Benin is a country that every African traveler should see, even if it may be the least well-known in the Gulf of Guinea. Benin is mostly an open savannah nation with oil palm and coffee farms. Rather than having any noteworthy natural features, its culture and history draw tourists. Situated in the center of Africa, Benin boasts a rich and varied past and culture that begs exploration. The museums, monuments, and exciting locations around the southern coast of Benin provide a thorough understanding of the country's past. Cultural exploration is essential, and there are a plethora of possibilities to choose from when visiting Benin, ranging from the old fortified houses of the Tammari people in Tata Somba to the underground settlement of Agongointo, the Kingdom of Abomey, and Ganvie, the Venice of West Africa. 

A trip to Abomey is a must when in Benin. Once upon a time, Abomey served as the capital of Dahomey, one of the biggest countries in Africa. As its rulers waged war, annexed territory, and took captives, they terrorized the surrounding tribes. The origin of voodoo lies in Benin, previously Dahomey. The nation is home to about fifty distinct languages and nearly equal numbers of ethnic groupings. It has been referred to as Benin since 1975; the name derives from the Kingdom of Benin and Benin City, which gave rise to the gulf that overlooks modern-day Benin. Benin, a former French colony that attained independence in 1960 and was formerly known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, is unquestionably one of the most fascinating places to travel in West Africa. The Fon people comprise most of the population, with Yoruba, Bariba, and Fulani following closely after. These ethnic groups all contribute significantly to the remarkable cultural experiences that visitors have in Benin.

On this trip, we will embark on a voyage of discovery as we immerse ourselves in the traditional customs and everyday lives of the several ethnic groups we meet.  Join us and learn about the spirituality of Ouidah, the birthplace of Voodoo, and visit Ganvie, the Venice of West Africa. Our excursions are tailored to your specific areas of interest so you can maximize your time with us. 

What our group tours of Benin provide: 

• Go to the beach and the somber "Gate of No Return," which marks where slaves departed Africa for the New World. 

• Visit the stilt town of Ganvie by boat

• Visit Abomey to discover the intriguing history of the Dahomey monarchy; see the monument called the Benin Amazone

• Take a tour of the ferociously traditional Tamberma and its remarkable fortress-style homes.