Benin People & Culture

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.

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.

Hilacondji is the border town between Togo and Benin. It is a fairly hassle free border as long as you are polite and willing to follow the slow and bureauchratic process. Hundreds and hundreds of people are sellling all kinds of things in the nomansland between the countries and if you are not in a hurry it is fun to stroll around and talk to people and buy something just to have bought something in nomansland. Be a bit careful after dark, since the risk of being robbed increases (not that it is likely, but still higher risk).

Grand Popo is a great place to stay if you want a calm place. You'll be one of the very few tourist. Most of other guests are local business people.

Be aware. The guys are hustlers because there is a Finnish Cultural Center right around here.

The men are hustlers, so be prepared to stand up for yourself. There is a Finnish cultural center nearby.

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.

Make sure to see the Fetish market; one of West Africa's wonders... the entire biology of the region displayed before you... in pieces.

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.

Never buy souvenirs made from wild animal products (such as skins, ivory or bone). It’s illegal, and in most cases, supports poaching practices.

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.