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Best Tourist Places to Visit in Porto-Novo, Benin, South Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Porto-Novo, Benin, South Africa, Africa

Porto-Novo is the capital of the African country of Benin, geographically positioned in the southeastern part of the nation at 6°29′50″ N 2°36′18″ E. It is the second largest city of Benin, after the commercial capital, Cotonou (around 35 kilometers southeast of Porto-Novo) where the most major administrative offices of Benin are located while Porto-Novo is only home to the national legislature and Porto-Novo covers a total area of 110 square kilometers.

Having been serving as the capital of Benin since the French Dahomey, Porto-Novo holds many historical tourist attractions including the King Toffa’s Palace.

History of Porto-Novo:

The name Porto-Novo derived from the Portuguese language, meaning ‘New Port’. Porto-Novo became a part of the French Dahomey in 1883 and after 7 years of this incident, Porto-Novo was promoted as the capital of the French Dahomey.

How to reach Porto-Novo?

Porto-Novo doesn’t have any airport, so international tourists are needed to reach Cotonou Airport in Cotonou first and then take taxi from there to Porto-Novo which takes around 45 minutes and costs 600cfa to reach the distance of 35 kilometers from the airport to Porto-Novo.

Zémidjan are common options to get around Porto-Novo which is a type of taxi carrying one to two passengers and its minimum rent is 100FCFA and maximum is 5,000cfa.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Porto-Novo:

Porto-Novo is famous for an Adjogan music style which is played everywhere in the city, mainly in churches.

Other than four supermarkets including Champignon, Paniere, Universe 7, Porto-Novo houses a traditional market Adjarra Market, which is around 10 kilometers away from the center of Porto-Novo where one can purchase astonishing potters, typical musical instruments and different voodoo ornaments.

Some tourist favor restaurants in Porto-Novo include:

Maquis Katchi Ambiance
Restaurant Mahi
Comme Chez Soi

Things to do in Porto-Novo:

City tours
Shopping
Walking

Places of interest in and around Porto-Novo:

The Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography:

The Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography describes the features of the native people of Yoruba with a large collection of objects related to them including masks. One can also find valuable information on the history of Porto-Novo and Benin here.

King Toffa’s Palace:

The King Toffa’s Palace is a historic landmark mansion describing the characteristics of the African royalty. The palace gained locus on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on October 31, 1996. Now it is home to a museum.

The da Silva Museum:

The da Silva Museum is concentrated on showcasing the cultural life of Afro-Brazilians who settled in Porto-Novo after returning back from Brazil after getting liberation in there.

Jardin Place Jean Bayol:

The Jardin Place Jean Bayol is a big, complex holding many modern and historical attractions including the of Porto-Novo’s first King’s statue.

The palais de Gouverneur:

The palais de Gouverneur or the Governor’s Palace is the Parliament building of Benin, featuring a white exterior. The construction is distinct and its surrounding environment is also pleasant.

List of other places of interest in and around Porto-Novo include:

Mosque in Porto-Novo
Institute of Higher Studies of Benin
Stade Charles de Gaulle
Stade Municipale
Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
Lake Nokoué
Ancien Pont Bridge
Cotonou Cathedral
Cotonou Central Mosque
National University of Benin

Best time to visit Porto-Novo:

Porto-Novo generally experiences a dry weather throughout the year and the ideal time to visit Porto-Novo is from November to February.

