Welcome to the cradle of voodoo: In no other country are mystical religious ceremonies as widespread as in Benin. Voodoo is now even considered the state religion here. Wild dances and incantations of spirits and ancestors are an integral part of the small West African state on the Guinea coast. The Beninese even celebrate their own voodoo festival. Every year on January 10, Ouidah becomes the setting for indigenous dances, chants and rituals. But not only music and dance play a leading role in Benin’s voodoo culture. Snakes are also a must, especially the python. The majestic reptile even had its own temple built in Ouidah, better known as the Python Temple. More than 20 snakes inhabit the holy site.
Immerse yourself in the history of the West African slave trade
Historically, Benin also has a lot to offer its visitors, especially Ouidah. The picturesque port town was an important hub in the West African slave trade in the 18th century. If you want to immerse yourself in the dark chapter, visit the Portuguese Fort and the Historical Museum. The so-called slave route catapults you right back to the age of Benin’s slavery. From the auction site to the Gate of No Return, interested parties can follow the paths of the slaves and empathize with the people. One of the biggest masterminds in the West African slave trade at that time was the Kingdom of Dahomey. The high-ranking nobles had neighboring peoples attacked, declared the inhabitants prisoners of war and sold them on to the Europeans as slaves at a high price. The flourishing business brought the kingdom a considerable fortune, with which it built majestic palaces. Today, the magnificent tombs and palace ruins of Dahomey are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract thousands of visitors every year.
Welcome to the Venice of West Africa – in Ganvie
Venice not only cuts a fine figure in Italy, but also in Benin, West Africa. Brightly painted houses on narrow wooden stilts line Lake Nokoue. The inhabitants of Ganvie get from A to B with their boats. In narrow fishing cutters, they paddle their way from house to house, from jetty to jetty. Originally, Ganvie, incidentally the largest stilt village in all of West Africa, was intended as a place of refuge from the slave traders. Here, surrounded by nothing but water, the residents and newcomers felt safe. All life in Ganvie takes place on the water. The women shop for dinner in the floating “supermarket”, the men devote themselves entirely to fishing and the schoolchildren have lessons on stilts.
Safari in Benin
Benin also attracts with impressive national parks. The Pendjari National Park makes a particularly big impression. It is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Network, an extensive nature reserve with a proud area of around 4,844 km2. The special feature: Pendjari National Park is home to the largest population of lions and elephants in all of West Africa. But other animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffaloes and over 300 different bird species also feel completely at home in the reserve.
The North of Benin: Waterfalls and Castles
In the north of Benin you will find the Somba. The small African people, in contrast to the southern areas, strictly adhere to their traditional way of life. Agriculture and hunting still play the main role here. Even when it comes to architecture, the Somba follow their very own laws: their dwelling has little to do with the classic West African mud huts with pointed roofs. The Somba prefer to live in small castles, in mini-fortresses. Like small winding towns, their structures adorn the landscape. But the north of Benin is not only known for the castles of the Somba. It can also serve with a waterfall, with the Chutes de Kota. The popular attraction is located about 15 kilometers from the city of Natitingou.
Picturesque sandy beaches and lively cities in Benin
If you long for wide, palm-lined beaches, Benin is also the right place for you. The beach of Fidjrosse in particular invites you to relax, soak up the sun and swim. Even the main town of Cotonou is not far from here. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the beach with a stroll through the city. Good to know: Cotonou is considered the heart of Benin. This is the seat of government of the French-speaking country. With a population of over 679,012, it is rich in shops, restaurants, markets and bars. But beware: Nevertheless, Cotonou is not the official capital of Benin. This role is played by Porto-Novo, the seat of parliament.
