Travel : Benin - Sightseeings & other details of this African nation

 

Benin is a small country in West Africa, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. Bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Benin offers a mix of coastal beauty, savannas, and historical sites. The capital city, Porto-Novo, is a charming city with colonial architecture, while Cotonou, the largest city, serves as the economic hub.

### Best Spots to Visit

1. **Cotonou**

   - **Description:** The largest city and economic center of Benin.

   - **Highlights:** Dantokpa Market, Fidjrosse Beach, and the Fondation Zinsou art museum.

2. **Porto-Novo**

   - **Description:** The official capital of Benin, known for its colonial architecture and museums.

   - **Highlights:** The Royal Palace, Ethnographic Museum, and the Great Mosque.

3. **Ouidah**

   - **Description:** A historical town with a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade.

   - **Highlights:** The Door of No Return, the Sacred Forest of Kpasse, and the Ouidah Museum of History.

4. **Abomey**

   - **Description:** The former capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey, known for its royal palaces.

   - **Highlights:** The Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Historical Museum of Abomey, and the vibrant local market.

5. **Ganvié**

   - **Description:** A village on stilts in Lake Nokoué, known as the "Venice of Africa."

   - **Highlights:** Boat tours, exploring the unique stilt village, and learning about the local way of life.

6. **Pendjari National Park**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in the northwest of Benin, known for its wildlife.

   - **Highlights:** Safari tours to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and various bird species, as well as beautiful landscapes.

7. **Tanougou Falls**

   - **Description:** A scenic waterfall located near Pendjari National Park.

   - **Highlights:** Swimming in the natural pool, hiking, and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

8. **Nokoué Lake**

   - **Description:** A large lake near Cotonou, popular for fishing and bird watching.

   - **Highlights:** Boat tours, bird watching, and visiting the nearby village of Ganvié.

### Best Seasons to Visit

The best time to visit Benin is during the dry seasons. The major dry season runs from November to February, and the minor dry season occurs from July to August. These periods offer more favorable weather for travel and outdoor activities. The rainy seasons, from April to June and September to October, bring heavy rains and can make travel more challenging due to muddy roads and high humidity.

### Best Cuisines

Beninese cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a mix of indigenous, French, and African influences. Some must-try dishes include:

- **Akassa:** A fermented maize dish, often served with a spicy tomato sauce.

- **Pâte:** A staple food made from maize or millet flour, similar to polenta, served with various sauces.

- **Yovo Doko:** Sweet deep-fried dough balls, commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

- **Fufu:** A dough-like food made from boiled and pounded yams, cassava, or plantains, typically served with soups or stews.

- **Grilled Fish:** Fresh fish grilled with local spices, often served with attiéké (cassava couscous) or rice.

- **Amiwo:** A seasoned cornmeal dish, often served with tomato sauce and fried chicken.

- **Poulet à la Beninoise:** A spicy grilled chicken dish, marinated in local spices and served with rice or fried plantains.

- **Ablo:** Steamed rice or corn flour cakes, often eaten with sauces or grilled meats.

### Airlines Connectivity

Benin is primarily served by Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. Some of the airlines providing connectivity to Benin include:

- **Air France:** Offers flights from Paris to Cotonou.

- **Brussels Airlines:** Provides connections from Brussels to Cotonou.

- **Royal Air Maroc:** Connects Cotonou with Casablanca and other destinations.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Offers flights from Addis Ababa to Cotonou.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Provides connections from Istanbul to Cotonou.

- **Asky Airlines:** Offers regional flights from various West African cities.

- **Air Côte d'Ivoire:** Connects Cotonou with Abidjan and other West African destinations.

Travelers from other parts of the world can usually find convenient connecting flights through major hubs such as Paris, Brussels, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Abidjan.