Accommodation options in and around Porto-Novo:

Although the capital of Benin, Porto-Novo houses limited number of hotels, which get crowded during peak season, so it is suggested for visitors to book hotel rooms through online prior to reaching the city. In meanwhile, visitors can also refer hotels of nearby Cotonou (around 35 km) for more comfort. Here are some top end hotels in Porto-Novo:

Bimyns Hotels & Resorts
Hotel Dona
Hotel Ayelawadje-2
Hotel Beaurivage
Hotel Les Ambassadeurs
Auberge chez Theo
Complexe Touristique Hotelier Le Palais
Hotel Village Aheme
Hotel Le Capitole
Apartamentos Punta Seame

Ouidah Tourist Places to Visit in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Ouidah Tourist Places to Visit in Ouidah, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Ouidah is a city in the Atlantique Department of Benin, located on the Atlantic coast of Benin between 6°22′ N latitude and 2°05′ E longitude. Ouidah gained space on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, selected on 31 October 1996 which covers the Basilica of Ouidah, Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá, Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception and many other historic landmarks of the city.

Ouidah is situated at an elevation of 65 meters above sea level and about 40 kilometers west of Cotonou, the largest city of Benin and the city spans over an area of 364 square kilometers.

History of Ouidah:

Originally called Glēxwé, Ouidah was probably founded at the end of the 16^th century. Among reign of many European rulers, the influence of Portuguese rule still dominates the city’s culture, who occupied the area in 1580 and constructed a fort in 1721, named Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá which is now used as a museum.

Getting Ouidah:

Ouidah is served by the Cadjehoun Airport with scheduled flight services from and to Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, Nairobi, Amsterdam and many other European capitals. The airport is located around 40 kilometers away from Ouidah which can be reached by airport taxi or minibus or pre-booked private transports.

There are buses regularly plying between Ouidah and other southern cities of Benin and also many travel agencies conduct day tours of Ouidah and its surrounding cities.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Ouidah:

Ouidah is considered as the Vodun religion’s spiritual capital and the city is the site of the International Vodun Conference which takes place annually.

One can purchase everything at the Market of Ouidah including pillows, traditional handicrafts, locally made rugs, perfumes and clothes as well at reasonable prices.

Some staple foods used to prepare dishes in Ouidah are roasted turkey, tomatoes, chicken and salad.

Le Jardin Secret and Côté Pêche are the town famous food corners among visitors.

Things to do in Ouidah:

Beach exploration
City tours
Traditional shopping

What to see in Ouidah?

Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá:

Being an icon of Ouidah, Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá is the most popular tourist attraction. It is a historic fort constructed in 1721 by the Portuguese rulers and now it is home to a museum showcasing the city’s history. It is a must visit.

Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception:

The Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception is a striking Roman Catholic basilica devoted to the Immaculate Conception on November 9, 1989. Its both interior and exterior architecture will be a great treat for visitors’ eyes.

Ouidah Museum of History:

The Ouidah Museum of History was founded to display the grand and long history of Ouidah during the Portuguese rule. The museum is located in the Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá.

Route des Esclaves:

The Route des Esclaves is a pathway leading city to the beach area and along these one can spot many statues and monuments, of which the memorial arch Door of No Return is the important and typical one.

Maison du Brésil Art Gallery:

The Maison du Brésil Art Gallery is a reconstructed manor of Brazilian slavers, housing a wide variety of well preserved art works.

List of the other tourist attractions in Ouidah and Cotonou includes:

Voodoo Python Temple
Market Center of Ouidah
Ouidah Cathedral
Musee de la Fondation Zinsou
Porte du non retour
Lake Nokoué
Ancien Pont Bridge
Cotonou Central Mosque
Cotonou Cathedral
National University of Benin
Dantokpa Market
Cotonou Friendship Stadium
Fondation Zinsou
Fidjrosse Beach
Marche Dantokpa

When to visit in Ouidah?

The best time to visit Ouidah depends on visitors interest, although the most popular time to visit Ouidah is from December to February.

Where to stay in Ouidah?

