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Offered languages
- English
- French
- Spanish
What sets this tour apart?
This tour offers an authentic, well-paced, and respectful visit to Ganvié, led by experienced local guides who truly understand the culture and daily life of the stilt village. Unlike rushed or crowded boat trips, we take time to explore the village properly, allowing travelers to see schools, homes, fishing areas, and floating markets while learning the real history behind the “Venice of Africa.”
We use safe, motorized canoes and work directly with local boatmen and community members, ensuring a smooth experience and positive impact on the village. Our private premium option offers full flexibility, comfort, and deeper interaction.
With hotel pickup from Cotonou, clear logistics, and storytelling that goes beyond surface-level sightseeing, this experience is ideal for travelers seeking genuine cultural insight rather than a quick photo stop.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the meeting location. The guide will be holding a sign with the lead traveller's name. We will also share with you our guide's Whatsapp number the day before the tour.
We can meet our guest anywhere in the city of Cotonou. We will agree on a meeting point and send the guest the location on Google Maps.
Itinerary
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1Cotonou
What you will do: Meet their guide and driver at their hotel and begin the journey toward Lake Nokoué in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. What you will see: City neighborhoods, daily life in Cotonou, and changing landscapes as the route moves toward Abomey-Calavi. What you will learn: An introduction to Benin’s history, culture, and the significance of Ganvié before arriving at the lake.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Boat Ride to Ganvié What you will do: Board a motorized canoe and cruise across Lake Nokoué toward the stilt village. What you will see: Traditional fishing nets, wooden canoes, floating houses, and everyday lake activity. What you will learn: How fishing supports lake communities and why Ganvié was built on water over 400 years ago.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Ganvie
Stilt village What you will do: Explore the village by boat with our local guide, with time for photos and respectful interaction. What you will see: Stilt houses, schools, churches, fishing areas, and the floating market (when operating). What you will learn: The history of the Tofinu people, traditional fishing techniques, and how education, trade, and family life function entirely on water.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Cotonou
Return Boat Ride & Transfer What you will do: Return by canoe to the pier and drive back to your hotel. What you will see: Final views of Lake Nokoué and village life from the water. What you will learn: Opportunity to ask final questions and recap the cultural experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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