Benin-Togo Tour: 10 Days at Vodoun Festival, Jan 7–16

• After breakfast, begin your day with a great experience: a cultural immersion in Ganvié, the largest stilt village in Africa, located on Lake Nokoué. Often referred to as the "Venice of Africa", Ganvié is home to over 37,000 members of the Tofinu ethnic group, who have built their lives entirely on the water. They travel by canoe, fish in the lake, and maintain deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations. As you glide through the peaceful canals, you will witness everyday life in this floating village — from floating markets to fishermen casting their nets, and children paddling to school. Your visit includes, meaningful encounters with local residents, and insight into the Tofinu way of life.
• Continue your journey toward Red Star Square, a major crossroads in the heart of Cotonou. This symbolic site reflects the bold political vision of General Mathieu Kérékou. Determined to position Benin as a leading example of Marxist-Leninist ideology in Africa.
• Explore Dantokpa Market in Cotonou, West Africa’s largest open-air market. Dive into Benin’s vibrant culture through local crafts, fabrics, spices, and daily life.
• Continue your cultural immersion by visiting Place des Martyrs, a powerful site of remembrance in Benin. This national monument honors seven Beninese heroes — six military personnel and one civilian — who lost their lives during the attempted coup led by French mercenary Bob Denard.
• In central Cotonou, the Amazons Monument honors the legendary Dahomey Amazons, an elite female military corps known for their courage and discipline. This iconic sculpture symbolizes strength and empowerment, inviting visitors to explore Benin’s rich culture and military heritage. A must-see durin a Benin tour.
• Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Fidjrossè Beach, one of Cotonou’s most scenic coastal spots. Feel the gentle sea breeze and calming waves as you explore the area. Don’t miss the symbolic crashed plane wreckage displayed on the beach, a unique historical landmark. End your day with a relaxing return to your hotel.

• After breakfast, head to the Sacred Forest of Kpassè, a deeply spiritual and mysterious site in the heart of Ouidah. Revered in Vodoun tradition, this forest is a key place of worship and ritual for practitioners. As you walk among ancient trees, you will encounter Vodoun altars, ritual sculptures, and sacred symbols. It is a unique experience where nature and spirituality merge, offering powerful insight into the spiritual heritage of West Africa.
• Visit the Temple of the Pythons in Ouidah, one of the most iconic and sacred cultural sites in Benin. This temple is dedicated to the Vodoun deity Dangbé, the sacred python, and is an essential stop for anyone interested in discovering West African spiritual traditions. During the guided tour in Ouidah, you will have the opportunity to observe and gently handle live pythons, which are believed to embody the spirits of deceased ancestors. According to local beliefs, contact with these sacred snakes brings blessings and good fortune, making this a powerful and meaningful cultural experience.
• Prepare for a moving and thought-provoking experience as you follow the Slave Route in Ouidah, one of the most emotional chapters in the history of Benin and the African continent. This guided visit retraces the footsteps of enslaved Africans who were taken from their homeland and forced into the transatlantic slave trade. Along this historic path, you will discover several significant sites that bear witness to the suffering, strength, and resilience of millions of men, women, and children.
• Your journey along the Slave Route concludes at the powerful and symbolic Door of No Return, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ouidah. This historic monument marks the final point where millions of African captives were forced onto slave ships, bound for an unknown fate across the Atlantic Ocean. The Gate of No Return stands as a solemn reminder of the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade and the irreversible exile suffered by countless men, women, and children.

• Ouidah is internationally known as the host of the Vodoun Festival, a major annual event that takes place every 10 January and draws thousands of visitors from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Often misunderstood, Vodun is one of the world’s oldest and most influential spiritual traditions. This celebration offers a rare opportunity to witness its true essence—centered on nature, ancestors, and the balance between visible and invisible forces.

  Recognized as the spiritual capital of Vodoun, Ouidah becomes a place of pilgrimage where high priests and Vodoun dignitaries gather to honor their deities through sacred chants, ritual dances, drum ceremonies, libations, and symbolic offerings. During this powerful and immersive experience, participants receive blessings from the supreme Vodoun leader and gain a deeper understanding of the religion’s ancestral roots and spiritual values.

Begin a powerful day of spiritual and cultural discovery during the National Vodun Festival in Ouidah, held each year on January 10. This immersive experience invites you to witness sacred Vodoun dances that honor the deities, ancestors, and spiritual forces of West Africa.

