Attractions of Benin

To help inspire or plan your trip to Benin, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Benin which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Royal Palaces of Abomey
The Royal Palaces of Abomey were built by the 12 kings of the powerful West African Kingdom of Dahomey between 1625 and 1900. Each king built his palace in the same cob-walled area. Only two survive today, but they are still used for rituals and royal ceremonies and are a reminder of a vanished kingdom. The bas relief decorations on the walls provide graphic depictions of battle scenes and document the history of this warrior kingdom. At Abomey you can witness a Geladan Mask Ceremony used by locals to communicate with spirits (and entertain tourists). UNESCO World Heritage Site: Royal Palaces of Abomey

Royal Palaces of Abomey

The Royal Palaces of Abomey were built by the 12 kings of the powerful West African Kingdom of Dahomey between 1625 and 1900. Each king built his palace in the same cob-walled area. Only two survive today, but they are still used for rituals and royal ceremonies and are a reminder of a vanished kingdom. The bas relief decorations on the walls provide graphic depictions of battle scenes and document the history of this warrior kingdom. At Abomey you can witness a Geladan Mask Ceremony used by locals to communicate with spirits (and entertain tourists).

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Royal Palaces of Abomey

Ganvie on Lake Nokoue
Ganvie is an extraordinary village on stilts located on Lake Nokoue. The ancestors of the Tofinou people settled here in the 16th century when fleeing slave traders and they have lived here ever since. The village is reached by pirogue, traditional dugout canoes, which are used by the locals to fish.

Ouidah
The town of Ouidah is the spiritual home of voodoo and was an important centre for the slave trade, remembered today at the old Portuguese fort. The voodoo culture is evidenced at the Python Temple, an important site for Ouidah's ancient snake cult.

Grand Popo
After long trips through West Africa, the beach at Grand Popo is an excellent spot to kick back and relax under the shade of coconut groves and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the West African coastline. Depending on the season there may be opportunities to see sea turtles on the beach at night.

Pendjari National Park
Pendjari National Park is located in the north-west corner of Benin and has a wide range of mammal and bird species including elephant, buffalo, lion and various antelopes such as kob, waterbuck, hartebeest and duiker.

Atakora Mountains
The Atakora Mountains in northern Benin are home to a number of traditional tribal groups including the Tamberma, Bessoribe, Betiabe, Wama and Somba. They still hunt with bows and arrows, practice initiation rituals to mark passage through childhood and puberty and live in three storey houses with the ground floor for animals, first floor for the kitchen and top floor for living space and sleeping. This region is a great location for trekking through the mountains between the trial villages and learning more about the their lives and traditions.

Atakora Mountains

The Atakora Mountains in northern Benin are home to a number of traditional tribal groups including the Tamberma, Bessoribe, Betiabe, Wama and Somba. They still hunt with bows and arrows, practice initiation rituals to mark passage through childhood and puberty and live in three storey houses with the ground floor for animals, first floor for the kitchen and top floor for living space and sleeping. This region is a great location for trekking through the mountains between the trial villages and learning more about the their lives and traditions.