Benin Travel Facts

Benin is in West Africa. It is considered a developing country and borders Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. Benin is one of the poorest countries in the world. It is not considered a safe travel destination.

Source: Destination Explorer

Fast facts to know

• A third of Beninese live below the poverty line.
• The country has poorly developed infrastructure and high national debt.
• Widespread and practiced voodoo (photographing = bad idea!).
• At the time of the royal palaces of Abomey, the kings ruled here very cruelly and encouraged the slave trade.
• Increased vigilance is advised when traveling into the country.
• Half of the Beninese belong to Christianity, a quarter to Islam.
• Diverse art scene.

Exciting cities in Benin

• Porto Nova
• Cotonou
• Port city of Ouidah
• Water town Ganvié (“African Venice”)
• Abomey
• Ketou

History of Benin

• Part of the Kingdom of Dahomey since the 17th century.
• From 1805 occupied by the French under Napoleon.
• Later protectorate of France and then part of the Federation of French West Africa.
• Independent from 1960 as Republic of Dahomey.
• In 1974 Marxism-Leninism became the state ideology.
• 1975 renaming to the People’s Republic of Benin.
• 1990 Abandonment of Marxist-Leninist doctrine, founding of a presidential democracy.

Climate & travel weather in Benin

• Tropical weather, consistently warm all year round, high humidity.
• South: hot and humid climate with 2 dry and 2 rainy seasons (May – June / October – November).
• North: Influenced by the Sahel zone, only one rainy season (June – September).
• Recommended travel time:
  • Drying times:
    • South: December – March & July – August.
    • North: November – February.
    • In rainy season many roads impassable.

Ideas for trips in Benin

• Traditional equestrian games in Nikki.
• Observe African wildlife in the national parks.
• Voodoo-Feste in Ouidah.
• Ruins of the Royal Palaces at Abomey.
• Market in Adjarra.
• Völkerkundemuseum in Porto Novo.
• Royal residence in Ketou.

Eating & Drinking in Benin

• Heavily influenced by French cuisine.
• Traditional cuisine is very spicy and based on corn and cassava.
• Couscous, rice, beans are also served.
• Yams (root vegetables) as a staple in the north.
• Close to the coast: Fish and seafood popular.
• Street vending widespread.
• Beef, pork and chicken are very popular, but goat and turkey are also often featured.
• More exotic meats: opossums, snakes or monkeys.
• Local pubs call themselves Buvettes.
• Beers, whiskey and palm wine very popular.
• Land of delicious fruit juices.
• Typical dishes:
  • Accra Funfun (Fried White Bean Balls).
  • Lamb shoulder in peanut sauce.
  • Peul-Kase.

Particularly scenic

• Beautiful coastal scenery with lagoons and white beaches.
• National Park W (World Heritage).
• Pendjari-National Park.
• Atakora mountain range.
• Kudou-, Tanougou-, Koto-Wasserfälle.