Southern Benin Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay, and more in Southern Benin. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and travel tips.
- Introduction to Southern Benin
- List of Places to Visit in Southern Benin
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Benin
- The Grand Popo Trail
- Mount Sokbaro Trail
- Best Things to Do in Southern Benin: Activities and Tours
- Voodoo Festivals
- Traditional Handicrafts
- Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Benin
- Food and Drink Scene of Southern Benin
- Where to Stay in Southern Benin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotels
- Hostels
- What to Buy in Southern Benin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Southern Benin
- Best Time to Visit Southern Benin
- Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Benin
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Southern Benin: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Southern Benin
- Where to Go Next from Southern Benin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Southern Benin
Southern Benin is a vibrant region located in West Africa. Known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, Southern Benin is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historical sites, hiking and biking through rugged landscapes, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Southern Benin has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Southern Benin
Here are some of the top places to visit in Southern Benin:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Royal Palaces of Abomey
The Royal Palaces of Abomey are a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important cultural attraction in Southern Benin. Once the seat of the Dahomey Kingdom, these palaces provide a glimpse into a rich history and a chance to see traditional architecture and artifacts.
The Sacred Forests of Ouidah
The Sacred Forests of Ouidah are a group of forested areas that are considered sacred in the vodun religion. These forests are home to unique flora and fauna, as well as shrines and other religious artifacts.
The Door of No Return
Located in Ouidah, the Door of No Return is a historical site representing the slave trade era. It symbolizes the final farewell of African slaves who were transported overseas in the late 19th century.
Natural Attractions of Southern Benin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Pendjari National Park
Pendjari National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Southern Benin. It is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on the continent. Visitors can see elephants, lions, crocodiles, and many other animals while on a safari tour of the park.
The Atakora Mountains
Located in the northwest of Southern Benin, the Atakora Mountains are a rugged range characterized by stunning scenery and waterfalls. Hiking and trekking tours offer visitors the chance to explore these mountains and their unique flora and fauna.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Benin
Southern Benin offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in West Africa:
The Grand Popo Trail
The Grand Popo Trail is located in the southwest of Southern Benin. It is a challenging trek that takes visitors through scenic coastal areas and traditional fishing villages.
Mount Sokbaro Trail
The Mount Sokbaro Trail is a hiking trail that takes visitors through rugged mountain terrain and across picturesque valleys. It is a challenging trek and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
Best Things to Do in Southern Benin: Activities and Tours
Voodoo Festivals
Southern Benin is known for its vibrant voodoo culture. Visitors can experience the voodoo religion up close by attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year.
Traditional Handicrafts
Southern Benin has a thriving traditional handicraft industry. Visitors can purchase hand-woven textiles, baskets, and other unique souvenirs at local markets and shops.
Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Benin
Here’s a week-long itinerary for visitors to Southern Benin:
Day 1: Arrive in Cotonou and explore the bustling marketplaces and street food stalls.
Day 2: Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey
Day 3: Hike Mount Sokbaro
Day 4: Go on a safari tour of Pendjari National Park
Day 5: Visit the Sacred Forests of Ouidah and the Door of No Return
Day 6: Spend the day at the beach in Grand Popo
Day 7: Take part in a cultural excursion around Cotonou
Food and Drink Scene of Southern Benin
Must-Try Dishes
Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
A traditional Beninese dish, it is made by pounding yam and served with a thick soup made of ground melon seeds.
Grilled Fish and Plantains
Grilled fish and plantains are a must-try dish in Southern Benin. They are typically served at local beachside shacks and make for a tasty and affordable meal.
Local Beverages
Palm Wine
Palm wine is a popular local beverage made from the sap of palm trees. Visitors can enjoy it at local bars and street food stalls.
Where to Stay in Southern Benin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Southern Benin has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences:
Hotels
- Azalai Hotel de la Plage
- Novotel Cotonou Orisha
- Golden Tulip Le Diplomate
Hostels
- Sunbeach Hotel and Resort
- Jardin de l’Ouro
- Résidence Tito
What to Buy in Southern Benin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors to Southern Benin can find a variety of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home:
- Handwoven textiles and baskets
- Carvings and sculptures
- Voodoo dolls and other religious artifacts
- Local spices and condiments
Local Culture and Customs of Southern Benin
Southern Benin has a diverse culture that is heavily influenced by the vodun religion. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious sites and festivals.
Best Time to Visit Southern Benin
The best time to visit Southern Benin is during the dry season (November to February) when the weather is cooler and the skies are clear.
Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Benin
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Learn a few French phrases to communicate with locals
Don’t:
- Take photographs without first asking for permission
- Give money or gifts to begging children
Safety and Health
Safety in Southern Benin
Southern Benin is considered a relatively safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should exercise caution and avoid traveling alone at night or in isolated areas.
Health in Southern Benin
Visitors to Southern Benin should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and yellow fever. It is also important to drink bottled water and avoid street food to prevent stomach illnesses.
Getting to Southern Benin: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Southern Benin
The main airport in Southern Benin is Cotonou International Airport. It is served by several international and domestic airlines.
Bus Stations Near Southern Benin
- Cotonou Bus Station
- Porto Novo Bus Station
- Parakou Bus Station
Other Options
Visitors to Southern Benin can also travel by train or boat.
How to Get Around in Southern Benin
Public transportation options in Southern Benin include buses and taxis. Visitors can also hire a car and driver or rent a motorcycle to explore the region.
Where to Go Next from Southern Benin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Southern Benin is the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of West Africa. Nearby destinations include Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria. Visitors can also take a boat trip along Lake Nokoué or visit the nearby village of Ganvié, known as the Venice of Africa.
Conclusion
Southern Benin is a diverse and vibrant region that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring history and culture, hiking and biking through rugged landscapes, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Southern Benin has it all. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty and charm of this unique West African destination.
