Capital: Porto Novo | Language: French | Currency: West African CFA (franc) | Religion: Christian, Islam, animism, voodoo | Population: 11 million

Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo, and that alone makes it sound tempting. There’s Ouidah, the town nicknamed the ‘Voodoo Capital’ and all that comes with it. But there’s more to Benin – whether you’re after history, culture, traditional ways of life, or nature (think rugged beaches).

Burkina Faso Bus travel
Local transport

Borders, Busses and Burkina Faso

Crossing the border from Benin to Burkina Faso. We’ve seen a lot of creative transport solutions but the mini-busses of Burkina Faso take the prize.

Ganvie Lake Nokoue,Benin
Stories

Benin – Win Some Lose Some

Some ups and downs in Benin. A running start at Contonou; lazy days in Porto Novo; drifting around Ganvie, a stilt-village built on a lake; Abomey’s palaces.

Python temple Ouidah Benin
Stories

A Very Voodoo Christmas in Benin

How we spent a few days at Lac Togo and then travelled on to the beaches in Benin. But best of all, Christmas in Ouidah, the ‘voodoo capital’ of Benin.

Ganvie Lake Nokoue,Benin
Stories

Benin – Win Some Lose Some

Some ups and downs in Benin. A running start at Contonou; lazy days in Porto Novo; drifting around Ganvie, a stilt-village built on a lake; Abomey’s palaces.

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