West Africa

Fly to Benin from 651 €

Formalities

Before leaving, you will need :

Passport: Before leaving, you must have a passport with an expiry date after the end of your trip. Non-Beninese nationals wishing to enter Benin must obtain a VISA in advance.

Visa: You can apply for VISA directly on https://evisa.bj/.

Information on customs and policy formalities is given for information purposes only. Under no circumstances will Corsair be held responsible if you are not in good standing with the authorities.

We also advise you to contact the Consulate General of Benin in France, for any useful information and to prepare your trip:

89 rue du Cherche Midi - 75006 Paris, France
Telephone: 01 42 22 13 14
Mail adress: paris@consulat-benin.fr

On site

Opening hours of shops

Most shops are open monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm and then from 4pm to 7pm.

Transport

In Cotonou

For your travels in the capital as in all the major cities of the country, you can choose between taking motorcycle taxis, also called "zemidjans" which means "take me fast" or taxis, recognizable by their orange license plate or their body painted in yellow and green.

You can also take a mini bus, which works on the same principle as the car taxi but can carry between 10 and 20 passengers.

Between major cities

For long journeys between Beninese cities or to reach a neighboring country, you can take a bus, which goes at defined times and allows you to benefit from: seating, air conditioning, fixed rates and the possibility of reserving a seat up to 24 hours before departure.
The main bus companies are: ATT, La Poste, Tundé, Confort Lines and Pax Express.

Security

The areas and roads surrounding Banikoara, Kandi, Malanville and Sagbana, as well as south of Matéri to Boukoumbé are bordered by areas formally discouraged due to the threat to Western nationals.
In Cotonou, it is best to avoid the port districts and those along the railway tracks of the city center at night. It is also recommended to remain vigilant in crowded places, especially around the Dantokpa market where flights are frequent.

Services

Banks and administrative offices are open from Monday to Friday between 8am and 12.30pm and from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Not to be missed

Essentials

Cotonou, the largest city in Benin

The city of Cotonou is known throughout West Africa for its 20-hectare international market (Dantokpa), its Missebo secondary market, located just a few meters from the Dantokpa market, and its Zémidjans, motorcycle taxis that allow you to travel to the four corners of the territory. To the southwest, you will find the Cathedral of Our Lady of Cotonou with its original façade of red and white stripes.
The Zinsou Foundation, created in 2005, is also a mecca of contemporary African art, benin's culture and its rites.

Ouidah on the road to Togo

Along the fishing road, you will find a beautiful sandy road that runs along the sea between coconut groves and fishing villages. The city is also home to dozens of fetish convents and small, highly decorated temples.

Porto-Novo, historic city

About thirty kilometers east of Cotonou, Porto-Novo, administrative capital and historic city retains the charm of cities built in the late nineteenth century with Afro-Brazilian style buildings. Its quiet streets will delight visitors looking for a more peaceful atmosphere.

The great rest of Grand-Popo

Located an hour's drive from Cotonou, Grand-Popo is a city renowned for its beaches, ideal for enjoying the weather and the sea. A real fishing town, Grand-Popo is the place to take a break and recharge your batteries.

Go on safari in the Pendjari National Park

This reserve is a real jewel sheltering a varied fauna. Pendjari National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in West Africa (275,000 hectares). The inhabitants are numerous, among them nearly 45,000 mammals, 800 elephants or 450 lions...

Gastronomy

Djèwo, delicious corn paste

"Djèwo" means "salted dough", it is a paste made from corn that usually accompanies dishes in sauce based on chicken, turkey or guinea fowl.

The Watché, typical of Benin

Very present from the north to the south of the country, watché is a dish based on beans and rice. Often accompanied by a fried tomato and chili pepper, it is also eaten with "wangachi" cheese, meat or fish.

Ablo, a rice cake

It is a specialty that can be found for sale in the streets of southern cities. It is a small "cake" that is eaten as an accompaniment with savory dishes, based on rice flour.

Culture

A rich centuries-old cultural tradition

Both spirituality and religious practice occupy a very important place in the culture in Benin. The country is the cradle of Vodoun (or Voodoo), which means "What cannot be elucidated, effective power". This religion responds to the four elements of the cosmos which are water, earth, air and fire. The National Day of Vodoun is also celebrated on January 10 in Benin, especially in Ouidah and Grand-Popo. This festival appeals to all the cults of Benin.

The ancient kingdom of Dahomey

The Kingdom of Dahomey, or Danhomè, is an ancient African kingdom located in present-day Benin, which was one of the most influential as early as 1600 after the decline of the Ashanti and Oyo kingdoms. The kingdom of Dahomey is one of the most organized of its time, both socially and administratively, land, economically or militarily. Since 1986, the site of the Royal Palaces of Abomey has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its history is on display at the city's Historical Museum, which is open every day of the week.

Weather

Benin enjoys a tropical climate, with a dry season in winter and a rainy season in summer. Maximum temperatures vary between 32°c during the dry season and 28°c during the rainy season.

The best time to visit Benin is during the driest months, i.e. during the dry season which is between November and March. If you are near the coast, the climate can be pleasant as early as August.