For millions of Beninese, Vodoo is a part of everyday life and is considered a religion (practiced by around 60% of Benin’s 7.4 million inhabitants).
Thousands of believers have flocked to Ouidah, the historic center of the Vodoo cult, to receive the blessings of the city’s Vodoo chief. The celebrations to honor the spirits are marked by a lot of singing, dancing, drumming and other rituals.
If you like mysticism, adventure, experiences and being in contact with other cultures and religions, if you have no preconceptions, then this trip is just for you!
Benin isn’t the most obvious destination when you think of Africa, but the truth is that it was once one of the most powerful empires on the African continent, during the Dahomey kingdom.
The ruins of his palace can still be visited in Abomey, and in Ouidah, to the south, we are forced to remember where this power and wealth came from: it was in Benin that one of the most important slave routes was consolidated, taking Africans mainly to Brazil and the Caribbean territories. It’s interesting to visit the museum in Porto Novo to learn about this fusion of Afro-Brazilian culture.
9 Days
5 – 12 people
1550€
900€
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Benin - Cotonou
You'll arrive in Cotonou and it will be the day to meet the group and interact with the city for the first time. Start getting used to the rhythm of Benin. You'll know where you're going to rest so that the next day you can embark on a new adventure!
Day 2
Cotonou
The day before you felt the rhythm, but today you will see the true essence of this city. You'll have a guided tour with your leader, where you'll visit the Vudu market, the Zinsou foundation, where you'll see modern art made by Beninese artists and you'll also visit the famous "Marché Dantokpa"!
Day 3
African Venice
Have you heard of African Venice? So! Benin has a floating city that we will visit. His name is Ganvié and it will be a unique experience!
Day 4
Abomey
After breakfast, we'll set off for the former capital of the kingdom of Dahomey - Abomey is home to some centuries-old palaces whose structures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We'll visit the palaces and also the Abomey museum, it'll be a trip back in time! Today we will spend the night in a different place and only the next day will we return to Cotonou.
Day 5
Trip until Cotonou
There were still a few details left to see during this day in Abomey. After the tour, we'll make our way back to Cotonou, where we'll have dinner and sleep.
Day 6
The Great Mosque
Today is the day to visit the Grand Mosque! If we go to Porto Novo and visit another palace and an additional museum! It will be another cultural day where we will learn more about the history of this beautiful country.
Day 7
The slave route
After breakfast, we set off in the direction of another piece of history. We'll follow the slave route and visit a Portuguese fort. For those who want to get on board, we'll visit a pithon temple. Snakes are a symbol of spirituality and a kind of totem for those who practice voodoo!
Day 8
Vodoo Festival
The Voodoo Festival is here! The long-awaited day! Strip away your prejudices, clear your mind of what you know and embrace the unknown. It will be intense, it will be unbelievable at times, it will be unforgettable! Make the most of every feeling, every sensation and let yourself be carried away and immersed in a culture so different from your own! It will be a full day, at the end of which we will rest
Day 9
Returning home
The day has come when you think about everything that happened on this trip, share opinions with the group, contacts and start thinking about your next trip!
Frequent Questions
What kind of accommodation am I staying in on this trip?
The accommodations on this trip are Guest House
We use twin or double rooms (on request).
If you want a single room, you will have to pay a supplement.
What kind of transportation did we use on this trip?
The transportation used on this trip is a minibus
Does Triskelion Expeditions handle the flights?
Yes, although we don’t include the cost of flights in the trip, we can also take care of them if you wish. All you have to do is tell us when you book.
We send you a quote with the price of the flights at the time and then you decide whether to buy with Triskelion, on your own or with another agency.
Are arrival and departure transfers included?
That’s right, transfers are included in the price of the trip.
There is one flight on the trip that is recommended for the group to arrive at the same time, so transfers are available according to the arrival time of this flight. If you opt for flights with a different arrival time, these are no longer included (in which case there is no refund of the transfer fee).
Where do I meet the leader?
The meeting with the leader takes place at the destination airport.
If I enrol alone, do I have to pay an individual supplement?
It is not compulsory, as we will group together those who sign up for a double room with a twin bed (where possible), by sex and order of registration, travellers who sign up for the trip alone. If the number of travellers is odd, the participant who is left alone will have to pay the respective single supplement.
If you want to stay in a single room, then you will have to pay the single supplement.
What documentation do I need to make this journey?
For this trip you will need to carry a passport valid for at least six months after the date of departure from the country.
A visa is required to enter Benin (70€)
Can I arrive before and leave after the group?
Yes, if you want to arrive in Cotonou before the group and leave after the end of the group trip, you can.
In that case, if you wish, we can book the accommodation for you, or you can choose to buy it without Triskelion Expeditions.
How are meals not included?
Meals that are not included can be taken as a group, in places recommended by the leader or local guides, or you can prefer to eat somewhere else that suits you better, with other people or on your own.
How can I pay for this trip?
A minimum payment of 35 per cent of the cost of the trip is required to confirm the booking.
The remaining amount must be paid at least 45 days before the start date of the trip.
The remaining value of the trip can be paid in instalments up to 45 days before the beginning of the trip.
There is no refund of the amount paid at the time of booking, after confirmation of the trip.
Can I cancel the trip?
You can cancel your trip up until the day we confirm it by email.
If you want to cancel the trip after it has been confirmed, you will incur costs that we have already paid for services to be used on the trip.
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