What Can You Do If You Go To Benin And Togo?
Have you ever thought about traveling to Benin and Togo? Some may wonder where these countries are. You will find them in the African area of the Gulf of Guinea. Two small territories that, without a doubt, are not the best known on the continent, but that have a very striking cultural wealth. For example, does voodoo sound familiar to you? Well here is its origin.
Organized trips to Benin and Togo
We are not going to deceive you, Benin and Togo are not excessively prepared for tourism. Therefore, either you are a true adventurer experienced in this type of travel, or we recommend you undertake this journey accompanied by a specialized travel company.
On the other hand, we are talking about a relatively safe destination. In that sense, there are no special dangers. So well advised and accompanied, of course whoever wants to know this region can do so.
Once you have decided to start the journey, there are some very interesting places waiting for you. We present some of them below.
Cotonou
The economic capital of Benin is a good place to start your journey through Benin and Togo. In fact, it is the main route of entry, both by sea and by air, with its international airport.
It has been an eminently commercial city for centuries. So the best thing is to go to its Dantokpa market, one of the largest in West Africa.
An authentic display of local crafts, customs and beliefs awaits us there. We will see from all kinds of carpets and fabrics to ceramics of many ethnic groups. But what will attract our attention are the animal skulls. Surprisingly abundant.
Ganvié
We follow the itinerary through Benin and Togo, and taking a boat we will arrive at Ganvié, on Lake Nokué. They call it the Venice of Africa. But it is much more chaotic, and also with much more life.
This is not a setting like the Italian city. This place in Benin is overflowing with vitality, and getting lost among its temples and floating markets is a very enriching experience.
Abomey
Another highlight during a trip to Benin and Togo is the city of Abomey. There is the palace of the King of Glele, declared a World Heritage Site. Of course, the concept of the palace is different from what we are used to.
It is true that there you can see the tombs and thrones of different kings, but everything seems very far from our culture. And the same goes for the well-known Fon temples and their vivid colored reliefs.
The Taneka Country
There are numerous ethnic groups that have lived and live together in the territory of present-day Benin and Togo. One of them is the taneka. They live in a mountainous area, in round houses with thatched roofs.
The picture is unforgettable, as is seeing the rituals of its fetish boss, who always carries a long burning pipe. We are at the heart of voodoo.
Lomé
But our immersion in voodoo must continue already in the lands of Togo, for example in the city of Lomé. There you visit a peculiar fetish market.
It is not the only market in the city, there is also the one for fabrics or Mama Benz, and the Great Market, with several floors where there is everything from food to handicrafts. But without a doubt, the fetish market is a must see on the Benin and Togo tour.
Togoville
The city that gives the country its name is a place full of legends of all kinds. Sacred iroko trees, fetishes are seen everywhere, souvenirs of the goddess Legba and also the site where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared. In short, a place full of magic and spirituality.
Ouidah
And we want to end this trip through Benin and Togo, returning to the first country. To the city of Ouidah, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. A place where it is remembered that thousands of ships loaded with black slaves set sail from here.
But in addition to that, the most important voodoo festival is held annually in Ouidah. And it is where it is discovered that these animistic beliefs are very different from what we know from the cinema. And there is nothing like traveling to learn from our own experience, and not from what they tell us!
