Travel to Africa

Did you know that there are lots of amazing places to visit in the Republic of Benin? The Benin Republic is one little but interesting country to visit. However, there are so many best places to visit in the republic of Benin irrespective of its size.

Some time ago, I really never paid attention to this country. However, my perception of the country changed after visiting it. My favorite place to visit is Cotonou, especially its free-to-access Fidjrosse beach.

It is easy to judge a country from the outside when you have never visited it. However, when you go there, you’d see that it meets your expectations and more.

If you’ve never been to the Benin Republic, don’t worry I’m here to tell you more about it. If you’re planning to visit this country, I’m also here for you. I’ll be sharing some of the most beautiful and best places to visit in the Republic of Benin.

Best places to visit in the Republic of Benin

There are so many fun things to do in the republic of Benin. Come with me, let me take you around the Republic of Benin through my article.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the Benin republic, you will find it useful. Benin republic is a visa-free country for Nigerian passport holders. All you need is your Nigerian international passport, yellow fever card, and of course your hotel reservation.

Benin republic is visa-free for country in west Africa due to the ECOWAS agreement. You can check the requirement for entry into this country if you’re not from west Africa.

If you’re a foreigner looking to come to Africa to explore this country, check out our post on what to pack on a trip to Africa to get you started.

Let’s jump right in to talk about the best places to visit in the republic of Benin.

1. Dantokpa market

Dantokpa market is one the best places to visit in the republic of Benin. Although it is a market it is a must-see. You are sure to hear about this market whenever you visit the Republic of Benin. Although this market is in Cotonou, its reputation spreads to all parts of the country. It wouldn’t be wrong to describe this place as a market of markets.

Everyone kept talking highly about this market during my first trip to the Benin Republic. So, I decided to check it out to understand the hype. I was truly impressed with all it had to offer and I began making many trips to the Dantokpa market.

Interestingly, it is also the biggest open-air market in West Africa.

2. Porte Du Non Retour

Have you ever heard of the door of no return? I can see your face twisting as you’re thinking of why that phrase is familiar. Well, the door of no return is in the Republic of Benin.

As someone with an inquisitive mind and curious spirit, you can be sure that I had to check out this place when I heard about it. The door of no return is a memorial arc as a remembrance of the slave trade era. It shows that once you go through that area, there are no hopes of turning back again.

It wasn’t surprising to see this arc on the beach. After all, the waterways aided the slave trade era.

3. Pendjari National Park

I love the fact that the Benin Republic has its national park. I often see people who mistake a national park for a zoo. However, I always correct them that a national park has more to offer than a zoo.

This national park is one of the best places to visit in the Benin Republic. It is home to lots of wildlife animals. In addition, you also get to see lots of flowers and vegetation. It is a place that allows you to connect with nature.

It is best not to visit this place in a hurry. It has a lot to offer and can take up your entire day.

4. Fidjrosse beach

There is a certain form of excitement I get when I’m at the beach, and this place was no exception. I was giddy and eager to visit this beach. Thankfully, it met and even surpassed my expectations. Fidjrosse is one of the best places to visit in the republic of Benin. I had to see this place on my visit to Fidjrosse, Benin.

You can tell that the facility managers of this beach are intentional about keeping it clean. The waters are clear and the air there is just different. Truthfully, I did not feel like leaving this beach when I visited it.

Instead, you’d find me indulging in one game or the other, or trying out the various local meals. I had a swell time and would recommend it to anyone visiting the Benin Republic to check out.

5. Babs Dock

This list of best places to visit in the republic of Benin is incomplete without Bab’s dock. Bab’s dock is a private island that you’d definitely love. One of my best highlights from visiting this island was the fact that we had to pass through a tree tunnel before arriving at the dock. I had never done such a thing before and it was a worthy experience.

There is almost no water game or activity that you cannot do on this island, including kayaking. Visiting this island allows you to bond with the locals also. The interactions are usually smoother and more friendly. You will also get to see monkeys while on this island.

