Togo & Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa
Togo & Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa
Togo & Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa
11 Days Starting and ending in Lome
Visiting: Lome, Lomé, Ouidah, Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Ganvie, Abomey, Natitingou, Tata Somba Sacré, Bénin Tata Somba, Kpalime
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden gems of West Africa with our exclusive tour that takes you through the heart and soul of Togo and Benin. This adventure is designed for those who seek to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry and historical depth of West Africa. From the bustling streets of Lome to the sacred voodoo ceremonies, every step of this tour is a deep dive into traditions that have shaped these nations. Explore the poignant 'Gate of No Return', witness the unique lifestyle in the stilt village of Ganvie, and unravel the history of the Dahomey kingdom in Abomey. With a blend of festival & special events, history, sightseeing, and walking tours, this cultural expedition promises an array of experiences. Enjoy the comfort of professional overland transport, the insights of an English-speaking guide, and a selection of meals and accommodations that capture the essence of West African hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Lome
Location: Lome
Accommodation Name: Sarakawa Hotel or similar
Arrive in Lome and transfer to your hotel. For those arriving early in the day, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore. Overnight Sarakawa Hotel or similar.
Day 2 : Lome
Location: Lome, Lomé, Lomé
Accommodation Name: Sarakawa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will begin a city tour with a visit to the lively and colourful grand Marché, or big market, with the Sacred Heart Cathedral in its midst. We then head to the fascinating- if rather gruesome- fetish market, where animal parts are sold for use in traditional medicines; Vodou healers and practitioners are on hand for consultations (please see the Notes section for more information). We then visit Artisans’ village where we will see artisans weaving cloth, carving statues, making baskets, lampshades and sewing leather shoes besides much more. In the evening you can decide to rest at your hotel or if you prefer your guide can take you out into town to experience local nightlife. Overnight Sarakawa Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 3 : Lome To Ouidah (Benin)
Location: Ouidah, Ouidah, Ouidah, Lome, Ouidah
Accommodation Name: Casa del Papa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we leave Lome and head to Aneho, historically known as Little Popo. On arrival we take a pirogue across Lake Togo to Togoville on the north-eastern side of the lake. As we mix with the locals walking through the communities, we will visit the many active shrines learning their importance to the locals living here. Prior to setting off back to Aneho we also visit a shrine that commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary on Lake Togo in the late 1970s. After lunch we cross the border into Benin and arrive into Ouidah, a stronghold of voodoo and once an important slave port. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Casa del Papa Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 4 : Ouidah – Cotonou
Location: Ouidah, Cotonou
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de Cielo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we set off for our tour of Ouidah. We visit the python temple, where snakes are venerated as representations of gods, and head to the beach and the sombre ‘Gate of No Return’, the point from which slaves left Africa for the New World. You will also experience a private Voodo Ceremony during your time at Segbe. After lunch we continue to Cotonou. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Casa de Cielo or similar (BLD)
Day 5 : Cotonou – Porto-Novo - Cotonou
Location: Porto-Novo, Cotonou
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de Cielo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we leave Cotonou and head to Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital city. Our first stop is the Ethnographic Museum, which was established by the Dahomey Institute in 1957. The museum houses costumes, ceremonial masks and drums as well as other historical artifacts. We also visit the Royal Palace, now known as the Honme Museum, which is housed in the walled compound of King Toffa who signed the first treaty with the French in 1863. Most of the displays here are from the period of King Toffas reign and there is an excellent example of Alounloun, a traditional Beninese instrument used to play music called Adjogon. A stone throws away from Honme is the Da Silva Museum in a beautiful Afro-Brazilian house dating back to the 1870’s. This eclectic museum is home to some wonderful Afro-Brazilian artefacts Our last stop is the Great Mosque which offers excellent photographic opportunities and fascinating history. We head back to Cotonou for lunch before visiting the Dantokpa Marche, one of West Africa’s largest outdoor markets. Covering over 20 hectares it sells everything you could imagine and is a major contributor to the Benin economy. Overnight Hotel Casa de Cielo or similar (BLD)
Day 6 : Ganvie, The Venice Of Western Africa And Agongointo
Location: Ganvie, Ganvie
Accommodation Name: SunCity Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before heading to Abomey, we visit one of the most beautiful communities here in Benin at Ganvie. Known as the Venice of West Africa, A relaxed paced day and we may decide to try our hands at fishing under the tutelage of a local fisherman. If we are lucky and get a sizeable catch, then our lunch will be fresh fish grilled the local way. After lunch we set off to Abomey (approx. 2 hours’ drive). On arrival visit the recently (1998) discovered underground dwellings of Agongointo - Zoungoudo just a few kilometers outside of Abomey. Discovered during road construction these underground dwellings are believed to date back to the 16th century during the reign of King Dakodonou the second King of Abomey. There are believed to be several hundred of these built 10 meters underground and they were used to protect locals from invaders in addition to offering the element of surprise for local warriors when attacking the enemy. Overnight SunCity Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 7 : Abomey – Natitingou
