Location Overview

Tucked along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Benin offers a vibrant blend of traditions, rich history, and colorful daily life that surprises and delights travelers at every turn. The country is the birthplace of Vodun (commonly known as Voodoo), a spiritual tradition still practiced widely and celebrated each January 10th with processions, drums, and dance in the city of Ouidah.

Inland, Benin's capital Porto-Novo quietly charms with its blend of architecture and Afro-Brazilian influences. The Honmé Museum, once a royal palace, showcases the legacy of the kingdom of Porto-Novo, while the streets echo with rhythms from traditional Gèlèdé mask dances and Afrobeat fusions. Cotonou, the bustling economic hub, contrasts with its lively markets, buzzing nightlife, and the striking Fondation Zinsou, a modern art gallery spotlighting contemporary African artists in a city known for its unfiltered energy.

Adventure seekers can head north to Pendjari National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms part of the largest remaining intact ecosystem in West Africa. It's one of the few places on the continent where lions, elephants, and cheetahs still roam freely. Guided safaris take visitors across golden savannahs and rugged terrain with panoramic views, especially vivid during sunrise or sunset. Nearby, the Tata Somba villages near Natitingou offer a rare glimpse into traditional architecture and rural life that has endured for centuries.