Day Trip to Porto-Novo and the Black Lake of Adjara

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Porto-Novo

  Your adventure begins in the morning with a pick-up at your hotel. Comfortably installed in an air-conditioned vehicle, let yourself be guided through a journey of approximately 50 minutes to 1:30, depending on your location, to Porto-Novo. Upon arrival in town, the tour begins with an immersion in the heart of royal history, at the Honmè Museum. Once the residence of the kings of Porto-Novo, this royal palace transformed into a museum for a unique discovery of Beninese cultural heritage. You will discover: Testimonies of daily life at court The traditional architecture of the palace, full of symbols Through the stories of your guide, you will be immersed in the history of the rulers of Porto-Novo, their links with traditional cults, and their role in the political and cultural construction of the country. This first stop lays the foundations of a circuit rich in discoveries, where memory, identity and Beninese lifestyle are honored.

  50 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Musee Honme (Palais Royal)

  In the heart of Porto-Novo, the Honmè Museum opens the doors of the old royal palace of kings. This museum, housed in the royal residence of King Toffa, is one of the most important heritage sites in Benin. Through a guided tour, you discover: Royal apartments preserved in their original condition Scenes from everyday court life, illustrated by installations and oral histories The Honmè Museum tells the story of the dynasties of Porto-Novo, their role in Beninese society, as well as their links with traditional cults. The architecture of the palace, typical of the colonial era and influenced by the Afro-Brazilian style, is itself a valuable testimony to the urban history of the capital. This visit offers an authentic immersion in the royal and spiritual world of Benin, and is an essential step to understand the deep roots of Port-Nova culture.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Porto-Novo

  After the discovery of the royal past at the Honmè Museum, the tour continues to the deep spiritual universe of Benin through the meeting with a voodoo priest, repository of sacred knowledge passed down from generation to generation. You will have the opportunity to approach some convents (places of initiation and worship, first divinity of the city) where voodoo priests still officiate today. In these often discreet spaces, we discover altars, sacred sculptures and ritual objects used for communication with the deities (Orisha). Meeting with a Vodun priest or priestess Depending on the availability and the opening of the place, a guided meeting can be organized with a voodoo priestess. The exchange helps to better understand: The role of the priest in the community The revered main deities (such as Sakpata, Hebiosso, Dan or Mami Wata) The meaning of rituals and ceremonies (consultation with Fa, offerings, dances, songs...)

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Great Mosque of Porto-Novo

  Located in the heart of the Beninese capital, the Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo is an architectural jewel. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by Afro-Brazilians who returned from Brazil, it surprises with its unique style, inspired by Catholic baroque churches but dedicated to the Islamic faith. Its façade resembles that of a colonial cathedral, with floral ornaments, colonnades, and a terracotta brick structure. Inside, we discover a sober and sacred space, conducive to meditation. Classified as a historical monument, this mosque testifies to the mixed history of Porto-Novo, where different cultures and religions coexist harmoniously. It is located near the Ahouangbo market, in a lively and typical area.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 5
  Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature

  The Garden of Plants and Nature of Porto-Novo is a unique and emblematic green space in Benin, located in the heart of the capital. Formerly sacred forest of the Kingdom of Hogbonu, transformed into a botanical garden in the colonial era, it is now a real living museum of local biodiversity. Over an area of nearly 4 hectares, the garden is home to more than 200 plant species, ranging from giant trees such as century-old iroko or kapokier, to medicinal and food plants such as coffee, nutmeg or pepper. This peaceful place is also the refuge of a small free-ranging wildlife, including mona monkeys, squirrels and a variety of birds.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 6
  Porto-Novo

  The walking tour of the colonial and Afro-Brazilian architecture of Porto-Novo is a fascinating immersion in the urban, cultural and political history of the Beninese capital. This guided walk through the streets of the historic center allows you to discover iconic buildings inherited from the French colonial era, but especially from the influence of Afro-Brazilians — those descendants of slaves who returned from Brazil in the 19th century. The tour highlights the cross-influences between Africa, Europe and Latin America, the stories of return from exile, and the diversity of architectural expressions born from these trajectories. It is also an encounter with the inhabitants, artisans, and living alleys of a city that carries within it the history of a multiple people.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  Located right in the center of Porto-Novo, Toffa Square is an emblematic place dedicated to the memory of King Toffa I, one of the most influential sovereigns of the Kingdom of Porto-Novo at the end of the 19th century. A true historical crossroads, this square embodies both the royal identity, the resistance to colonization and the cultural anchoring of the Goun people. In the centre of the square sits an imposing statue of King Toffa, often depicted in traditional dress, a symbol of wisdom, power and diplomacy. The square is surrounded by colonial and traditional buildings, witnesses of the political and architectural history of the city. Place Toffa is a place of gathering, official ceremonies and traditional celebrations, and remains a major landmark for both locals and visitors. It is an ideal stop to evoke royal history, the links between tradition and modernity, and take some pictures in a symbolic and open setting.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 8

  Located in the heart of Porto-Novo, the Negro and African Pantheon is a symbolic place, charged with emotion and respect. Built in honour of the great black figures of Benin, Africa and the diaspora, this monument honours the memory of the resistance fighters, thinkers, traditional leaders, artists and religious figures who marked the history of the black continent. The site, both memorial and cultural space, is distinguished by: Monumental sculptures depicting the ancestors and heroes of the Black Cause A space of reflection where spirituality, history and art meet The Hall of Fame is also a place of reflection and transmission: it embodies the recognition of African dignity and pays tribute to those who fought for freedom, justice and culture.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 9
  Porto-Novo

  Extend the tour with a fun stop at the Sentinels du Climat (in its gamified version), then a spiritual immersion at the Temple of Pythons of Porto-Novo.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 10

  After the historical and cultural richness, head to a completely different scenery: the Black River of Adjara, located a few kilometers from the city. The pleasant and exotic route takes you through the villages and green landscapes of the Adjara region, rich in traditions and nature. On arrival, the Black River reveals a peaceful environment, bordered by mangroves, water lilies and tropical vegetation. This still preserved place invites you to relax, contemplate and discover Beninese river life. On the spot, several experiments are possible: Traditional canoe ride to explore the river smoothly Meeting with locals, including fishermen and craftsmen on the waterfront Observation of the local flora and fauna, in an authentic and quiet setting The visit to the Black River is ideal to end the day on a natural and soothing note, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in a spirit of ecotourism.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 11
  Benin

  After this beautiful immersion in the heart of Beninese nature, it is time to take the road back. You will return to Cotonou in the late afternoon, comfortably installed in your air-conditioned vehicle. The return trip offers a final look at the landscapes crossed, between traditional villages, local markets and scenes of daily life. Arrival at your hotel in the early evening, with memories full of memories and a day rich in cultural, historical and natural discoveries. End of the visit, thank you for your trust and see you soon for a new adventure in the heart of Benin!

  1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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