for travelers.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/basic hotels (US$30–70/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$80–150/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (US$200+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats: Street food (US5–15)

  • Casual dining: US$15–30/person

  • Fine dining: US$40+/person

Drinks

  • Local beer (La Béninoise): US$1–3

  • Soft drinks: US$1–2

  • Cocktails: US$8–15

Transportation

  • Zemidjan: US$1–3 for short trips in the city.

  • Bush taxi: US$5–15 for longer trips between cities.

  • Car with driver: US$80–150/day.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat local street food for delicious and inexpensive meals.

  • Haggle for prices in markets and with zemidjan drivers.

  • Take public transportation like bush taxis for long-distance travel.

Explore Benin

The economic hub and largest city in the country, home to the Dantokpa Market and lively nightlife.

The official capital in southeastern Benin, with a blend of African, Brazilian, and colonial architecture.

A coastal town with deep historical significance, west of Cotonou, famous for its Route of the Slaves and the Temple of Pythons.

Located in the central part of the country, this is the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A unique floating village on Lake Nokoué, accessible by boat from Abomey-Calavi, just north of Cotonou.

A quiet coastal town near the border with Togo, known for its beautiful beaches and traditional fishing culture.

A remote and stunning wildlife reserve in the far north of Benin, part of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex.

Found in northern Benin, this area is home to the traditional mud-brick houses of the Batammariba people. These unique, two-story fortified dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the region’s cultural heritage.

A town in the northwest that serves as a gateway to the Atakora Mountains and the Tata Somba region. It’s an excellent base for hiking and exploring the natural beauty and culture of northern Benin.

Known for its lively market and traditional weaving, this town is east of Porto-Novo. Take a peaceful pirogue ride down the Black River to witness the unique scenery and local life.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices

  • Fewer Crowds

  • Authentic Local Vibe

  • Lush Green Landscapes

  • Rich Cultural Experiences

Main Drawbacks:

  • Heavy Rains & Flooding in Some Areas

  • Humidity & Mosquitoes

  • Road Accessibility Issues

  • Some Sites May Close or Be Hard to Access

Key Regions:

  • Cotonou: Enjoy vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and local markets with fewer tourists.

  • Abomey: Explore the historical royal palaces and museums in quieter conditions.

  • Porto-Novo: Visit the national capital’s museums and colonial architecture during low footfall.

  • Natitingou (Atakora Region): Lush, green mountains ideal for nature lovers despite the rain.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (75–93 ºF / 24–34 ºC)

  • Manageable Crowds

  • Reasonable Prices

  • Cultural Festivals

  • Good Wildlife Viewing

Main Drawbacks:

  • Dusty Conditions (especially in Harmattan season: Dec–Feb)

  • Some Inconsistent Rain (especially Oct/April)

  • Can Still Be Hot in Some Regions

Key Regions:

  • Ouidah: Experience the Voodoo Festival in January and explore historic slave trade sites.

  • Pendjari National Park: Best time for wildlife safaris with clearer visibility and drier terrain.

  • Ganvié: Visit this stilt village on Lake Nokoué while water levels are ideal for boat tours.

  • Tanguieta & Atakora Mountains: Great for trekking and exploring waterfalls in cooler, dry months.

  • Cotonou & Porto-Novo: Comfortable city visits before peak heat or rain set in.

  • December – January (Dry Season & Holiday Travel)

  • Easter Holidays (March/April)

  • National Holidays & Major Festivals (e.g., Voodoo Festival in early January)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings matter: A warm handshake and asking about family is customary when meeting someone. Use formal titles unless invited to do otherwise.

Religion: Benin is religiously diverse—respect local traditions, including Vodoun (Voodoo) ceremonies.

Dress Code: Modest dress is expected in villages and during religious visits. Light, breathable fabrics are best due to the heat.

Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated in restaurants. Small tips for hotel staff are welcome.

Photography: Always ask for permission, especially at ceremonies or when photographing people.

Bargaining: Expected in markets—start low but stay respectful.

Political discussion: Best avoided, especially around election periods.

Accommodation:

  • Hostels/Guesthouses: US$15–40
  • Mid-range hotels: US$50–100
  • High-end/luxury stays: US$150–250+

Food:

  • Street food/local spots: US$3–8 (try pâte rouge, grilled fish)
  • Casual restaurants: US$10–20
  • Fine dining (Cotonou/Porto-Novo): US$35+

Transport:

  • Zémidjan (motorbike taxis): ~US$0.50–2 within cities
  • Intercity minivans (bush taxis): US$5–10
  • Private car hire with driver: US$40–80/day

Activities:

  • Museums and historical sites: US$3–10
  • Voodoo festivals or guided nature tours: US$15–30
  • Entry to Pendjari National Park: US$15–25 (plus safari vehicle fees)

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$40–70 (basic guesthouses, local food, motorbikes)
  • Mid-range: US$100–180 (air-conditioned hotels, taxis, day tours)
  • Luxury: US$250+ (private drivers, upscale hotels, guided safaris)

Free Wi-Fi: Limited—some hotels, upscale cafes in Cotonou offer it, but expect slow speeds.

