Solo backpacking trip to Benin (page 3 of 3)

Hi again,

And what’s the approximate cost of guides?

Hi Gilles, yeah, I went hiking in the hills but with a guide from another association. Your tips were really helpful, thanks! Now I’m diving into planning my next trip 😉.

between 10,000 and 20,000 CFA

Hi there, I lived in Benin for almost a year, over three trips, and I’m not sure I discovered everything. If you can take your time and not rush from city to city, it’s totally worth it.

If you have two months, definitely head to Togo. I know it less well than Benin—just a bit of the south—and I crossed it from north to south. The landscapes are really beautiful. In the northeast, the Tamberma region is a must-visit, with their fortress-like houses, just like the tatas somba in Benin. Same people, same culture.

Don’t skip the moto-taxis—they’re one of the best ways to get around, in my opinion. Great views, no neighbors practically sitting on your lap like in taxis, and a cooling breeze... pure bliss.

You don’t have to hire guides, except in two or three places. Since you’ve got time, walk. Walk. That’s how you really discover a city. You can go solo everywhere. In Abomey, you can spend time with artisans through the tourist office: potters, bronze workers.

between 10,000 and 20,000 CFA

Thanks Corinne, that gives me a budget idea!

I lived in Benin for almost a year, over 3 stays, and I’m not sure I discovered everything. If you can take your time, don’t rush from city to city—it’s totally worth it.

Hi there,

When I travel, I like to take my time. Usually, for a two-month trip, I stay in the same country, even if it’s small. I always find things to do, and I also enjoy doing nothing and just soaking in the place I’m in...

But for Benin, since part of the country (the North) is advised against by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was thinking of heading to Togo instead. Corinne went up to Natitingou and didn’t feel unsafe, so maybe there’s more to see than just the South.

I read your 2015 travel journal about the bronze casters in Abomey—it’s such a beautiful piece, you don’t see travel journals of that quality much anymore. I wonder if those artisans are still active today.

Anyway, thanks for your tips!

You're right, it's best to check if it still exists. But there might be something else set up—you’ll only find out once you're there. Opportunity makes the thief.

The main draw of Natitingou is the Somba region and its tatas. The Kota Falls are nice for cooling off. Unfortunately, Pendjari Park is now closed.

Happy planning! 🙂