Louvet Travel: Benin

Benin Flag

Why visit Benin?

Ideal for the adventurous traveler seeking architecture, beaches, birdwatching, culture, fishing villages, markets, national parks and voodoo.

Photo Credit: Afrikit/Pixabay

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Artwork, bronze pieces, brass goods, ebony products, ritual masks, pottery, tapestries and wooden statues.
Local Cuisine to Try: Àkàrà (black-eyed peas). Kuli-Kuli (fried smashed peanuts). Wagasi Cheese.
Local Drink to Try: Choukoutou (beer). Sodabi (liquor).

Photo Credit: Noémie Girardet/Pixabay

Fun Facts

During the 17th Century (1601-1700), known as, "Slave Coast", heart of the slave trade.
In 1958, France granted autonomy.
In 1960, became independent from France.
In 1975, renamed from Dahomey.
During 1980, had one of the highest death rates for children (under five) in the world.
In 1989, riots occurred because the regime did not have money to pay its army.
In 2006, signed the Millennium Challenge Account grant ($307USD million).
Large exporter of cotton and palm oil.
Birthplace to Animistic Religion, belief that non-humans are spiritual beings for a period of time.
Dahomey Kingdom, was known for their elite female soldier corps (Ahosi).
"Benin City" is actually located in southern Nigeria.
Gris-Gris (Voodoo amulet) is believed to protect from evil or bring luck. Even used as a method to birth control.
Has the largest remaining population of lions in West Africa.
New port is under construction between Cotonou and Porto Novo.
Akans (Ghana) were known to name their children by the day of the week and order born.

Photo Credit: Claire05/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: Quintessence Film Festival (January), Gelede Festival (March), Waba Festival (June) and International Festival of the Dahomean Cultures (December).
Holidays: New Year's Day (January), Traditional Day (January), Vodou National Day (January), International Women's Day (March), Labour Day (May), Whit Monday, Ascension, Independence Day (August), Assumption (August), Armed Forces Day (October), All Saints' Day (November), National Day (November), Christmas Day (December) and Boxing Day (December).

Porto-Novo, Bénin. Photo Credit: Yanick Folly/Unsplash

Good to Know

Avoid local dairy products, uncooked foods and tap water.
Majority the population resides along the southern coastline (Bight of Benin).
French-style bakeries and cuisine is found throughout the country.
Rabies and Yellow Fever are present.
Most use an outdoor mud stove for cooking.
Consult your physician on malaria suppressants and vaccinations: cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and meningococcal meningitis.
Due to parasitic worms, Bilharzia do not swim or wade in freshwater.
Harmattan Season (dusty trade wind) is from December - March.
Somba (Ditamari) citizens (northwestern), do not like to be photographed. Other locals may require compensation.
Meat is usually quite expensive, often reflective to your servings.
Does not share railway links with adjacent countries.
Beware of beach swimming as some ocean areas dump from city dwellers.
Children often crowd around forgein travelers with excitement.
French is the official language.
Literacy rate is among the lowest in the world.

This international destination requires:

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Abomey, Royal Palaces of Abomey and W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Friday, December 4, 2020