BENIN:WHERE LIVING
HISTORY MEETS YOU

Beyond the typical West African tourist route. Experience Benin—where you'll walk alongside the legacy of the all-female Agojie warriors who shaped history, stand where millions began forced journeys across oceans, and engage with Vodun as a living spiritual practice, not a Western misconception.

This isn't sightseeing. It's a cultural experience that changes how you see the world—and yourself.

BENIN ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

  • A relaxing beach scene with palm trees, a sandy area, and a wooden beach bed with colorful patterned fabric and cushions.

    DAY 1: ARRIVE & UNWIND

    Wezon! Welcome! Land at Cotonou or Lomé airport where our team meets you. Settle into Residence Sahoty and enjoy dinner prepared by our private chef.

    No stress—we handle transfers so you arrive ready to engage from day one.

  • A man wearing traditional West African clothing and jewelry stands in a doorway. The man has a towel draped over his shoulder and is looking directly at the camera. He is the Chief of his village.

    DAY 2: LOCAL RHYTHMS

    Start with breakfast by our chef, then explore Grand Popo. See how this coastal community actually lives and works.

    Connect with daily life—markets and neighborhood interactions most visitors never experience.

  • A group of women in traditional colorful patterned dresses are dancing and holding traditional weapons in an open outdoor area, with houses and trees in the background.

    DAY 3: KINGDOM OF DAHOMEY

    Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey—the UNESCO site that inspired The Woman King. Local historians share the real story of the kingdom and its Agojie warriors.

    Go beyond Hollywood to understand sophisticated African civilizations.

  • A boy in a pink and gray shirt and teal shorts standing in shallow water, hand fishing with a weighted net on a beach with a distant shoreline and cloudy sky.

    DAY 4: SACRED WATERS

    Boat to Bouche du Roy where the Mono River meets the Atlantic. Experience the protected mangrove ecosystem, then enjoy evening folklore performances.

    See how environmental conservation and cultural tradition intersect in contemporary West Africa.

  • A monument with a large arch and orange-red decorative elements, flanked by two sculptures, under a clear blue sky with a few people standing around.

    DAY 5: CONFRONTING HISTORY

    Walk the Slave Route in Ouidah—one of West Africa's most significant slave ports. Local guides provide historical context often missing from Western narratives.

    Process difficult history with expert guidance, deepening your understanding of what happened—the horrific realities that forever changed millions’ lives and shaped our world.

  • People performing a traditional dance with a large, colorful, fringed costume in an outdoor area with onlookers and trees.

    DAY 6: LIVING TRADITIONS

    Walking tour of Possotomé village on Lake Ahémé. Learn about Vodun spiritual practices from local scholars who provide historical and cultural context. Surprise evening workshop at your villa.

    Understand local spiritual traditions through expert guidance—gaining insights into beliefs that have shaped West African culture for centuries.

  • A woman in a red top and colorful skirt wearing a large straw hat is paddling a small wooden boat filled with pineapples, on a river near a stilt village with wooden houses.

    DAY 7: INNOVATION ON WATER

    Boat tour of Ganvié, Africa's largest stilted village. Learn how 17th-century communities fleeing enslavement created a thriving water-based society that endures today.

    Witness remarkable human adaptation and community building—engineering marvels born from survival.

  • A smiling woman with glasses holding a gold ring featuring a silhouette of the African continent, outdoors with greenery and pink flowers in the background.

    DAY 8: CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

    Morning in Cotonou exploring art galleries, craft markets, and contemporary cultural spaces before departure.

    Experience how tradition and modernity blend in today's West Africa.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Choice accommodations at Residence Sahoty—oceanfront villa with 6 guest rooms, ensuite baths, saltwater pool

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Effortless transport in private, air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers
and excursions

Icon of a spoon and fork crossed over each other on a black background.

Exceptional dining with private chef meals plus restaurants showcasing authentic local cuisine

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All entrance fees, knowledgeable local guides, interpreters, and cultural insider connections

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Thoughtful surprises throughout the trip with unexpected moments that deepen your cultural connection

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Stress-free service with all gratuities included—you focus on experiences, not logistics

Not included: International flights, entry visa(s), travel insurance, personal purchases

“TRAVELING A GREAT DEAL
AND LEARNING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURES HAS HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE MORE ALIKE THAN UNALIKE.”

— MAYA ANGELOU

GROUP TOURS

Join like-minded travelers who value
depth over distance. 

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PRIVATE TOURS

Ideal for friend groups, families, or colleagues seeking shared transformative experiences.

Customize a tour for your group (minimum 4 people) with flexible dates that fit your schedule.

Additional travelers beyond 4 reduce per-person costs.

Contact us today for more details or to plan your tour.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

WANT TO MAKE YOUR VACATION
DAYS COUNT?

NEED-TO-KNOW

  • A non-refundable deposit of $500 secures your place. (OR Choose to pay in full when booking and we'll give you a discount.) Balance due 120 days before departure.

    Book Now to guarantee your cultural journey or review our complete Booking Terms & Conditions.

  • Planning made simple: many travelers–including US, UK, & EU citizens–will require an entry visa to visit Benin. African citizens can visit visa free.

  • Maximum flexibility: fly into Cotonou, Benin (COO) or Lomé, Togo (LFW). We handle all transfers regardless of your arrival airport.

  • No stress scheduling: arrive any time Day 1—we'll meet you. First group activities start Day 2, giving you time to settle in and prepare.

  • True all-inclusive experience: once you land, we cover everything—meals, activities, transport, even generous tips. You'll only need money for souvenirs and personal purchases.

  • Your health is important to us:

    • Required: Yellow fever vaccination certificate

    • Recommended: Consult your physician about anti-malarial prophylaxis (all areas of Benin have malaria risk as of 2025)

    Best practice: Visit a travel clinic well in advance for personalized medical advice

  • Oceanfront comfort meets authentic charm. Residence Sahoty in Grand Popo—your private room with an en suite bathroom, private chef, saltwater pool, and ocean views. The perfect base for cultural exploration.

BOOK NOW

WHAT THEY’RE STILL
TALKING ABOUT

"This was my favorite excursion to date! World class! 100% HIGHLY recommend."

-Kevin C., 2023

“Although I'm an African myself, I had never visited other countries than my own. This trip inspired me to travel more throughout Africa.”

Naila O., 2020

“Amazing and transformative - a true cultural immersion with both the insights and flavors of Benin.”

Jen T., 2018

“The tour had a very ‘luxe’ feel and I recommend this tour to anyone and everyone.”

Rob W., 2018

“My new ‘trip of a lifetime’. Personal, educational, beautiful, welcoming, rich in the experience. And FUN."

Tracy J., 2024

READY TO
CHANGE YOUR VIEW?

BOOK YOUR CULTURAL JOURNEY TODAY!