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- Destinations
- Africa
- Benin
Benin
Benin was once one of the most powerful empires in Africa,
although today enjoys a low profile marked by peace, and poverty.
It's a country rich in history and diversity located on the
northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, bordered by
Niger, Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and the Atlantic Ocean. Benin
ranks as one of the world's poorest nations, but happens to be one
of the more stable countries to visit in Africa.
Benin played a major role in the slave trade in the 17th and
18th centuries and reminders of this era can be found in the
countless monuments paying tribute to those deported to the West
Indies and Brazil. It is in many aspects a very French country due
to its colonial heritage. Cotonou has its own Boul' Mich (
Boulevard Saint- Michel)and it is not uncommon to see
Beninois locals walking around, a baguette tucked under one arm and
a French newspaper clutched under the other.
The network of lagoons and swamps found behind the coastline,
from that of Grand Popo on the Togo border which are navigable
throughout all seasons and joined to Lake Aheme, to that of
Porto-Novo on the east, into which flows the country's longest
river, the Oueme, which locals use to get around for some 125 miles
(200km) by boat.
The northwest region is ruled by the Atakora Mountains, which
tower as high as 3,000 feet (914 metres) and offer wonderful hiking
opportunities. The two main tourist attractions are its two
national parks, Pendjari and 'W' National Park, which feature a
range of wildlife from hippos and crocodiles to the elusive
cheetah.
The beaches along the coast of Benin at Ouidah and Grand Popo
are also a major draw for tourists, but visitors should be aware of
the occasionally strong rip tides at sea and which consequently
limits water sport activities. The historic sites in Ouidah are
worth visiting such as the Portuguese fort and a colonial temple
known as the Temple of the Sacred Python. The museum in Abomey,
which was once the capital of one of the ancient kingdoms of Benin,
takes visitors on an eerie journey back in time through the history
of the three ancient Abomey kingdoms. The museum used to be the
grand palace of one of the kingdoms and a spine-chilling throne
made of human skulls sits on display.
Tourists should be on their guard in southern Benin, which
suffers from the crimes normally associated with tourism and it is
advisable to always be in the presence of a local tour guide or
friend. Muggings are the main danger for tourists on Cotonou's
shoreline, even during the day, while at night it is advisable to
take a taxi.
The climate is hot and typically equatorial all year round, but
the best time to visit the southern region of Benin is from
December to March as well as July and August. The northern part of
the country is best visited between December and April when the
climate is a little drier. Visitors must provide proof of a yellow
fever shot which needs to be readily available at the airport upon
arrival.
It may not be the first country that springs to mind when
thinking of a trip to West Africa, but it's definitely worth a
visit!
Information & Facts
Duty Free
Travellers to Benin 15 years and older may bring with them 200
Cigarettes/100 cigarillos/25 cigars/250g of tobacco, 500mL of eau
de toilette and 250mL of perfume, one bottle of wine and one bottle
of spirits.
Passport Visa
Although the official guidelines state that passports must be
valid for the period of stay in Benin, it is recommended that
travellers have six months left before expiry as some immigration
officials enforce their own standards.