Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Wind Through Lush Rainforests on the Route des Pêches
The Route des Pêches (Fishing Route) snakes along the southern coast of Benin, winding through thick rainforests and past idyllic fishing villages. This scenic drive offers a lush escape from the chaos of Cotonou and a chance to experience traditional ways of life along Benin's palm-fringed shores.
As you head east from Cotonou, the urban sprawl soon gives way to swaying palm trees and tropical vegetation. The road hugs the shoreline, with the Atlantic's blue waters shimmering on one side and dense forests stretching inland on the other. Small seaside settlements emerge every few miles, where weather-beaten wooden pirogues line the sandy beaches.
In these fishing villages, life moves at a languid pace. Men mend nets and prepare their boats before heading out to sea, while women smoke freshly caught fish over smoking racks. Further inland, farmers tend leafy fields and children play soccer in the late afternoon sun.
For a true taste of local life, stop at one of the rustic maquis (roadside restaurants) that dot the route. Savor spicy red snapper and tilapia, washed down with chilled sodabi (palm wine). The maquis also serve up heaping plates of alloco (fried plantain), manioc frites (crispy cassava), and other Beninese staples.
As you continue eastward, the beaches give way to mangrove swamps teeming with birdlife. Pied kingfishers hover above the still waters, while hammerkops wade through the shallows searching for crustaceans. Egrets and herons perch on twisting mangrove roots as the occasional fish jumps and ripples the glassy surface.
The protected wetlands of La Bouche du Roi offer prime birdwatching opportunities. Guided pirogue tours drift through dense thickets of mangroves in search of some of Benin's rare endemic species, like the yellow-throated longclaw.
Beyond the swamps, the final stretch of the Route des Pêches winds through palm groves interspersed with open savanna. Women in vibrant wax-print dresses balance baskets brimming with fruit on their heads as they stride home from market. Every so often, a baobab tree emerges from the undergrowth, its colossal trunk and spindly branches dominating the landscape.
What else is in this post?
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Wind Through Lush Rainforests on the Route des Pêches
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Marvel at Mighty Waterfalls Along the Cascades Route
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Encounter Local Traditions on the Route des Couvents
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - See Sacred Vodun Sites on the Route des Esclaves
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Explore Colonial Architecture in Porto Novo
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Stop for Street Food in Bustling Cotonou
- Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Camp Under the Stars in Pendjari National Park
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Marvel at Mighty Waterfalls Along the Cascades Route
Of all Benin's scenic drives, the Cascades Route offers some of the most spectacular natural sights. The journey winds past thundering waterfalls that roar through dense jungle, inviting you to stop and marvel at their raw power. From the cascading Chutes de Tanougou to the mighty Chutes de Sô-Tchanhoué, this route dazzles with cascades that would rival any in the world.
One of the most breathtaking falls along the route is Tanougou, which plunges nearly 100 feet over a sheer cliff shrouded in vapor. The deafening roar hits you before you even glimpse the falls, beckoning you down the rugged path to view them up close. Brave the slick rocks and feel the spray against your face as the Tanougou's waters violently smash into the basin below.
Further upstream, the Chutes de Sô-Tchanhoué offer an equally mesmerizing scene. Unlike Tanougou's single sheer drop, Sô-Tchanhoué consists of a series of smaller plunges over stair-step rocks. But with so many cascades stacked on top of each other, the cumulative effect is no less dramatic. The falls stretch over half a mile across, their rumbling waters channeled between towering canyon walls.
While the falls themselves are arresting, the surrounding scenery adds to the magic. Lush rainforest crowds the canyon, alive with chattering monkeys and swooping tropical birds. The air hangs heavy with mist and the earthy scent of rich vegetation. It's easy to spend hours taking in views from different vantage points along the canyon rim trails.
For the best perspective, take a guided hike down into the valley below the falls. The steep switchback trail leads to the river's edge, where the true scale of the cataracts becomes apparent. Feel humbled standing beneath the thunderous torrents and marvel at theaquatic life that manages to thrive in these harsh conditions.
But while Sô-Tchanhoué and Tanougou may be the stars, they're not the only cascades along the route. Smaller gems like Aidjedo and Afama also warrant a brief stopover. Though not as tall, these photogenic falls have their own rustic appeal set amidst untouched nature.
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Encounter Local Traditions on the Route des Couvents
From international travelers to curious locals, the Route des Couvents offers a fascinating glimpse into Benin's unique religious heritage. This winding route links several historical Catholic missions, providing opportunities to discover Christian-animist fusion rituals and witness traditional practices that endure today. By exploring these remote outposts and engaging with local communities, you'll gain insight into how ancestral beliefs beautifully merge with imported religions.
