Benin presents a diverse tapestry of historical and cultural heritage. It highlights ancient kingdoms, scenic coastlines, and varied wildlife. Situated in West Africa, Benin may not be the first choice for an African holiday, but it offers unique charms and exoticisms. The country is the birthplace of salsa music and Vodoun, with a cultural identity that sets it apart from its neighbors. A journey to Benin is a chance to step off the beaten track, immerse yourself in the local culture, and explore the country away from the tourist crowds. You can meet the local people and gain a deep understanding of the Vodoun religion, a cultural treasure often misunderstood but now being reclaimed by many throughout the diaspora through their spiritual journeys.
This unique journey through Benin offers the rare opportunity to witness traditional ceremonies, explore remote villages, and marvel at diverse landscapes and elaborate costumes. It's a chance to gain insight into this country that is rarely visited by tourists and where the arrival of strangers is a significant event. This adventure will surely satisfy your thirst for exploration.
The annual voodoo festival in Ouidah, Benin, is a week-long celebration that attracts people from around the world. It brings together priests, dignitaries, locals, and visitors, creating a global community of shared cultural and religious experiences. The festival serves as a powerful commemoration of the estimated 60 million people who endured the hardships of the African slave trade, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Slaves were transported from the port town on the Atlantic from Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, and other parts of West Africa. The 
traditional African religion of voodoo,
which spread to the Americas with the slave trade, encompasses a rich tapestry of philosophy and medicine.
Voodoo is based on the belief that everything is spirit, including humans. The annual gathering in Ouidah on 10 January is a revered national holiday in Benin, featuring traditional dance, animal sacrifices at shrines, and devotees entering trance states. The festival's climax occurs in the last two days, with devotees offering dances to the spirits, often adorned with local powder and palm oil.
INCLUDED
Hotel Accommodations
6 Nights at Golden Tulip Cotonou (or similar)
2 Nights at Benin Metropole Hotel, Parakou (or similar)
2 Nights Totora Hotel, Natitingou (or similar)
Arrival and departure transfers
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Tours and Activities as Listed
Professional Tour Guide
Gratuities for Driver/Tour Guides Only
NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ADD ON
Gratuities - $20 per person per day
Estimated Airfare $1800
NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance
Travel Vaccines
All Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Incidentals
Laundry
Passport Fees
VISA Fees
Additional Gratuities (bellman. porters, waiters, voodoo ceremonies)
** Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room
5% Rebate on the Land Package only, after any other discounts or promotions have been applied. The discount does not apply to the Booking Fee, Add-On Purchases, or Donations. The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase. Please allow 14 business days for processing.
Between sea and lagoon, Casa del Papa is the ideal address to come to rest or to enjoy the many activities offered for all ages and all desires. Hotel complex on the Benin coast, combining the comfort of the best hotels with the friendliness of a family stay. Our bungalows scattered among the coconut palms will offer you peace and relaxation in all pleasure.
Located in Parakou, Benin Metropole Hotel offers 3-star accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property has an ATM, a concierge service and organizing tours for guests. At the hotel the rooms come with air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels and a terrace with a city view. All rooms feature a closet. At Benin Metropole Hotel you'll find a restaurant serving African, French and Mediterranean cuisine. Vegetarian and dairy-free options can also be requested.
Overlooking the town of Natitingou, head of the department of Atacora, located in the north-west of Benin, the hotel estate of Totora covers all the top of a shrub savannah hill on more than acres. You will feel tranquillity and happiness in its garden on the terrace, by having a drink or a meal with your friends in the sunset, or by staying there with your ministerial delegation on mission in the department, with your family or group of tourists in this unique region of Benin.
A singularity by these mountains, waterfalls, traditional dwellings of the Tata Somba, multiple crops, mild or warm climate but always tempered by the breeze. You can swim at the aquatic area of the area in front of the valley, walk, horseback or cycle, visit the Natitingou Museum and enjoy its large market, take excursions to the fall of Kota, the Punjari National Park.
