Benin 9 Tage Togo and Benin: Local Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions Erlebnisrundreise Adventure-Trip in internationaler Gruppe

Benin and Togo are a dream for adventure seekers craving deep cultural immersion. In just nine days, explore the rich histories of both countries through visits to key historical sites and meaningful time spent in local communities. Connect with families eager to share their traditions, learn the intricate craft of kente cloth from artisans who have perfected it over generations, and step into the heart of Ouidah – West Africa’s Voodoo capital – to hear firsthand accounts of its history and modern-day practice. With an expert CEO leading the way, you’ll seamlessly journey through two of the most fascinating and vibrant countries on the planet.

• Enjoy a traditional weaving experience of Kente cloth led by members of the Atitovou community

• Visit Mount Kloto for a nature hike and to learn about how locals use the medicinal plants in the area

• Witness the community come together for the unforgettable Sokode horse and fire dances

• Head off the beaten track to experience the seldom visited wonder of Koutammakou a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Spend time learning from and interacting with locals in their rural communities and connect on a deeper level to the important culture of Benin and Togo

[color-box]Start: Lomé
Ende: Cotonou
Unterbringung: Hotel (8 nts).
Transport: Private vehicle, boat, walking
Mahlzeiten: 8 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen [/color-box]

Reiseverlauf:

ACHTUNG wichtige Infos zur Rundreise

Früheste Abreise ab: 21:00 Uhr

1. Tag Lomé

Arrive at any time. Your transfer to the hotel is included as part of your tour. Upon arrival take some time to get settled and opt to have dinner at the onsite restaurant. The adventure begins tomorrow.

Transport: Lomé-Tokoin Airport – Lomé (0.5h)
Freizeit: Lomé
Unterkunft: ONOMO Hotel Lome

2. Tag Lomé / Kpalimé

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before heading to the biggest market in Lomé and one of the most vibrant markets in all of West Africa. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and learn more about the history behind various churches and monuments in the city from your CEO. Then, travel onwards to the community of Atitovou. Here, witness how generations have been weaving traditional Kente cloth for centuries. Walk through the community, observe the (mostly men) weaving the beautiful cloth and sit down with a local family to learn more about the importance of this piece of their heritage. Transfer to the hotel in Kpalime for lunch and then visit Mount Kloto for an afternoon hike amid the stunning natural scenery and abundance of colourful butterflies that reside here. The remainder of the evening will be spent at your leisure. (F) (M)

Event: Grand Marche and German Cathedral Visit (0.75h)
Transport: Lomé – Atitovou (1.25h)
Event: Atitovou Community Visit & Kente Cloth Weaving (0.75h)
Transport: Atitovou – Kpalimé (1.25h)
Event: Mount Kloto Visit & Hike (1.5h)
Freizeit: Kpalimé
Unterkunft: Hotel Parc Residence

3. Tag Kpalimé / Sokodé

In the morning the group will begin the journey to Sokode with stops along the route to a few local markets where you’ll experience the sounds and smells of these colorful spaces. Stretch your legs, witness vital trading points for rural farmers selling their items, and feel part of the fabric of local life. Arrive in Sokode around lunch where you’ll witness the spectacular horse dance here. This spectacular event dating back centuries is hardly experienced by any outsiders and involves a festive community atmosphere you will never forget. Later, attend the ancient fire dance which is traditionally performed at festivals and special occasions in this remote northern part of Togo. Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure back at the hotel and reflect on the beautiful cultural experiences of your day. (F) (M) (A)

Transport: Kpalimé – Sokodé (5.5h)
Event: Atakpame Markets (0.5h)
Event: Sokodé Horse Dance (1.0h)
Event: Sokodé’s Traditional Fire Dance (0.75h)
Unterkunft: Nassam’s Hôtel