Babs Dock, Image source: Google my business

6. Cotonou

If I asked you the capital of the Benin Republic, I’m sure you’d say Cotonou. However, Porto- Novo is the capital city of this country.

Cotonou is one of the best places to visit in the Benin Republic in terms of cities. Its receptiveness and welcome to foreigners are one of the reasons why it has a high reputation.

Most of the fun things to do in the country are also in this city. So it isn’t surprising that most foreigners end up in Cotonou or would want to visit the city before leaving the country.

In addition, Cotonou is the port city of the Benin Republic.

7. Foundation Zinshou

Are you a lover of museums? I couldn’t help but add foundation zinshou to the list of top best places to visit in the republic of Benin. Personally, I love going to museums, both in my home country and also in foreign regions.

In fact, visiting the museum is one of the first things I do once I get to a new area. After all, how would I learn more about the place if I don’t go to the museum?

At this museum, you get to see paintings that tell stories of the country through different timelines. These stories are usually captivating and give you more insights into things like culture and customs.

You’d also get to see and appreciate random art and craft at this museum.

8. Centre Artisanal

How does getting a discount sound to you? Of course, I know that it would be like music to your ears. After all, everyone is looking to buy things at the best rates and prices. During one of my hunts on finding such a place in the Republic of Benin, I stumbled on this market.

Here, you get to see many handmade items. Therefore, letting you communicate directly with the makers. In addition, they also sell items at this market for fair prices, and they are not fixed. So, you can still haggle and negotiate if you’re not comfortable with the prices.

This is where I get most of my souvenirs whenever I’m in the Republic of Benin.

9. The Royal Palaces of Abomey

I do not know what city you’ll be staying in while in the Republic of Benin. But if you ever find yourself in Abomey, do not think that the city isn’t exciting.

Abomey is far from being a boring city. Have you seen its royal palaces? These are some of the best places to visit in the Republic of Benin! Even if you’ll not be staying in Abomey, you can always plan to visit the city.

I have a lot to say about the royal palaces of Abomey. However, I’d want you to experience it for yourself. I love that people are allowed to explore royalty.

10. Python Temple

I’m sure you must have heard of Ouidah boards before, and you understand that it is a spiritual practice. Interestingly, Ouidah is also a town in the Benin Republic. The python temple in Ouidah is one of the best places to visit in the republic of Benin to add to your travel itinerary.

At the python temple, you get to know more about their spiritual practices. Yes, it might be scary initially. However, it is also intriguing. It is normal if you have lots of questions; the people there would be eager to answer all your questions.

It is one of the top tourist attractions in the country and I encourage you to check it out. It is better to experience it than to hear the story from people.

11. Lake Nokoue

There are some interests that stay hidden within you until you begin to explore different countries. It wasn’t until I started actively traveling to other countries that I realized that I loved fishing. Prior to that, I had never considered fishing as a hobby.

If you do not mind fishing, I would say that this lake is one of the best places to visit in the Republic of Benin. Its environment is peaceful, quiet, and calm. Thereby, giving you a space where you can gather your thoughts.

In addition, you can do additional activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.

12. W National Park

I would give accolades to the Republic of Benin as it has more than one national park. It shows that the country understands the concept of preserving animals and more.

Now, you might be wondering about the difference between this national park and others. This one is special as it has rarer species of animals. When you visit this place, you’d see animals that you never thought existed.

As a first-timer at this national park, there’d always be something new for you to learn. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places for anyone to visit in the Benin Republic.

13. Ganvie

I’ve talked about some of the exciting cities and towns in the Benin Republic. But the villages also have hidden gems. Ganvie is a village in the country. The locals best know it as a lake village.

It is said that this place has the largest lake in Africa. Wouldn’t you want to explore it? As a foreigner, you shouldn’t hesitate to explore all that a country has to offer. So, ensure that you check out this village before leaving the Benin Republic.

14. Natitingou

Did you know that there is a waterfall in the Republic of Benin? You wouldn’t know unless you explore this country.

