Arrival Day: Airport Pickup on January 7

Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO) - Upon arriving at Cotonou-Cardinal Bernadin Gantin Airport (COO), travelers will be warmly welcomed and escorted to their charming inn for check-in. This is a perfect time to unwind and get ready for the exciting journey ahead on the African continent.

Tour of Ganvié and Cultural Visit to Cotonou

Ganvie - Ganvié, often called the “African Venice,” offers an immersive experience in a unique lake village. Early in the morning, explore Ganvié, the largest lake village in Africa, situated on Lake Nokoué. This remarkable village is home to over 37,000 Tofinu people, who primarily live on water and travel by canoe daily.

Known as the “African Venice,” Ganvié stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its residents: in the 18th century, the Tofinu sought refuge here to escape slavery. Today, the village remains a vibrant hub of life, characterized by fishing, craftsmanship, and a rich cultural heritage.

The itinerary includes navigating through the canals, meeting locals, and immersing in the Tofinu way of life — a moment of genuine authenticity and emotion.

Etoile Rouge - Continue the exploration en route to Place de l’Étoile Rouge: a vast crossroads in the heart of Cotonou. The site symbolizes the ambition of General Mathieu Kérékou, who, as a young soldier, seized power in a coup d’état and aspired to make Benin a Marxist-Leninist authority in Africa. By erecting several monuments, including the Red Star, he left a lasting mark on this political orientation.

Marche Dantokpa - Dantokpa Market: the vibrant heart of Cotonou
Considered one of the largest markets in West Africa, Dantokpa is a sensory spectacle that blends vibrant colors, mesmerizing scents, and authentic life scenes.

Stroll through its winding paths, lined with abundant stalls revealing an astonishing array of products: fresh fruits and vegetables, fragrant spices, traditional fabrics, handicrafts, and local curiosities. A true cultural kaleidoscope, Dantokpa is much more than a market — it is an immersion into Benin’s warm and commercial spirit.

Place des Martyrs - Martyrs Square – Remembrance and National Tribute
Continue the visit en route to Place des Martyrs, a place of reflection steeped in history. This monument pays tribute to seven Beninese heroes — six soldiers and one civilian — who fell during the coup attempt orchestrated by French mercenary Bob Denard.

A symbol of courage and resistance, the square honors the memory of these men who sacrificed their lives to defend Benin’s sovereignty. A poignant and essential stop to understand the contemporary history of the country.

Monument Amazone - Amazon Monument in Cotonou – A powerful tribute to female bravery
Located in the heart of Cotonou, the Amazon Monument is a majestic symbol of strength, courage, and resilience. It celebrates the famous Amazons of Dahomey, an all-female elite corps that has marked Benin’s military history with its exceptional bravery and formidable discipline.

Faced with this monumental sculpture, depicting a warrior in a combat posture, one can only admire the pride and power it exudes. This emblematic place invites visitors to travel back in time, discovering the Amazons’ heritage and their decisive role in the history of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Take a moment to feel the energy of this place full of memory, a true symbol of emancipation and feminine power. A must-see stop for all those who wish to soak in the soul of Benin and its heroic past.

Fidjrosse Beach - Enjoy a peaceful walk along Fidjrosse Beach, one of the most picturesque coastal sites in Cotonou. Let the gentle sea breeze and soothing rhythm of the waves carry you away, then continue the visit in front of the symbolic remains of the crashed plane, displayed on the beach.

End the day and return to the inn.

Cultural Visit to Ouidah and Experience the Slave Route

Foret Sacree de Kpasse - After breakfast, head to the Sacred Forest of Kpassè, a place full of mystery and spirituality, located in the heart of Ouidah. This forest is revered as a sacred site in the Vodou tradition and is an essential place of worship for devotees of this religious practice.

Strolling through the Sacred Forest of Kpassè, discover centuries-old trees, altars dedicated to Vodou deities, and ritual sculptures. It is a place where nature and spirituality meet, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience in the heart of West African spiritual traditions.

Temple des Pythons - The Temple of Pythons in Ouidah, Benin, is an iconic place that is both sacred and steeped in history. Dedicated to the deity Dangbé, the sacred python, this unique temple is a must-see for anyone wishing to discover Vodou spirituality and local traditions.

During the guided tour of the Temple of Pythons, visitors will have the opportunity to observe and touch the living pythons, considered here as embodiments of the spirits of deceased ancestors. According to local beliefs, interacting with these sacred snakes brings luck and blessings.