Being a tourist destination, Ouidah houses all sorts of modernized accommodation options with all types of latest facilities and services including spa, sauna, fitness center and arrangement of bikes and bicycles. The prominent hotels in Ouidah and Cotonou (around 40 kilometers) are listed below:

Djegba Hotel
La Casa del Papa
Diaspora Auberge
La Maison de la Joie
Le Jardin Secret
Edelweiss Les Retrouvailles
Auberge de Grand Popo
Maison Rouge Cotonou
Hotel Awale Plage
Ibis Cotonou
Hotel du Port
Azalai Hotel De La Plage
Guesthouse Haie Vive

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Natitingou, Atakora, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Natitingou, Atakora, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Natitingou is a city as well as a communal situated in the Atakora Department of the West African country Benin. Natitingou is located in the northeastern part of the country, around 80 kilometers northwest of Djougou and 550 kilometers northwest of the commercial capital, Cotonou. Natitingou is a gateway for Pendjari National Park which is around 50 kilometers from Natitingou, home to many endangered animal species including Western hartebeest. The natural beauty the Falls of Tanougou is located within a 2 hour drive from Natitingou.

Natitingou has an agriculture based economy, specialized in growing maize, yams, cotton and sorghum. The geographical coordinates of Natitingou are 10°18′ N 1°22′ E and the town covers a total area of 3,045 square kilometers.

History of Natitingou:

The name of Natitingou is the modified form of a Waama language word ‘Nantibatingou’. According to the historical records, the Waama ethnic groups were the founder of Natitingou.

How to reach Natitingou?

Natitingou hosts an airport, but the flight service is not regular. The closest airport to Natitingou is Parakou Airport, located around 210 kilometers and receives scheduled flights from Cotonou, served by COTAIR. It can be reached Natitingou from Parakou by a car through highway RNIE 3 which takes around 4 hours.

To move within Natitingou, visitors can choose local transpostation such as cars or bikes or wait until the arrival of bus.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Natitingou:

Natitingou is inhabited by the Somba people who are very polite and have a friendly nature, mainly to help visitors coming to the place year round. They live in Tata Somba Houses which are really interesting dwellings with 3 storeys.

Tasty local red cheese is famous among visitors and for shopping, the town houses both modern as well as traditional shops with unique locally made handicraft products. The restaurant Maquis Savana is famous for European food.

Things to do in Natitingou:

Hiking
Watching movies
Day tours

Tourist Attractions in and around Natitingou:

Natitingou Museum:

An important cultural center of the town, the Natitingou Museum describes the lifestyle of native Somba people and also exhibits, musical instruments tambour drums and violins used by locals. The museum is located in an old French colonial house constructed in the year 1915.

Tata Somba Houses:

The Tata Somba Houses are the mud brick houses that were originally constructed to guard village from the slave traders and rival tribes. One can see this type of houses all around Natitingou and in its surrounding areas.

Kota Falls:

The Kota Falls or Chutes de la Kota is a popular nature lovers spot, situated a few kilometers away from Natitingou. One can also enjoy swimming in Kota falls. Tourists must pay entrance fee (200 CFA) only during the summer months not during the rest of the year.

Natitingou Hills:

Situated along the Natitingou – Boukoumbe road, Natitingou Hills features an eye-catching landscape and also offers the striking views of surrounding towns and cities including Natitingou. It can be reached by foot or by local transportation from the town.

Pendjari National Park:

Situated around 50 kilometers away from Natitingou, the Pendjari National Park is rich in flora and fauna species, covering an area of around 2755 square kilometers. Pendjari National Park is home to all types of West African animal species including West African lions, Western hartebeests and elephant. From December to June is the most popular time to visit PNP.

List of the other tourist attractions in and around Natitingou includes:

Shea Butter
Natitingou Town
Parakou
Djougou Stadium
Maison de Jeunesin
Natitingou Airport
The international market Grand Marché Azeke
Cotonou Central Mosque
Parakou Mosque
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou
W National Park
Ancien Pont Bridge
Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception
Cotonou Cathedral
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou

When to visit Natitingou?

From November to February is the best time to visit Natitingou to enjoy the beauty of its natural sceneries.

Where to stay in Natitingou?

