This trip to Bénin & Togo--and most specifically the former kingdom of Dahomey will be one of the biggest and most memorable Haitian Nomad trips to date. This is the land our ancestors ruled as kings and queens, this is where the real Dahomey Amazonians woman warriors (seen in Black panther) protected the king and defended their kingdom.
Haitians particularly are for the most part descendants of this land, it is the spirit of those ancestors that inspired them to fight the evils of colonization and it is those same women warriors who taught them their military tactics. You'll embark on an unforgettable journey through Benin and then cross into togo and re-discover every fiber of your existence.
Most of the slaves from Benin were imported to South Carolina (36%), Virginia (23%), Gulf Coast (28%) and Florida (9,8%) so The people will seem familiar, as will the food and the music, the religions and traditions. Even more subtle distinctions, like mannerisms, sayings and body language, will be familiar to you.
ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND ADJUSTMENT
This is for you if you easily adjust in social settings, you go with the flow and make the most of any situations, you're comfortable "trooping it" if needs be, and you fit in easily everywhere you go and make the best of situations.
You really want to dig deeper into your roots and you're open minded to learn about the true voodoo instead of what western media has tried to make us believe.
-If you cannot get used to unexpected changes, getting in small boats, stepping outside of your comfort zone in countries where american/western standards aren't the norm and infrastructure is lacking.
-You tend to complain a lot and don't have patience.
-You only eat American food and have a very particular diet
-You expect western style accommodations and have issues adjusting to last minute changes or curveballs.
-Covid19 Vaccine required on all Haitian Nomad trips
-Yellow Fever vaccination is required for this trip. (There is currently a shortage of this vaccine in the U.S. with some availability at Passporthealth locations and other travel clinics so plan accordingly).
Airfare Assistance option: When you purchase the Airfare assistance option, we monitor flight prices on your behalf and also use our insider airfare discounts to get you the best flight possible; we'll send you the best flights we find and recommend.
ALL Haitian Nomad trips require all guests to be fully vaccinated against Covid19. Failure to be vaccinated by trip's departure date will result in cancellation of your booking and all payments will be forfeited.
Book with confidence : If for any reason we are forced to cancel a trip due to Covid19 restrictions or lock down, you will always be offered a full refund or future trip credit.
What if I get Covid19 and can no longer attend? -You will have to contact your travel insurance and submit a claim to get reimbursed through them if your policy covers Covid19.
What if I am scared to travel due to Covid19? -Fear of travel is never covered under any insurance plans--unless you have a cancel for any reason policy. No refunds or credits are issued in this case.
We require everyone to carry travel insurance on all Haitian Nomad trips. This protects you in case of emergency or in case you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
You will NOT be able to get any refund or credits from Haitian Nomad should you need to cancel 90 days or less before departure and would need to refer to your travel insurance. Initial deposits are non-refundable after 24hours of booking.
VISAS ARE REQUIRED FOR BOTH BENIN AND TOGO:
BENIN VISA: Easy online visa application and usually approved instantly.
Togo Visa: Application processed within 5-7 days at Togolese embassies/missions in NY or Washington. (possible to do via mail--contact embassy)
Shared room with SHARED KING OR QUEEN BED. if booking with a friend or as a couple, please book 2 participants into this category.
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room all to yourself during the entire trip. (king or double bed based on availability)
April 4th: Arrive LOME TOGO AIRPORT (AIR FRANCE FLIGHT RECOMMENDED).