Ouidah - Prepare for a profound and moving experience, retracing one of the darkest chapters in human history. This guided tour invites participants to follow in the footsteps of African slaves, torn from their native land for an uncertain fate across the Atlantic Ocean.

Throughout the Slave Route, several major historic sites are to be discovered. Each of them bears witness to the suffering, sacrifices, and courage of millions of African victims of the transatlantic slave trade. This visit offers a moment of reflection, understanding, and contemplation on the legacies still visible today.

La Porte Du Non Retour - The experience on the Slave Route ends at the famous Gate of No Return, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with profound historical significance. This iconic monument, located on the beach of Ouidah, marks the tragic departure point of millions of Africans enslaved on ships bound for the Americas.

The Door of No Return poignantly symbolizes the brutality of the transatlantic trade and the irreversible exile experienced by these men, women, and children torn from their homeland. It embodies the collective memory of a painful past and the importance of never forgetting the human impacts of this dark period in world history.

Ouidah Museum of History - Ouidah, known for hosting the famous International Voodoo Festival every year, a major event that attracts visitors from all over the world — from Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

Often misunderstood or misinterpreted, the voodoo religion is one of the oldest and most influential in the world. Through this celebration, participants discover that voodoo is not synonymous with evil, but rather a spiritual tradition deeply linked to nature, ancestors, and harmony between visible and invisible forces.

Every January 10, thousands of faithful and voodoo dignitaries converge on Ouidah, considered the spiritual center of this cult, to receive the blessing of the supreme voodoo leader. The high priests of Benin and neighboring countries gather to honor the deities through ritual songs, sacred dances, drumbeats, libations, prayers, and symbolic sacrifices.

January 10 National Voodoo Day

Ouidah - Begin a day rich in spiritual and cultural discoveries through traditional Voodoo dances.

Gabala & Kokou – The first stop will take participants inside the sacred Tron Kpeto Deka forest, where the Gabala and Kokou dances take place. These powerful rituals invoke the warrior deities of the Voodoo pantheon.

Iro Dance – Watch the Iro Dance, a colorful, rhythmic celebration performed by initiates dressed in traditional costumes.

Zangbeto – Then observe the spectacular dance of the Zangbeto, the “guardians of the night,” fully concealed under suits of colored fibers.

Egoun-goun – Discover the Egoun-goun dance, dedicated to deceased ancestors. Dancers wear imposing and masked costumes.

Danse de l’eau Mami Wata – In the late afternoon, witness the dance of the water, the mystical siren of voodoo.

In the evening, attend a concert at Voodoun Arena, a vibrant cultural scene where traditional music and voodoo songs meet.

Cultural Tour of the City of Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo - The journey begins in the morning with a pick-up at the inn. Comfortably seated in an air-conditioned vehicle, enjoy a journey of approximately 50 minutes to 1:30, depending on the location, to Porto-Novo.
Upon arrival in town, the tour begins with an immersion in the heart of royal history, at the Honmè Museum.
Formerly the residence of the Kings of Porto-Novo, this royal palace transformed into a museum offers a unique discovery of Beninese cultural heritage. Discover:

• Testimonies of daily life at the court
• The traditional architecture of the palace, laden with symbols
  Through the stories of the guide, visitors will be immersed in the history of the sovereigns of Porto-Novo, their links with traditional cults, and their role in the political and cultural construction of the country.
  This first stop lays the foundations of a circuit rich in discoveries, where memory, identity, and Beninese art of living are honored.

Musee Honme (Palais Royal) - In the heart of Porto-Novo, the Honmè Museum opens the doors of the old royal palace of kings. This museum, housed in the royal residence of King Toffa, is one of the most important heritage sites in Benin.
Through a guided tour, discover:

• Royal apartments preserved in their original condition
• Scenes of everyday life at court, illustrated by installations and oral histories
  The Honmè Museum tells the story of the dynasties of Porto-Novo, their role in Beninese society, as well as their links with traditional cults. The architecture of the palace, typical of the colonial era and influenced by the Afro-Brazilian style, is itself a valuable testimony to the urban history of the capital.

This visit offers an authentic immersion in the royal and spiritual world of Benin and is an essential step to understand the deep roots of the culture of Porto-Novo.

