• Porto-Novo - Begin your adventure with a morning pick-up from your hotel. Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle as you embark on a journey lasting between 50 minutes to 1:30 hours, depending on your location, to Porto-Novo.
  Upon reaching the town, the tour kicks off with a dive into royal history at the Honmè Museum.
  Once the residence of Porto-Novo’s kings, this royal palace has been transformed into a museum, offering a unique insight into Beninese cultural heritage. Discover:
• Accounts of daily life at the court
• The palace’s traditional architecture, rich with symbolism
  Through your guide’s stories, immerse yourself in the history of Porto-Novo’s rulers, their connections with traditional cults, and their role in the political and cultural development of the country.
  This initial stop sets the stage for a journey filled with discoveries, celebrating memory, identity, and the Beninese way of life.
• Musee Honme (Palais Royal) - In the heart of Porto-Novo, the Honmè Museum opens the doors to the former royal palace of kings. This museum, located in King Toffa’s royal residence, is one of Benin’s most significant heritage sites.
  Through a guided tour, explore:
• Royal apartments preserved in their original state
• Scenes from everyday court life, depicted through installations and oral histories
  The Honmè Museum narrates the story of Porto-Novo’s dynasties, their societal role in Benin, and their ties to traditional cults. The palace’s architecture, typical of the colonial era and influenced by Afro-Brazilian style, is a valuable testament to the capital’s urban history.
  This visit offers an authentic immersion into Benin’s royal and spiritual world and is essential for understanding the deep roots of Porto-Novo culture.
• Porto-Novo - After exploring the royal past at the Honmè Museum, the tour continues into Benin’s deep spiritual realm with a meeting with a voodoo priest, a keeper of sacred knowledge passed down through generations.
  You will have the chance to visit some convents (places of initiation and worship, the city’s first divinity) where voodoo priests still officiate today. In these often discreet spaces, discover altars, sacred sculptures, and ritual objects used for communication with the deities (Orisha).
  Meeting with a Vodun priest or priestess
  Depending on availability and the site’s openness, a guided meeting can be arranged with a voodoo priestess. The exchange provides a better understanding of:
• The priest’s role in the community
• The main revered deities (such as Sakpata, Hebiosso, Dan, or Mami Wata)
• The meaning of rituals and ceremonies (consultation with Fa, offerings, dances, songs…)
• Great Mosque of Porto-Novo - Situated in the heart of the Beninese capital, the Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo is an architectural gem. Built in the early 20th century by Afro-Brazilians returning from Brazil, it surprises with its unique style, inspired by Catholic baroque churches but dedicated to the Islamic faith.
  Its façade resembles a colonial cathedral, with floral ornaments, colonnades, and a terracotta brick structure. Inside, discover a serene and sacred space, perfect for meditation.
  Classified as a historical monument, this mosque reflects Porto-Novo’s mixed history, where different cultures and religions coexist harmoniously. It is located near the Ahouangbo market, in a lively and typical area.
• Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature - The Garden of Plants and Nature in Porto-Novo is a unique and iconic green space in Benin, located in the capital’s heart. Once a sacred forest of the Kingdom of Hogbonu, it was transformed into a botanical garden during the colonial era and is now a living museum of local biodiversity. Spanning nearly 4 hectares, the garden houses over 200 plant species, from giant trees like century-old iroko or kapokier to medicinal and food plants like coffee, nutmeg, or pepper. This tranquil place is also home to a small free-ranging wildlife, including mona monkeys, squirrels, and various birds.
• Porto-Novo - The walking tour of Porto-Novo’s colonial and Afro-Brazilian architecture offers a fascinating dive into the urban, cultural, and political history of the Beninese capital. This guided walk through the historic center’s streets reveals iconic buildings from the French colonial era, particularly influenced by Afro-Brazilians—descendants of slaves who returned from Brazil in the 19th century. The tour highlights the cross-influences between Africa, Europe, and Latin America, stories of return from exile, and the diversity of architectural expressions born from these journeys. It is also an encounter with the inhabitants, artisans, and vibrant alleys of a city that embodies the history of a diverse people.