Estimated Airfare $1800 - Plus $35.00 Ticketing Fee
Include the estimated airfare cost in your package, enabling you to make payments towards your airfare until you decide to confirm your booking. Your account will be updated to reflect the current fare at the time of ticket issuance. Additional fees may apply.
Gratuities are required - $20 per person per day can be included in the cost of your package or you can pay up on arrival before checking in to the hotel to your TBOG Travel Concierge or your Lead Tour Guide. This is the gratuities for your driver/tour guides, housekeepers and group meals. Gratuities not included are lunch & dinner gratuities, airport porters and bellman.
If you are bringing U.S. Cash, please bring larger bills, preferably $100, $50 and $20. Many banks and Cambio offices will not exchange bills that are more than 10 years old, so be on the safe side and check the dates of your bills, make sure your bills are not torn, extremely worn or have writing, Please check your bill before departing the U.S. NOTE - only the new U.S. bills are accepted.
Travel Agent, Service & Account Management Fee. This fee is non-negotiable and non-refundable.
This Trip Is Non-Refundable
Cancellations must be received by email. Cancellation made 60 days prior to the date of departure, a travel credit will be issued to the individual traveler. Cancellation fees will apply: initial deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement and any additional fees as stated on the specific registration. Other nonrefundable fees may be incurred from, and not limited to, the Hotel, Airline, Ground Transportation, and other service providers which override TBOG Travel's cancellation policy and can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Cancellations made within 61 days of the departure date are non-refundable and not eligible to obtain a travel credit.
If a reservation is cancelled by TBOG Travel prior to commencement of the trip, TBOG Travel shall have no responsibility beyond the issuance of credit for the monies paid related to the trip that was canceled by TBOG Travel without offset for cancellation fees imposed by TBOG Travel or third-party vendors. Example: Reservations in arrears 91 days will cancel automatically for non-payment. Any monies paid will be forfeited and not refunded. Where TBOG Travel incurs any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking which you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.
Travel Credits can be used to purchase other specific TBOG Tour the World Travel Experiences.
Travel credits issued from travel booked:
For 2025 travel, will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2026.
For 2026 travel, will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2027.
For 2027 travel, will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2028
If you choose a TBOG Tour the World Travel Experience that is more than your travel credit, you are responsible for any additional cost. If the new Travel Experience is less than the travel credit, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference.
TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict any changes to a reservation. All changes are subject to availability. Please note that changes made to overall party size, date, or location may result in a change to the rate. For your peace of mind, we recommend the purchase of travel insurance, we have partnered with Travel Guard to offer travel insurance protection. Travel Guard insurance policies are underwritten by AIG.
Please note: These policies are subject to change at any time.
Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.
Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option, if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
Visas - Most foreign passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Benin. Benin has introduced an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel.
Click → https://evisa.bj/ to apply for your Benin Visa.
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Some vaccines are recommended or required for Benin. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Benin: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Benin |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Benin |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a high risk of contracting malaria in Benin. Our expert staff will help you identify the key risk factors and suggest the best antimalarial for your health situation. There is medical care in larger Beninese cities and towns. But the extent of treatment is limited. For those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel far to get to the nearest physician. For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination page or book an appointment by calling 1-888-499-7277 or book online now.
Book Online Now or Call 1-888-499-7277
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enroll HERE → https://step.state.gov/
Benefits of Enrolling in STEP
You can exchange currency upon arrival at the airport in Cotonou. The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency of Benin. Benin is largely a cash economy and credit cards are not widely accepted; ATMs are rare outside major centers. Credit and debit card fraud is common.
Card services are available in affluent areas in Benin but if you are dealing with local guides and need to move around, you need cash. It's always important to have quite a significant amount of West African CFA francs on you while traveling through Benin.