Location: Abomey, Natitingou
Accommodation Name: Tata Somba Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start as we dedicate the morning to a city tour of Abomey before we depart for Natitingou. Our first stop is the Royal Palace, where we gain an insight into the history and exploits of the warrior kings. The architecture is quite unique and though the palaces are no more inhabited, two of them are now in use as the Historical Museum of Abomey. The museum contains some 1050 relics of the Abomey kings which include Voodoo artefacts, some skulls, and banners of the royal family. Afte the tour we head towards Natitingou (approx. 7 hours drive). On arrival into Natitingou we check-in to the hotel. Overnight Tata Somba Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 8 : Tata Somba
Location: Tata Somba Sacré
Accommodation Name: Tata Somba Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today visit Tata Somba village with the Ditamari people who live in this region of north west Benin. The locals at Tata Somba are still living in traditional homesteads that have not changed in centuries with entire families staying in these remarkable buildings. The houses are built as fortresses to keep out intruders and wild animals. The Somba people are known for their traditional body scarring rituals which are given to children from 2 to 3 years of age. These marks are used to identify which tribe you belong to and additional scarring is given later in life to indicate readiness for marriage, reaching puberty and after child birth. After lunch visit the museum to learn more about the culture and life of the people in Benin. Next we learn about the process of making shea butter processing from a local family before returning to our hotel. Overnight Tata Somba Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 9 : To Behicon Via Parakou
Location: Bénin Tata Somba
Accommodation Name: Hotel Princess or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Natitingou and head south towards Behicon. En route we find the ancient town of Parakou. Walk through this community meeting locals and the warrior men, and we have the opportunity to see a traditional Horse Dance, an energetic and unique dance, which only the finest warriors can perform. It showcases their triumphs over their enemies and at the same time honours their forefathers. From here we continue to Behicon enjoying lunch en route. On arrival check in to the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Princess or similar (BLD)
Day 10 : Hike Mt Klouto And Visit Kpalime Food Market
Location: Kpalime
Accommodation Name: Parc Residence Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning set off for Kpalime, crossing the border back into Togo. This afternoon we enjoy a leisurely hike of the stunning Mt Klouto. Afterwards visit the local food market to experience daily life before heading to your hotel. Overnight Parc Residence Hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 11 : Kpalime To Lome And Departure
Location: Lome, Kpalime
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A relaxed breakfast this morning as we set off from Kpalime heading southwards to Lome. Today will mainly be a travel day and we will stop for lunch and to walk around some of the communities we pass through. Our aim is to reach Lome in the early afternoon where we can enjoy some last-minute shopping if needed or some relaxation time on the coast before our early evening meal after which we transfer you to the airport for your departure after a wonderful tour of Togo and Benin (BLD)
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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Transport
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver.
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Accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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Guide Services
Services of an English-speaking guide / tour leader.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Airport Taxes
Any airport taxes are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa
Visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler where required.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Tips
Tips are discretionary and not included.
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International Flights
International flights are not included
Mode of Transport
Travelers will be transported across West Africa in overland vehicles, guided by professional drivers, ensuring a smooth journey through Togo and Benin's landscapes.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy stays in comfortable hotels such as the Sarakawa Hotel, Casa del Papa Hotel, and Hotel Casa de Cielo, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes airport transfers, overland transport with a professional driver, all accommodation during the tour, services of an English-speaking guide/tour leader, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include exploring the Togolese capital, Lome, experiencing a traditional voodoo ceremony, visiting the 'Gate of No Return', taking a boat to the stilt village of Ganvie, learning about the kingdom of Dahomey at Abomey, and discovering the ancient underground dwellings of Agongointo.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Lome.
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What countries does the Hidden Gems of West Africa tour visit?
The Hidden Gems of West Africa tour visits Togo and Benin.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include airport taxes, travel insurance, visa fees, drinks, items of a personal nature, tips, and international flights.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.