• Gabala & Kokou Dances – Your first stop takes you deep into the Tron Kpeto Deka Sacred Forest, where warriors invoke powerful Vodoun deities through dynamic and ancestral dances.

• Iro Dance – Enjoy the rhythmic and colorful Iro Dance, performed by initiated dancers wearing traditional costumes and masks.

• Zangbeto Performance – Observe the fascinating performance of the Zangbeto, known as the “guardians of the night,” hidden under vibrant fiber costumes as they whirl in spiritual motion.

• Egungun Dance – Witness the Egungun ceremony, where masked dancers honor the spirits of the ancestors with powerful movements and elaborate attire.

• Mami Wata Water Dance – In the late afternoon, experience the mystical Mami Wata water dance, paying homage to the Vodoun water spirit.

Begin Your Porto-Novo Cultural Tour with a Royal Heritage Experience - Your adventure starts in the morning with a comfortable hotel pick-up. Relax in our air-conditioned vehicle as you travel approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, to the city of Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin.

Upon arrival, your cultural exploration begins at the Honmè Museum, the former royal palace of Porto-Novo’s kings, now transformed into a museum. This museum, housed in the residence of King Toffa, is one of Benin’s most significant heritage sites. During the guided tour in Porto Novo, you will discover:

• The royal apartments preserved in their original state

• Scenes of daily life at the court, brought to life through installations and oral storytelling

• Insights into daily life at the royal court

• Traditional palace architecture filled with symbolic meaning

After exploring the royal heritage at the Honmè Museum, continue your journey into the profound spiritual world of Benin by meeting a Vodoun priest. You will have the unique opportunity to visit Vodoun temples—places of initiation and worship—where priests still perform rituals today. In these often discreet spaces, discover sacred altars, ritual sculptures, and ceremonial objects used to communicate with the Vodoun deities (Orisha).

Meet a Vodoun Priest or Priestess
Subject to availability and permission, a guided meeting can be arranged with a Vodoun priest or priestess. This encounter offers valuable insight into:

• The role of the priest within the community

• The main deities worshiped, such as Sakpata, Hêbiosso, Dan, and Mami Wata

• The meaning behind Vodoun rituals and ceremonies, including Fâ divination, offerings, dances, and chants

Visit the Panthéon Nègre et Africain – A Tribute to African Heritage in Porto-Novo. Located in the heart of Porto-Novo, the Panthéon Nègre et Africain is a powerful and emotional site honoring the great Black figures of Benin, Africa, and the diaspora. This monument pays tribute to the memory of resisters, thinkers, traditional leaders, artists, and religious figures who have shaped the history of the African continent.

The site serves as both a memorial and a cultural space, featuring:

• Monumental sculptures representing ancestors and heroes of the Black cause

• A contemplative area where spirituality, history, and art come together

Located in the very center of Porto-Novo, Place Toffa is a landmark dedicated to the memory of King Toffa I, one of the most influential rulers of the Porto-Novo kingdom in the late nineteenth century. This historic crossroads embodies royal identity, resistance to colonization, and the deep cultural roots of the Goun people.

Explore the Serene Black River of Adjara – Nature and Tradition near Porto-Novo. After a day rich in history and culture, head to the tranquil Black River of Adjara. Enjoy a scenic journey through lush villages and verdant landscapes, immersing yourself in the traditional and natural beauty of the Adjara region.

Upon arrival, the Black River reveals a peaceful environment framed by mangroves, water lilies, and tropical vegetation. This well-preserved site invites relaxation, contemplation, and discovery of Benin’s riverine life.

Experience highlights include:

• A gentle ride in a traditional pirogue to explore the river’s calm waters

• Meeting local residents, including fishermen and artisans along the riverbanks

• Observing the rich local wildlife and flora in an authentic, serene setting

Morning Journey to Issaba: Discover Holli Traditions and Royal Heritage - Begin your morning with a trip to Issaba, home to the Holli community, renowned for preserving ancient customs and traditional ways of life. Experience their rich culture through local crafts and learn about their deep spiritual connection to the land and ancestral spirits.

Next, continue to the historic town of Kétou, a former Yoruba kingdom, where you will visit the royal palace. Explore its courtyards, sacred altars, and royal symbols, immersing yourself in the traditional chieftaincy system that remains influential in Beninese society today.

