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Cotonou : Benin
Cotonou is the most important city of Benin. Porto novo is the official capital, but in economic activity Cotonou takes the first place. It is the place to arrange your visa and onward transport. Cotonou was originally dominated by the Kingdom of Dahomey from the 18th century. In 1851 the French made a treaty with the Dahomean King Gezo that allowed them to establish a trading post at Cotonou. In 1883 the French navy occupied the city to prevent British conquest of the area.
Although the city itself doesn’t boast too many sights it is a lively place and an ideal spot for planning trips to the region. From Cotonou it is 20 minutes to Porto novo with its museums and royal palace. The slave port of Ouidah with many historical sites and museums is 40 Kms west of Cotonou. To Abomey, the ancient capital of Dahomey it is 100km north. All main roads are paved and in good condition.
Ganvie, “the Venice of Africa” a village build on stakes in the lake is a few kilometres north of Cotonou.
The Boulevard St. Michel is the centre of town and like its counterpart in Paris it’s a very busy streets with lots of activities. At the end of the boulevard you find the Dan Topka market, and this is a good place to find transport to the other attractions.
Related Travel Information
Ouidah : Benin
Made famous by Chatwin's "The Viceroy of Ouidah" the city of OUidah in Benin is a major voodoo centre and a nice city to visit. The old slave port still has many historical sites and museums. Oudiah is only 40 km form Cotonou and can be seen as a day trip.
Ouidah Attractions
- Musee d'Histoire
- Musee des Artes et Cultures Vodun
- Musee des Tapisseries et des Tentures
Abomey : Benin
Abomey is the trade center for an agricultural region where grain, peanuts, and palm products are processed. The town is linked by railroad with Cotonou. Abomey was the capital of the kingdom of Dahomey (see Benin, founded in the early 17th cent. It dominated production and trade with European companies on the Slave Coast until the late 19th cent. Abomey was conquered by the French between 1892 and 1894. Ruins of the palaces of former Dahomey kings remain, and there is a museum.
Suggested travel Activities in Benin
Benin is a perfect destination for those seeking a facinating glimpse into a complex culture. As far as organised tourist programs are concerned, though, it's pretty light-on. For a low-key safari experience, head to the far-north to Pendjari Park and W Park. Pendjari is more developed for tourists than W, and is only open between mid-December and mid-May. The park contains elephants, hippos, buffalo and lions, but you'll be lucky if you see more than a few forlorn-looking antelope, a couple of wart hogs and maybe a monkey or three.
The coastline is spectacular, and especially well
Travel Destinations and Attractions Benin
Cotonou
Cotonou is Benin's capital in everything but name, Cotonou thrived after the abolition of slavery, growing as Beninese, Togolese and Nigerian expatriates returned to the region.
There is a crowd of bright, upbeat bars and nightclubs along the Jonquet strip. The clubs feature US, West African and even Cameroonian beats. Cotonou offers a huge selection of regional and international restaurants, and - perhaps, the highlight - the huge, picturesque Grand Marché de Dantokpa. Here you can buy a wide variety of items, ranging from blank cassettes, food and radios to monkey's testicles and voodoo
Benin : General Travel Information
MONEY
Official Currency: CFA (Communauté Financière Africane) Franc=100 centimes.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted, but on a limited basis.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: Monday to Friday: 0800 - 1100 and 1500 - 1700
Business: Monday to Friday: 0800 am to 12:30 and 15:30 to 19:00 Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Government hours: Monday to Friday: 0800 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 18:30
LOCAL TIME
Benin is one hour ahead of GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:
International Flights
Air France : Flies into Cotonou
Domestic Flights:
There
