Experience Voodoo and local traditions
This 8-day West Africa tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, beginning in Cotonou, Benin and concluding in Lomé, Togo. Travelers will visit significant sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade, including Ouidah’s Route of Slaves and the historic Abomey Palaces. Experience the unique stilt village of Ganvié, interact with the Taneka and Batammariba communities, and witness traditional practices like the Sokodé fire dance. Along the journey, explore lush waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling markets, and artisan hubs, offering a comprehensive cultural experience across Benin and Togo.
Trip Itinerary
Upon arrival in Cotonou, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in before setting out on a brief city tour. Explore Cotonou’s vibrant markets, admire its colonial architecture, and experience the bustling atmosphere of its harbor. Overnight stay in Cotonou.
Traveling to Ouidah, you’ll visit the Ouidah Museum of History to learn about the transatlantic slave trade and local culture, before walking the historic Route of Slaves that leads to the solemn Door of No Return. The day continues with a visit to the Sacred Forest of Kpassè, a spiritual site filled with ancient trees and statues of deities. Overnight stay in Ouidah.
This day takes you to Ganvié, Africa’s largest stilt village, often called the “Venice of Africa,” where you’ll enjoy a boat tour through its unique waterways. From there, continue to Abomey to explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Palaces, once the powerful seat of the Dahomey kingdom, and the Historical Museum of Abomey, which houses relics of the kingdom’s rulers. Overnight stay in Abomey.
Depart Abomey and stop at the sacred site of Place Dankoli, a revered location in voodoo practice, before journeying onward to the Taneka hilltop village, where stone dwellings and deep-rooted traditions await. Later, relax at the scenic Kota Falls before settling in for an overnight stay in Natitingou.
Cross the border into northern Togo and continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Koutammakou region. Here, you’ll discover the remarkable Batammariba villages, home to the iconic clay tower houses known as “Takienta,” a unique architectural tradition still in use today. Overnight stay in Kara
Journey south through Togo, stopping to admire the serene Kpimé Falls near Kpalimé before visiting the Kloto Craft Center, where local artisans create batik fabrics, wood carvings, and traditional paintings. Continue on to Lomé, the vibrant capital city, where you’ll spend the night.
Spend the day discovering Lomé, beginning at the National Museum, which showcases Togolese history and culture, and continuing to the famous Akodesssewa Fetish Market, the largest voodoo market in West Africa. You’ll also explore the lively Grand Marché, shop for local crafts, and visit the historic Agbodrafo Wood Slave House. The tour concludes with a trip to Togoville, known as the cradle of Togo, where you’ll explore its voodoo heritage and colonial-era German Cathedral. Overnight stay in Lomé.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable West African adventure.