At the century-old Mono River Mission, watch as worshippers filtered into the church donning their most vibrant wax-print outfits. While the liturgy follows strict Catholic procedures, the music and dancing that accompany the service exude pure West African spirit. Parishioners gyrate and twirl to the driving beat of drums and rattles, carried away by the holy rhythms. Outside the church, elders gather to toss kola nuts and read messages from Ifa, just as their ancestors have for generations. Here, old and new faiths blend seamlessly.
Further north, the arid landscapes around Natitingou feel worlds apart from the coast. But take part in a service at the Atchoukpa Mission, and you'll encounter the same exuberant expression of faith. While men chant ancient Vodun songs, women – swathed in white and shaking gourd rattles – become possessed by their ancestors. The rituals may look unfamiliar to Western eyes, but they honor both traditional beliefs and accepted Christian doctrines.
Intricately carved altarpieces, stained glass windows, and holy water fonts show the mission's clear Catholic influences. Yet they mingle comfortably with Vodun fetishes and magic charms that parishioners bring from their bush villages. These syncretic shrines speak to how deeply intertwined the two faiths have become.
Beyond the missions themselves, fascinating mixtures of old and new persist in local communities. In Natitingou villages, watch dedicated Vodun adepts channeling spirits through dance and chants. Moments later, they may pause to recite Hail Marys from their rosaries. And in Atchoukpa's fetish market, wandering cattle sport Christian crosses nestled between their horns – just one more way these complementary faiths manifest themselves.
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - See Sacred Vodun Sites on the Route des Esclaves
The Route des Esclaves winds along Benin’s southern coast, tracing the tragic path of the Atlantic slave trade. Millions of souls passed through the notorious Door of No Return, torn from their homeland to an uncertain fate across the sea. While a somber history pervades the route, it also leads to centuries-old Vodun shrines where ancestral spirits are still invoked today. By visiting these sacred sites, you’ll gain insight into the faith that gave so many strength to endure unimaginable hardship.
In Ouidah, the Tree of Forgetfulness stands as a poignant memorial to those forced into bondage. According to legend, captives circled this massive baobab before being herded onto waiting ships, causing them to forget their homeland forever. Mothers brought their children, fathers said final farewells, and lovers embraced one last time in its shade. A visit conjures their sorrow, but also honors their spirit. Surrounding the tree, a menagerie of Vodun sculptures represents the gods who provided courage.
At Point of No Return, powerful Atlantic waves crash against the rocky coastline where endless rows of shackled people awaited ships bound for the New World. The “doorway” through which they marched still stands, along with a towering monument named The Freedom Statue. Climb to the top for views of the ocean vista, but also take a moment to reflect on the suffering imprinted in these sands.
Just outside Ouidah, the sacred Vodun temple of Python was once directly linked to the slave trade. Captives stopping here left behind their nail clippings and hair to honor Mami Wata, goddess of the sea. She was their final hope for a safe journey across the Atlantic as they prayed for her protection. Python Temple remains an active site of worship and sacrifice, where you may witness trance dances invoking Mami Wata and other gods.
Further up the coast, Ganvie Village seemingly floats atop Lake Nokwe. This fascinating stilt settlement was founded centuries ago by people fleeing the slave trade. By building homes on teeming fisheries, they found security living directly on the water. Today, timeworn huts still perch above the lake, accessible only by slender pirogues. While merely a floating sprawl of thatch and wood, Ganvie stands as a testament to ingenuity and survival.
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Explore Colonial Architecture in Porto Novo
Far from Benin's beaten track, the sleepy city of Porto Novo charms visitors with its crumbling colonial relics dating back to the late 1800s. As the former capital of French Dahomey, Porto Novo still exudes the faded grandeur of its colonial heyday through architectural gems scattered around town.
Wandering the streets of Porto Novo feels like stepping back in time to an era when French influence reigned supreme in West Africa. The city escaped the frenzied pace of urbanization seen elsewhere, leaving many of its historic buildings miraculously intact. These dilapidated yet magnificent structures offer a window into the colonial past and draw architecture aficionados from around the globe.
Start your explorations at the Brazilian Quarter, where vivid pastel houses line cobbled streets in various states of decay. Vines creep up the faded facades and trees burst through vacant windows, reclaiming the once-elegant homes. But beneath the crumbling plaster and cracked paint, the vibrant colors and intricate designs still dazzle. Traditional Yoruba motifs blend seamlessly with European embellishments in this unique Afro-Brazilian architectural style.