Natitingou is one of the towns to visit if you’d enjoy seeing a waterfall. It also has a museum and other things that’d give you an incredible highlight when you visit it.

15. Obama Beach

If there’s a beach named after a former president, you can be sure that I’d check it out. There are many things I love about this beach, but I will say some of them.

I love that it is a family-friendly space. So, you can bring your children to the beach and have no worries. I also love that there are many restaurants on the beach. So, there are options and you can pick from a variety.

Travel resources you need to travel to Africa.

Travel insurance: Get your insurance ready from Insubuy
Flight tickets: Book cheap flight tickets from Trip.com

3. Book your stay in any hotel of your choice. Get the best deal with Trivago.

4. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel. Network and have a fun trip by booking a hostel using hostelworld.

5. Solo traveler? I have you covered. Plan your trip with the best tour group for a fun-filled time in Africa. Book your tour using GetYourGuide. You can get a tour for as low as $30.

15 Best places to visit in the Republic of Benin

by Magdalene Enimhienomo
May 10, 2023

Is Africa safe for travel? What are the best travel tips for solo travelers to Africa? In this post, this will be covered in detail. As a solo traveler, it may be scary to travel alone. However, it can be fun too. You can opt to join solo travel groups. Also, if your aim is to mingle, opt for travel groups for singles. My best recommendation is GetYourGuide. They cover travel activities for many countries in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe.

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to opt for group travel, you can still get fun activities lined up by the brand above. Here I shared the pros and cons of solo travel vs group travel. This will help you decide which is best for you.

One may say I’m biased whenever I talk about Africa and hype all that it has to offer. However, it is my motherland and I know that it is rich in terms of tourism. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Africa. Some of them are quite affordable too as compared to their counterparts in Europe or America.

Understandably, Africa doesn’t have the best PR in terms of being safe. I would be honest and say that one has to be on guard when traveling to Africa. And, it applies to any content you are visiting.

Travel tips for solo travelers to Africa ( Plus Group travelers)

As a foreigner in a new place, you have to be safety conscious. In this article, I will be sharing some safety tips, especially for solo travelers. If you ever find yourself being a solo traveler, these tips would come in handy.

1. Do your research

So, you’re leaving your home country for another region. You’re excited and ready to explore all that the new country has to offer. I can imagine that you’re already thinking of the cuisines you’d try and more. In fact, I am already getting excited about you.

But, it would be best to do your research about the place. Are the country and its locals receptive to foreigners? Is there a specific time when one shouldn’t step out? What should apply and what shouldn’t apply in the country?

These are some of the questions you need to know their answers to before arriving in a new country. It wouldn’t make sense to travel to a new place with zero knowledge of the area.

2. Be friendly with the locals

One of the best travel tips for solo travelers to Africa you can use as a foreigner is to be friendly with the locals. Once you’ve made friends with the locals of the area, you’ll have a smoother and more enjoyable stay.

These locals are usually happy to interact with foreigners. Once you’ve put in the effort in becoming friends with them, they will always look out for you.

The last time I visited a foreign country, I was particular about becoming friends with the locals. These people helped me understand the rules and regulations of the area. They also ensured to carry me along in exciting activities.

3. Have a means of identification

Sadly, most foreigners suffer intimidation from the authorities because of improper identification. Typically, the authorities are also highly conscious of foreigners. They want to ensure that you’re not in their country for anything illegal.

So, it comes in handy to have a valid means of identification. It doesn’t stop at having it as you also need to always carry it along. So, you can always show it to anyone if and when you’re stopped.

I can say that this tip has helped me both in foreign countries and even in my home country. Your means of identification should be one of the first things you should always add to your travel packing list. It is a must-have you need to pack in your wallet for ease of access.

4. Share your plans and schedule

When you land in a new country, it helps people to also know your itinerary. How long would you be staying in the country? This information you should share with your friends and family.

In addition, they should always be abreast of your plans and schedule. You can always update them via pictures and messages.

Yes, we are not praying for anything to go wrong. But if it happens, they would know your last location or the last activity you did. It also gives your family and friends a safety net of assurance that you are safe. It makes them panic less that you are far away.

