- British visitors need an e-Visa applied for online, plus a yellow fever certificate
- Ouidah, Ganvié and Abomey are all within a few hours of Cotonou
- Time a trip for Vodun Days in Ouidah in early January
- FCDO advises against travel to the far north, including Pendjari National Park
- Airports
- Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO)
- Flight time
- about 9-11h from London to Cotonou, usually with one stop
- Best time to go
- November-March, the main dry season; early January for Vodun Days
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
Benin is a small country with a huge story. It was the heart of the Kingdom of Dahomey, a major departure point on the transatlantic slave route, and it is the birthplace of Vodun (voodoo), which remains an official religion and a living part of everyday life. Visitors come for the history of Ouidah and Abomey, the extraordinary stilt village of Ganvié and colourful festivals, and stay for the relaxed coast and warm welcome.
Benin is on West Africa Time (UTC+1), one hour ahead of the UK in winter and the same in summer. Plugs are the European two-pin type, traffic drives on the right and French is the official language. This Africa guide covers where to go, when and how to plan a trip. Benin sits between Togo and Nigeria, and a Togo and Benin combination is a popular itinerary.
Where to go in Benin
Cotonou
The economic capital is the main entry point. Highlights include the huge Dantokpa Market, one of the largest in West Africa, the Fondation Zinsou contemporary art centre and a lively restaurant and music scene. The new Amazon statue on the seafront honours Dahomey's female warriors.
Ouidah
About 40km west of Cotonou, Ouidah is the spiritual home of Vodun. Visit the Temple of Pythons, the Sacred Forest of Kpassè and the Ouidah History Museum in a Portuguese fort, then follow the 4km Route des Esclaves to the Door of No Return on the beach. Each January, Vodun Days (around 8-10 January) bring ceremonies, music and masked dancers to the town.
Ganvié
On Lake Nokoué, just north of Cotonou, Ganvié is one of Africa's largest lake villages, home to tens of thousands of people living in stilt houses and travelling by pirogue. Go by boat from Abomey-Calavi, ideally in the morning.
Porto-Novo
The official capital has Afro-Brazilian architecture, the Ethnographic Museum, the Royal Palace of King Toffa and a colourful Grand Mosque built in Brazilian church style.
Abomey
The royal palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were the seat of the Dahomey kings. Bas-reliefs on the walls tell the kingdom's history, and a new museum is set to display treasures returned from France.
Grand-Popo
Near the Togo border, Grand-Popo is a quiet beach town with palm-fringed sands, lagoon trips and a few relaxed guesthouses. The ocean currents are strong, so swim with care.
The north
The Pendjari and W National Parks in the far north are among West Africa's best wildlife areas, but FCDO currently advises against all travel there because of the threat from armed groups.
Best time to visit Benin
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Main dry season (November-March) | Hot and sunny with Harmattan haze; best for travel and festivals |
| Long rains (April-July) | Heavy rain in the south, humid |
| Short dry season (August) | A brief drier break on the coast |
| Short rains (September-October) | Showers in the south |
Getting to Benin from the UK
There are usually no direct flights from the UK. Connect via Paris with Air France, via Brussels with Brussels Airlines, via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian, with total journeys of about nine to eleven hours. Cadjehoun Airport (COO) is right in Cotonou, so transfers are short.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a visa for Benin, usually applied for online as an e-Visa through the official government portal before travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. FCDO advises against all travel to the northern border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger, including Pendjari and W National Parks, and against all but essential travel to further parts of the north. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Zémidjans (motorbike taxis, known as zems) are everywhere and cheap, though helmets are not always offered. Shared taxis and minibuses link the southern towns, and hiring a car with a driver is the most comfortable way to cover Ouidah, Abomey and Grand-Popo. Distances in the south are short.
A local guide is well worth it in Ouidah and Abomey, as they can explain Vodun customs and arrange respectful visits to ceremonies.
Money and costs
The CFA franc is pegged to the euro at about 656 XOF to €1. ATMs are available in Cotonou and larger towns; elsewhere, carry cash, and bring euros for exchange. Benin is reasonably priced: allow around 30,000-55,000 XOF (roughly £40-70) per person per day for mid-range travel, plus accommodation and a driver if you hire one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benin safe to visit?
The south, including Cotonou, Ouidah, Ganvié and Abomey, is generally calm, and most visits pass without problems. FCDO advises against travel to the north because of armed groups, so check the latest advice.
Do British citizens need a visa for Benin?
Yes. Apply online for an e-Visa before travel and carry your yellow fever certificate.
Can tourists see Vodun ceremonies in Benin?
Yes. Vodun Days in Ouidah in early January is the best-known event, and local guides can sometimes arrange visits to ceremonies at other times. Always ask before taking photos.
How long do you need in Benin?
Five to seven days covers Cotonou, Ganvié, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Abomey and a night or two at Grand-Popo.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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