Next, venture to Avenue Jean Bayol, where Porto Novo's most impressive colonial mansions and public buildings cluster in shabby grandeur. The neoclassical French Administration Building still stuns with its massive stone facade and stately columns, despite sorely needing repairs. And the imposing Residence Aledji, still occupied by the descendants of a prominent 19th-century king, looks straight out of the French Quarter in New Orleans.
No colonial architecture tour is complete without seeing the magnificent Palais Royal. This royal palace served as the seat of power for the King of Porto Novo in the late 1800s. Its striking design fuses Romano-Byzantine and Brazilian influences, from the courtyard's intricate Portuguese tiles to the domed cupolas that grace its turrets. Though completely vacant today, the palace's elegant arches and fading murals evoke a bygone era of opulence.
Beyond the palaces and mansions, quirky colonial-era commercial buildings also abound across Porto Novo. The Ciné Vogue Cinema astonishes passersby with its flamboyant art deco facade, though no movie has played here in decades. And the elaborate Customs House looks like a tiered wedding cake decorated with white filigree.
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Stop for Street Food in Bustling Cotonou
No road trip through Benin is complete without a stop in its largest city, Cotonou. While often dismissed as a chaotic traffic jam of a metropolis, Cotonou thrills those who take the time to dive into its captivating street food scene. Beyond the familiar fried chicken and hamburgers, a mouthwatering array of West African specialties simmers on every corner. The air hangs heavy with the smoky aromas of grilled meat and fried dough. Find an empty plastic stool on the sidewalk, and let the culinary adventure begin.
The options may seem endless, but every foodie must try Cotonou's famous soya – slabs of grilled meat fresh off makeshift streetside braziers. Choose hunks of beef or pork, and watch in satisfaction as busy vendors hack away slices right in front of you. A dash of spice, a squirt of mustard, and you've got Benin's version of street meat ready to enjoy. Pair it with a stack of fritters like akara, mashed black eyed peas fried to a crisp.
For more substantial fare, try the Beninese take on fried chicken and fries. Poulet bicyclette gets its name from the fleets of delivery cyclists shuttling takeout orders through the streets. The chicken emerges crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside thanks to a classic Dijon and garlic marinade. Served alongside golden manioc fries, it makes the perfect lunch on the go.
Beyond the quick eats, Cotonou's maquis restaurants dish out Beninese specialties in relaxed, informal settings. Savor the complex flavors of calalou, a stew brimming with collard greens, crab, shrimp, and beef laced with gingery notes. Or try the quintessential West African one-pot dish, riz sauce. Tender vegetables like carrots and cabbage simmer in a rich tomato sauce, capping fluffy rice.
No matter your preference, the key is embracing the bustle of al fresco dining in Cotonou. Children weave through the crowds hawking phone cards while locals call out to flag down menu carriers touting daily specials. Diners sip sodabi palm wine and chat loudly with friends as aromatic smoke billows around them. Letting the rhythms of the city wash over you amid a sublime feast makes for an unforgettable Cotonou experience.
Cruise Through Colorful Benin: The 4 Most Scenic Road Trips - Camp Under the Stars in Pendjari National Park
After a day exploring Pendjari's rugged landscapes and spying elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species, nightfall ushers in a whole new set of sights and sounds. As the searing sun dips below the horizon, prepare to bed down beneath some of the clearest night skies in West Africa. From your tent, the dazzling canopy of the Milky Way reveals itself in all its glory.
Unlike the light-polluted skies back home, Pendjari offers prime stargazing thanks to its isolated location far from any major cities. The lack of intruding lights allows the stars to really pop against the inky backdrop. You'll easily pick out familiar constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and Southern Cross. But you'll also witness shooting stars streaking across the sky at a frequency virtually unseen in the Northern Hemisphere.
The heat of the day dissipates rapidly after sunset, making nighttime temperatures cool and comfortable. Sleeping out in the open ensures you experience the full splendor of the heavens. Local guides can point out constellations like the African cluster known as "the giraffe". And with zero obstructions, you can watch celestial motions like the moon's gradual arc across the sky.
Beyond stargazing, nocturnal wildlife also springs to life after the sun dips below the horizon. Astute eyes may spot the silhouette of a genet traipsing along a branch or an African wildcat on the prowl. Bird choruses transition from daytime chatter to the haunting hoots of owls and nightjars. If you're lucky, you may even hear lions roaring or elephants trumpeting in the distance.
For the ultimate safari camping experience, doze off to these soothing wilderness symphonies. Even deep slumber is no guarantee you'll sleep through a herd of buffalo grazing right outside your tent flap. This proximity to the rhythms of raw nature makes camping in Pendjari National Park an unforgettable adventure.