4. Tag Sokodé / Natitingou

Your first immersive experience today will be a visit to the traditional Fugu weavers of Bafilo. This traditional cloth in northern Togo has been woven and worn for generations in this northern community. Witness the skilled process of making the intricate designs and style your own before continuing on to Tsare. In this remote community the group will observe the ancient method of iron smelting under the guidance of a local family. You’ll hear about the family’s daily routine and learn more about the harsh conditions they often work under. After an included lunch the group will transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Koutammakou, a seldom visited wonder in northeastern Togo. Here the traditional mud homes of the Batammariba community reflect their spiritual beliefs of Voodoo. Transfer across the border to Natitingou and spend a night of leisure at the hotel there. (F) (M)

Transport: Sokodé – Bafilo (1.0h)
Event: Traditional Fugu Weavers of Bafilo (0.5h)
Transport: Bafilo – Tsare (0.75h)
Event: Iron Smelting at Tsare Community (0.75h)
Transport: Tsare – Koutammakou (1.5h)
Event: Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit (1.5h)
Transport: Koutammakou – Natitingou (3.0h)
Event: Border Crossing (Togo – Benin)
Unterkunft: Hôtel Totora

5. Tag Natitingou

After breakfast the group will have the rare privilege to visit a local Fulani village and gain insight into the lives of these normally nomadic people. Their communities are seldom observed by outsiders and the local culture differs greatly from other communities in this part of Benin. Learn about their family structures and experience cheese-making alongside members of this remote place. Then, transfer to Tata Somba and learn more about their traditional body scaring rituals that are used to denote which tribe you belong to, before walking to a local lunch spot. Later walk to a local family’s home where they are producing organic shea butter and be taken through the entire process. After quality time here the group heads back towards Natitingou for a visit to the Regional Museum Natitingou Market. Enjoy free time in the evening to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. (F)

Transport: Natitingou – Natitingou (1.5h)
Event: Fulani Village Visit
Event: Tata Somba Village Visit & Walk
Event: Organic Shea Butter Process with a Local Family (0.75h)
Event: Visit the Regional Museum in Natitingou (1.0h)
Unterkunft: Hôtel Totora

6. Tag Natitingou / Savalou

Turn towards the mountains today and visit the local communities in Teneka Beri and the nearby Taneka Coco. Visit the family homesteads, meet the spiritual leaders, and gain valuable insight into daily life here. Soak in the gorgeous surrounding landscape with its mountain views and continue on to visit the sacred Dankoli Shrine. This shrine is believed to be the most powerful of all shrines in Benin, and it’s a place many go to speak directly with the Gods. Learn about the shrine’s history while here and its importance as a space to pray and as for help. Finish the day in Savalou and spend time at your leisure this evening in the hotel. (F) (M)

Event: Teneka Beri Mountain Community Visit (1.5h)
Event: Dankoli Shrine Visit (0.75h)
Transport: Natitingou – Savalou (6.0h)
Unterkunft: Hotel F&F Savalou

7. Tag Savalou / Ouidah

Travel to Cove where the group will be welcomed by the local community for a special ceremony known as the Gelede Masked Dance in celebration of all mothers and elderly women, iyami, and especially the Great Mother (lya Nia) of the Yoruba religion. The group will gain authentic insight into the culture and traditions of the people in this region and witness first-hand the respect they have for women in their communities. From here, move on to the Underground Dwellings outside of Abomey. The dwellings are believed to date back to the 16th century and are only now still being discovered and studied. Explore some of the dwellings during your visit and see where locals lived and felt protected from slave raiders and tribal conflict. Travel onwards to Abomey where you will visit a private palace in the area modeled after the Royal Palace, and then stop at the spectacular Temple of the Chameleo with a deep history in the West African religion of Vodun. Spend the evening at your leisure upon arrival to Ouidah. (F) (M)

Transport: Savalou – Ouidah (5.75h)
Event: The Gelede Masked Dance (1.0h)
Event: Visit the Underground Dwellings (0.75h)
Event: Chameleon Temple Visit & Private Palace Walkthrough (1.25h)
Unterkunft: La Casa Del Papa

