Magical Benin, Togo & Ghana Including The Annual Ouidah Vood

BIENVENUE!!! WELCOME TO COTONOU, BENIN!!! On arrival at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport, proceed through immigration, claim luggage, and clear Custom procedures, exit and meet our expert cultural tour guide will meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel in our private air-conditioned vehicle. Check-in and refresh. Once you have checked in, your Bilingual (English/French speaking) guide, who will be with you throughout your stay, will brief you on what to expect during this trip. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight at Best Western Nobila

After a leisurely morning, we embark on a city tour of Cotonou before our departure to Accra. We will visit the following sites; l The ‘Esplanade des Amazones’, a public square located which is home to the ‘Amazon’, a 30-metre-high statue built in homage to the world’s only all-female army. These Amazons belonged to the Kingdom of Dahomey, a West African empire that existed from 1625 to 1894. l The Remembrance Square which reveals the splendour and fascinating historic works of the city. Here you will find the Mathieu Garden, the former home of the late President of the Republic, Mathieu Kerekou now, transformed into a flowery area with a pleasant scent for visitors. l We will also visit the statue of the Wassangari warrior Bio Guéra on his horse while running. It glimpses the ardour and bravery with which the warriors fought to stop the colonial invasion. In addition, the Martyrs’ Square was refurbished to pay tribute to the soldiers and civilians who fell with their weapons in hand during the military aggression of 16 January 1977. Following lunch (on your own account) at a local restaurant, we return to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Best Western Nobila

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart to Ouidah to experience the mysteries of the Voodoo religion at Ouidah’s annual voodoo festival. Although there are many festivals around the country, this is the largest and most revered. You will see followers and adepts of the various voodoo gods, from the elaborately costumed Zangbetos to the followers of Kokou. Around the edges of the main performance area groups from various voodoo, temples perform their own rites and rituals. We return to Cotonou after a truly culturally inspiring day. Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight at Best Western Nobila