Holiday in Benin

Voodoo · Forts · Wildlife

The travel experts at Holiday Hamster can plan your trip to Benin, taking care of all the details, so all you have to think about is what to pack.

Benin Culture, Voodoo and Tradition

Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country located in West Africa and bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. A French-speaking nation, Benin is a small country with a predominantly young population which is known for its unique “bronze’ sculptures and for being the birthplace of Voodoo.

The country celebrates this unique day every year with a traditional Fête du Vodoun where the people celebrate the history and culture of their ancestors and traditions.

Unlike the Western view of Voodoo that most of us think of, the practice is about encouraging peace and prosperity (although animal sacrifices are still part of this tradition – perhaps not one for the squeamish!) Benin’s unique culture and traditions make this a fascinating place for visitors to discover.

Cotonou Markets and Coastal Charm

Head to the city of Cotonou to experience a taste of this bustling African culture. Located close to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, this city has lots to offer in terms of varying landscapes if the city gets too much.

A must-do is to wander the frenetic stalls of the Dantokpa Market which is filled with smells, sounds and eye-watering displays of all kinds of goods.

Don’t forget to seek out the Voodoo Fetish Market area which sells all manner of fascinating and often grotesque products.

Porto Novo is the capital of Benin, and although small and leisurely compared to Cotonou, the city offers plenty to keep travellers busy. The Portuguese colonial buildings here are beautiful and you can visit the Royal Palace and a variety of museums.

Abomey History and Coastal Heritage

Head to the UNESCO-listed heritage site of Abomey which was the ancient capital of Dahomey (Benin’s former name). Here you can explore the Dahomey Royal Palaces and learn more about the fascinating kings that lived here.

The coastal town of Grand-Popo is an interesting spot to visit to learn more about the slave trade which was once the home of a major slave port. Now a beautiful palm tree-lined beach, it’s important to understand the history of this town and its people.

Stroll along the beautiful Mono River and admire mangroves and exotic birds and spend an afternoon visiting the Finnish-African cultural centre of Villa Karo where you can learn more about the vibrant Benin culture. For a unique experience, visit the Temple of Pythons where you can see a pit of pythons – which are considered a totem in Benin, especially in the art of Voodoo.