8. Tag Ouidah

Today’s adventures begin with a visit to Ganvie, known as the Venice of West Africa. This ancient community of over 30,000 people is living on structures built on stilts over Lake Nokoue. Transfer to traditional wooden boats waiting at one of the jetties and watch as local fishermen go about their daily tasks on your ride through the water village. The group will dock at one of the structures and experience the personal and important Kokou Ceremony. Participants fall into a deep trance-like state during the proceedings and it’s said this is the powerful local spirits taking over their followers. After lunch, transfer back to Ouidah and attend the annual Voodoo festival in the precise place where this spiritual practice was born. This public holiday in Benin is a truly authentic experience where the community gathers together in expectation for the arrival of Zangbeto. Spend time soaking up this unique atmosphere and incredible festival. The remainder of this evening will be at your leisure. (F) (M)

Transport: Ouidah – Ganvié (1.5h)
Event: Kokou Ceremony & Lake Nokoue Visit (2.5h)
Transport: Ganvié – Ouidah (1.5h)
Event: The Annual Voodoo Festival of Ouidah (1.5h)
Unterkunft: La Casa Del Papa

9. Tag Ouidah / Cotonou

Enjoy some breakfast and free time at the hotel this morning before travelling to Cotonou. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the 30m tall Amazone Statue honouring the female warriors of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Then, check out the longest graffiti mural in the world and its beautiful art celebrating the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. Walk along the entire stretch of wall coming in at 940m, and get a feel of this vibrant city. Today’s final stop is to the Grand Marché du Dantokpa, one of West Africa’s largest outdoor markets and located in the throbbing heart of Cotonou. The market sells everything you could imagine and is a major contributor to the economy of Benin. Attend a farewell dinner in the late afternoon before the group heads together to the Cotonou airport where your tour comes to an end. (F) (A)

Transport: Ouidah – Cotonou (1.0h)
Event: Amazone Statue in Cotonou (0.5h)
Event: Graffiti Wall Visit (0.5h)
Event: Walking tour of Grand Marché du Dantokpa (0.75h)
Freizeit: Ouidah
Event: Tag der Abreise

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Fahrplan-, Flugplan-, Hotel- und Programmänderungen bleiben ausdrücklich vorbehalten.

(F=Frühstück,M=Mittagessen,A=Abendessen)

Leistungen:

Dein Hands-On-Moment: Atitovou Community Visit & Kente Cloth Weaving, Atitovou. Arrival transfer. Grand Marche and German Cathedral Visit. Atitovou Community Visit & Kente Cloth Weaving. Mount Kloto Visit & Hike. Atakpame Markets. Sokodé Horse Dance. Sokodé’s Traditional Fire Dance. Traditional Fugu Weavers of Bafilo. Iron Smelting at Tsare Community. Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit. Fulani Village Visit. Tata Somba Village Visit & Walk. Organic Shea Butter Process with a Local Family. Visit the Regional Museum in Natitingou. Teneka Beri Mountain Community Visit. Dankoli Shrine Visit. The Gelede Masked Dance. Visit the Underground Dwellings. Chameleon Temple Visit & Private Palace Walkthrough. Kokou Ceremony & Lake Nokoue Visit. Amazone Statue in Cotonou. Walking tour of Grand Marché du Dantokpa. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Unterbringung: Hotel (8 nts).
Transport: Private vehicle, boat, walking
Mahlzeiten: 8 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Aufpreis für Einzelzimmer – nur wenn explizit gewünscht:
Ansonsten wird das Zimmer mit einem gleichgeschlechtlichem Zimmerpartner geteilt

11.02.2026 -13.01.2027 EUR 769

Gruppengröße: Max 16, avg. 12

[color-box]Detaillierte Infos (auf englisch) senden wir auf Anfrage gern zur.

An der Reise nehmen Max 16, avg. 12 Personen teil. Meist eine bunte Mischung aus Einzelreisenden, Freunden, Paaren aus der verschiedenen Ländern weltweit. Die Durchführung der Reise erfolgt mit englischsprachigem Reiseleiter. Das Alter der Teilnehmer liegt im Durchschnitt bei 25 – 45 Jahren, ist aber nach oben nicht begrenzt. Das Mindestalter ist 18 Jahre – oder unter 18 in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigtem.

Gern kümmern wir uns auch um Ihren Flug.
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