Benin, a French-speaking West African nation, is a birthplace of the vodun (or “voodoo”) religion and home to the former Dahomey Kingdom from circa 1600–1900. In Abomey, Dahomey’s former capital, the Historical Museum occupies two royal palaces with bas-reliefs recounting the kingdom’s past and a throne mounted on human skulls. To the north, Pendjari National Park offers safaris with elephants, hippos and lions.
Day 01: Cotonou- Porto Novo
Arrive Cotonou meet and assist and transfer to hotel.
After breakfast, we will depart to Drabo in Abomey Calavi, a managed forest where we will observe the Red-bellied monkey. The sanctuary is home to many threatened forest plant species in Benin. In the afternoon you will drive back to Cotonou for lunch. Later we will go to Porto Novo in “Jardin des Plantes” where we will see another kind of monkey.
Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 02: Gnanhouizounmè Sacred Forest
After breakfast, meet the guide at the hotel lobby, today you will visit Gnanhouizounmè sacred forest, a dense flooded forest that is the refuge of a variety of wildlife species. Here you will have an up-close with a Red-bellied monkey, Tantalus Monkey, and Mona monkey. You’ll have the chance to discover the circuit “Wogboto”, the culture of Wémènou, the village history, and daily activities of the locals such as fishing, basket weaving, and agriculture. You will have a chance at the amazing architecture of the houses in Gnanhouizounmè.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Gnanhouizounmè – Kikélé
After breakfast, you will visit the forest to watch the dining routine of the Monkey as you get entertained. You will brag a quick lunch before proceeding to Kikélé located in west Benin. You will have a detour at the sacred forest where you will see different species of wildlife. Continue with the drive arriving at Kikélé in the late evening.
Overnight at Guest House
Day 04: Kikélé
After breakfast, explore the village to learn about its history and culture. We will immerse the green forest to admire the rich fauna and flora where you will have an opportunity to observe the tame White thighed colobus, a majestic monkey where the local people consider as their ancestors. The Mona monkey could be also seen in the forest if we are lucky. You will also learn about several plants used by the locals as traditional medicine. Dinner.
Overnight at Guest House.
Day 05: Kikélé-Natitingou
After breakfast depart to Natitingou located in the northwest of Benin. This a long way of driving but with several detours and beautiful vegetation on the road. You will stop at Fulani villages to learn about the culture and history of the Fula people and to have a quick lunch.
In the afternoon we will arrive at Natitingou and visit the regional museum.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Pendjari National Park
After breakfast drive to Pendjari National Park, one of the most important animal reserves in West-Africa and a Unesco heritage. Upon arrival, you will have a game to have an up-close with lions, elephants, antelopes, warthogs, buffalos, and much more.
Dinner and overnight will be at camp
Day 07: Pendjari National Park- Natitingou
Today after breakfast you will have an early game drive for another animal experience and back to the camp for launch. In the afternoon you will visit the waterfall where you can swim and relax. before the sunset, you will leave the wild and back to Natitingou.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 08: Natitingou- Teneka
After breakfast, l drive to Boukombe to visit Tata Somba and Otammari people that have a very interesting culture. when a member of the group turns 10, they make hundreds of scars on their face called “tchoudanfas” using a thin blade. You will have lunch as you learn about their culture and history.
In the afternoon we will drive to Taneka for the traditional dance of excision.
Overnight at hotel
Day 09: Taneka – Cotonou
Today in the morning you will embark on a hiking adventure to discover old Taneka villages located on a mountain. The villages are made of roundhouses covered with conical roofs protected at their top by terra cotta pots. You will learn the history and culture of this ethnic group. In the mid-morning will go back to the hotel for early breakfast. We will drive back to Cotonou where you will be dropped at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 10: Depart Cotonou
After breakfast departure transfer to Airport for onward journey.
Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
Cotonou | 01 | Hotel Maison Rouge Cotonou |
Gnanhouizounmè | 01 | Gnanhouizounmè Hotel |
Kikélé | 02 | Kikélé Guest House |
Natitingou | 01 | ToTora |
Pendjari NP | 01 | Pendjari camp |
Natitingou | 01 | ToTora |
Teneka | 01 | Teneka |
Cotonou | 01 | Hotel Maison Rouge Cotonou |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 09 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per Program
- Game Drive
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.