Porto-Novo - After discovering the royal past at the Honmè Museum, the tour continues into the deep spiritual universe of Benin through a meeting with a voodoo priest, a custodian of sacred knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Visitors will have the opportunity to approach some convents (places of initiation and worship) where voodoo priests still officiate today. In these often discreet spaces, discover altars, sacred sculptures, and ritual objects used for communication with the deities (Orisha).
Meeting with a Vodun priest or priestess
Depending on availability and the openness of the place, a guided meeting can be organized with a voodoo priestess. The exchange allows for a better understanding of:

• The role of the priest in the community
• The revered main deities (such as Sakpata, Hebiosso, DAN, or Mami Wata)
• The meaning of rituals and ceremonies (consultation with Fa, offerings, dances, songs…)

Panthéon Negro Et Africain De Porto Novo - Located in the heart of Porto-Novo, the Pantheon Negro and African is a symbolic place, charged with emotion and respect. Built in tribute to the great black figures of Benin, Africa, and the diaspora, this monument honors the memory of resistance fighters, thinkers, traditional leaders, artists, and religious figures who marked the history of the black continent.

The site, both a memorial and cultural space, is distinguished by:

• Monumental sculptures representing the ancestors and heroes of the Black Cause
• A space for reflection where spirituality, history, and art meet

The Pantheon is also a place of identity reflection and transmission: it embodies the recognition of African dignity and pays tribute to those who fought for freedom, justice, and culture.

RIVIÈRE NOIRE ADJARRA BÉNIN 🇧🇯📍 - After the historical and cultural richness, head to a completely different scenery: the Black River of Adjara, located a few kilometers from the city. The pleasant and exotic route takes you through the villages and green landscapes of the Adjara region, a territory rich in traditions and nature.
Upon arrival, the Black River reveals a peaceful environment, bordered by mangroves, water lilies, and tropical vegetation. This unspoiled place invites relaxation, contemplation, and discovery of Beninese river life.
On-site, several experiences are possible:

• Traditional canoe ride to explore the river smoothly
• Meeting with locals, including fishermen and craftsmen of the water
• Observation of the local flora and fauna, in an authentic and quiet setting
  The visit to the Black River is ideal to end the day on a natural and soothing note, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in a spirit of ecotourism.

Cultural Discovery of Issaba – Meeting the Royal Traditions and the Guèlèdè Mask

Immersion in the Royal History of Benin – Visit of Abomey

Discover Grand-Popo, between nature, culture, and traditions

Visit the City of Aného, Togoville, Agbodrafo, and Lomé

Aneho Ancienne Capitale Du Togo - After crossing the border, continue the journey with a unique experience: discover the mouth where Lake Togo meets the Atlantic Ocean. This convergence point between the calm waters of the lake and the strength of the ocean offers a striking natural spectacle that deserves attention.

Approaching the mouth, the landscape change is spectacular: the gentle current of the lake gradually mixes with the power of the Atlantic waves, creating an area of great beauty, but also of important ecological value.

Slave House of Togo - The Slave House of Agbodrafo occupies a particularly emotional place in the history of the transatlantic trade. Once a place of detention in unsanitary conditions, it was used to detain enslaved people, pending their forced embarkation to the Americas — particularly the French colonies. Today it has been transformed into a museum and place of memory, and bears witness to the sufferings endured during one of the darkest periods in human history.

The visit to the Slave House of Agbodrafo is both an educational and deeply emotional experience. This historic site provides insight into the horrors of the slave trade, while paying tribute to the resilience and dignity of African communities. It offers a space for reflection, transmission, and awareness in facing this painful legacy.

Lac Togo - After visiting the Slave House of Agbodrafo, get ready for a new experience en route to the peaceful town of Togoville. This stage will reveal another facet of the region, imbued with spirituality and history.

In front of you lies Lake Togo, majestic and soothing, whose calm waters sparkle under the African sun. Board a traditional canoe, driven by local fishermen, masters in the ancestral art of sailing on the lake.

As you make the crossing, let yourself be carried away by the gentle breeze, admire the surrounding nature, and enjoy the unique calm of this serene place.

Cathedrale Notre Dame Du Lac Togo - Entering Notre-Dame du Lac Cathedral, visitors are immediately struck by the majesty of its décor. The religious sculptures that adorn the interior are strikingly beautiful and demonstrate remarkable artistic know-how.

Inside, the atmosphere is marked by serenity and spirituality. The faithful come to gather, pray, and participate in religious celebrations.

Togoville - Continue the exploration with a walking tour, starting with the Monument de l’Amitié Germano-Togolaise, a historic symbol of the ties between the two nations. Then head to the famous “Twin Tree,” a sacred tree of high symbolic value.

The visit continues in a voodoo convent, where there is an opportunity to ask all the questions that arise about this often unknown religion. Take this immersion to attend libation ceremonies, interact with initiates, and experience moments rich in traditions, spirituality, and living culture.

