Good things come in small
packages! Benin is ideal for a short tour
or one that clubs many countries, due to its small size. There is
something in store for nature and culture lovers. Sights to visit
include small beaches and lagoons with
pile villages in the south of Benin. The region is extremely
picturesque and  interesting with its voodoo
culture and a chronicle of the land , its past of royal rule, slavery
and colonialism. For beautiful landscapes including a
mixture of Grasslands or Savannas, hills and waterfalls, the northern
region is the perfect destination. Here in the area of Somba,
one will come across distinct architecture, customs and traditions. For
an animal lover, there is no place like Pendjari wildlife
park , in the north, with many animals like elephants, lions,
baboons, antelopes, buffaloes and many different types of birds.
Cotonou:
This is the business hub and the largest city of
the country with a population of 900,000 people. one is likely to be
overwhelmed by the taxi traffic and vendors
dotting the city which by themselves
make an interesting sight. The markets here are the
happening places with almost every item from under the sun being sold
here. Right from fabric, musical instruments, vegetables and fruits
etc. There is also a place selling voodoo
items like amulets, dried animals, tree
bark, spices and statues.
Ganvié:
This is a place with a fishing
backdrop. Right from houses which are built atop lake Nokouh`e and
people making a living out of fishing – men fish and women sell them in
the market of Cotonou. The transportation here is the traditional boat or sometimes crowded boat taxis. The pirogue is used for commutation and for commercial
purposes like selling and buying goods in the market. Besides there are
other boats in the market which are used for selling goods.
Porto Novo:
Port Novo is the beautiful Capital
City of Benin, situated on a lagoon. It is a small provincial town,
which is the administrative heart of the country and it has a small
population of 140.000 inhabitants. The house of the Da
Silva family, ( now the Museum), its rooms reconstructed, give a
glimpse of the life of the descendants of the Brazilian slaves that
returned to Benin. Other places of interest include the anthropological
museum, which gives you a glimpse of the culture and traditions of
the people, and the palace, which is open to public.
Ouidah:
 This coastal town was the heart of
the ‘Slave Coast’ as Southern Benin was called in the 19th
century. There is a museum in the former Portuguese fortress, which
depicts the ruthless trade of slaves by the European traders to the
North and South American plantations. Slaves were the main ‘commodity’
of trade who also became a bone of contention between kingdoms. The
prisoners of war of these kingdoms were traded for weapons, munitions
and ordinary items like utensils and beads. In fact there is a ‘slave route’ on the beach that leads to the monument in
the memory of the slaves at the ‘point of no return’
or point from where the slaves would bid their land farewell forever.
The voodoo culture too is very prominent in Ouidah,
and the snake temple is a special attraction where you can take
photograph with snakes around your neck. Don’t be shocked to see snakes
roaming about as freely as you do as they are set free at the end of
the day. You will come across many holy places and practices here.
Abomey:
This place, one of great historical importance
as the home of the kingdom of Dan-Homé, one of the
most powerful kingdoms of Western Africa, has lots of bloodshed and
battles in its history. The Amazons or powerful female
warriors are associated with this place. One gets a glimpse of the wars
and fights in the museum, which was the palace. The
kings had their very own palaces and some of them have been restored,
beautifully, especially the bas-reliefs. One can tour these with a
guide. The museum also houses a craft bazar and
demonstrations of craft methods. Other places to visit include old
places of historical interest as well as voodoo temples.
Natitingou and surroundings:
This is a pleasant, picturesque town in the
Northwest of Benin, located on a lovely valley and is of great
significance. It is known for its great climate and is
ideal for trips to the waterfalls and hamlets. The Somba
museum describes the life of the Somba people.
Pays Somba:
The Somba settlement is
different and interesting in its own way. The
architecture, has castle-like homes called Tata-Somba
spread far apart to preserve tradition and their houses are
characterized by various floors and thick walls devoid of windows to
keep intruders out. They live an isolated life as compared to other
settlements in Africa. Welfare organizations have trained guides and
taught women the importance of hygiene in cooking. For tourists, the
local dances organized by the natives are an attraction, in which the
whole village joins to make it one large celebration. Tourist bathrooms
at various places were additions. The markets here are just as
interesting as elsewhere, especially since markets are put up every
four days when fresh Tsiouk or sorghumbeer is brewed.
Pendjari Game Park:
This game park is an animal lover’s delight for the type of fauna it houses is some of the
best in West Africa. One will find elephants, baboons, bucks,
antelopes, lions, and many birds. There are picturesque waterfalls
nearby which are worth visiting. Accommodation is not a problem as one
can choose from simple to luxurious hotels inside and outside the park
to spend the night.
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