• TOFFA - Located in the center of Porto-Novo, Toffa Square is a symbolic place dedicated to the memory of King Toffa I, one of the most influential rulers of the Kingdom of Porto-Novo in the late 19th century. A true historical crossroads, this square embodies royal identity, resistance to colonization, and the cultural anchoring of the Goun people.
  In the square’s center stands an imposing statue of King Toffa, often depicted in traditional attire, symbolizing wisdom, power, and diplomacy. The square is surrounded by colonial and traditional buildings, witnesses to the city’s political and architectural history.
  Place Toffa is a gathering place for official ceremonies and traditional celebrations, remaining a major landmark for both locals and visitors. It is an ideal stop to reflect on royal history, the links between tradition and modernity, and capture some photos in a symbolic and open setting.
• Panthéon Negro Et Africain De Porto Novo - Situated in the heart of Porto-Novo, the Negro and African Pantheon is a symbolic place, filled with emotion and respect. Built to honor the great black figures of Benin, Africa, and the diaspora, this monument pays tribute to the resistance fighters, thinkers, traditional leaders, artists, and religious figures who shaped the black continent’s history.
  The site, both a memorial and cultural space, is distinguished by:
• Monumental sculptures depicting the ancestors and heroes of the Black Cause
• A space of reflection where spirituality, history, and art converge
  The Hall of Fame is also a place of reflection and transmission: it embodies the recognition of African dignity and honors those who fought for freedom, justice, and culture.
• Porto-Novo - Extend the tour with a fun stop at the Sentinels du Climat (in its gamified version), followed by a spiritual immersion at the Temple of Pythons of Porto-Novo.
• RIVIÈRE NOIRE ADJARRA BÉNIN 🇧🇯📍 - After exploring the historical and cultural richness, head to a completely different setting: the Black River of Adjara, located a few kilometers from the city. The pleasant and exotic route takes you through the villages and lush landscapes of the Adjara region, rich in traditions and nature.
  Upon arrival, the Black River reveals a tranquil environment, bordered by mangroves, water lilies, and tropical vegetation. This still-preserved place invites relaxation, contemplation, and discovery of Beninese river life.
  On-site, several experiences are possible:
• Traditional canoe ride to explore the river gently
• Meeting with locals, including fishermen and craftsmen along the waterfront
• Observation of the local flora and fauna, in an authentic and serene setting
  The visit to the Black River is perfect for ending the day on a natural and soothing note, away from the city’s hustle and bustle, in a spirit of ecotourism.
• Benin - After this wonderful immersion in the heart of Beninese nature, it’s time to head back. Return to Cotonou in the late afternoon, comfortably seated in your air-conditioned vehicle.
  The return journey offers a final glimpse of the landscapes traversed, between traditional villages, local markets, and scenes of daily life. Arrive at your hotel in the early evening, with a heart full of memories and a day rich in cultural, historical, and natural discoveries.
  End of the visit, thank you for your trust, and see you soon for another adventure in the heart of Benin!

• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Guide
• Bottle of mineral water

• Lunch
• Personal and additional needs

This tour is distinguished by its cultural depth, genuine experiences, and the variety of activities available throughout the day. From exploring the royal history at the Honmè Museum, admiring the unique architecture of the Afro-Brazilian Grand Mosque, to learning about Vodun spiritual practices through interactions with priests and visits to sacred sites, it provides a thorough immersion into the essence of Porto-Novo. A stroll through the local market adds a vibrant and personal touch, closely reflecting the daily lives of the residents. The excursion to the Black River of Adjara offers a serene moment to connect with nature, providing a gentle conclusion to the day. The tour maintains a harmonious balance of culture, spirituality, interaction, and relaxation. It is a genuine experience, off the beaten path, showcasing the rich diversity of Benin.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.