SIM Cards: MTN and Moov sell prepaid SIMs (~US$3); 10GB data bundles cost around US$10–15.

eSIMs: Not widely supported—physical SIM recommended for better coverage.

Recommended for: Medical emergencies, flight delays, tropical diseases, and remote area evacuation.

Healthcare: Quality varies—private clinics in Cotonou are your best option; travel insurance is essential.

Adventure Activities: Ensure your policy covers safaris, boat trips on Lake Nokoué, or hiking in Atakora Mountains.

From eco-lodges near national parks to beachside guesthouses, Benin offers varied and culturally immersive stays.

Luxury:

  • Boutique resorts in Cotonou or Ouidah with ocean views and spa facilities.
  • Lodge-style stays with safari options near Pendjari National Park.

Mid-range:

  • Colonial-era guesthouses in Porto-Novo or Abomey with breakfast included.
  • Clean, air-conditioned hotels near city centers or national parks.

Budget:

  • Guesthouses in smaller towns for US$15–30/night (basic but safe and friendly).
  • Dorm-style hostels or homestays in Cotonou.

Unique Stays:

  • Lakeside stilt-house lodges in Ganvié, the “Venice of Africa”.
  • Voodoo village homestays during festivals or spiritual experiences.

Tip: Book early during January for the annual Voodoo Festival in Ouidah—accommodation fills quickly.

Benin’s transport is basic but improving. For comfort and reliability, private hires are the safest bet.

Minibuses & Bush Taxis:

  • Primary intercity option: Connects Cotonou to Ouidah, Abomey, Natitingou. Departures are frequent but schedules are informal.

  • Expect delays and cramped conditions—best for budget travelers.

Zémidjan (Moto-taxis):

  • Common in all towns; fares are negotiable.

  • Wear a helmet (bring your own if possible). Avoid night rides for safety.

Car Rental:

  • Best for national parks or northern regions.

  • With driver: US$40–80/day; self-drive not recommended due to poor signage and road quality.

Domestic Flights:

  • Limited. Occasional charters connect Cotonou to northern cities like Natitingou but are not frequent.

Public Transport in Cities:

  • No metro systems. Shared taxis are cheap (~US$0.50), but language barrier (French/local dialects) can make navigation tricky.

  • Walking: Ideal in smaller towns or along Cotonou’s beach roads.

Note: Roads can be rough outside main cities. During rainy season (May–July, Sep), flooding may disrupt travel.

Handy Tips

Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). While not convertible outside the region, it’s easy to access within the country. Bills come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 XOF; coins include 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 XOF.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks—use banks or ATMs in major towns (like Cotonou or Porto-Novo) for better rates.

Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants, but most places are cash-only, so carry local currency, especially in rural areas.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Small gratuities go a long way.

  • Restaurants/Bars: Round up or add 5–10%.

  • Taxis/Motos: Round up the fare—negotiate price before the ride.

  • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–4 per night for housekeeping.

  • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per day for group tours.

French is the official language, but over 50 local languages are spoken (e.g., Fon, Yoruba). English is not widely spoken outside hotels or major tourist sites.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Où est le marché le plus proche ?” (Where’s the nearest market?)

  • “Combien ça coûte ?” (How much is it?)

  • “Je voudrais un reçu, s’il vous plaît.” (Can I get a receipt, please?)

Pro Tip: Learn basic French phrases or use a translation app; locals appreciate the effort and are very welcoming.

Benin is considered one of the safer West African countries, but caution is still necessary.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in remote or poorly lit areas (especially outside Cotonou).

  • Keep valuables hidden, especially in busy markets.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Police: 117

  • Fire: 118

  • Ambulance: 112

  • Your Embassy: Most are in Cotonou—carry emergency contact details with you.

Benin uses 220V/50Hz electricity with Type C and E plugs (two round pins).

  • International travelers from North America will need both an adapter and a voltage converter for some electronics.

  • Many modern chargers (phones, laptops) work with dual voltage.

Tap water is not safe to drink.

  • Always drink bottled or filtered water (available everywhere and affordable).

