West Africa

Benin Togo Voodoo & Culture

Duration8 days

LocationCotonou & Lome

Group6 persons

Rating

Step into the birthplace of Vodun on this 8-day journey through Benin and Togo. Visit the historic town of Ouidah, travel on to Lome, and climb into the green hills around Kpalime before returning to Cotonou.

Ouidah's Vodun temples and the Route of Slaves
Markets, lagoon villages and coastal towns of Benin and Togo
Kpalime hills and mountain-lodge stay
Cross-border transfers and a local guide

A cultural trip for curious travellers who want something beyond the usual safari circuit. Ask Day Safaris Adventures about festival dates.

What's included

Airport transfers
Bottled water in the vehicle
Entrance fees to sites and museums in the itinerary
Government taxes and service charges
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
Licensed local English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned transport with driver

Not included

Anything not listed under "What's Included"
International flights to and from your home country
Lunches and dinners unless stated
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Visa fees and entry permits (unless stated)

8-day itinerary

A day-by-day breakdown of your adventure.

Day1

Arrival in Cotonou, Benin - Gateway to Voodoo

Arrive at Cadjehoun Airport (COO) in Cotonou. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Evening visit to the Ganhi Market to see the vibrant atmosphere. Briefing about Voodoo culture, which is the official religion of Benin.

Hotel in Cotonou (Novotel or similar)Full Board

Airport
Transfer,
Market
Visit,
Cultural
Briefing

Day2

Cotonou to Ouidah - Voodoo Heartland

Drive to Ouidah (1 hour) - the spiritual capital of Voodoo. Visit the Python Temple where pythons are worshipped. Walk the Route des Esclaves (Slave Route) ending at the Door of No Return. Visit the Sacred Forest (forest of statues and fetishes). See the Zinsou Foundation art museum.

Hotel in Ouidah or return to CotonouFull Board

Python
Temple
Visit,
Slave
Route
Walk,

Day3

Ouidah - Voodoo Ceremony & Ganvie Lake Village

Morning Voodoo ceremony (depending on day) with dancing, drumming, and trance performances. Learn about fetishes and spirits from a local Voodoo priest. Afternoon visit to Ganvie - the Venice of Africa. Take a boat to this stilt village built on Lake Nokoué with 20,000 inhabitants.

Hotel in CotonouFull Board

Voodoo
Ceremony
Experience,
Ganvie
Boat
Tour,

Day4

Cotonou to Lome, Togo - Crossing Borders

Drive to the Benin-Togo border at Hillacondji (1 hour). Complete immigration. Continue to Lome (1 hour). Visit the Grand Marché in Lome for fabric and crafts. Afternoon visit to the Togo National Museum to learn about Ewe culture.

Hotel in Lome (Hotel Palm Beach or similar)Full Board

Border
Crossing,
Grand
Marché
Shopping,
National

Day5

Lome - Fetish Market & Akodessawa

Morning visit to Akodessawa Fetish Market - the largest voodoo market in the world. See animal skulls, skins, bones, and potions. Learn how healers use these for traditional medicine. Afternoon visit to the German colonial cathedral and the Independence Monument.

Hotel in LomeFull Board

Fetish
Market
Tour,
Traditional
Medicine
Learning,

Day6

Lome to Kpalime - Togo Highlands

Drive to Kpalime (2 hours) in the Plateaux Region of Togo. Visit traditional Ewe villages. See Mount Agou (Togo's highest peak). Visit a traditional weaving village to see Kente cloth being made. Afternoon hike to the Château Vial, a ruined colonial fort with views.

Mountain lodge in KpalimeFull Board

Scenic
Drive
To
Highlands,
Weaving
Village

Day7

Kpalime to Lome - Waterfalls & Markets

Morning visit to Kpalime markets for local crafts including wood carvings. Visit the Womé Waterfalls (30 minute hike). Drive back to Lome (2 hours). Afternoon free for relaxation at the beach. Evening farewell dinner with traditional Togolese cuisine.

Hotel in LomeFull Board

Craft
Market
Shopping,
Waterfall
Hike,
Beach

Day8

Lome to Cotonou - Departure

Morning drive back to Cotonou via the border (4 hours total). Last chance souvenir shopping at the Dantokpa Market - West Africa's largest open-air market. Transfer to Cadjehoun Airport for departure flight.

No accommodationFull Board