The easiest currency that you can change is Euros – if you don't have Euros, you'll struggle to change other currencies and it's better to just withdraw cash from an ATM. Visa is widely accepted but you'll struggle a little more with a MasterCard and don't even bother to take your American Express out of your wallet.
XE-perience currencies on the go.
The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies.
Download Xe Currency Converter: for Android HERE and for iOS HERE
Voltage converters and transformers
Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.
As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Benin. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter.
All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.
Benin travel adapters
You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.
For Benin there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. Benin operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Type C
Type E
Benin offers free Wi-Fi at many public places, including restaurants, cafes, and hotels, however your mobile service provide may not work as well when not connected to WiFi. If you want to ensure you can stay connected, Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills and staying connected with eSIMs (digital SIM cards). With eSIMs from Airalo, download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions and be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
Click photo below for more information.
The climate in Benin is mostly tropical due to its location on the equator, and humidity levels are constantly high.
Benin is tropical with two main rainy seasons in the central and southern regions - May to June and September to November. It is warm all year round, with temperatures ranging between 64º to 95º fahrenheit and fluctuating little over the course of the day.
A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The chance of wet days in Cotonou varies very significantly throughout the year. The wetter season lasts 6.8 months, from April 4 to October 28, with a greater than 36% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in Cotonou is June, with an average of 19.4 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 5.2 months, from October 28 to April 4. The month with the fewest wet days in Cotonou is January, with an average of 1.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
BENIN - French is the country's official language, while Fon, Yom and Yoruba have the status of national languages. The census indicates that Fon is the most widely spoken as a first language (20% of the population), followed by Baatonum (9%) and Borgu Fulfulde (8%).
Fon, Gun are most prevalent in the south of the country, where urban populations are concentrated. At least six major languages are spoken in the north, including Baatonum, Biali, Dendi, Fulfulde and Yom.
Traditional values still prevail for many locals in Benin, and showing excess flesh is not appreciated.
Shoes to pack
Clothing tips for women
Clothing tips for men
Bags
Clothing
White clothing is not recommended because it is impossible to keep clean. Ghana is a very dusty place.
Hardware
Toiletries
Papers
Optional
Almost everywhere in West Africa you have to be very careful with taking pictures of the local people. It is not appreciated at all when you take a spontaneous picture of somebody. Taking pictures of children is normally not a problem at all. They normally love to be in front of the camera, especially when you can show them the picture with a digital camera.
If you want to photograph an adult though, you should at least ask it before you do so, and even then you should be prepared on receiving "No" as an answer or being asked for money for a picture. Permission should always be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports.
The Black Onyx Group Travel stands firmly committed to social responsibility and sustainability. The places we visit are more than just tourist attractions. They are homes to vibrant communities with rich traditions and cultures. We take it as our duty to respect and support these communities, ensuring that our travel choices positively impact them.
Our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility reflects our deep care for the world we share. We passionately engage with residents and communities in the places we visit, valuing their input in shaping the course of tourism in their region. Deliberately selected local suppliers in our destinations have received comprehensive training in sustainable tourism practices. By fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, we enable them to thrive through tourism while safeguarding against exploitation. This approach effectively preserves their culture, traditions, and way of life, thereby honoring and uplifting their community.
At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we understand the crucial role of education, especially in rural areas where resources can be limited. As part of our mission, we work with our clients, business associates, partners, and donors to provide financial and essential resources such as books and clothes for children in remote areas, investing in their education and the future of their communities. Your support is vital in this effort.
At The Black Onyx Group Travel, we recognize that achieving cultural and social sustainability requires cooperation with local communities, travel companies worldwide, and the visitors we welcome. We are committed to preserving local cultures and communities and ensuring visitors have meaningful and authentic experiences around the world. This commitment is a vital part of our mission and something we are deeply passionate about, and we will continue to uphold it in all our endeavors.
At TBOG Travel, we are committed to offering unique travel experiences that foster connections and networks within the Diaspora. Our travel experiences effectively bridge the past and present, offering a responsible alternative to traditional tourism. We believe that responsible tourism is crucial in preserving cultural heritage and avoiding cross-cultural misunderstandings that might be perpetuated by traditional tourism.