  • Avoid ice in drinks unless confirmed filtered.

  • Brush teeth with bottled water in rural areas.

Many businesses and government offices close during national holidays.

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 10 Jan: Traditional Religion Day (unique to Benin!)

  • 1 May: Labour Day

  • 1 Aug: Independence Day (parades and festivities)

  • 15 Aug: Assumption Day

  • 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day

  • 25 Dec: Christmas

Islamic holidays like Eid vary by the lunar calendar and are also public holidays.

Stores: Typically 08:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:00 (many close midday).

Markets: Early morning till sunset; most lively on weekends.

Pharmacies: 08:00–20:00 (some 24/7 in Cotonou).

Artisan shops: Found in major cities—bargaining is common and expected.

Amiwo: Spiced red cornmeal porridge served with fish or chicken.

Aklui dessi: Delicious noodle stew often cooked with goat meat.

Pâte Rouge: Tomato-based maize dough served with sauces.

Garri: Crunchy cassava granules eaten with soup or soaked like cereal.

Yovo Doko: Beninese donuts—sweet, fluffy street snack.

Grilled Tilapia: Served whole with onions and spicy tomato sauce.

Kuli-Kuli: Crunchy peanut snack—great for the road.

Ablo: Steamed rice or maize cakes—light and slightly sweet.

Bohoun: Fermented millet porridge—an acquired taste but very traditional.

Egusi Soup: Thick melon seed soup with meat and vegetables (shared with Nigeria).

Alcoholic:

  • Sodabi: Traditional palm spirit—strong and fiery, often homemade.

  • Beninoise Beer: Local brew—light and refreshing.

  • La Béninoise Brune: A darker lager with more body.

  • Tchoukoutou (Tchouk): Sorghum beer brewed in clay pots—local favorite.

  • Château Viala: West African wine, often found in high-end restaurants.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bissap: Hibiscus flower drink—sweet, tangy, and refreshing.

  • Ginger Juice: Spicy and sweet—sold on streets and in cafes.

  • Tamarind Juice: Sour-sweet drink, often mixed with sugar or honey.

  • Zobo: Another name for hibiscus juice in northern Benin.

  • Wagashi Milk Drink: Local dairy drink made from cow’s milk—mild and fresh.

Ouidah: Visit the Slave Route and the Door of No Return—powerful historical site.

Ganvie: Known as the “Venice of Africa”—a stilt village on Lake Nokoué.

Royal Palaces of Abomey: UNESCO World Heritage Site—former Dahomey kingdom seat.

Porto-Novo: The official capital, with colonial architecture and museums.

Zangbeto Night Patrols: Traditional “guardians of the night”—cultural spectacle.

Voodoo Festival (10 Jan): A vivid, spiritual event celebrating Beninese Vodun.

Handicrafts of Dantokpa Market: One of West Africa’s largest open-air markets.

Temple of Pythons (Ouidah): Sacred site for Vodun followers—yes, with live pythons.

Agongointo-Zoungoudo Caves: Underground dwellings near Bohicon.

Local Dance Performances: Watch Egungun or Zangbeto masked dances during festivals.

Lake Nokoué Canoe Tours: Explore wetlands and lakeside villages.

Beach Time at Grand Popo: Relaxing stretch of coast—surf, sun, and fresh fish.

Artisanal Shopping in Cotonou: Great for wood carvings, batik fabrics, and bronze.

Bike Around Abomey: Explore history by cycling around palace ruins.

National Parks: Pendjari (North Benin) offers rare West African safari experiences.

Art Galleries in Cotonou: Places like Fondation Zinsou promote local contemporary artists.

Catch a Local Football Match: Enjoy the lively atmosphere!

Cooking Classes: Learn to make pâte and sauces from local chefs.

Live Music: Afrobeat and traditional drumming events in Cotonou.

Boat Trip to Ganvie: Spend a half-day navigating this floating village.

Le Livingstone (Cotonou): Classy bar with live music and excellent cocktails.

Codebar (Cotonou): Popular with locals and expats—great ambiance.

Marina Lounge: Rooftop dining with views of the sea and palm-lined streets.

Le Privilège: Lively nightclub with Afrobeat and dancehall music.

Maison Rouge (Cotonou): Artistic café-bar with poetry slams and cultural nights.

Beach Bonfires at Fidjrossè: Music, grilled fish, and drinks on the sand.

Café Teranga: Chill café perfect for sundown drinks and light bites.

Local Beer Gardens: Try random open-air “buvettes” to mingle with locals.

Cinema Concorde: Classic cinema for French and local films.

Voodoo Drum Nights: Join impromptu drumming circles during festival season.