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Cotonou,

Place to Go Zou Abomey

Destination: ABOMEY

Situated 145 km north of Cotonou, the city of Abomey is widely considered the historic capital of Benin. It was the center of the Dahomey kingdom that controlled the area before colonization by the French, and the ruins of the royal palaces, one of which has been restored and houses Abomey's history museum, are the city's most popular attractions. Abomey is also one of the centers of traditional religion in Benin; many visitors stumble upon traditional ceremonies and dances in Abomey and later say it was a highlight of their trip. Because of Abomey's convenient location, it can be seen either as a stop on the way north from Cotonou or as a day trip from Cotonou. But regardless of your itinerary, Abomey is a must-see.

Attractions

- Abomey Royal History Museum

If there is one historical site that every visitor to Benin should see, it is Abomey's Royal History Museum. This museum tells the story of the kingdom of Dahomey before the French colonization. Abomey was once one of the most important sites in West Africa-as important as Kano and Benin City in Nigeria and the Dogon Country in Mali. This museum explains how the area evolved from a tribal kingdom to what it is today. It is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is 1.500 CFA per person, and this includes a guided tour in either French or English. The tour takes 1 to 1½ hours, and visitors should allow about 30 minutes after the tour to browse the small bookshop and craft booths in the museum's courtyard. Cameras are not allowed inside the museum; visitors who arrive with cameras will be asked to check them at the entrance.

- "Dahomey Trail" City Tour

For those who have more than a few hours to spend in Abomey, it would be a shame to see the Royal History Museum and nothing else. The museum is one of many important historical sites in Abomey, and a city tour enables you to put each site in its proper context and take away a fuller understanding of the civilization that once flourished here. There were, in fact, 12 kings and 12 palaces in Abomey; other interesting sites include the city wall, an ancient blacksmiths village, and Voodoo relics and temples.

The most convenient way to see these sites is to take a tour immediately following the museum tour. Simply inquire at the museum to find a guide. This tour, which is highly recommended, takes from 1-2 hours depending on the number of sites you want to visit. The cost is 2.500 CFA per person for the tour, plus 1.000 CFA per person, per hour for the motorcycle-taxi that will take you around town. Because many of the structures visited on this tour are still inhabited by royal descendants and have religious significance, it is advisable to ask your guide which ones you may take pictures of, and you should be prepared to pay for some pictures.

- Place Goho

The large park at the entrance to Abomey is "Place Goho." Here, there is a statue of King Béhanzin, who fought to defend Dahomey against the French. This statue at the entrance to Abomey is a tribute to his efforts to protect the kingdom. While the park is a regular stop in the city tour described above, it is worth a visit even if you don't have time for the full tour. Across the street from the park, the Maison du Peuple is also a pleasant place to have a drink and shop for souvenirs.

Events/Activities:

- Shopping

Because of Abomey's proud history, it is also one of the centers of Beninese arts and crafts. There are many places in Abomey to shop for crafts and souvenirs with historical and cultural significance. Some of these include the Royal History Museum courtyard, the Maison du Peuple, the artisan center on the road to the Motel d'Abomey, and the weaving center at the Agonglo palace ruins.

- La Fête des Fetiches

One of Abomey's largest Voodoo festivals takes place each January 10th. It consists primarily of traditional music and dancing, and it is one of several festivals that take place in early January.

General Information

Cost of travel from Cotonou:

Single place in Auto-Taxi: 1.500 CFA

Seat on Bus: 9.000 CFA

Approximate Travel Time:

Auto-Taxi: 3 hours

Bus: 2 hours

Travel Notes

Taxis leave frequently for Abomey from Cotonou on Boulevard St. Michel and at the "Etoile Rouge." Because of the difference in comfort and travel time, it is recommended that groups of 3-5 people rent an entire taxi.

Best time to visit

The climate in Abomey is most agreeable from November to May, and December and January are the most active months for local ceremonies and festivals, from Christmas and New Year's celebrations to the annual Voodoo day on January 10.

Lodging

- In Abomey

Motel d'Abomey (tel: 50-00-75)

45.000 CFA-Suite with AC, large sitting room, king size bed, WC and shower with hot water
18.000 CFA-Apartment with AC, small sitting area, queen size bed, WC and shower with hot water
12.000 CFA-Double bungalow with AC, 2 single beds, WC and shower
10.000 CFA-Single bungalow with AC, single bed, WC and shower

Chez Monique (tel: 50-01-68)

7.000 CFA-Deluxe room with 1 single bed and 1 double bed, ceiling fan, WC and shower in room
5.000 CFA-Simple room with 1 single bed and 1 double bed and ceiling fan

Hôtel Guedevy (tel: 50-03-04)

20.500 CFA-Bungalow suite with AC, sitting area, king size bed, T.V., WC and shower with hot water
15.500 CFA-Bungalow with AC, king size bed, WC and shower
8.500 CFA-Double room with AC, WC and shower 6.500 CFA-Double room with fan, WC and shower

Hôtel la Lutta (tel: 50-03-43)

3.500 CFA-Double room with fan, WC and shower

- In Bohicon

Hôtel Dako (tel: 51-01-38)

25.000 CFA-Large suite with AC, balcony, WC and shower with hot water
18.000 CFA-Suite with AC, balcony, WC and shower with hot water
12.000 CFA-Double room with AC, WC and shower

Hôtel Relais Sinnoutin (tel: 51-00-75)

8.000 CFA-Double room with AC, WC and shower
6.000 CFA-Double room with fan, WC and shower
5.000 CFA-Double room with fan

Restaurants

Maquis Luciana (tel: 50-19-94)

Located in the Goho quarter, this restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere, professional service, and generous portions. Typical dishes are chicken, fish, or rabbit with French fries, rice, or cous-cous. Groups can call ahead and negotiate a fixed menu including salad and dessert as well. Meals average from 2.000-2.500 CFA not including beverages.

Chez Monique

This hotel's restaurant serves a variety of European and African dishes, including fish, chicken, and sometimes beef. Customers can choose to eat indoors or, if you prefer, there are tables under straw huts in the garden. Main dishes average 2.500 CFA, and complete dinners with salad and dessert average 3.500 CFA.

Motel d'Abomey

Located inside the hotel, this restaurant serves European and African dishes including fish, chicken, and beef. Meals (with beverage) average around 5.000 CFA per person.

Street Vendors

One of the best ways to sample local cuisine is to try some of the many street vendors located around Abomey, especially near the market. One can find many types of cheap food on the street: fried yams, rice and beans, omelet sandwiches, and lots of Benin's staple, pâte, with various meats and sauces.

Local Markets:

Abomey's market is quite large and centrally located. A visit provides the tourist an opportunity to do some interesting people-watching, browse the various items for sale, and gain a sense of the everyday life of the Fon people. Also, adjacent to the market is the new post office building for any correspondence needs (mail, phone, and fax; internet coming soon) as well as Aux Délices de France, a modern store where you can buy most food and toiletry items.


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