5. Arrive during the day

I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with arriving in a new country at night. I’ve even done it a couple of times. However, it would be best to arrive during the day if that is your first time in the country. This for me is one of the best travel tips for solo travelers to Africa to help you familiarize yourself with your new environment. Plus it keeps you safe from theft or travel scams.

Arriving during the day gives you the protection of light. It lets you sort out your accommodation and other things before nightfall. You would also not be scared when you have to book a cab and all. And when night comes, you would have peace of mind knowing that you’ve sorted out most essentials.

It isn’t safe for foreigners, especially solo travelers, to move around at night.

6. Don’t let people know that you’re traveling alone

We are in the social media generation where it’s a norm to share updates. However, there should be a limit to the information you share online or with people. This is one of the best travel tips for solo travelers to Africa or anywhere in the world to note.

As a solo traveler, it isn’t safe to let people know that you’d be traveling alone. For example, you share such information online with details of the country and where you’d be staying. If anyone wants to rob you, they’ve gotten all the information they’d need. So, you can see that you’re exposing yourself to harm when you do such.

If you want to share things about your travel experience online it should be after you’ve left the city.

7. Be street smart

The fact that you’re in a foreign country doesn’t mean that you have to be overly comfortable. You need to be sharp and stay alert. It is best to keep in mind that you’re a solo traveler. And you’d be a target for robbers and thieves. This is one of my top travel tips for solo travelers coming to Africa. These people always target those moving alone. Also, they can sense that you’re new in an environment easily.

So, if you have a bag, it would be best to wear it to the front. Your things should always be close to you so you can have your eyes on them.

Being street-smart is highly helpful in a foreign place. If you notice someone moving suspiciously, it’s best to make a detour or raise an alarm.

8. Choose Your Hotel Carefully

Another of the best travel tips for solo travelers is to choose your hotel and stay carefully. Do a lot of research about the hotel and its environs. Where would you be staying when you travel to a foreign country? It’s best to have an idea of the various accommodation options before leaving your home country. You can opt for hotel alternatives like hostels or Airbnb. You should pick depending on your preference. However, it is best to pick carefully.

While picking an accommodation facility, you should check out its location. In addition, looking at its reviews would also help you know if the hotel is safe and up to standards. It is helpful to keep in mind that where you stay is an important aspect of your travel experience.

9. Lock your hotel room door

Do I need to mention this one? Keep in mind that you’re in a foreign country. So, it would be wrong to be overly trusting and think that you can sleep without locking your doors. When you sleep or step out, always ensure to lock the door of your hotel room. Even while you’re inside, it is also important to lock the doors.

Not locking your door is an invitation for hoodlums and I know that you wouldn’t want such an occurrence to happen. Losing valuables while on a trip in a foreign place can be painful. Thus, you need to avoid it by always locking your room door.

10. Don’t get too carried away

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re having fun. And it happens when one travels to a foreign country.

It could be that you’ve made friends with the locals and they invite you to their hangouts regularly. Of course, it’s super cool that you’re friends with them. However, it doesn’t mean you should get carried away. You always need to be alert to your surroundings. Being friends with them and going for hangouts shouldn’t mean that you drink to a stupor.

Yes, cheers to having fun. But do not get carried away by it.

Bonus Tips

There are several languages in Africa. One of the culture shocks you have to deal with in Africa is the Language barrier. However, this can be avoided if you have the best travel apps handy on your trip. This is one of the best travel tips for solo travelers to Africa, especially to countries that don’t speak English.

One such travel app I would recommend is google translate. It helps you translate the most language to English or your mother tongue. This app was super helpful on my visit to a francophone country in Africa.

What other travel tips for solo travelers to Africa did you find handy? Feel free to comment below.

Travel resources you need to travel to Africa.

Travel insurance: Get your insurance ready from Insubuy
Flight tickets: Book cheap flight tickets from Trip.com

3. Book your stay in any hotel of your choice. Get the best deal with Trivago.

4. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel. Network and have a fun trip by booking a hostel using hostelworld.

