Cotonou, Ouidah & Ganvié (Venice of Africa): History & Nature

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6 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 4 more

Three faces of Benin, one day to start understanding it.

From Cotonou to Ouidah, up to the lakeside city of Ganvié, Kiblistours offers you a guided discovery where history, heritage, and daily life meet.

In Cotonou, discover the Amazon Monument, a symbol of the heritage of the warrior women of Dahomey, and immortalize this first step.

In Ouidah, walk the Route of the Slaves and discover the history of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the links between Benin and African diasporas.

In Ganvié, take a pirogue on Lake Nokoué to observe stilt houses, fishing, boats, and scenes of life.

A day to understand Benin through its symbols, its memory, its landscapes, and its traditions.

Cotonou for a symbol.
Ouidah for memory.
Ganvié for life along the water.

Contact Kiblistours for the program and reservation.

Experience Authentic Africa.

What's Included

Private transportation
Double Guide (Guide and Local Guide)
Local insurance
Meetings with local craftsmen and discovering know-how
Participation in a folk music show (optional)
Return air-conditioned transport from Cotonou
Wifi on board during the visit
Tips
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Go to the place of the amazon and look for a Guide with a yellow triangular pennant.

OR
Meeting point

Look for a Guide dressed in black and holding a yellow pennant with a triangular shape.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Monument Amazone

    Discover the Amazon Monument, one of the emblematic places in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. With your guide, explore the symbolism of this work and the heritage of the warrior women of the Kingdom of Dahomey, then take a moment for your souvenir photos.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Temple des Pythons

    Enter the universe of the Temple of Pythons in Ouidah and discover the place of the sacred python in Vodoun traditions related to the deity Dan. Your guide enlightens you on the history of the temple, its symbols, and the beliefs surrounding it. If you wish, and under the supervision of the site managers, you can wear a python around your neck.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Ouidah Museum of History

    Tour the Slave Route of Ouidah, a memorial itinerary dedicated to the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Throughout the stages, your guide illuminates the meaning of the places, the fate of the deported people, and the human consequences of this history. A visit to understand and pay tribute, conducted with respect and sensitivity.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    La Porte Du Non Retour

    Facing the Atlantic Ocean, discover the Gate of No Return, one of the most emblematic memorials in Ouidah. It symbolizes the forced Check-out of African captives deported as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Your guide helps you understand its historical and memorial scope, before a time of observation and reflection.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Embark on a canoe to discover the Venice of Africa (Ganvié), the famous lake city of Lake Nokoué. Between stilt houses, boats, and exchanges on the water, observe a daily life paced by fishing, commerce, and canoe travel. Your guide tells you the history of the city and sheds light on the ties that unite its inhabitants to the lake. Canoeing included

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Cotonou

    Resume the route to Cotonou after your discovery of Ganvié, nicknamed "the Venice of Africa." Take advantage of the return journey to relax, chat with your Guide, and share your impressions of the day's highlights. To extend the experience, you can then optionally attend a show of traditional dances and music, featuring the cultures of Ouidah and Ganvié, for a supplement, starting from 10 participants. About 30 minutes for the return trip, depending on traffic • Return transport included • Optional show, to be paid separately

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Kiblistours

Tags

Day Trips
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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