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Cotonou,

Place to Go Introduction

Introduction Page

Benin's West African heritage offers numerous attractions for discovery by the interested tourist. Travelers here will find a microcosm of Africa's wonders: rhythmic folk dances and elaborate ceremonies; vast national parks and nature reserves; varied animal life and changing landscapes; groves of coconut trees set upon sandy beaches; exotic foods and beautiful handicrafts; and, most importantly, a warm, hospitable people.

Benin's geography, culture and heritage varies from region to region. The southern part of Benin is more heavily populated and more developed, while the northern is less so, and thereby can be said to have a more "traditional" appeal; it also is the best spot for wildlife viewing, as Benin's two major game parks are located there.

Many visitors begin their journeys in the south, which is made up of three main "departements" along the coastline: the Mono, bordering Togo on the west; the Atlantique in the center, and the Ouémé to the east, bordering Nigeria. The Atlantique is home to Cotonou, Benin's economic capital and the site of the major airport. Here, tourists will find great shopping, a wide variety of dining choices, museums and cultural centers and many opportunities for people-watching. Also in the Atlantique are a variety of day trips one can make from Cotonou, such as a tour of Ganvié, where traditional thatched houses sit on stilts over a lagoon; or a day spent in Ouidah, the former slave post and "Voodoo" capital of Benin. The Mono region contains, among other things, some of Benin's most beautiful beaches. The Ouémé is home to Porto Novo, Benin's nominal capital.

Leaving the south, one travels north toward the center of the country, to the "departement" known as the Zou. The Zou's best-known city is Abomey, site of the ancient kingdom of the Fon and one of Benin's most popular tourist destinations. Past the Zou, one reaches northern Benin, which consists of two main regions: the Atakora in the northwest, bording Togo and Burkina Faso, and the Borgou, located in the northeast and bordering Niger and Nigeria.

The Atakora has an abundance of natural attractions such the National Park of the Pendjari, part of the National "W" Park (which continues into neighboring Niger), the Atakora mountain range and Tanougou falls, as well as several lively cities such as Djougou and Natitingou. The Borgou region shares part of the "W" Park with the Atakora; other points of interest in the Borgou include the cities of Parakou and Nikki.

One of the best reasons to visit this part of Benin is the people. The Somba people live mainly in the Atakora and are known for their unique houses, called tata sombas. They maintain a traditional lifestyle not seen elsewhere in Benin, making a visit to the region well worth it. The Borgou region, meanwhile, is heavily populated by the Bariba, who were once a migratory people and built a major kingdom around the city of Nikki. Each year, traditional Bariba culture is celebrated during Nikki's Ganhi festival, where tourists may get a chance to meet the local king. The Fulani people, also known as the Peul, are also found in the north, largely in the Borgou. Many of the Fulani are still migratory cattle herders, who travel widely throughout West Africa. The Fulani women, in particular, are known for their colorful dress and jewelry.


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