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Benin

Once the heart of the prosperous slave-trading kingdom of Dan-Homey, Benin today is a friendly country that is becoming increasingly popular. Abomey, once the capital of Dan-Homey is the place to see restored temple complexes and the museum containing the royal treasures. As with Togo, voodoo is practiced widely in Benin, and there are many temples and markets related to this practice. Ouidah is a center of voodoo and contains a python temple where you can pose with pythons. Another former kingdom capital is Porto Novo, which served as capital of the Gun people, and contains the restored palace. Accessible only by boat, Ganvie rises on stilts above Lac Nokoue, and is said to be Africa’s largest lake village. The Pendjari National Park offers ample game viewing opportunities, including lions, elephants, and buffalo.

Last edited Aug 31, 07 12:03 AM.
1. Lac Nokoué
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Ganvie, Benin
Situated next to the largest lake village in Africa - the town of Ganvie, Lake Nokoué is about 20km wide and 11km long. It is an important site for a number of waterbirds including the African Openbill, the..
2. Pendjari National Park
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Northern Savanna, Benin
Situated in the far north-west of Benin, Pendjari National Park is famous for its wildlife and scenery. Named for the Pendjari river, inhabitants of the Pendjari National Park include hippos, antelopes, lions,..
3. Lion Bar
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Grand-Popo, Benin
4. Place de Congress
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Cotonou, Benin
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Travel Tips for Benin

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1. Michael's Tip on Ganvie
Ganvie, Benin
Ganvie is cool place in the fact that it is a town of 18,000 people who live in the middle of a lake in bamboo huts on stilts. It's a huge tourist attraction in the area but still quite interesting to walk around. I don't really recommend buying souvenirs here as it's not the best deal.
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2. Bob's Tip on Cotonou
Cotonou, Benin
Make sure to see the Fetish market; one of West Africa's wonders... the entire biology of the region displayed before you... in pieces.
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3. Aaron's Tip on Cotonou
Cotonou, Benin
Cotonou is the capital of Benin and it is considered a good place to see various Voodoo related attractions since Benin is a center of the Voodoo religion.
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4. Center's Tip on Abomey
Abomey, Southern Plains, Benin
Never buy souvenirs made from wild animal products (such as skins, ivory or bone). It’s illegal, and in most cases, supports poaching practices.
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5. Massimo's Tip on Ouidah
Ouidah, Southern Plains, Benin
Is one of the sacred town for Voodon in Benin. There is the Sacred Forest that is worth a visit and the Python Temple (no it's only a name... no reptiles at all). Is a quiet and nice town.. From town there is the Road of the Slaves that brings you to the beach where the slavers boat left. There is also a modern monument (the gate of non-return) that was built few years ago.
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6. Laura's Tip on Koussoukoingou
Koussoukoingou, Benin
Rite de passage pour la visite des Tata sombas ! Un acceuil chaleureux dans un village où tous restent humbles et accueillants ... "Patron" à rencontrer avec sa famille, digne des scenes du dessin animé Kirikou !
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7. Regis's Tip on Abomey-Calavi
Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Visit the "City of the Kings" in Abomey. It's very interesting. See how leaders in Africa build huge kingdom across several ethnical groups over more than 7 actual countries. Centuaries of History
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8. Michel's Tip on Parakou
Parakou, Northern Savanna, Benin
Large city of the north of Benin, on the road to Niger.
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9. Rahel's Tip on Cotonou
Cotonou, Benin
Go and see Ganvie (a little town on the water in the Bay between Cotonou and Porto Novo) and to the market "Tantokpa" in Cotonou!
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10. Charalampos's Tip on Ganvie
Ganvie, Benin
Certainly worth it, the Venice of Africa in Ganvie will make a nice (and safe) boat trip, where you will see how some people live on stilts. Ganvie offers souvenir buying galore, and some of the things are really attractive, so bring some extra cash. People friendly, sites varied, lots of photo opportunities here...and generally easy to get to.
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