In the evening, travel to Covè to witness the spectacular Guèlèdè Mask performance, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. This vibrant ritual combines dance, music, satire, and spirituality, featuring colorful masks that represent ancestral spirits and deities.

This kingdom, founded in the seventeenth century, was one of the most influential in West Africa and played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade. You will explore the royal complex of the twelve kings of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where each king left his mark through his palace, symbols, and history. Our visit includes:

• The Abomey Historical Museum
• The statue of King Béhanzin, the last king who resisted French colonization, located at Goho Square, a national memorial site
• The mysterious Chameleon Temple, symbolizing transformation and adaptability, two qualities cherished by the Fon people
• The private palace of King Agonglo, one of the most notable rulers in the kingdom’s history
• A stop at the fetish market, rich in ritual objects, talismans, medicinal plants, and Vodoun cult elements
• And finally, a visit to a pottery village where you can observe artisanal craftsmanship passed down through generations

After breakfast, head to:

Boca del Rio: Discover the spectacular river mouth where the freshwater of the lake meets the Atlantic Ocean. Witness the daily return of fishermen paddling their canoes, bringing in fresh catches from the sea.

Avlo Beach: Enjoy a relaxing moment on this peaceful beach, ideal for swimming and taking in beautiful marine views.

Artisan Village: Established in 1998, this village offers a chance to explore local crafts and traditional art.

Villa Karo: A vibrant center for artistic and cultural exchange featuring exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies.

Salt Island: Visit the island known for harvesting cooking salt using traditional methods.

Turtle Refuge: A protected site where turtles come to nest, offering a unique glimpse into wildlife conservation.

Bouche du Roi: The historic meeting point of the lake and sea, rich with cultural symbolism and history.

Old Bridge: Stroll along this historic bridge that provides stunning views over the river.

Evening in Grand-Popo: End your day soaking in the calm and charming atmosphere of the town.

• After crossing the border, continue your journey with a unique experience: discovering the point where Lake Togo meets the Atlantic Ocean. This natural confluence between the calm lake waters and the powerful ocean waves creates a breathtaking spectacle that deserves your full attention. As you approach the mouth, the landscape shifts dramatically — the gentle flow of the lake gradually merges with the force of the Atlantic, forming an area of striking beauty and significant ecological value.

• The House of Slaves in Agbodrafo holds a deeply emotional place in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Once a cramped and unsanitary detention site, it served as a holding area for enslaved individuals awaiting forced embarkation to the Americas—particularly to the French colonies. Today, transformed into a museum and place of remembrance, it stands as a powerful testimony to the suffering endured during one of the darkest periods in human history.

• After visiting the House of Slaves in Agbodrafo, prepare for another captivating experience: crossing Lake Togo toward the peaceful town of Togoville. This next stage of your journey reveals a different side of the region—rich in spirituality and history. You will board a traditional wooden canoe, guided by local fishermen who have mastered the ancestral art of lake navigation.

  As you glide across the water, let yourself be carried by the gentle breeze, admire the surrounding nature, and embrace the unique tranquility of this sacred and timeless place.

• Upon entering the Notre-Dame du Lac Cathedral, you are immediately struck by the majesty of its interior. The religious sculptures that adorn the space are breathtakingly beautiful, showcasing exceptional artistic craftsmanship.

• Continue your exploration with a walking tour, beginning at the German-Togolese Friendship Monument, a historic symbol of the bond between the two nations.

  Next, head to the sacred Twin Tree, a revered site of deep symbolic value. The journey continues with a visit to a Vodoun convent.

• Continue your day with a journey to Lomé to explore the Fetish Market, a fascinating experience that immerses you in the heart of West African spiritual traditions. This unique site houses a vast collection of ritual objects, charms, and talismans that reflect the deep cultural heritage of the region.

• Assiganmé, meaning “great market” in the local language, is a vibrant and colorful hub of urban life—one of the largest markets in the West African region. It's especially renowned for the presence of the iconic "Nana Benz", powerful women traders who helped shape Togo’s economic history. As you wander through the lively alleys, you’ll witness a captivating display of commerce, culture, and everyday life.

  Next, your visit takes you to the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Lomé. With its bold colors reminiscent of European churches—particularly the Sainte-Marie Chapel in Würzburg—and architectural details echoing the church of Steyl in the Netherlands, this Gothic-style cathedral stands as a stunning spiritual and architectural landmark. Inside, marvel at its elegant design and the beautiful pipe organ that adds to its serene atmosphere.

