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
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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.
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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.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Effortless transport in private, air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers
and excursions
Exceptional dining with private chef meals plus restaurants showcasing authentic local cuisine
All entrance fees, knowledgeable local guides, interpreters, and cultural insider connections
Thoughtful surprises throughout the trip with unexpected moments that deepen your cultural connection
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.
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.
READY TO MAKE
YOUR VACATION
DAYS COUNT?
NEED-TO-KNOW
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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.
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Planning made simple: many travelers–including US, UK, & EU citizens–will require an entry visa to visit Benin. African citizens can visit visa free.
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Maximum flexibility: fly into Cotonou, Benin (COO) or Lomé, Togo (LFW). We handle all transfers regardless of your arrival airport.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
WHAT THEY’RE STILL
TALKING ABOUT
"This was my favorite excursion to date! World class! 100% HIGHLY recommend."
-Kevin C., 2023
“I will be raving about the trip to everyone I encounter. 10/10 – would go again! I loved it."
Liz B., 2018
“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
"It was an authentic experience of Benin and I felt the warm culture and its people through the trip agenda. I will definitely go again and highly recommend!"
Charleen P., 2020
“It was a trip of a lifetime and I loved learning about the Benin culture. I cried when we had to leave!”
Michelle H, 2018
“A wonderful trip that exceeded my expectations. The excursions were fun, meaningful, and educational. I look forward to my next trip with Wademba.”
Tiffany M., 2018
“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
“Once in a lifetime trip, perfect blend of local culture and customs, and comfort and care!”
Carrie K., 2022