SOME TOURIST SITES IN BENIN

 

The Republic of Benin, formerly known as the Republic of Dahomey, is a multifaceted country teeming with major tourist attractions. Benin's tourist offerings are very diverse, with opportunities for all types of tourism, including cultural tourism, beach tourism, ecotourism, agrotourism, religious tourism, and crafts. Here are some examples of renowned tourist attractions in Benin.

 

 

 

 

 

ROYAL PALACES OF ABOMEY

 

The historic capital of the Kingdom of Danxomè, located 135 km from Cotonou, Abomey was founded in the 16th century by King Houégbadja. From 1625 to 1900, twelve (12) kings succeeded one another at the head of the powerful Kingdom of Danxomè. The most famous of these is King Gbêhanzin, who fought fiercely against French invasion before surrendering to the troops of General Alfred Amédée Dods. He was then deported to Martinique, then to Blida, Algeria, where he died on December 10, 1906.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ROYAL PALACE – HONMÈ MUSEUM OF PORTO-NOVO

 

Porto-Novo is the capital of the Republic of Benin. The city houses the Honmè Museum, which was once the palace of King Toffa, the first to sign a Protectorate Treaty with the French, to protect himself from attacks by his rival from Abomey, King Béhanzin. Another museum, the Alexandre Senou Adande Ethnographic Museum, is also located there.​

 

 

 

 

 

OUIDAH HISTORY MUSEUM

 

A former Portuguese fort and transit point for African slaves, the Ouidah fortress is now a museum retracing the history of Dahomey, Voodoo traditions, and slavery. Website: http://www.museeouidah.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

PORTO-NOVO ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

 

The Porto-Novo Ethnographic Museum is the first museum in Benin. Created in 1966 by the former Institute of Applied Research of Dahomey (IRAD) from the collections built by the Regional Center of the French Institute of Black Africa (IFAN), the Museum is housed in a colonial-style building. Here you can see Guéléde masks, wooden sculptures, Fa platters, musical instruments, and even bladed and firearms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL PARK – BENIN

 

Between savannah and forest, W National Park stretches across the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, covering more than a million hectares. It alone represents the region's biodiversity and offers travelers the opportunity to discover the varied wildlife of West Africa. Website: www.parc-w-benin.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

PENDJARI NATIONAL PARK

 

Pendjari Park is part of the largest protected reserve in West Africa, in the same geographical area as W National Park. The park alone covers 480,000 hectares. Designated a biosphere reserve since 1986, the Park is home to an extremely rich ecosystem. Website: www.pendjari.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LAKE CITY OF GANVIÉ

 

The lake city of Ganvié is nicknamed "the Venice of Africa." A fishing village with bamboo houses, Ganvié was built within a lagoon on Lake Nokoué. The city houses restaurants, hotels, a floating market, and many other attractions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SONGHAÏ CENTER

 

The Songhai Regional Center was created in October 1985 in Porto-Novo by the Dominican priest, Brother Godfrey Nzamujo, with the aim of contributing to food self-sufficiency in Africa. The Center's principle, "Nothing is lost, everything is transformed," is actively implemented through green and sustainable farming and production practices. The experience has been so successful that it has been replicated in other regions of Benin and Africa. Website: www.songhai.org

 

 

 

 

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

 

 

THE TEMPLE OF THE PYTHONS – OUIDAH

 

At the entrance to the city of Ouidah, stands the Temple of the Pythons, where these sacred animals are venerated. The Temple faces the Basilica of Ouidah, a symbol of religious tolerance in Benin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUELEDE MASKS

 

GUELEDE masks belong to the Yoruba cultural area. In the city of Kétou, the GUÈLÈDÈ is believed to protect its adherents from illness and death, and to ensure their happiness, wealth, and fertility. Women are at the heart of the symbolic and ritual expression of the GUÈLÈDÈ. The GUÈLÈDÈ was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

 

 

 

 

THE ZANGBÉTO

 

The Zangbéto or "Night Watchman" is a kind of night police force created by King Tê Agbanlin, founder of the city of Porto-Novo. In addition to the usual nighttime outings, the Zangbéto performs dances and mystical demonstrations during cultural events. Today, the Zangbéto is widespread throughout the southern region of Benin and also in Togo.

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​​VODUN FESTIVAL

 

Benin is the cradle of Vodun religious traditions. It is an integral part of Beninese and Togolese culture. Every January 10th of each year, the Festival of Endogenous Religions takes place in Benin, the subject of numerous cultural events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GANI FESTIVAL

 

Every year in December, the town of Nikki in northern Benin vibrates with the Gani festivities, which celebrate the cultural identity of the Baatonu people. The festival lasts seven (7) days during which the Bariba King of Nikki receives gifts from all the Chiefs of his Kingdom as well as from the other Bariba Kings of Kouandé, Kandi, and Banikoara, who come to pledge allegiance to him.

 

 

 

 

 

NONVITCHA FESTIVAL

 

Nonvitcha is the oldest festive association in Benin. Indeed, created in 1921, it brings together the Xwla and Xwéda peoples every year, who gather for various cultural and commemorative events in the town of Grand-Popo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

YAM FESTIVAL

 

Yam is a prized agricultural product in central Benin. It is the staple food and has a cultural value rooted in local traditions. On August 15th of each year, the entire region, particularly the town of Savalou, vibrates to the rhythm of the Yam Festival, during which numerous culinary, cultural, and recreational activities are organized.

Please visit the following websites for more information on Benin's tourist attractions:

www.tourismebenin.bj
www.benin-tourisme.com
www.portailculturebenin.com