Exploring your ancestral history through travel is not just a journey; it's a deeply personal one. It can help your family establish or re-establish a sense of belonging. Meeting and connecting with people in the communities personally not only enriches your understanding but also lays a strong foundation for beginning your travel journey, making you feel included and accepted. Walking in the footsteps of your ancestors and learning their stories can significantly enrich your understanding of your identity.
African diaspora populations include but are not limited to African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians – descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during the Atlantic slave trade.
The impact of the African Diaspora on global culture and society is undeniably profound and enduring. This impact extends to various industries such as music, food, art, sports, architecture, science, business, and agriculture. As the world becomes more interconnected through the internet, the African Diaspora is becoming more vital and influential, which will further expand their impact on commerce and culture. This is a legacy we can all be proud of and feel connected to.
Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.
If you are looking for an all-natural product to use to repel mosquitos, look no further. Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter infused with Peppermint $9.99
We highly recommend this product from our own personal experience. In 2022, our TBOG Travel Team started using Mine Botanical Whipped Shea Butter with Lemongrass and Peppermint when traveling over a four month period to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand. Shocked is an understatement. We could count on one hand how many mosquito bites the owner of TBOG Travel had gotten. So if it works for her, who the mosquitos love..we hope it will work for you!
MINE BOTANICALS LEMONGRASS INFUSED WITH PEPPERMINT SHEA BUTTER
Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter With Mint Leaf Extract & Peppermint Oil Anti-Inflammatory, Soothing & Healing Anti-Inflammatory Wonder Soothing Healing Soothes and heals inflamed skin, providing relief.
Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets, Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets
𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and useful for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries. A perfect paper camping for traveling.
𝗙𝗢𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: These foaming hand soap refills form a light lather that dissolves quickly and prevents dry hands. Naturally moisturizing portable hand washing soap is gentle on the skin while potent on the toughest of dirt and contaminants.
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies, at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.
𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a foaming paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.
𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Earth-friendly packaging of our foaming and convenient hand soap refills allow for worry-free disposal while outdoors; An excellent planet-saving alternative to plastic soap containers.
AMAZON PURCHASE
$11.99
Female Urination Device
Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up, Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor. For any outdoor activity, You can fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. so easy and convenient, does not take up space.With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets.Highly recommended for all women who travel. Keep in it a pouch along with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, Wet Ones or Wet Wipes, Travel Soap Sheets, and any other item you may need when using the restrooms.
Amazon Purchase
$12.99
Benin 
Our professional local tour leader, Emmanuel, will be eagerly waiting to meet with you on your arrival at the Bernardin Cardinal Gantin International Airport, which is situated on the former Slave Coast of Western Africa. Look out for the Black Onyx Group Travel sign when you leave the main terminal building after passing through immigration. Make yourself known to your guide, who will accompany you for the duration of your time in Benin, and they will take care of you from here. After boarding our vehicle, which will be your mode of transport for the duration of your tour, we will transfer you to your hotel, which is situated in Cotonou. Once we have checked you in, our experienced guide will offer you a warm Kwabo (welcome) and brief you on all aspects of your trip. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel restaurant while acclimatizing to West Africa.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Benin! Imagine starting your day with a delicious breakfast and then embarking on a captivating Cotonou city tour. Our first stop will be the Amazon Square, where you'll witness a monumental tribute to the fearless Dahomey female Warriors. These incredible women, also known as Amazon or Agojie of Dahomey, inspired the film Woman King, depicting their remarkable defense of their territories during the 17th to 19th centuries. But there is always the truth. It is said that the Dahomey were instrumental in Dahomey was organized for war, not only to expand its boundaries but also to take captives as slaves. Slaves were either sold to the Europeans in exchange for weapons or kept to work the royal plantations that supplied food for the army and court. 
