Parakou Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Parakou, Benin? Here's everything you need to know, including which attractions to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more!


Introduction to Parakou

Located in northern Benin, Parakou is a bustling commercial city that attracts many visitors because of its unique cultural heritage, natural scenery, and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Parakou by highlighting the must-see attractions, best places to stay, where to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Parakou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Parakou is home to several museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the must-see attractions include:

  • Royal Palace of Parakou: Also known as the “Palais de Goho,” this palace was built in the 17th century and served as the headquarters of the kingdom of Borgou. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the art, culture, and history of the Borgou people.
  • Musée en Plein Air de Parakou: This outdoor museum features a collection of traditional houses, sculptures, and artifacts that highlight the customs and traditions of Benin’s various ethnic groups.
  • Musée de la Résistance: This museum is dedicated to the history of the African continent’s fight against colonialism and slavery, with exhibits that showcase the role of Benin in this struggle.

Natural Attractions of Parakou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parakou also offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and natural attractions that are worth exploring. Some of these include:

  • Pendjari National Park: Located just a few hours from Parakou, this national park is the largest in Benin and is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, camping, and hiking trails.
  • Tanongou Falls: These picturesque waterfalls are located just outside of Parakou and offer visitors a refreshing swimming spot.
  • The Atakora Mountains: This mountain range runs along the border of Benin and Togo and features scenic views, wildlife, and traditional villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Parakou

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Parakou offers hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty. Some of the popular routes include:

  • The Boukoumbé Loop: This 2-day, 32 km loop takes visitors through the Atakora Mountains and passes through several traditional villages.
  • The Pendjari Wildlife Loop: This 3-day, 45 km loop takes visitors through the Pendjari National Park and allows for wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Parakou: Activities and Tours

In addition to the attractions listed above, there are several other things to do in Parakou that are worth checking out. These include:

  • Shopping at the Parakou Market: This bustling market sells everything from traditional crafts to fresh produce and offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture.
  • Taking a City Tour: Several tour companies offer guided walking tours of the city that allow visitors to learn more about the history and culture of Parakou.
  • Attending a Festival: Parakou hosts several festivals throughout the year that feature traditional music, dance, and food.

Week-Long Itinerary for Parakou

Visitors to Parakou should plan to spend at least a week in the city to fully explore its many attractions. Here’s a sample itinerary for a week in Parakou:

Day 1: Visit the Royal Palace of Parakou and the Musée en Plein Air de Parakou. Day 2: Take a day trip to Tanongou Falls or hike the Boukoumbé Loop. Day 3: Explore the Musée de la Résistance and visit traditional markets. Day 4: Take a guided walking tour of the city and try local cuisine. Day 5: Visit the Atakora Mountains and spend the night in a traditional village. Day 6: Take a guided tour of the Pendjari National Park. Day 7: Attend a local festival or relax at a nearby beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Parakou

No trip to Parakou would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine and traditional beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pâte: This staple food is made from cassava flour and served with a sauce made from meat, vegetables, or fish.
  • Fonio: This tiny grain is a popular side dish in Benin and is often served with meat, vegetables, or sauces.
  • Akassa: This fermented corn porridge is a breakfast staple in Parakou and is often served with bean and vegetable sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Tchoukoutou: This locally brewed beer is made from sorghum and is a popular drink among locals.
  • Zoukou: This drink is made from pineapples, ginger, and sugar and is often sold on the streets.
  • Tchai: This spicy tea is made from ginger, cloves, and cinnamon and is a traditional drink in Benin.

Where to Stay in Parakou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Parakou offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the popular choices include:

  • Hotel de la Diaspora: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves local cuisine.
  • Residence Celine: This guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
  • Auberge du Plateau: This hostel is located near the city center and offers dorm rooms and private rooms at reasonable rates.

What to Buy in Parakou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Parakou’s markets offer a wide range of souvenirs and local products that make great gifts to bring home. Here are some ideas:

  • Hand-woven baskets: These traditional baskets are made from natural materials and are perfect for carrying produce or as home decor.
  • African prints: Parakou is known for its colorful African prints, which can be found at many of the local markets.
  • Wooden sculptures: Benin is known for its wood carvings, and visitors can find a wide range of sculptures and carvings at the markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Parakou

Parakou is a diverse and vibrant city that celebrates its cultural heritage through music, dance, and art. Visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional villages.

Best Time to Visit Parakou

The best time to visit Parakou is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is sunny and warm during this time, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Parakou

Do:

  • Do respect local customs and dress modestly.
  • Do try the local cuisine and traditional beverages.
  • Do negotiate prices when shopping at markets.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Don’t walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  • Don’t litter or leave trash behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Parakou

Parakou is generally a safe city to visit, but visitors should take precautions to avoid theft or fraud. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport and keep valuable belongings in a secure location.

Health in Parakou

Visitors to Parakou should ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. It is also advisable to drink bottled water and avoid eating street food that may not be hygienic.

Getting to Parakou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Parakou

The nearest airport to Parakou is the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, which is about 338 km away.

Bus Stations Near Parakou

Several bus companies operate services to and from Parakou, including the Benin-Routes Express and Confort Lines.

Other Options

Visitors to Parakou can also reach the city by car or taxi from neighboring towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Parakou

Parakou is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented at various locations in the city. Taxis and moto-taxis are also available for those who prefer to travel by vehicle.

Where to Go Next from Parakou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Parakou, visitors can take a day trip to visit nearby destinations and attractions such as:

  • Djougou: This nearby city is known for its traditional pottery and architecture.
  • Natitingou: This town is located near the Atakora Mountains and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in exploring Parakou’s rich cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, or trying local cuisine, this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip. Make sure to take precautions for your safety and health, and respect local customs and traditions when visiting this vibrant city.

View of Parakou View of Parakou RNIE 6, leading south from Parakou RNIE 6, leading south from Parakou People walking and cycling at Place de la Paix People walking and cycling at Place de la Paix People entering and leaving the market People entering and leaving the market