• Departure from Lomé for a scenic two-hour drive toward Kpalimé, offering beautiful views of the Togolese countryside along the way. Upon arrival at the foot of Mount Agou, the highest peak in Togo, you’ll begin a vehicle-assisted ascent to the hilltop village of Kebo Djigbé, renowned for its breathtaking panoramas and a favorite among visitors. From there, enjoy a short hike through the village to reach the summit of Mount Agou. This is a perfect moment to take out your camera and capture stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With a bit of luck, you may also get the chance to interact with friendly local residents and learn more about life in the mountains.

• You will continue your tour with a visit to Château Viale, a site renowned for its unique architecture and exceptional hilltop location. Overlooking the city of Kpalimé, this spot offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush surroundings—and on clear days, you can even glimpse the Ghanaian border and the shimmering surface of Lake Volta in the distance.

  Although the site could benefit from better maintenance and restoration, its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see destination. It’s a perfect stop for those seeking both natural splendor and quiet reflection during their journey.

• Next stop: the Womé waterfall, ideal for a revitalizing break. There is nothing better than swimming in its cool and refreshing waters to recharge your energy before continuing on the road ahead. With a bit of luck, you will meet other travelers who have come to enjoy this natural site—providing the perfect opportunity to exchange experiences in a friendly atmosphere.

  To reach the hidden waterfall, you will need to descend a steep path, adding an adventurous touch to the visit. After this moment of relaxation, you will climb back up the same path, your senses awakened and your spirit lightened.

• Closing the Tour at the Farm: A Moment of Sharing in Nature

  To beautifully conclude these days full of cultural and human discoveries, we invite you to the Farm, a peaceful natural setting located near Kpalimé. It will be a time of conviviality, relaxation, and celebration to mark the end of this wonderful adventure.

  On the program:

  • Traditional meal shared as a group, prepared with local products from the farm’s organic agriculture

  • Cultural activities: traditional dances, live concert, percussion, and other artistic performances

  • Warm and festive atmosphere in an open-air space, surrounded by nature and smiles

  • Time for exchange, thanks, and celebration of the bonds created during the journey

  This gathering at the Farm is the perfect occasion to close the tour on a joyful note, in a spirit of sharing and celebration.
  End of the tour and return to Lomé.

Arrival – 7 January
Pick-up is provided from Cotonou–Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport (COO) to your hotel.

Departure – 17 January
A return transfer from your hotel to Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (LFW) is included.

To ensure smooth coordination, please send your flight details to info@miabetour.com no later than 3 days prior to arrival and 5 days before departure.

• Not wheelchair accessible

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, we are here to assist you. Please feel free to reach out to us:

WhatsApp: (+228) 93 54 86 86

mail: info@miabetour.com

Booking & Confirmation

• You will receive booking confirmation immediately after reservation via email.
• Please double-check your name, group size, and contact information for accuracy.

Transfers Included

• Arrival (7 January): Private pick-up from Cotonou–Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport to your hotel.
• Departure (17 January): Transfer from your hotel to Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé.
• Important: Please send your complete flight details to info@miabetour.com at least 3 days before arrival and 5 days before departure to ensure timely service.

Health & Physical Considerations

• Not recommended for travelers with serious back, heart, mobility, or respiratory conditions.
• Participants should have a moderate level of fitness, able to walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, and remain standing during cultural performances.

Weather Policy

• Many activities such as boat cruises, beach rituals, and outdoor ceremonies are weather-dependent.
• If any activity is canceled due to inclement weather (e.g., heavy rain, storms, or flooding):
  • You will be offered an alternative date (if available)

Cultural & Spiritual Sensitivity

• During visits to Vodoun temples, forest sanctuaries, and initiation sites:
  • Ask permission before taking photos, especially inside sanctuaries
  • Be respectful during ritual performances and ceremonies

Suggested Attire & Equipment

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Lightweight, breathable clothing with modesty in mind
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle and personal medication (if needed)

Children & Families

• Families are welcome
• Some ceremonies (e.g., initiation dances, spiritual rituals) may not be suitable for young children. Parental discretion advised.

Safety Standards

• Basic first-aid kits available throughout the tour
• Tap water may not be safe for drinking — bottled water is recommended

Tour Languages & Accessibility

• Conducted in French and English. Translation services in other languages may be offered upon request (additional fees may apply).
• Not wheelchair accessible due to terrain like forests, riverbanks, and uneven village paths.