5. Solo traveler? I have you covered. Plan your trip with the best tour group for a fun-filled time in Africa. Book your tour using GetYourGuide. You can get a tour for as low as $30.

Have a fun trip to Africa. Don’t forget to follow this list of what to pack for a trip to Africa. Feel free to comment below.

Is Africa Safe For Travel? 10 Travel Tips for Solo Travelers

by Magdalene Enimhienomo
May 29, 2023

What do you pack on a trip to Africa? What are your travel essentials for a trip to Africa? Here I will cover what to pack for a trip to Africa for anyone visiting. These packing lists will help you enjoy the trip. Also, you can read the best travel tips you’d need and travel apps to make your trip seamless.

Leaving your region for another place isn’t always easy. As a result, you will often ask if you’re packing the right things for the trip.

I always feel giddy and excited when I see people adding African countries to their vacation lists. So often, Africans are always leaving the continent for holidays. So, it’s exciting to see foreigners coming to our region.

If you’re a foreigner looking to visit Africa, be sure that you will have a warm welcome. From experience, Africans are welcoming and would always strive to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay. Also, check out the best places to visit in Africa and fun things to do while you plan your itinerary.

What to pack for a trip on your visit to Africa

Packing for an Africa trip is easy. But there are some essentials that you must never forget. It helps to make your stay easier and more bearable.

I’d like to share some things you must have when packing for a trip to Africa.

I know you’re curious to know what they are. So, I wouldn’t keep you waiting. They are:

Skincare product

Africa is a hot climate region, and your skin may not be used to such weather conditions. So, you should have your skincare products when packing for a trip to Africa.

Even if you’re an African going to another African country, you should remember your skincare products. I always ensure that I have my sunscreen with me at all times.

Some of the fun activities to do in Africa are usually outdoor activities. From hiking to visiting the beach, kayaking, etc. All these would require being outside, and I’m not particularly eager to joke with my skin. So, my sunscreen would always come in handy.

If you have other skincare products that you always use, ensure that you also take them along.

Powerbank

As a tourist, I expect that you’d only sometimes be indoors. You would ideally be exploring various places and might only be indoors when it’s time to sleep. You need a backup plan to help power your devices. So, one of the most important of what to pack for a trip to Africa is a power bank.

Therefore, you should carry your power bank when packing for a trip to Africa. It is portable, and you can use it anywhere. Also, it may be that there isn’t constant electricity in the area you are visiting. And you would want to avoid a situation where your device’s battery is down.

All you need to do is to ensure that you have a sling bag that can always contain this power bank.

Light clothing

When visiting a new region, it is always best to consider the weather conditions. Therefore, I cannot advise anyone to take along heavy clothing when packing for a trip to Africa.

Yes, the climate might be cold in places like Kenya. Still, it doesn’t mean that you should carry heavy clothing as it could sometimes get hot.

It is best to pack light clothing when visiting Africa. For example, jeans, a polo, or a sleeveless dress. This is because the wealth here is quite hot. So, you need loose-fitting or basic clothes for your visit. Also, check out my blog post travel clothes for women to shop for your trip.

Click here to buy a maxi dress

Insect repellant

I love how much the world has advanced lately. We now have repellants that one can spray on the body without any adverse effects. These repellants help to keep away insects and ensure that nothing leaves a mark on your body.

So, having one of these repellants on your trip to Africa is best. The region tends to have insects, and I know you wouldn’t want these bite marks on your body.

The last time I traveled without my handy repellants, I had to deal with itches for most of my trip, making me uncomfortable.

Painkillers

Oh, how much I love Africa! However, the scorching sun is something that I only sometimes enjoy. Sometimes I sit outside and try to soak in the sun. Other times, it burns so much and becomes unbearable.

And it could get so hot that you’d begin to have a headache. So, it would be best if you also had painkillers when you pack for a trip to Africa. Asides from the headache you get from the sun, you can also experience body pains. It comes when you visit various places and experience fatigue.