Akodessewa Fetish Market - Continue the day in the direction of Lomé to visit the Fetish Market, a fascinating experience that will plunge visitors into the heart of African traditions. Discover a vast collection of objects and talismans that embody the very essence of these cultures rich in history.

This tour also offers a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge of Voodoo practices and observe the objects used in traditional ceremonies. The Fetish Market is a real treasure where exoticism reaches its peak. Each element has a special meaning in the local rituals and beliefs, and visitors will be amazed by the depth and diversity of these traditions.

Grand Marche - Assiganmé, which means “Grand Market” in the local language, will leave visitors speechless: a real tableau of urban bustle, considered one of the largest markets in the subregion, thanks in particular to the emblematic presence of the famous “Nana Benz.” Walk through its bustling alleys before heading to the next stop of the visit, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Lomé.

The cathedral is reminiscent of European churches, especially St Mary’s Chapel in Würzburg, while its architecture evokes that of Steyl Church in the Netherlands. Be amazed by the beauty of this gothic building in the heart of a young country, a true architectural masterpiece, which houses a magnificent organ.

Excursion to Kpalimé and visit the Cascade de Womé

Mount Agou - Depart from Lomé for a trip of about two hours en route to Kpalimé, enjoying the scenery and Togolese nature.

Arriving at the foot of Mount Agou, begin the ascent by car to the hilltop village of Kebo Djigbé, known for its spectacular panoramas and very popular with tourists.

A short hike will take visitors through the village to the top of Mount Agou. This is the perfect time to take out cameras and capture breathtaking views. With a little luck, there will also be the opportunity to interact with the local inhabitants.

The Castle Viale - Continue the visit to the Château Viale, which is very frequented in summer for its unique architecture and exceptional geographical location. Perched high, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Kpalimé, its green surroundings, and even, on a clear day, the borders of Ghana. With a little luck, the reflections of Lake de la Haute Volta can be seen in the distance.

Although the site suffers from a lack of maintenance and renovation, it remains a must-see site, both for the beauty of the landscape and for the sense of peace it exudes. A stopover that is fully worth a visit.

Cascade de Wome - Next stop: the Cascade de Womé, ideal for a revitalizing break. Nothing beats a swim in its cool and invigorating waters to recharge before heading back on the road ahead.

With a little luck, meet other travelers who have come to enjoy this natural site, the perfect opportunity to exchange experiences in a friendly atmosphere. To access the hidden waterfall, descend a steep trail, adding a touch of adventure to the tour. After this moment of relaxation, ascend the same path, with senses awakened and mind light.

Fermes Et Village De Kpalime Dzokoto - Closing of the circuit at the Farm: a moment of sharing in nature
To conclude these days rich in cultural and human discoveries, gather at the Farm, a peaceful setting in the middle of nature, located near Kpalimé.

A moment of conviviality, relaxation, and celebration to mark the end of this beautiful adventure.

On the agenda:

• Traditional meal shared in a group, prepared with local products from the eco-farm
• Cultural entertainment: traditional dances, live concert, percussion, and other artistic performances
• Warm and festive atmosphere in an open-air space, surrounded by nature and smiles
• Time for exchange, thanks, and celebration of the bonds created during the trip

This group moment at the Farm is the perfect opportunity to close the circuit on a happy note, in a spirit of sharing and celebration.

End of the tour and return to Lomé

• All fees and taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Accommodation
• Bottle of mineral water

• Travel insurance
• Everything not included in the tour

This journey transcends typical tourism by offering a profound cultural and spiritual experience at the renowned Vodou Festival in Ouidah. This exceptional event gathers thousands of participants from Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean annually to honor an ancient tradition that is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Over several days, participants will have the chance to witness ceremonial dances, visit sacred convents, engage with Vodoun priests, and delve into the roots of this vibrant spirituality.

From the lakeside village of Ganvié to the royal palaces of Abomey, the vibrant markets of Lomé to the lush heights of Kpalimé, and through the cascades of Womé, each destination highlights the cultural and natural richness of Benin and Togo.

In conclusion, participants will enjoy a festive and convivial gathering at an ecological farm, featuring a communal meal, concert, dances, and a warm atmosphere.

• All the accommodations and Things to do in the itinerary are included in the overall price DE your trip. Round trip airport transfer is also offered, provided you arrive on the first day of the tour and leave the next day DE, January 17, after having provided us with your international flight details.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.