The small West African country of Benin hosts interesting historical ruins of the old Kingdom of Dahomey, as well as one of the best National Parks in West Africa teeming with African wildlife. A land of natural beauty, Benin has palm-fringed beaches, sheltered bays, rivers and savannas just waiting to be explored. Once a prospering West African empire, the French-speaking Benin is also known as the birthplace of the magical voodoo religion, known locally as Vodun.
Nature attractions. Benin is a land of unexceptional natural beauty. There are great opportunities for wildlife viewing in Benin. One of the best national parks in West Africa, the Pendjari National Park in northern Benin is teeming with African wildlife, including elephants, lions, monkeys, antelopes and hippos. The landscape of Benin is mostly flat with some hills and low mountains. There are jungles, savanna and rivers good for fishing, big game hunting and trekking in Benin.
Tropical beaches. Benin has a short coastline by the Bight of Benin in the Atlantic Ocean. There are palm-fringed sandy beaches, lakes and lagoons on the coast, just waiting to be discovered. The main beach resort in Benin is Grand Popo in the southwest of the country.
Limited services. Benin has somewhat limited selection of facilities for visitors. The majority of the hotels in Benin are located in Cotonou or in Porto-Novo and targeted for both businessmen and leisure visitors. In the hotels you can find bars, karaoke bars and nightclubs. The best restaurants in Benin are located in the biggest towns or in the big hotels. English is not widely spoken in Benin, and therefore it is advisable to learn some French, which is the official language in Benin.
How to get there. Benin is located in western Africa, between Nigeria and Togo.
Palaces and parks teeming with African wildlife - Attractions in Benin
Benin is one of the smallest countries in West Africa but has still lot to offer for a visitor. Once part of a magnificent West African Empire, Benin hosts some ruins of palaces and temples located in Abomey. These spectacular palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abomey has also a museum where you can learn more about the rich culture of Benin. Located by a beautiful lagoon, Porto-Novo is the main port of the country. However, the seat of the government is located in Cotonou, which is also the largest city in Benin.Nature attractions. Benin is a land of unexceptional natural beauty. There are great opportunities for wildlife viewing in Benin. One of the best national parks in West Africa, the Pendjari National Park in northern Benin is teeming with African wildlife, including elephants, lions, monkeys, antelopes and hippos. The landscape of Benin is mostly flat with some hills and low mountains. There are jungles, savanna and rivers good for fishing, big game hunting and trekking in Benin.
Tropical beaches. Benin has a short coastline by the Bight of Benin in the Atlantic Ocean. There are palm-fringed sandy beaches, lakes and lagoons on the coast, just waiting to be discovered. The main beach resort in Benin is Grand Popo in the southwest of the country.
Practical information for your stay in Benin
Benin has a hot and humid climate with two rainy and two dry seasons. The most rainfall can be expected from April to July. The main dry season in Benin runs from December through April. The dry wind of Harmattan blows from December to March. The average maximum temperature in Benin is around 31°C and the minimum 24°C.Limited services. Benin has somewhat limited selection of facilities for visitors. The majority of the hotels in Benin are located in Cotonou or in Porto-Novo and targeted for both businessmen and leisure visitors. In the hotels you can find bars, karaoke bars and nightclubs. The best restaurants in Benin are located in the biggest towns or in the big hotels. English is not widely spoken in Benin, and therefore it is advisable to learn some French, which is the official language in Benin.
How to get there. Benin is located in western Africa, between Nigeria and Togo.
Photo: Sara&Joachim, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
The main airport located in Cotonou receives some flights to Benin from Europe and other West African countries. Porto-Novo is located approximately one hour away from Cotonou.
Getting around in Benin is easiest by local bush taxis. Minibuses and trains are also available, but they tend to be slower. Regular taxis are also available in town areas. Roads in Benin are generally in fairly good condition. Therefore you might consider car rental in Benin.
Safety. What comes to the security situation in Benin, it is one of the safest and most stable countries in West Africa. However, you should know that southern Benin in particular suffers from crime targeted for tourists. Muggings and theft are not rare, so avoid traveling alone especially after dark.
History and culture of Benin
What we today know as Benin was once a prospering West African kingdom named Dahomey. The area was conquered by the French in 1892. Benin gained independence from France in 1960. Today, Benin is a developing country trying to promote economic growth. Agriculture, cotton production and tourism are the major income earners in the country.Diverse culture. Benin is home to several ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Dendi, Bariba, Fulbe, the Betammaribe, Somba, Fon, Mina and Aja. Native folk music and voodoo religion play an important role in the Beninese society. If you want to experience some unique shopping in Benin, visit some market where they sell voodoo ornaments and local handicrafts. Marketplaces can be found in almost every town in Benin.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Lagos
