Exploring Benin: A Hidden Gem of West Africa
Benin is one of the best kept secrets in West Africa and offers spectacular scenery and wildlife, fascinating history, and ancient traditions. The country is the birthplace of the Voodoo religion, evidenced by an abundance of Voodoo temples and ‘fetish’ markets dotted throughout the country. The region was known as the Slave Coast from the 17th century onward before slavery was abolished and France took control. Independence came in 1960 and, despite a few tumultuous years, today the country enjoys relative peace and stability despite high levels of poverty.
Cotonou, the largest city and economic centre, still displays its colonial heritage. The city has its own Boul’ Mich ( Boulevard Saint-Michel) and it is quite common to see Beninois locals walking around, baguette tucked under one arm and a French newspaper clutched under the other.
The capital, Porto Novo, is smaller but is one of West Africa’s more pleasant capitals. The Royal Palace features a museum documenting the life of African royalty, and local ‘Adjogan’ music can be heard throughout the city.
The city of Abomey was once the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, as Benin was formerly known. It now houses a complex of ruined temples and royal palaces that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relics of this proud and intriguing culture are on display in the Abomey Historical Museum, complete with macabre tapestries and even a throne of human skulls. The historic sites in Ouidah are also worth visiting, including the Portuguese fort and the Temple of the Sacred Python.
The country has a network of lagoons and swamps that can be found along the Atlantic coastline. These connect the rivers and big lakes such as Lake Aheme and Benin’s longest river, the Oueme, and they are navigable through the seasons. The beaches along the coast, at Ouidah and Grand Popo, are also a major draw for tourists.
The northwest region of the country is wild and beautiful, ruled by the Atakora Mountains towering as high as 3,000 feet (914 metres) and offering wonderful hiking opportunities. The two main tourist attractions are the wildlife reserves, Pendjari National Park and ‘W’ National Park. These are considered among the best in West Africa for wildlife viewing.
Key Facts
- Language:
- More than 50 languages are spoken in Benin, but French is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
Although the official guidelines state that passports must be valid for the period of stay in Benin, it is recommended that travellers have six months left before expiry as some immigration officials enforce their own standards. Visas are required for most nationalities.
- Currency:
The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency of Benin and it’s divided into 100 centimes. Benin is largely a cash economy and credit cards are not widely accepted; ATMs are rare outside major centres. Credit and debit card fraud is common.
- Electricity:
- Electrical outlets in Benin usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. European rounded, two-pin plugs are standard.
Climate in Benin
Benin has a tropical or equatorial climate, and is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures and humidity particularly high along the coast. In Cotonou, the average maximum temperature is 87F (31C) and the average minimum temperature is 75F (24C). Rainfall varies in Benin. There are two rainy seasons in the south, from April to mid-July, and from mid-September to late October; and a rainy season in the north from June to early October. During the rainy season smaller roads in Benin often become impassable and national parks tend to close during the wet season for this reason. The Harmattan wind blows in from the Sahara Desert between December and March, during the dry season, bringing heat and dust; but the hottest time of year is between February and April. The best time to visit Benin is between November and February, when travellers may have to contend with the hot Harmattan winds, but miss the rain and the worst of the heat.
Health Notes when travelling to Benin
All travellers over nine months of age require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Benin, and proof thereof should be readily available at the airport. Malaria is a problem all over the country and some form of prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers in all areas.
Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid, and a meningococcus vaccination is recommended during the dry season, between November and June. It is generally advised that travellers are up to date on vaccinations for polio, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and tetanus-diphtheria. Everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting.
Those travellers who will be spending extended periods outdoors and may be at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination. Cholera outbreaks do occur in Benin, but vaccinations are usually only recommended for high-risk individuals such as health professionals and relief workers who may be visiting remote areas where cholera epidemics are occurring.
Travellers should not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected, and should avoid ice in beverages. All meals should be eaten while still hot, and uncooked fruit and vegetables avoided.
Medical facilities in Benin are limited and many medicines are unavailable. Travellers should ensure that they have comprehensive travel insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, and should bring along all required prescription medications, in their original packaging, and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Benin
Travel in Benin is usually trouble free, but crime is a problem and tourists should be cautious and vigilant at all times as incidents of mugging, assault, and car-jacking do occur, especially in Cotonou and near the Nigerian border.
Most crime targeting foreigners is petty and opportunistic and tourists should watch out for bag-snatchers and pickpockets, especially at Dantokpa market in Cotonou, and in other tourist areas. The Cotonou coastline is also a bit of a trouble spot, with numerous robberies occurring on the beaches. Visitors shouldn’t walk alone on the beach at any time of day. The ocean currents are extremely strong along the Benin coast and drownings occur annually.
There is a high rate of credit card fraud and robberies at ATMs, so foreigners need to be vigilant when withdrawing money. Tourists are also frequently targeted by scam artists. The political situation in Benin is stable but visitors should avoid any street protests and political gatherings that may occur. There is an underlying threat of terrorism in the wider region, and visitors should be vigilant.
Customs in Benin
Visitors should be careful not to take pictures of military zones, airports or government offices. Homosexuality is legal but homosexual relationships are not universally accepted, so visitors should be discreet. Benin is largely patriarchal and, although women are equal to men legally, visitors should not be surprised to find that women are generally subordinate socially and economically. Benin is one of the main centres of voodoo practices and that culture remains prevalent; visitors should research and respect local traditions to avoid causing offence. Offering food and drink to visitors is a key element of hospitality, and it’s considered rude to refuse. Many Beninese eat in the traditional style, using the fingers of the right hand. It is poor etiquette to eat with the left hand or offer another person something with it.
Duty Free in Benin
Travellers to Benin 15 years and older may bring with them 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 500mL of eau de toilette and 250mL of perfume are granted allowance, as are one bottle of wine and one bottle of spirits.
Doing Business in Benin
Benin is poor in natural resources, and the stability of its economy is largely dependent on trade with its neighbour, Nigeria. French is the language of business is Benin and being able to speak it is essential, unless visitors have a translator. Punctuality is considered important and lightweight suits are the norm when doing business. Office hours are generally 8am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Communication in Benin
The telephone system in Benin is characterised by ageing, deteriorating equipment, and telecommunications growth is in the mobile phone market. Several mobile phone operators compete in Benin; only a very small percentage of the population has internet access. Most mid-range to high-end hotels will offer free WiFi, though speeds are slower than most tourists are accustomed to. The international dialing code for Benin is +229.
Tipping in Benin
Tipping is appreciated all over Benin. Restaurants don’t generally add service charges to bills and a 10 percent tip is appropriate for waitrons. Fares are usually rounded up for taxi drivers, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Passport/Visa Note
Although the official guidelines state that passports must be valid for the period of stay in Benin, it is recommended that travellers have six months left before expiry as some immigration officials enforce their own standards. Visas are required for most nationalities.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A valid US passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
A valid Canadian passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A valid UK passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
A valid Australian passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
A valid Irish passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A valid New Zealand passport and visa are required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
A valid South African passport is required, but no visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
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