Would you rather the tiredness hold you down and prevent you from having fun? So, your list of what to pack for a trip to Africa is incomplete without painkillers.

Camera

It should be a no-brainer that you have to carry along a camera when visiting a new place. However, let this be your reminder if you have forgotten.

How can you even think of visiting without your camera? You will regret it if you do, as there are many things to do in Africa and beautiful places to explore. You would want to capture memories, and your camera makes that possible.

It is also best to have a memory card on your camera, so you do not run out of space. In addition, the memories will remind you of the time you visited Africa and make you want a return visit. Below I will be linking the camera I use for blogging, Canon E550D. I love it because it is easy to use even for an amateur.

Click here to buy Canon E550D

Accessories for your head: Scarves, hats, face caps

Again, let us remind you that there is a high tendency for the weather to get hot while you’re in Africa. So it may be hotter than what you’re used to in your region.

Thus, it would be handy to have headgear when packing for a trip to Africa. It could be a face cap or hat. What matters is that it protects your head and protects you from the scorching sun.

In addition, if you’re looking for something to help you out during a bad hair day, the headgear will protect you. I can’t even imagine traveling without headgear. So why should anyone do that?

Click here to buy Fedora hats

Sunglasses

It’s cool when people wear sunglasses. Sometimes, you’d notice that you took a super cool picture, but your eyes refused to cooperate in the picture. In such a case, your sunshade would cover the eyes, and your image would be perfect.

You may say that I’m biased because I love sunglasses. However, it is common knowledge that one looks badass when wearing sunglasses. Also, you would want to protect your eyes from the hot African sun.

If you do not have sunglasses, this should be your cue to get one. Your African traveling bag is only complete with sunglasses.

Click here to buy sunglasses.

Toiletries

You can only sometimes depend on your accommodation facility for your toiletries. These are essential items you must have when traveling to any place, and Africa is no exception. You want to avoid a situation where you’d be stranded when you need toiletry.

Your soap is something you should remember. There are high chances that you have a specific soap you use, and you might not get it in the region you’re visiting. Amongst essential toiletries, I suggest that you pack wet wipes when traveling. It makes stain removal easier and faster.

You shouldn’t see toiletries as something hard to pack when traveling.

Passport

See, your passport should be the first thing you pack when planning a trip to Africa. It is what admits you to new regions as the immigration authorities would need to sign and stamp on your passport. You can only leave your area for an international country if you have a passport.

So, if you’re packing for a trip to Africa, you should have your passport. If it has expired, you should go and renew it. It is a vital document for anyone who engages in international travel.

Africa is a fun place to visit with so many fun things to do. With this list of what to pack for a trip to Africa, your visit will be seamless. Below is a miscellaneous list of what to pack for a trip to Africa:

Yellow Fever Vaccine card: Yellow fever is common in some parts of Africa. So, you need to protect yourself from contracting this ailment. So, a yellow fever vaccine card is a must when making a list of what to pack for a trip to Africa.
Visa: You can travel to Visa-Free countries in Africa depending on your country while you may need a visa to visit too. Check with immigration.
Another thing to add to your list of what to pack for a trip to Africa is a pair of sneakers. You may want to explore hiking on your visit, this will come in handy. Africa has so many fun mountains and hills you can visit. So, you’d definitely need hiking shoes.

Travel resources you need to travel to Africa.

Travel insurance: Get your insurance ready from Insubuy
Flight tickets: Book cheap flight tickets from Trip.com

3. Book your stay in any hotel of your choice. Get the best deal with Trivago.

4. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel. Network and have a fun trip by booking a hostel using hostelworld.

5. Solo traveler? I have you covered. Plan your trip with the best tour group for a fun-filled time in Africa. Book your tour using GetYourGuide. You can get a tour for as low as $30.

Have a fun trip to Africa. Don’t forget to follow this list of what to pack for a trip to Africa. Feel free to comment below.

What To Pack For A Trip To Africa| 10 travel must have not to forget

by Magdalene Enimhienomo
May 29, 2023