Due to its nearness with the Pendjari National Park and many other traditional tourist attractions, Natitingou provides relatively more accommodation centers compared to other northern cities of Benin. Other than facilities and services, visitors can also enjoy mouth watering traditional delicacies at Natitingou’s hotels. The prominent hotels in and around Natitingou are as follows:

Hotel Bourgogne
Ma Case au Benin
Hotel Le Vieux Cavalier
Hotel Tata Somba
Hotel Bellevue
Residence Palais Somba
Pendjari Lodge
Campement relais de Tanougou
Camp Numi
Hotel Baobab
Tata Benin Boukombe

Kandi Tourist Places to Visit in Kandi, Alibori, Benin, North Africa, Africa

Kandi Tourist Places to Visit in Kandi, Alibori, Benin, North Africa, Africa

Kandi is a town situated in the department of Alibori in the northern part of Benin, around 520 kilometers north of the national capital, Porto-Novo and 650 kilometers north of Cotonou, the largest city of Benin. Kandi is geographically positioned between 11°07′43″ N latitude and 2°56′13″ E longitude, covering an area of 3,421 square kilometers.

The commune of Kandi shares borders with Gogounou to the south, Banikoara to the west, Malanville towards north and Ségbana towards east. The economy of Kandi is based on the different agricultural activities, especially on the productions of maize, cotton and kapok.

History of Kandi:

According to the documented history, the Dendi Kingdom was the founder of Kandi. The town holds few remains indicating the foundation dating from the Dendi Kingdom period.

Conenctivity to Kandi:

There is an airport in Kandi, but it is not served by any flights currently. The closest major airport to Kandi is the Parakou Airport, located around 215 kilometers away from Kandi and has scheduled flight services from Cotonou.

Kandi is connected to Parakou through roadways and buses extend to the national capital, Porto Novo and Cotonou.

One can get around the town by minibus or rental car which are also used for airport travel and to reach nearby cities.

Shopping and Food in Kandi:

Kandi offers modernized shops and restaurants and tourists can have memorable shopping experiences and can taste mouthwatering authentic Beninese dishes in and around Kandi.

Things to do in Kandi:

Hiking
Shopping
Village tours

Tourist places in and around Kandi:

Foret de Kandi:

The Foret de Kandi is a forest reserve, situated around 10 kilometers away from the town of Kandi. It would be helpful if visitors take a guided tour or help of natives, to explore this nature reserve.

Kandi Airport:

The Kandi Airport is situated at 11°8′42.2″ N 2°56′25.6″ E, around 292 meters above sea level, around 2 kilometers away from heart of Kandi. The airport is modern, well constructed, but it is served by very less flights.

Djougou:

Djougou is a market town, situated around 280 kilometers away from Kandi, home to a sports venue Djougou Stadium, a cultural center, and many other man-made and natural tourist attractions.

Parakou:

Parakou is a city located around 215 kilometers south of Kandi, connected by highway RNIE 2. It holds many traditional and modern tourist attractions including the museum Musée en Plein Air de Parakou, international market Grand Marché Azeke and mosque.

List of other attractive places in and around Kandi include:

Djougou Stadium
Maison de Jeunesin
Pendjari National Park
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou
W National Park
Cotonou Cathedral

The international market Grand Marché Azeke
Cotonou Central Mosque
Alexandre Sènou Adandé Ethnographic Museum
Royal Palaces in Porto-Novo
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou
Ancien Pont Bridge
Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception

Ideal time to visit Kandi:

Throughout the year is best, especially for outdoor activities, from November to April is the ideal time to visit Kandi in Benin.

Where to stay in Kandi?

There are standard accommodation centers very less in number, so, to enjoy grand hospitality services, visitors can drive towards the commercial capital Cotonou, where one can find all sorts of modern hotels with different latest facilities and services. Some nice hotels in Kandi, Djougou (280 kilometers), Parakou (210 kilometers) and Cotonou (650 kilometers) are as follows: